Gibb River Road
This 660km trip through the vast Kimberley region of WA is a great 4WD adventure.
Day 1 – Derby to Windjana Gorge National Park
Start out in Derby, on the edge of King Sound, before heading east to Windjana Gorge National Park, one of the best places in Australia to see freshwater crocs in the wild. You'll see plenty of them sunning themselves near waterholes. From Windjana, make your way to Tunnel Creek, follow the creek through a 750m tunnel to the other side of the Napier Range. Take your torchlight and camera to spot the bats and 350-million-year-old limestone reefs.
Day 2 – Windjana Gorge National Park to Bell Gorge
Leave Windjana Gorge for Lennard River Gorge, follow the two-kilometre walking track from the car park along a creek line and up to the King Leopold sandstone, before reaching a lookout with amazing views over the gorge and waterfalls. Further along the Gibb River Road is Bell Gorge. To reach it, take a short walk alongside, and then cross Bell Creek.
Day 3 – Bell Gorge to Manning Gorge
Swim in the Isdell River in the horseshoe shaped Galvans Gorge, 100 kilometres from Bell Gorge. From here it’s a short drive to the Manning Gorge campground. The walking track winds past Aboriginal rock art to the beautiful waterfall and Yallamia Pool of Upper Manning Gorge.
Day 4 – Manning Gorge to Drysdale River
Turn off the Gibb River Road to explore Mitchell Plateau in the Kimberley's northwest. Stay at Drysdale River Station, 171 kilometres from Manning Gorge. It’s worth taking a scenic flight (from May to August) over the Prince Regent River and Mitchell Falls. Flights run for two hours and can seat five passengers in each aircraft.
Day 5 – Drysdale River Station to Home Valley
From Drysdale River Station head nine hours east to Home Valley Station, at the foot of Cockburn Range, crossing the Durack River on the way. Follow gentle gorge walks, see the Cockburn Range from horseback or fish for Barramundi. Experience an awesome sunset from the station's private lookout over the Cockburn Range.
Day 6 – Home Valley to El Questro Wilderness Park
From Home Valley it's only a short drive south to El Questro Wilderness Park, a working cattle station and holiday destination on the Kimberley's eastern edge. On the way, you'll cross the Pentecost River. With four major river systems crisscrossing the park you'll see native animals, birds and fish in the rivers, as well as freshwater springs and gorges. Stay at the campsites, there are so many things to do including horse rides, fishing, day tours and scenic flights – and a chance to visit The Grotto waterhole, just off the Great Northern Highway.
Please check trail suitability before taking your 4WD off road.
