Gibb River Rd – Everything You Need to Know

There are many wondrous things to see along the 660-kilometre Gibb River Road in Western Australia’s Kimberley but, no matter which way you do it – whether you sleep under the stars or at five-star homesteads – it promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Neither saltwater crocodiles nor the blazing sun can put travellers off what many consider is Australia’s ultimate drive holiday. It leads to turquoise gorges, vast cattle stations and crosses ranges that were once coral reefs on the seabed.

Named after geologist Andrew Gibb Maitland, the Gibb traverses the traditional lands of many Kimberley Aboriginal people, including the Njikena, Bunuba, Ongkomi, Ngarinyin, Gedija, Worrorra and Wunumbal language groups.

The Gibb was constructed as a beef road in the 1960s but the history of the track stretches back some 60 years. Pastoralists had cut rough paths in the area to move cattle between the ports of Derby and Wyndham and outlying stations.

Today, most of this road between Kununurra in the east and Derby in the west is still unsealed, which means you will come across long stretches of road with heavy corrugations. It’s all part of the fun.

Gibb River Road main attractions

Windjana Gorge

To visit Windjana Gorge is to visit the bottom of a tropical sea – or what was one, some 380 million years ago. A walk into the valley reveals fossilised remnants of an ancient sea-dwelling creature – the nautiloid – etched into the gorge wall alongside you, and an olive-green valley of prehistoric proportions.

But the highlight is in the middle of it all; a bottle green stillness where dozens of freshwater crocodiles lie stationary. It feels like a land lost in time – and perhaps it is.

a freshwater crocodile at Windjana Gorge, Windjana Gorge National Park — Watch out for freshwater crocodiles along the gorge trail. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Bell Gorge

This gorge is considered the most beautiful of the Gibb, and with good reason: there are not one, but two Olympic-sized silken black pools here, cupped by an ochre amphitheatre and multi-tiered waterfall, which can be followed downstream to another waterhole, and another, and another.

Though that means you’ll usually be surrounded by other visitors – a good 15 people were there when we visited; practically crowded by Kimberley standards – it’s nothing a swim downstream can’t fix. And let me tell you, little in life compares to sitting back and staring at the sky, as some of the world’s purest waters slide over your shoulders from the waterhole above.

water flowing downstream from above the Bell Gorge — Some of the world’s purest waters slide down the Bell Gorge. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Adcock Gorge

Most Kimberley guidebooks don’t have a lot to say about Adcock Gorge so it’s a bit of a secret gem. The short, five-kilometre trip off-road leads you to a fairly ordinary scene – a small, cloudy billabong, filled with a few plants – but follow the creek away from the grassy ‘car park’, over an easy scramble up rocks, and you’ll find a network of well-worn paths leading to a best-kept national secret.

The waterhole here – a beautiful, deep, shockingly turquoise pool – is a lush little den, framed by the majestic red-black swirl of rocky cliff face and lit by sunshine as soft and light as cotton wool. When you’re lying on your back, swimming in that water, take a moment to think about how fantastic outback life can be.

Manning Gorge

The path to Manning Gorge, an hour-long journey through the bush, is defined only by a smattering of painted rocks and strategically placed bits of plastic. There are no council-posted signs. No boardwalks. Just to access the track you need to cross a 100-metre wide creek – but the journey’s worth it for the adventure alone.

Once at your destination you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, deep pool that you can jump into from several ledges on the waterfall; climb the waterfall to its top and there is another pool above that. Alternatively, turn left when you arrive, and you’ll find waterhole after waterhole downstream.

a tranquil river pool in Manning Gorge — Dip in the tranquil pools of the Manning River. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Gibb River Road tours

An undeniable benefit of travelling the Gibb on an organised group tour is you don’t have to worry about driving, changing your own tyres, carrying enough water or getting lost. Here are some of the best Gibb tours on offer.

Kimberley Wild Expeditions

Family-owned and operated Kimberley Wild Expeditions offers excellent value tours along the Gibb in their custom built vehicles. Accommodation is in pre-erected tents and swags and all meals are included. Choose from the shorter five-day tour or go all out and jump on the 14-day Kimberley trail, which includes a journey to the Mitchell Plateau.

APT Touring

Get off the bitumen and jump on a 4WD adventure with APT , which boasts experienced driver-guides.

the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park — Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park is awe-striking. (Image: Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd)

Their 15-day Kimberley Complete departs from Broome and travels along the Gibb, staying at comfy properties, including their Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge and Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge.

a couple sitting outside their tent at Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge — Stay in a luxury tent at Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge. (Image: Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd)

InStyle Adventures

For a truly intimate touring experience, opt for an adventure along the Gibb with InStyle Adventures .

Their tours are offered as private departures, ideal for couples, families and friends, which are tailored to your interests, abilities and time frame. Alternatively join a scheduled small group shared departure.

a couple hanging out outside their luxury tent, InStyle Adventures, Kimberley — Experience outback luxury. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Sleep along the way in stylish outback accommodation, from remote wilderness lodges, to working cattle stations and motel style rooms.

a luxury tent at InStyle Adventures, Kimberley — Sleep under the stars in a luxury tent. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Gibb River Road accommodation

Accommodation along the Gibb River Road is as diverse as its waterholes, so you can really choose your own adventure. Whether you’re looking to bunker down at the classic cattle stations of Birdwood Downs, Mount Hart, Mount Barnett, Mount Elizabeth, Drysdale River or Ellenbrae Station, or under the canvas at one of APT’s perfectly positioned lodges, here are some of the best accommodations options.

El Questro Wilderness Park

This swathe of wilderness is home to several different kinds of accommodation, including basic camping and air-conditioned bungalows, but it is the luxe ultra-retreat, The Homestead, that draws travellers from across the globe.

With an upper limit of 20 guests at any one time – media moguls, music legends and movie stars often among them – the civilised microcosm of The Homestead sits in perfect contrast to the wilderness around it: a gentle blend of silver service and the rugged outback.

The Homestead at El Questro Wilderness Park — Stay by the side of the river at The Homestead. (Image: Delaware North Companies)

Ellenbrae Station

An English garden in the middle of the outback: why not? But the owners of Ellenbrae Station weren’t satisfied that they’d done enough to create an outstanding Kimberley experience with their verdant oasis: their locally famous scones, served with jam and cream on the homestead’s balcony, have made this a required pit stop along The Gibb.

APT’s Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge

In an enviable position just 200 metres off the Gibb River Road, Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge is located on an Indigenous-owned site close to the Imintji Aboriginal community. Although you’re right in the bush, you won’t be roughing it here. Think tented cabins with ensuites, three-course dinners and packed lunches.

the APT Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge at dusk — The APT tour package includes an exclusive stay at Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Gibb River Road itineraries

The Gibb is a 660-kilometre track accessible between April and October, weather dependent. Allow a week up to 14 days to experience all the Gibb has to offer, or choose your must-see locations for a shorter trip.

Derby to Kununurra in 11 days

Call into Derby before beginning your journey along the iconic Gibb River Road. During this 11-day odyssey you will discover the West Kimberley Gorges, the Mitchell Plateau and El Questro Wilderness Park.

a scenic view of the Mitchell Falls, Kimberley — The four-tiered Mitchell Falls is a sight to behold. (Image: Sarah Duguid Photography)

Derby to Kununurra in 14 days

Add on a couple of days to the 11-day itinerary by driving to the remote Mitchell Plateau and venture into Purnululu National Park to explore the Bungle Bungles and witness the vast waters of Lake Argyle.

an aerial view of Lake Argyle — The majestic Lake Argyle is teeming with diverse flora and fauna. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Western Gorges Loop

Plunge deep into the rugged, red reaches of the Kimberley with its majestic caves and cavernous gorges 350 million years in the making. Highlights of this itinerary include Broome, Derby and Fitzroy Crossing.

an aerial view of the Geikie Gorge National Park — Explore Geikie Gorge on a boat tour. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Start by travelling from Broome to Derby and on to Windjana Gorge and Fitzroy Crossing. From Fitzroy Crossing take the 20-kilometre drive north to Geikie Gorge National Park and the 90-kilometre journey east to the Mimbi Caves. Either return to Broome or drive on to Kununurra.

an aerial view of the Mimbi Caves, Kimberley — See striking limestone formations and fossilised reefs at Mimbi Caves. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Start planning

Fuel and basic supplies are available at a small number of roadhouses and stations along the Gibb River Road. Travellers are advised to carry jerry cans with extra fuel.

a man standing with a bonfire setup at sunset, the Kimberly and Gibb River Road trip — Prepare for a journey of a lifetime. (Image: Sean Scott)

Fuel along the Gibb River Road

Derby – Imintji Store – 227km
Imintji Store – Mt Barnett Roadhouse – 80 kilometres
Mt Barnett Roadhouse – El Questro – 320 kilometres
El Questro – Kununurra 81 kilometres

Fuel along the Kalumburu Road/Mitchell Plateau

Drysdale River Station

FAQ: The Gibb River Road

Where does the Gibb River Road start and end?

Just a few kilometres outside Derby (a two-hour drive from Broome) and 51 kilometres from Kununurra.

driving along Cockburn Ranges, Gibb River Road — The iconic Gibb River Road starts from Derby to Kununurra. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

How long does it take to drive the Gibb River Road?

Allow 7-14 days to experience all the Gibb has to offer. If you want to zoom along the 660-kilometre track without hardly any stops it would take 10 to 11 hours.

driving along Gibb River Rd at dusk — Buckle up and get ready for the long drive. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

How difficult is the Gibb River Road?

The majority of Gibb River Road is unsealed, which means you will come across long stretches of road with heavy corrugations, loose gravel, potholes and rocks. Be prepared for a bumpy and sometimes slow journey for most of the trip.

an aerial view of a vehicle driving along the red dirt on Gibb River Rd — Red dirt stretches across the remote Gibb River Rd. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Is Gibb River Road 4WD only?

To get the most out of the Gibb River Road you need a 4WD. If the Pentecost River level is high you won’t be able to go through it without a 4WD. For a taste of the Gibb without a 4WD you can travel from Kununurra to El Questro’s Emma Gorge, which is 25 kilometres on a sealed section of the Gibb River Road and just 2 kilometres on a gravel driveway.

a 4WD crossing the Pentecost River along the Gibb River Road — The drive across Pentecost River along the Gibb River Road. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

WA might be enormous, but the right insider knowledge brings its mysteries a whole lot closer.

“Western Australia is a land of record-breakers,” says Carolyn Tipper, a Travel Director working on AAT Kings Western Australia tours. “It has the second-longest fault line, the second-largest meteorite crater, the second-fastest flowing river—it just keeps surprising you. And every area has its charm.”

From tropics to deserts, Australia’s largest state is a land of extremes. You can’t see all of Western Australia in a lifetime, but with the right guide, you can discover its hidden pockets of magic.

Carolyn wishes to reach her guests’ hearts. “I want them to enjoy and be in awe,” she says. “I want them to have the holiday of a lifetime.”

1. Mimbi Caves

You wouldn’t expect a Great Barrier Reef in the outback – but that’s what you’ll find at Mimbi Caves. Once part of a 350-million-year-old reef, these caves hold marine fossils, ancient Indigenous rock art, and Dreamtime stories shared by a Gooniyandi guide.

“That’s when the real connection happens,” says Carolyn, who has taken guests through on the AAT Kings Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour . “When guests connect, not just with the land, but with the people who have called it home for tens of thousands of years.”

Eye-level view of traveller exploring Mimbi Caves. — Walk through ancient limestone passages. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

2. Kalbarri National Park

Nothing prepares you for the Kalbarri Skywalk: a 25-metre platform jutting over Murchison Gorge, 100 metres above the red cliffs and river below. From July to October, join the AAT Kings Untamed Pilbara and West Coast tour to see over 1000 wildflower species paint the park, and listen as an Indigenous guide shares their uses, bush foods and medicine plants.

“I want our guests to have an emotional experience,” says Carolyn. “It’s not just about seeing the land, it’s about stepping into the stories.”

An aerial view of the Kalbarri Skywalk, one of the secret places in Western Australia, with visitors on the edge. — Stand on the Kalbarri Skywalk in Western Australia. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

3. Hamelin Bay Wines

Margaret River isn’t just a top wine region – it’s a winner in every category. Where the Indian and Southern Oceans collide, granite cliffs rise, limestone caves sprawl and Karri forests tower. It almost distracts from the world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Almost.

Out of over 100 cellar doors, AAT Kings pick Hamelin Bay Wines as a favourite. Hosted tastings of small-batch wines on the Western Wonderland tour end with a group meal. The menu shifting with the seasons.

“Get off the beaten track to one of WA’s most relaxed venues for some amazing red and white signature wines,” explains Carolyn, “accompanied with upmarket pub food.”

Spectacular views.

A person raising a glass of Chardonnay against a glowing Western Australia sunset. — Sip world-class wines at Hamelin Bay in Western Australia. (Image: Getty)

4. Wildflower Guided Walk, Kings Park

Western Australia is home to 12,000 native plant species – 3000 bloom in Kings Park’s Botanic Garden. Stroll past Kangaroo Paw, Banksia and blooms from the Goldfields, Stirling Ranges and Kimberley. “The diversity of Western Australia is immense,” says Carolyn, who leads guests through on the South Western Escape tour .

Couple enjoying the view from the Lotterywest Federation walkway at Kings Park and Botanical Garden. — Wander among thousands of native plant species. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

5. Hoochery Distillery

Did you know that between Kununurra and Emma Gorge lies the state’s oldest continuously operating distillery? Well, the oldest legal one. Set on a family farm, Hoochery Distillery was hand-built using materials found on the property, conjuring up award-winning rum from local sugarcane, wet season rainwater and yeast.

Today, visitors can sample a hearty nip of rum, along with whiskies and gins – all crafted using traditional, labour-intensive methods. It’s the ideal way to soak up the ‘spirit’ of the Kimberley on the AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour .

People enjoying a rum tasting at one of the secret places in Western Australia. — Sample award-winning rum. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

6. Geraldton

The wildflowers of the Midwest will make your heart blossom. In Geraldton, the Helen Ansell Art Gallery brings the region’s botanicals to life in vivid colour and intricate detail. In nearby Mullewa, wander bushland trails lined with everlastings and native blooms. Further afield, Coalseam Conservation Park bursts into carpets of pink, white, and yellow each spring. Do it all on the Wildflower Wanderer tour with AAT Kings.

woman walking through Wildflowers, Coalseam Conservation Park — Chase vibrant wildflower trails. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

7. El Questro

Wake up after a night under the stars at Emma Gorge Resort, ready to explore the mighty beauty of the El Questro Wilderness Park. With deep gorges, thermal springs, and cascading waterfalls, time slows here.

Join the AAT Kings’ Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour to drift through Chamberlain Gorge, where sheer sandstone walls glow burnt orange in the sun, archer fish flick at the surface, and rock wallabies peer down from ledges above. Then, step into Zebedee Springs, a secret oasis of warm, crystal-clear pools among prehistoric Livistona palms – a moment of pure, wild stillness.

Emma Gorge Resort at El Questro. — Wake to adventure at Emma Gorge Resort. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

8. Lake Argyle

Once vast cattle country, Lake Argyle now sprawls like an inland sea – Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake, created by the damming of the Ord River. Scattered with over 70 islands, its glassy waters teem with life, like freshwater crocodiles, barramundi, bony bream, sleepy cod and over 240 bird species. That’s nearly a third of Australia’s avian population.

Glide across the lake’s surface on a cruise as part of AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour , where the silence is only broken by the splash of fish and the call of birds. For Carolyn, this place is a perfect example of how WA’s landscapes surprise visitors. “Lake Argyle is a big puddle of water that became a game-changer,” she says. “Seeing it from a boat, coach, and plane is mind-blowing. It puts time, isolation and the sheer scale into perspective.”

Aerial View of Triple J Tours on the Ord River, near Kununurra. — Glide past islands on Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake. (Image: Western Australia)

Discover more of Western Australia’s hidden gems and book your tour at aatkings.com.