16 unique places to stay along the Gibb River Road

Leah McLennan Leah McLennan
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Rich pickings await those who brave the 660 kilometres of mainly unsealed road that is affectionately known as “The Gibb".

Originally built to transport cattle from surrounding stations to the ports of Derby and Wyndham, the 4WD trail is the best way to discover the Kimberley’s rugged landscapes, cascading waterfalls and rich Aboriginal heritage. But where to rest amidst all this natural splendour? Here is our list of Gibb River Road accommodation, from campsites to station stays and glamping.

1. Drysdale River Station

Drysdale River Station is the last refuelling stop on your way to the magnificent Mitchell Falls. Whether you’re an adventurer keen on exploring nearby gorges or a birdwatcher eager to spot endemic species, Drysdale River Station serves as a convenient base.

With oodles of rustic charm and warm hospitality, it offers 40 campsites and 10 rooms, from small and basic cabins to larger spaces with queen beds and private bathrooms. The station also offers scenic flights, making it easier for you to delve into the area’s treasures.

2. APT Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge

A further 170 kilometres on from Drysdale River Station, nestled beside a billabong at Camp Creek you will find APT Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge. Offering 24 tented cabins, the lodge features a lounge, bar, library and natural waterhole with a swimming platform.

Guests can enjoy a three-course dinner and a hearty breakfast, making it a culinary highlight along the Gibb River Road. The lodge is accessible via the remote Kalumburu Road, offering a journey past breathtaking scenery and extraordinary Aboriginal art.

3. Windjana Gorge Campsite

Please note: Windjana Gorge Campsite is currently closed due to flood damage.

Located 144 kilometres east of Derby, Windjana Gorge Campground offers 50 campsites, plus there are bathrooms with showers. While the campsite is basic, it compensates with its proximity to the awe-inspiring Windjana Gorge, which runs for 3.5 kilometres through the Napier Range.

Popular among hikers and photographers, the campsite is an ideal spot for capturing the gorge’s towering limestone cliffs, tranquil pools and wildlife, such as fruit bats and freshwater crocodiles.

4. Munurru (King Edward River) Campground

When visiting Mitchell Falls, a handy place to stay is Munurru Campground, which is the first campground when you cross over the King Edward River. Managed by Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera people and their Uunguu Rangers, the 30-site campground provides an authentic cultural experience, complete with guided tours to nearby Wandjina and Gwion rock art.

a tent under the trees at Munurru Campground
Pitch your tent by the river at Munurru Campground. (Image: Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation)

Well-equipped with basic amenities like toilets and fire pits, Munurru will suit adventurers who are keen on fishing, swimming and relaxing by the river.

a river near Munurru Campground
Go fishing or relax and take in these scenic views. (Image: Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation)

5. Imintji Campground

Located near the stunning King Leopold Ranges, Imintji Campground offers 25 campsites and is well situated to explore nearby attractions like Bell Gorge, Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge.

People gather at the store at Imintji Campground
Find the necessities at Imintji Community Store.

Managed by the Ngarinyin Aboriginal people, the campground boasts a large camp kitchen, toilets and fire pits. Imintji Community Store sells fuel, basic staples, wi-fi and decent coffee.

the entrance to Imintji Campground, Kimberley
Embrace the rustic charm of wilderness camping at Imintji Campground. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

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6. Balanggarra Home Valley 

Located near the stunning Pentecost River, Balanggarra Home Valley boasts two campgrounds. If you want to be close to the action, the Homestead Camp offers powered and unpowered sites with easy access to Dusty’s Bar & Grill, the Station Store, laundry, bathrooms with hot showers, playground and lagoon pool. The Pentecost River Bush Camp is four kilometres away on the banks of the river with spectacular views of the Cockburn Range.

a couple dining by the side of the river at Home Valley Station
Leave the stresses of the modern world at Balanggarra Home Valley. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Take it up a notch and book into a Riverside Suite featuring a king-size bed, verandah with a daybed and floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors with a direct view over the water.  Whether you’re interested in fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the river, Balanggarra Home Valley offers a peaceful retreat.

the in-house restaurant at Balanggarra Home Valley
Dine at the rustic, in-house restaurant. (Image: Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation)

7. Ellenbrae Station

Situated five kilometres off the Gibb River Road and 230 kilometres from Kununurra, Ellenbrae Station offers bush campsites, homestead rooms and safari tents. Wash away the Gibb dust and soak in one of the open-air claw baths with a grazing platter at hand’s reach.

Outdoor bath tubs at Ellenbrae Station
Soak the red dust away in an outdoor bathtub.

The station also features a popular bakery, known for its delicious homemade scones, adding a touch of comfort to your wilderness adventure.

the entryway at Ellenbrae Station
Find bush campsites, homestead rooms and safari tents at Ellenbrae Station.

8. Silent Grove Campground

Located near Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge) in the Wunaamin Conservation Park, Silent Grove Campground offers 50 campsites. Managed by the Ngarinyin people, the campground features a generator area and a quiet (no generator) area, flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, benches and communal firepits.

The campground serves as a great base to explore the nearby Bell Gorge, offering a range of activities from hiking to swimming. With its natural beauty and serene atmosphere, Silent Grove Campground is an ideal spot for those looking to disconnect.

9. Mt Elizabeth Station Stay

First established in 1945 and located halfway between Kununurra and Derby, Mt Elizabeth Station offers 30 campsites and 10 homestead rooms with dinner and breakfast options available.

the exterior of Mt Elizabeth Station Stay
Stay for the night at Mt Elizabeth Station.

Visitors can explore the station by 4WD, hike, swim, fish, and visit exceptional rock art sites with an Aboriginal guided tour. Enjoy floating away at Warla Gorge with its white sandy ‘beaches’ along the riverbank or head out on a challenging 4WD track to Wunnamurra Gorge.

a couple sitting on the white-sand beach at Warla Gorge
Sit on the shore along the riverbank at Warla Gorge.

10. Mt Hart Lodge

Mt Hart Lodge is a wilderness oasis situated on the bank of the Barker River. Managed by the Ngarinyin Aboriginal people, the lodge offers safari tents with ensuites, deluxe tents and elegant homestead rooms, with rates including a hot breakfast and dinner.

It also features shady riverside camping facilities, and the area is particularly popular among birdwatchers and bushwalkers. Don’t miss a swim at Annie Creek Gorge or the Barker Pool, a short walk from the campground.

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11. Birdwood Downs Station

Just 20 kilometres from Derby, Birdwood is a great place to relax before or after a Gibb River Road adventure. The station boasts shady bush camping for tents and caravans, plus several Savannah Huts with double beds and shared bathrooms.

the bedroom at Birdwood Downs Station
Birdwood Downs Station has all the necessary comforts.

Fill your Kimberley days with self-guided boab walks on the station or take a day trip to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek.

Savannah Hut at Birdwood Downs Station.
Stay in a Savannah Hut at Birdwood Downs Station.

12. El Questro Homestead

If you’ve ever wanted to live like a celebrity, El Questro Homestead, located within the expansive El Questro Wilderness Park, is the place to do it. This 10-suite hideaway provides an array of high-end amenities, including deluxe double baths overlooking the Chamberlain Gorge, private thermal springs and gourmet dining.

But luxury doesn’t mean isolation from nature. The Homestead offers a range of activities, from helicopter tours to guided bushwalks, ensuring guests can fully engage with the surrounding landscapes. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and adventure, making it a must-visit for those looking to splurge.

an outdoor tub at El Questro Homestead during sunrise, Gibb River Road accommodation
Step outside for a soak in the tub. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

13. El Questro Station

A more budget-friendly option within the El Questro Wilderness Park, El Questro Station offers riverside bungalows and bush campsites.

an aerial view of the El Questro Wilderness Park, Gibb River Road accommodation
El Questro Wilderness Park is hidden within rainforests and by deep gorges. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

The Station is particularly popular among families and groups, offering a range of activities that cater to different interests and fitness levels. Whether you’re interested in fishing, hiking, or simply soaking in the thermal springs, El Questro Station provides a versatile and engaging experience.

a couple sitting outside their tent at El Questro Wilderness Park, Gibb River Road accommodation
Sip your morning coffee in the wilderness. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

14. El Questro Emma Gorge 

A sister property to El Questro Homestead, Emma Gorge offers 60 tented cabins. Nestled in the heart of the wilderness park, the resort features a unique blend of rustic charm and modern comfort.

a tented cabin at Emma Gorge Resort, Gibb River Road accommodation
Emma Gorge Resort provides modern comfort and rustic charm.

Emma Gorge is popular among hikers, serving as the starting point for the trek to the stunning Emma Gorge waterfall. After a day of exploration, guests can unwind at the resort’s pool and restaurant, which offers a range of local and international cuisines.

15. Mornington Wilderness Camp

One to watch, Mornington Wilderness Camp is currently closed due to damage from ex-tropical cyclone Ellie. It’s owned and managed by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and offers 40 campsites, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Annie Creek.

16. Ngauwudu Safari Camp

The most lavish tented camp facility in the Kimberley, Ngauwudu Safari Camp offers unparalleled luxury in the Top End. Stay in one of 14 chic ‘Safari Suites’ outfitted with stylish furnishings, ensuite bathrooms, and linen bedding. The tents blur the line between indoors and out with a wide veranda equipped with outdoor furniture for relaxing in nature with a tipple in hand.

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Leah McLennan
Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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Off-grid stays and farm-to-plate dining: discover the ultimate guide to Denmark, WA

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    Trade early morning phone alarms and city chaos for bucolic serenity and gastronomic delights.

    Peaceful birdsong and coastal winds meet rolling green hills and turquoise waters; there’s no better place to start your day than in Western Australia’s Denmark. This picturesque coastal town, a 4.5-hour drive from Perth along the pristine Rainbow Coast, offers bucolic bliss in spades.

    A hidden retreat lies just a 10-minute drive from the town centre, inviting guests to slow down and connect with nature. At Heyscape Denmark, the ultimate refuge from the rat race and the perfect setting for a rural escape await.

    Whether it’s for a refreshing weekend away or a regenerative week-long sojourn, this idyllic pocket of the world will leave you feeling anew.

    Where to stay

    women on front deck at inside a cabin at heyscape denmar Western australia
    Make the most of outdoor baths. (Credit: Jarrad Seng)

    Located on the 880-acre Raintree Estate, Heyscape Denmark is an award-winning, off-grid cabin retreat ideal for anyone craving time in nature while also enjoying sustainable, luxury comfort. Just 15 are sensitively embedded in the rural environment, ensuring privacy and the perfect setting to switch off. Choose from one-bedroom, two-bedroom or 4-person cabins. Four-legged friends can also join in on the fun with pet-friendly cabins available.

    inside a cabin at heyscape denmar Western australia
    Check in, to check out.

    The modern accommodations are well-appointed with queen beds dressed in lush linen and pillows; a bathroom with a warm shower, flushable toilet and botanical shampoo and conditioner; and an indoor kitchenette with a Nespresso coffee maker. Outside, find timber decks with seating to spot resident kangaroos from, Heston Blumenthal barbecues for whipping up delicious meals using local produce, and outdoor baths to soak up incredible nighttime skies – Denmark’s lack of light pollution makes it an exceptional spot for stargazing and viewing the Milky Way. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping Great Southern Ocean, William Bay National Park and Karri tree views.

    Wellness is at the forefront of Heyscape Denmark with thoughtful touches including Note to Self prompts, gratitude cards and a botanical sleep spray ready to help you unwind. And for the ultimate weekend of R&R, two-bedroom cabins are fitted with saunas.

    Where to eat

    Heyscape’s Marron Catch & Cook Experience
    Catch your own freshwater crayfish, then have a chef prepare it for you.

    The Great Southern region’s Mediterranean climate and nutrient-rich soils make for some of the most incredible produce in the world – and a stay at Heyscape Denmark lets you sample the very best of it. The estate farms over 200 black Angus cattle, marron – a freshwater crayfish endemic to the South-West of Western Australia –, hemp and French black truffle.

    Just steps from these cabins sits the estate’s paddock-to-plate restaurant, The Dam. Featuring lofty jarrah ceilings, polished concrete and expansive windows revealing calming dam views, it’s a stunning spot for lunch or dinner, alongside an outdoor playground to keep little ones happy and busy.

    Acclaimed chef Jason Jujnovich utilises ingredients from Raintree Estate’s regenerative farm in his hyper-local, Modern Australian menu. Seasonally changing dishes include the likes of wagyu beef lasagna and pistachio crumbed chicken cotoletta. Or join in for pizza night on a Friday, where the mushroom and truffle pizza is an easy winner.

    Meals are designed to be paired with sips from the property’s innovative Cannabis Botanical Distillery, which concocts house-made hemp spirits and seltzers using ingredients grown onsite. Taste unique drops such as the Sativa Gin with warm citrus and pepper notes and the Pineapple Passion seltzer.

    Another stand-out gastronomic offering is Heyscape’s Marron Catch & Cook Experience, which lets you hand-catch freshwater crayfish from the property’s pristine dams and have them prepared and cooked to perfection for you by chefs. Those wanting to enjoy a meal from the comfort of their cabin can fire up the barbecue and grill their fresh catch or order a gourmet dinner box with mouthwatering wagyu steak and antipasti against golden peaceful sunset views.

    Things to do

    Lights Beach denmark western australia
    Spend a day enjoying the idyllic Lights Beach. (Credit: Tourism WA)

    There’s no shortage of things to do in Denmark, and basing yourself at Heyscape Denmark puts you within easy access to it all. Nature lovers are spoiled with unbeatable spots for swimming and snorkelling, plus coastal hiking trails at William Bay National Park – a protected coastal reserve with approximately 1734 hectares of stunning landscapes ready to be explored.

    Hire an e-bike from the property and cycle just 15 minutes to the unbelievably clear waters and white sands of Greens Pools, a naturally sheltered beach. Or the idyllic Lights Beach, which features three beaches, dunes, natural wading pool and scenic walking trails. Keen surfers should turn their attention to Ocean Beach with its world-class surf breaks.

    aerial Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
    Wander the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. (Credit: Tourism WA)

    Stroll past towering Karri and giant Red Tingle trees on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. The 600-metre walkway rises 40 metres above the ancient forest floor and meanders through the hardwood trees, endemic exclusively to the Great Southern region.

    Denmark is also a haven for creatives, and Butter Factory Studios is a must-stop on any itinerary. The contemporary art gallery, working artist studio and gift shop are housed within a historic building where workshops and exhibitions support and showcase creators from the region.

    With the winning trifecta of delicious food, a pristine environment, and secluded accommodation, Denmark proves to be the ultimate destination for relaxation.

    Book your Denmark adventure today at heyscape.com.au.