Best Of The Gibb River Road: An 11-day Kimberley Itinerary

It’s the outback road trip to top them all, but don’t let that intimidate you – we’ve got just the thing.

Next time you hit the road, venture north for an epic 11-day trip through Western Australia’s captivating Kimberley wilderness. Hike to cascading waterfalls, camp near ancient boabs under a star-filled sky and find Aboriginal art in picturesque gorges.

The 660-kilometre mainly unsealed Gibb River Road cuts a swathe right through the heart of the Kimberley, between Derby and Kununurra. We’ve found the most ‘do-able’ way to navigate the iconic Gibb River Road.

Days one and two: Broome and Derby

In frangipani-scented Broome pick up some wheels – either a 4WD or campervan – and stock up on food and water, then head out of town to Derby, an easy two-hour drive on a sealed road.

two people stand captivated before a magnificent Boab Tree — Stand before the iconic boab tree just south of Derby. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Just before you reach Derby, your first stop is the ‘prison tree’, a large hollow boab believed to be around 1,500 years old. From here either pop into Derby for lunch (if you like kebab, head to the Cairo on Johnston Street) or turn onto the Gibb River Road after seeing the ‘prison tree’ and let the adventure begin!

the scenic rock formation at Windjana Gorge National Park, Gibb River Road itinerary — Windjana Gorge is carved out of the Napier Range. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Your next stop is two-hours down the track to stunning Bandiln͟gan (Windjana Gorge) National Park, situated within the Napier Ranges – an area partly made up of an ancient reef system formed around 350 million years ago.

a couple exploring Windjana Gorge with local Aboriginal tour guide, , Gibb River Road itinerary — Explore Windjana Gorge National Park with a local guide. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Once you’ve settled in, take the 3.5-kilometre Gorge Walk Trail, which winds its way through the gorge with its soaring 300-metre-high walls and deep freshwater pools. Keep an eye out for corellas, fruit bats and freshwater crocodiles.

Must-see highlights

Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek)

A trip out to Tunnel Creek, located 36 kilometres from Windjana Gorge, should be high on your agenda where you can make your way along the 750-metre-long subterranean waterway.

Lillimilura Police Station

Visit the old homestead, which was built from local limestone in 1884 and later turned into a police outpost in Windjana Gorge National Park.

Accommodation tip: Bandiln͟gan (Windjana Gorge) Campground

Day three: Lennard River Gorge and Bell Gorge

Wave goodbye to Windjana Gorge and hello to Lennard River Gorge, a 1.5-hour drive away. Pull on the walking boots again to take the challenging three-kilometre return walk from the parking area to the gorge lookout. If you can get there shortly after the wet season, you will see a spectacular cascading waterfall, which tumbles over red rocks and plunges into the narrow gorge below.

Possibly the prettiest gorge in the Kimberley, Bell Gorge, is a one-hour drive from Lennard River Gorge. From the car park, a short walk along Bell Creek leads to the gorge where water cascades down the cliffs into a deep pool that is perfect for swimming. Be prepared to spend the day here (it’s hard to leave). Flat rocks next to the waterhole make a divine sunbaking, snoozing or picnic spot.

the Bell Gorge, Gibb River Road, Kimberley WA — Immerse yourself in natural beauty at Bell Gorge. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Must-see highlights

Imintji Art Centre

Visit Imintji Art Centre to view work from talented artists in the local community (you can refuel at Imintji Roadhouse).

kids painting at Imintji Campground Art Centre, , Gibb River Road itinerary — Immerse in local arts and crafts at Imintji Art Centre. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Galvans Gorge

Take a dip at pretty Galvans Gorge, a good stop off on the journey between Bell Gorge and Manning Gorge (Mt Barnett Roadhouse).

the spacious grounds of Dulundi (Silent Grove) Campsite, Gibb River Road itinerary — Set up camp on Dulundi (Silent Grove) Campsite. (Image: Jacki Baxter)

Accommodation tip: Dulundi (Silent Grove) Campsite

Day four and five: Adcock Gorge and Manning Gorge

About halfway along the Gibb River Road, you’ll find Manning Gorge one of the most post-card worthy swimming spots in the Kimberley.

The campground is located seven kilometres from Mt Barnett Roadhouse and only a few minutes’ walk from the sandy banks of Manning Creek. Once you’ve set up camp, swim across the river to reach the start of the 5.6-kilometre return hike to Manning Gorge. You can easily spend hours here floating in the huge waterfall-fed pool.

a tranquil pool in Manning Gorge, Gibb River Road itinerary — Hike to the tranquil pool of the Manning Gorge. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Must-see highlights

Adcock Gorge

This secret little gem is just under an hours’ drive from Manning Gorge and boasts a dreamy emerald green pool with a small waterfall surrounded by ferns and grassy edges.

Gorges on Mt Elizabeth Station

It’s just 39 kilometres from Mt Barnett Roadhouse to Mt Elizabeth Station , home to Warla and Wunnamurra gorges, some of the quietest swimming and birdwatching spots in the Kimberley.

Accommodation tip: Camping area at Manning Gorge

Day six and seven: Drysdale River Station and Mitchell Falls

If you’re planning a trip to the Mitchell Falls (and why not?) then Drysdale River Station 165 kilometres from Manning Gorge on the Kalumburu Road is the place to stop on your way up and back.

If you have two nights to spare, continue your drive for four hours on the corrugated and rocky road to the Mitchell Plateau, where you can bushwalk, see Aboriginal rock art and swim at the four-tiered falls.

an aerial view of Mitchell Falls, Gibb River Road itinerary — The four-tiered Mitchell Falls from above. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Must-see highlights

Mitchell Falls walk

If you’ve made it all the way up to the Mitchell Plateau, then take the hike past Little Mertens Falls and Big Mertens Falls to the awe-inspiring Mitchell Falls.

a couple standing atop a cliff near Mitchell Falls, Gibb River Road itinerary — See the majestic Mitchell Falls. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Fly over Mitchell Plateau

Jump on a scenic flight at Drysdale River Station or at the Mitchell Falls Campground to see the unforgettable Mitchell Falls. From the campground it is possible to fly one-way and walk back (or vice versa).

an aerial view of the Mitchell Plateau — Fly above the Mitchell Plateau. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Accommodation tip: Drysdale River Station

Day eight: Ellenbrae Station

Back on the Gibb River Road, it’s time for a cuppa and scones at Ellenbrae Station. Primarily a cattle station, in recent years it has become a popular stop for tourists during the dry season thanks to its rustic facilities, campground, cabins and two swimming holes.

the entrance at Ellenbrae Station — Step into an off-grid campsite at Ellenbrae Station.

Must-see highlights

Sandy Gorge

Take a dip or fish for Bream in the refreshing swimming hole Sandy Gorge on Ellenbrae Station.

Outdoor baths

Be sure to make time at Ellenbrae Station to wash away the dust in one of the outdoor claw baths, which can be booked for hour-long soaks. Take it up a notch and reserve the sunset session with cheese platter and bubbles for two.

Accommodation tip: Ellenbrae Station

Day nine and ten: El Questro Wilderness Park

From Ellenbrae Station it’s a 160-kilometre drive south to El Questro Wilderness Park, an iconic outback holiday destination on the Kimberley’s eastern edge.

sunset at El Questro Wilderness Park, East Kimberley — El Questro Wilderness Park at sunset is beyond magnificent. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

To enter El Questro, you’ll cross the Pentecost River, one of the best spots in the area to go barramundi fishing. Set on 700,000 acres of stunning terrain, you’ll spot a plethora of native animals, birds and fish in the many rivers, freshwater springs and gorges.

the Pentecost River Crossing on a clear day — The Pentecost River Crossing spans through the central Kimberley Plateau to the Cambridge Gulf. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Must-see highlights

Chamberlain Gorge

Hop on a sunset cruise to Chamberlain Gorge for an excellent introduction to El Questro. On the water you’ll spot spitting Archer fish and huge, swirling Barramundi.

Emma Gorge

Take the one-hour hike to Emma Gorge, a 30-minute drive from El Questro Station, and you’ll be rewarded with a swim in one of the Kimberley’s most spectacular and accessible gorges.

Accommodation tip: Emma Gorge Resort

a couple sitting outside a luxury tent at Emma Gorge El Questro — Sleep under the stars at Emma Gorge Resort.

Day eleven: Kununurra

You’ve nearly made it! The last stretch of the Gibb River Road brings you to Kununurra, about 1.5 hours from El Questro.

For lucky folks with more time to spare, explore one of the Kimberley’s most incredible sites: Lake Argyle. Swimming or cruising on Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the Southern Hemisphere, is the perfect way to finish an epic Gibb adventure.

an aerial view of Lake Argyle — Cruise along the calm waters of Lake Argyle. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Must-see highlights

Purnululu National Park

The World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park has become one of the most famous symbols of the Kimberley. See the giant rocky domes from the ground or the air.

The Grotto

From El Questro, rather than heading to Kununurra first travel to Wyndham and squeeze in a visit to The Grotto. This spectacular swimming hole features a 120-metre cliff face that becomes a huge waterfall during the wet season.

Accommodation tip: Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments

From Kununurra, either catch the plane or refuel and begin the stunning drive back to Broome via the Great Northern Highway (13 hours in total), stopping for a night at Fitzroy Crossing along the way.

The Crossing Inn in Fitzroy Crossing — Make a short stop to rest at The Crossing Inn. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

The Kimberley’s red landscape is iconic, but its true colours run deeper than the eye can see. From a croc cruise to wild bush luxury and cultural ceremony, the region reveals its many layers.

I’m swimming in the vast, cool waters of Lake Argyle, surrounded by domes of rock glowing that unmistakable shade of Kimberley red. This is Australia’s second largest man-made reservoir – and home to some 30,000 freshwater crocodiles. There’s a sudden splash in the water near me.

And then it surfaces: an ice-cold tinny of XXXX Gold, slung my way by skipper ‘Big Scotty’ from the stern of The Kimberley Durack. “This is Australia’s best swim-up bar,” he jokes. But with the sparkling expanse of water fringed by heaving, ancient rock formations, it’s hard to disagree.

A croc-spotting cruise around Lake Argyle

swimming in Lake Argyle — Cooling off with a tinny in Lake Argyle. (Image: Tourism Australia)

I’m cruising Lake Argyle with Big Scotty and Captain Jack Furzer, learning about the geology and wildlife of this ancient landscape. “It’s among the most geologically complex on Earth,” Jack tells us. “The oldest rocks here are 2 billion years old.”

We’ve moored for a swim and, despite the city-sized population of resident crocs, Captain Jack has assured us that the water is safe. The freshies, he says, are timid by nature. He would know: Jack has spent years sailing these parts, and even recognises a few crocs by name.

Captain Jack Furzer, Lake Argyle — Cruising Lake Argyle with Captain Jack Furzer. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

“That’s Cheech,” he’d said earlier, pointing to a sunbaking crocodilian as The Kimberley Durack pootled around the wetlands. “He’s got a girlfriend, Chong, but she’s not here right now.” When I ask how he can tell them apart, he grins. “It’s all in their personality.”

cruising Lake Argyle onboard The Kimberley Durack — Exploring the lake onboard The Kimberley Durack. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

We can only cover a fraction of this Hong Kong-sized lake, but we still see plenty: agile rock wallabies bounding down the cliff face, buzzards circling overhead, mighty sandstone formations so fluid-like, it seems as if they’re spilling into the lake itself.

rock wallabies by the river, Kimberley — Spot rock wallabies. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Checking into Lake Argyle’s only accommodation

an aerial view of Discovery Resorts - LakeArgyle — Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle sits atop a cliff overlooking the lake. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

There’s only one accommodation option in this remote yet spectacular reach of the Kimberley. Perched on a cliff overlooking the lake, Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is a hub for caravanners and road trippers. But this is no ordinary holiday park. For a start, it’s got an infinity pool often named the country’s most beautiful.

view from the infinity pool at Discovery Resorts - Lake Argyle — The view from the infinity pool at Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is considered one of the most beautiful pool vistas in the country. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

Sidling up to the pool’s rim, I flutter my legs and gaze out at the sweeping view of the lake, topaz now, although it seems to change colour throughout the day like a giant mood ring. The vista from my lakeview cabin, one of the resort’s premium options, is even better. I’d checked in just in time to settle into my private balcony and watch an orange moon rise above the cliffs like a sunset in reverse.

the balcony Deluxe Lakeview cabin at Discovery Resorts - Lake Argyle — The park’s Deluxe Lakeview cabins have expansive balconies to take it all in.

El Questro: Australia’s most remote luxury stay

Travelling west from Lake Argyle, the Kimberley’s landscape continues to reveal itself, like origami unfolding. The roads are flanked by curious, stumpy boab trees, native to this part of Australia. They’re the only species of baobab found outside Africa: a strange, tuber-like relic of ancient Gondwanaland.

aerial view of the El Questro Homestead, Kimberley — Spy salties from your cabin at El Questro Homestead. (Image: Delaware North Companies)

I’m headed for El Questro Homestead, one of the country’s most luxurious wilderness lodges. It’s secluded within El Questro wilderness park, a 165,000-hectare former cattle station that was officially returned to its Traditional Owners in 2022. On arrival, lemongrass-infused cold towels and Champagne set the tone. Here, the remoteness makes the comforts feel all the more extravagant.

the Chamberlain Suite Bedroom interior, El Questro Homestead — The luxury lodge’s station-chic interior. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

The Homestead is perched atop a gorge overlooking the Chamberlain River, where guests can keep watch for salties gliding through the malachite-green water from the comfort of their suite or by the poolside. The interiors sing with station-chic decor: all toffee leathers, cowhide rugs and exposed timber beams that nod to its pastoral past. The heart of El Questro Homestead is the lounge, where guests gather each evening for sundowners and elegant, fine dining beneath the stars. But the highlight lies in the Homestead’s all-inclusive activities calendar.

a private tub with view of the Chamberlain River, El Questro Homestead — Take in the view of the Chamberlain River from your private tub. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

Each afternoon, guests can embark on an after-hours visit to Zebedee Springs when it’s closed to the public. We cross the colour wheel as we hike in, swapping the Kimberley’s burnt-orange for a Jurassic-green jungle of prehistoric ferns.

The Zebedee Springs, El Questro — The palm-shaded Zebedee Springs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The hot springs seep from a fault line deep beneath the Earth’s skin, the water so pure and clear it looks invisible. I sit under a small waterfall, letting the warm water massage my back: it’s a sense of serenity that no spa could replicate.

view of the wilderness park at El Questro Homestead — El Questro Homestead is secluded within the wilderness park. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

Another morning sees us tackling the park’s rugged 4WD tracks with ranger Gab Murphy, powering through epic river crossings and gunning it up hills to breathtaking lookout points. Gab points out features in the landscape, like an ancient boab tree so massive it would take more than 20 people to encircle it. But the most compelling excursions are the ones with the Ngarinyin Traditional Owners.

The Kimberley’s new Indigenous tourism experience

cruising the Chamberlain River — A cruise of the Chamberlain River is included in a stay at The Homestead. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

Standing atop a gorge overlooking the Chamberlain River, eyes closed, I hear the hypnotic murmur of a didgeridoo and the crackle of fire. Eucalyptus smoke perfumes the evening air like incense, and I feel the warmth of two hands pressing against my shoulders. “This is so your joints can be strong, to help you stand tall and proud,” whispers Mary O’Reeri, a Nyul Nyul woman from the Kimberley. She releases her grip, warms her palms over the fire, and transfers the heat to my jaw, cradling my face gently.

The Munbala Cruise, Kimberley — The Munbala Cruise takes guests into sacred sites with the Traditional Owners. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

“Your voice matters,” she whispers. “Use it to speak up for injustice, to be a voice for those who don’t have one”. A final time, Mary cups heat from the flames and presses it to my sternum. “This is your ngiadi,” she says softly. “It’s an ancient pathfinder, your deep intuition, your own personal GPS. Connect with it. Learn the beauty of who you are.” When she lifts her hand, something more ineffable than warmth lingers on my skin. Mary invites me to step into the smoke billowing from the fire and let it cleanse me. I move about the haze, allowing the tendrils of smoke to swirl around me, healing my spirit as the sun dances on the river like a million golden blinks.

a Nyul Nyul woman conducting a smoke cleansing ceremony — A smoke cleansing ceremony with the Ngarinyin Traditional Owners. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

This is Injiid Marlabu Calls Us, a new addition to El Questro Homestead’s activities calendar. With a vision to deepen visitors’ connection to place, this heartfelt welcome onto Wanjina Wunggurr Country is run by Mary, her husband, Ngarinyin Traditional Owner Nelson O’Reeri, and their daughter Shonelle. This smoke cleansing ceremony, or Bijagoon, is an ancient ritual, passed down by Nelson’s grandmother Injiid, who learned it from her grandmother before her. Injiid is the namesake and inspiration behind the tour, a “mother of all mothers” who was one of the first generations to make contact with the region’s first explorers.

Learning about culture and history on Country

Shonelle, Mary and Nelson O’Reeri. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

This tour isn’t only about healing, it’s about learning, too. About the bush foods and medicines, a pantry and pharmacy to the Traditional Owners who know Country. About the extraordinary yet difficult life of Injiid. And about dark truths – the lasting damage left by the trauma of Australia’s colonial past.

“The Kimberley has one of the highest suicide rates in the world,” Nelson tells us. “Every single Aboriginal family here has been impacted.” He begins to pluck an acoustic guitar as the family gather round to sing a tribute to relatives they’ve lost. When Nelson sets his guitar down, nobody speaks. Silence and sorrow hang thick in the air like humidity in the wet season. “For us to heal, we have to talk about it,” Nelson says.

And so we listen, as the O’Reeri family share not just the beauty of Ngarinyin culture, but the unflinching truths of the challenges their community continues to face. “Our children’s ngiadi is broken, they feel like they don’t belong,” Mary says. “We’ve got solutions, we’ve got people on the ground. But we need to work together in the spirit of reconciliation.”

Before we leave, the O’Reeri family perform another ritual, cleansing us with water from the Chamberlain River. Shonelle calls out to the wind, to let Country know we’re here, to look after us. Through fire, water, earth and wind, we’ve touched every element – but none more so than spirit. I still feel Mary’s handprint on my chest above where my ngiadi resides.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

The Gibb Road in the Kimberley — Gibb River Road runs through the heart of the Kimberley. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Qantas and Airnorth fly to Kununurra from Perth; Airnorth also flies from Darwin and Broome. From there, it’s a 45-minute drive south to Lake Argyle, and a 90-minute drive west to El Questro wilderness park.

Staying there

Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle has options ranging from campsites and powered RV spots to luxe one- and two-bedroom lakeview cabins (rates from $220 per night). There’s a bistro and bar onsite open for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is self-catered.

El Questro Homestead is a luxurious, full-board ten-suite hideaway that caters for a maximum of 20 guests at any one time. It includes, airport transfers, fine-dining meals, alcohol and activities. Rates are from $2805 per night.

Playing there

an al fresco Cliffside Dinner, Lake Argyle — The al fresco Cliffside Dinner features a bush tucker twist. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

Kimberley Durack cruises of Lake Argyle include transfers from Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle. The resort also hosts Cliffside Dinners onsite. Excursions at El Questro Homestead include Injiid Marlabu Calls Us Aboriginal Immersion, a Munbala Cruise of the Chamberlain River with the Traditional Owners, exclusive use of Zebedee Springs each afternoon, Bush Natives and Nature 4WD tour and more.

It’s the outback road trip to top them all, but don’t let that intimidate you – we’ve got just the thing.

Days one and two: Broome and Derby

Must-see highlights

Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek)

Lillimilura Police Station

Day three: Lennard River Gorge and Bell Gorge

Must-see highlights

Imintji Art Centre

Galvans Gorge

Day four and five: Adcock Gorge and Manning Gorge

Must-see highlights

Adcock Gorge

Gorges on Mt Elizabeth Station

Day six and seven: Drysdale River Station and Mitchell Falls

Must-see highlights

Mitchell Falls walk

Fly over Mitchell Plateau

Day eight: Ellenbrae Station

Must-see highlights

Sandy Gorge

Outdoor baths

Day nine and ten: El Questro Wilderness Park

Must-see highlights

Chamberlain Gorge

Emma Gorge

Day eleven: Kununurra

Must-see highlights

Purnululu National Park

The Grotto

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The Kimberley’s red landscape is iconic, but its true colours run deeper than the eye can see. From a croc cruise to wild bush luxury and cultural ceremony, the region reveals its many layers.

A croc-spotting cruise around Lake Argyle

Checking into Lake Argyle’s only accommodation

El Questro: Australia’s most remote luxury stay

The Kimberley’s new Indigenous tourism experience

Learning about culture and history on Country

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

Staying there

Playing there

The Kimberley’s red landscape is iconic, but its true colours run deeper than the eye can see. From a croc cruise to wild bush luxury and cultural ceremony, the region reveals its many layers.