Pentecost River Crossing, Gibb River Road, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Gibb River Road: a 12-day adventure
Ancient gorges, authentic cattle stations and untouched wilderness await on “the Gibb,” one of Australia’s greatest 4WD adventures.
Trip overview
Need to know:
- The track is only accessible between April and October
- You’ll need to purchase a National Park Pass, as well as other permits along the route
- Fuel stops are limited; plan your stops carefully and carry extra fuel
Day 1: Broome to Derby
Your first stop along the Gibb River Road is the historic outback town of Derby, the first town to be settled in the Kimberley region.
Day 2: Derby to Windjana Gorge National Park
Today, your destination is Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park, part of a 375-million-year-old Devonian reef system. Discover its freshwater pools, native wildlife and dramatic beauty.
Day 3: Windjana Gorge National Park to Bell Gorge
Journey into the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges Conservation Park, peppered with wonderful waterholes, remarkable rock escarpments and thundering falls.
Day 4: Bell Gorge to Manning Gorge
Spend your day dipping into the cool waters of some of the Gibb River Road’s most peaceful pools.
Day 5: Manning Gorge to Drysdale River Roadhouse
Make your way towards Drysdale River Station, the gateway to the beautiful and biodiverse Mitchell River National Park.
Day 6: Mitchell River National Park
Journey to the heart of magnificent Mitchell River National Park today, home to one of the country’s most breathtaking falls.
Day 7: Drysdale River Station to Home Valley Station
Head to your base for the next few nights: Home Valley Station, an outback playground, where towering gorges meet sparkling waterfalls and billabongs.
Day 8: Home Valley Station
A region imbued with Aboriginal spirit and heritage, take the time to soak up the inspiring scenery around you in the Cockburn Range.
Day 9: Home Valley Station to El Questro Wilderness Park
Drive across the Pentecost River – home to an array of native animals, birds and fish – towards El Questro Wilderness Park on the Kimberley's eastern edge.
Day 10: El Questro Wilderness Park
Discover the park’s natural beauty today, from tranquil hot springs to ancient gorges and wild water crossings.
Day 11: El Questro Wilderness Park to Kununurra
The final stretch of the Gibb River Road brings you to Kununurra, home to the extraordinary Lake Argyle.
Day 12: Kununurra and Purnululu
Explore Kununurra and its surrounds, including one of the world’s most curious landforms, the beehive-like Bungle Bungle Range of World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park.
