Road Trip Guide
Gibb River Road: The Kimberley Outback Challenge
Derby to Kununurra
Start Your Engine
Derby
The Finish Line
Kununurra
660km (main road only, excluding detours)
Miles
10-14 days
Days
Trip Essentials for Derby
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Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
Imintji Store
Fuel & Supplies
A vital community-run hub. Excellent diesel prices and a mechanical workshop for basic repairs.
Mt Barnett Roadhouse
Fuel & Camping Permits
The halfway point. This is where you pay for Manning Gorge access. Stock up on ice and fresh bread here.
Over the Range Tyre Repairs
Mechanical
The most famous tyre shop on the Gibb. If you have a blowout, these are the experts who will get you back on the road.
Always carry a paper map & physical emergency kit for remote stretches.
Insider Driving Tips
Lower your tire pressure as soon as you hit the gravel to manage corrugations and prevent punctures.
Always carry at least 20 liters of emergency water and 40 liters of extra fuel.
Check the Main Roads WA website daily for road closures and flood conditions.
Book campsites at popular spots like Bell Gorge (Silent Grove) and El Questro months in advance.
Respect the 'Croc-wise' signs; freshwater crocodiles are common and generally shy, but saltwater crocodiles can inhabit any waterway near the coast or major river systems.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Windjana Gorge National Park
Self-Catered Campfire Cookout
“There are no commercial food outlets here; the best meal is a camp-oven roast prepared over the communal fire pits at the Windjana Gorge campground under the stars.”
The Gorge Entrance
Capture the vertical limestone cliffs reflecting in the still pools at sunrise.
The Crocodile Sandbank
Use a zoom lens to capture the rows of freshwater crocodiles basking in the morning light.
Tunnel Creek
Located just 30km from Windjana, this is WA's oldest cave system. You can walk 750 meters through the subterranean tunnel, wading through knee-deep water while spotting bats and stalactites with your torch.
Bell Gorge (Silent Grove)
Imintji Community Store
“Stop by the nearby Imintji store for their famous 'Imintji Burger' and a cold drink before heading into the gorge.”
The Waterfall Lookout
The classic shot looking down at the horseshoe-shaped falls and the swimmers below.
The Lower Pool Rocks
Capture the contrast of the dark red rock against the bright blue-green water from water level.
Upper Bell Pools
Instead of heading straight down to the main pool, follow the creek upstream to find smaller, private infinity pools that overlook the main falls.
Manning Gorge
Mt Barnett Roadhouse
“The quintessential outback stop. Grab a classic Australian meat pie and a 'Chiko Roll' to fuel your hike.”
The River Crossing
A fun photo of your gear being transported across the river in the small boats.
Manning Falls
The wide, curtain-like falls are best photographed in the late morning when the sun hits the water directly.
Galvans Gorge
A small, accessible gorge just off the road before Manning. It features a perfect circular pool and an ancient Boab tree perched on the cliff edge.
Mt Elizabeth Station
The Station Homestead
“Join the communal dinner at the homestead (must book in advance) for a home-cooked meal and stories from the station owners.”
Wandjina Art Sites
The haunting, mouthless figures of the Wandjina spirits painted in white and ochre.
Station Gate at Sunset
The long, dusty driveway with the 'Mt Elizabeth' sign as the sun dips below the horizon.
Warla Gorge
A stunning, quiet gorge on the station property with white sand and calm waters, often completely empty of other tourists.
Ellenbrae Station
Ellenbrae Scone Shanty
“World-famous scones served with jam and cream. It is an unwritten rule that you cannot pass Ellenbrae without stopping for these.”
The Homestead Gardens
Vibrant bougainvillea and green lawns that look almost surreal in the desert.
The Scone Plate
A classic 'foodie' shot of the famous scones against the rustic wooden tables.
The 'Bathtub' Swimming Hole
A small, secluded spring-fed pool near the Ringers camp that feels like a private natural spa.
El Questro Wilderness Park
The Steakhouse Restaurant
“Located at the Station Township, this restaurant serves premium Kimberley beef and local barramundi in an open-air setting.”
Pentecost River Crossing
The ultimate Kimberley photo: your 4WD splashing through the river with the Cockburn Range in the background.
Zebedee Springs
The early morning light filtering through the palm fronds onto the thermal pools.
Moonshine Gorge
A less-visited circuit walk that offers fantastic swimming and a high chance of spotting local wildlife without the crowds of Emma Gorge.
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
Mitchell Falls (Punandamarra)
A rugged 4WD track leads north to the Mitchell Plateau, home to one of Australia's most spectacular four-tiered waterfalls.
Why It's Worth It
“The falls are iconic, and the flight over the plateau offers a scale of wilderness you cannot see from the ground.”
Mornington Wilderness Camp
A sanctuary managed by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, located deep in the heart of the Kimberley.
Why It's Worth It
“Incredible birdwatching and canoeing through the Sir John Gorge, far away from the main tourist trail.”
Wyndham & Five Rivers Lookout
At the end of the Gibb, take a detour to Wyndham to see where five great rivers meet the sea.
Why It's Worth It
“The view from the Bastion lookout at sunset is one of the most expansive vistas in Western Australia.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely. While some people attempt it in AWD vehicles, the corrugations, deep sand, and river crossings require a high-clearance 4WD with low-range capabilities.
Almost none. You might get a faint signal at major roadhouses like Mt Barnett or El Questro, but for 95% of the trip, you will be offline. Carry a satellite communication device.
In most cases, yes. Freshwater crocodiles (freshies) are common but generally harmless if left alone. However, always check for 'Estuarine (Saltwater) Crocodile' warnings, especially as you get closer to Kununurra or the coast.