Gibb River Road

A journey along the Gibb River Road four wheel drive route is one of the last true outback adventures. Originally constructed in the 1960s to transport stock from surrounding cattle stations, it stretches some 660km from King Sound in Derby to Wyndham.

Travel on the Gibb River Road can be restricted during the wet season (around November to April). Flooding and road closures are common and access to the gorges is often limited or not possible. Sidetracks into Gorges are often closed even if the Gibb River Road is open. Please stay informed, be safe on the roads, and obey the road closure notices.

Highlights include Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Lennard Gorge, Bell Gorge, Galvans Gorge, Manning Gorge, Drysdale River Station, Home Valley Station and El Questro Wilderness Park.

Mt Hart Homestead/Wilderness Lodge – offering unique accommodation or camping 49km off the Gibb, Mt Hart historically was the first cattle station “over the range”. History as well as access to Mount Matthew and Annie Gorge is a great reason to detour off the Gibb.

Charnley River Station – originally known as “Beverley Springs”, it was the first property to accommodate tourists along the Gibb River Rd. Now managed by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy as a sanctuary with some area still set aside to run cattle. Camping is still available and access to some gorges on the property.

Galvans Gorge – a beautiful little gorge with easy access close to the Gibb River Rd. A delightful spot for a refreshing swim.

Mt Elizabeth Station – Only 29km off the Gibb, Mt Elizabeth station is owned and run by husband and wife Peter and Pat Lacy as a working cattle station. Self guided 4WD tours or join in a guided tour, access to gorges, camping and accommodation in this

Ellenbrae Station – Only 5km off the Gibb, Ellenbrae is famous for its Devonshire teas in the beautiful gardens of the homestead, Camping and accommodation available.

Please have a read about towing a caravan if you need more information about towing in the Kimberley or caravan storage options for the Gibb River Road journey.

Pentecost River Crossing

The famous Pentecost River crossing on the Gibb River Road. The Pentecost River is a major river crossing.

Manning Gorge

Manning Gorge has access from Mt Barnett Roadhouse and the campground is along the banks of the lovely Manning River. Great swimming here or walk one hour to the Upper Manning Falls. The Aboriginal Community at Mt Barnett welcomes visitors and maintains the camping area there.

Bell Gorge

Bell Gorge is one of the Gibbs most spectacular gorges and a must see. A deep swimming hole at the base of the 100m high falls.

Home Valley Station

Originally a working cattle station, Home Valley Station is owned by Australia’s Indigenous Land Corporation. It is run as both a working cattle station and a premium tourism operation, providing guests with the ultimate Australian outback experience. Off the Gibb River Road, it is situated next to the mighty Pentecost River at the foot of the majestic Cockburn Range, the property has excellent accommodation with two swimming pools and Dusty Bar & Grill, which provides live local entertainment.

Fish for the famous barramundi in the Pentecost River, go horse riding, cattle mustering, waterhole swimming, boating or ancient gorge walking. Take an Indigenous cultural tours, station tour or a sunset tour - there is lots to do! Accommodation and camping available.

Home Valley covers a total area of 1,400,000 hectares (3,459,475 acres) and is bordered to the east by the Pentecost River from its neighbour El Questro Station.

Tunnel Creek National Park

Tunnel Creek National Park is Western Australia's oldest cave system. Part of the same ancient Devonian reef system as Windjana Gorge, the cave has been carved by the waters of Tunnel Creek flowing beneath the Napier Range. You can walk 750 metres into the tunnel, wading waist-deep through freshwater pools. Or join a tour with a local Bunuba guide.

Windjana Gorge

The first gorge turnoff you will come to along the Gibb River Road will take you to the 375 million-year-old Devonian Reef Gorge of Windjana Gorge some 145kms from Derby. Carved by the Lennard River, Windjana Gorge is over three kilometres long with 300 metre-high walls. Freshwater crocodiles can be seen sunning themselves on the banks.

The area is of great cultural importance to the local Bunuba people who once lived there, and was the base for Jandamurra, the Indigenous outlaw who led an armed rebellion against European settlers in the 1890s. Lovely camping spot and great place to watch the sunset as the colours reflect on the cliffs of the gorge.

Photo: Windjana Gorge National Park, off the Gibb River Road

El Questro Wilderness Park

El Questro Wilderness Park is a million acres of pure, rugged beauty it began its life as a pastoral lease in 1903. The landscape offers outstanding diversity - from rugged sandstone ranges and broad tidal flats, to rainforest pockets, gorges and permanent waterfalls. El Questro Wilderness Park is a unique place, where you'll feel a sense of adventure at every turn. The Station is the base of most tours and offers camping and accommodation. Emma Gorge Resort gives access to the beautiful Emma Gorge and accommodation.

Photo: Zebedee Springs, El Questro Wilderness Park

Mornington Wilderness Sanctuary

Mornington Wilderness Sanctuary – 88km or a two hourdrive south off the Gibb. It covers more than 3,000 km2 of spectacular gorges and tropical savannah dominated by the Fitzroy River and King Leopold Ranges. It is a naturalist’s paradise, providing refuge for over 200 species of birds and a diverse range of other wildlife. Popular activities include canoeing down Dimond Gorge and swimming and exploring Sir John Gorge.

Photo: Dimond Gorge and the Fitzroy River, off the Gibb River Road

Cockburn Ranges

The Cockburn Ranges, in the East Kimberley, rise 600m above the surrounding plains. They form an iconic view (especially on sunset!) that has become synonymous with travelling the Gibb River Road. Located between El Questro and Home Valley, the range is a sandstone escarpment.