FULL Gibb River Road Itinerary + Planning Tips and FREE Map!

Planning a trip along the Gibb River Road? You’re in the right place! This is the guide we wish we had back when we did one of Australia’s most legendary outback drives.

Most people do the Gibb River Road from Kununurra to Derby, so that’s the route we detail in this itinerary. We crafted a short 7-day itinerary and a longer 14-day one that hits all the highlights!

We drove the Gibb ourselves from Derby to Kununurra in 7 days, coming in from Broome. We went late in the season and some spots were closed off, otherwise we would have done the full 2 weeks!

We still had a great time, but we’ll give you a few recommendations on when to go so you can make the most of it.

One thing’s for sure though – the Gibb is remote, rugged, and not the kind of road trip you should wing!

So we’ve packed this guide with everything you need to know — where to camp, which gorges to check out on the way, how much fuel to carry, and all the real-life tips we learned the hard way.

We even included a free downloadable map of this Gibb River Road itinerary so you have everything you need right on your phone!

Let’s dive in – here’s your ultimate Gibb River Road itinerary.

We recognise the traditional owners of the lands we’re exploring from Kununurra to Derby: the Njikena, Bunuba, Ongkomi, Ngarinyin, Gedija, Worrorra and Wunumbal language groups, among other Kimberley peoples.

7-day Gibb River Road itinerary (Kununurra to Derby)

Note: If you’re going from Derby to Kununurra like we did, just follow this itinerary in reverse!

Day 1-2: Kununurra to El Questro (100 km, 1.5–2 hr)

Leave Kununurra early and make sure you’re fully stocked — this is your last proper grocery stop and the best place to top up on fuel! Fill your jerry cans too, just in case.

The road to El Questro is mostly sealed but turns to dirt before the park entrance. There are so many things to do there we recommend staying 2 days:

• Emma Gorge: About a 30-minute walk each way (plus some boulder hopping near the end), this one finishes at a huge waterfall and crystal-clear pool. The water is cold — jump straight in. There’s also a sneaky warm spring bubbling in on one side if you feel like defrosting.
• Zebedee Springs: These hot springs are only open from 7am to midday, so get in early. It’s a short walk in and feels like something out of Jurassic Park — warm water, ferns, and towering palms all around.
• El Questro Gorge: This hike is a bit more adventurous — expect to wade through water and scramble over rocks. The reward is a deep, shaded gorge pool at the end.
• Chamberlain Gorge Cruise: A nice change of pace if you want to give your legs a break. Calm, scenic, and often includes a cheeky glass of bubbles.

Where to stay in El Questro

The El Questro campground is one of the better-equipped spots along the Gibb. You’ll find shaded sites, hot showers, a laundry, and even a bar and restaurant if you’re due for a night off cooking!

Plus there’s everything here – from budget campsites to riverfront cabins. Plus great facilities and access to all the nearby gorges. It’s a classic Kimberley station stay.

If you’re after a bit more luxury, stay at the Emma Gorge Resort. It has safari-style tented cabins and it’s a short walk to the gorge.

As for free camping, there’s a free bush camp after El Questro, on the turnoff at the Pentecost River crossing. No facilities, but killer views and a good option if you’re self-sufficient!

Day 3: El Questro to Ellenbrae Station (158 km, 2.5-3 hr)

Now you’re really on the Gibb! The road turns to gravel and you’ll start feeling those infamous corrugations.

Make sure everything in your rig is tied down properly — this stretch can shake things loose if you’re not prepared.

Not far from El Questro, you’ll cross the Pentecost River. The crossing itself is iconic, with Cockburn Ranges in the background and saltwater crocs lurking (don’t swim!).

It’s one of the best photo ops on the whole road! Just check the water depth first before driving it, especially early in the season.

There aren’t many major stops on the way to Ellenbrae, but it’s a good idea to break up the drive at Home Valley Station (about 45 minutes from El Questro).

It’s got beautiful views over the Cockburn Ranges and a decent café!

Where to stay in Ellenbrae

Ellenbrae Station is one of those quirky, charming stays that makes the Gibb so special – it’s a working cattle station!

The place has basic but clean facilities, a relaxed vibe, and plenty of space to spread out. If you’re not staying overnight, at least drop in for their homemade scones — they’re famous! Go here to book your site.

Day 4: Ellenbrae to Manning Gorge (190 km, ~3.5-4 hr)

This is one of the longer driving days, so it’s worth leaving early. The road can get rough — lots of corrugations, patches of bull dust, and the odd washout depending on the season.

There aren’t any headline gorges between these two stops, but the views across the savannah country and ranges make for a great day behind the wheel!

Gibb River Station is about halfway and makes a decent rest break. There’s fuel, a small store, and you can check out some local Ngallagunda Aboriginal artwork in the nearby gallery.

If you’re not in a rush and can spend an extra day, veer off the main track and head to Mount Elizabeth Station!

It’s a bit of a detour and best if you plan to stay the night there, but it gives access to two lesser-known gorges – Warla Gorge and Wunnamurra Gorge.

They’re remote, beautiful, and barely touched by crowds, but they’ll take a full day to explore, so only go if you have the extra day in your itinerary.

Whether you go to Mt Elizabeth or not, the next stop of the trip is Mount Barnett Roadhouse! Check-in and pay your entrance fee for Manning Gorge to stay the night.

Manning Gorge is one of the most iconic stops in the Gibb! The hike to the gorge is around 3km one way, but you have to swim across the river right at the start — they’ve got a little dinghy to pull your gear across, which is half the fun.

Once you get there, you’ll find deep swimming pools and (if it’s early in the season) a big waterfall crashing down the cliff face. Later in the season it dries up, but the swimming is still epic!

Where to stay at Manning Gorge

The campsite is right near the start of the walking trail, so you’re perfectly placed for an early start the next day!

There’s a decent shop at the Roadhouse to stock up on basics, and the campground has shade, showers, and a relaxed bush vibe.

Some travellers camp at river crossings just before or after the roadhouse, but the gorge access honestly makes the paid campground worth it.

And if you have that extra day for Mt Elizabeth Station, know that it was one of our favourite stays! The place is gorgeous and they serve great food, plus the access to the gorges.

Day 5: Manning Gorge to Bell Gorge (85 km, ~1.5-2hr)

Back on the Gibb, the drive to Bell Gorge isn’t long, but there are two gorges along the way that are easy to miss if you’re not paying attention!

• Galvans Gorge is the first one. You’ll get there after a short walk (around 1km return) along a shady, flat trail. It’s got a horseshoe-shaped waterhole, a small waterfall, and even a rope swing if you’re keen for a bit of fun.
• Adcock Gorge, it’s further down the track and a bit harder to reach. You’ll need to take a rough 4WD track for a few minutes and the walk in is rockier. But once you get there, it’s peaceful and shady with a deep green swimming hole!

We recommend visiting Bell Gorge first thing tomorrow! Hit it early to avoid the crowds.

Note: These are the unmissable gorges of the Gibb River Road, make sure to have them in your itinerary!

Where to stay near Bell Gorge

Camp tonight at Silent Grove Campground, which is the main access point for Bell Gorge. It’s a well-known stop, but still has a relaxed bush-camp feel.

If you’re after something a bit fancier, Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge is just up the road and offers comfy accommodation.

Day 6: Bell Gorge to Windjana Gorge (126 km, ~2hr)

Wake up early and go straight to Bell Gorge! It’s one of the most popular spots on the Gibb and for good reason.

From Silent Grove campground, the walk into Bell Gorge is about 2 km return, and while not long, it does involve a bit of rock-hopping and a river crossing.

There’s a half-cut barrel tied to a rope so you can float your backpack across without getting it soaked!

Once you’re in, the views are incredible. The upper pools are calm and shallow, but if you climb down to the lower section, you’ll find the main plunge pool under the falls!

After that, continue your drive along the Gibb. The road gets rougher in patches with more corrugations and some creek crossings.

You’ll drive through the King Leopold Ranges, which make for some beautiful winding views, especially as the afternoon light hits the ridgelines.

If you’re at peak season and feeling adventurous, Lennard Gorge is a worthwhile detour. It might not be as popular (not suitable for swimming) but we were told the views are stunning and the waterfall is epic if it’s flowing.

Then as you approach Windjana Gorge, the scenery will shift again as the Napier Range rises in the distance. Windjana itself is massive — over 3.5km long and lined with walls up to 30m high in places!

This gorge is famous for its freshwater crocs, and you’ll definitely see them sunbaking on the sandbanks or cruising slowly through the water.

It’s not a swimming spot, but it’s still one of the most atmospheric walks on the Gibb. The rock walls are full of fossilised sea creatures from when this whole area was an ancient seabed!

Where to stay in Windjana Gorge National Park

Definitely camp right next to the gorge at Windjana Gorge Campground.

It’s got the basics (toilets, showers, and fire pits) and puts you right next to the start of the trail for sunset or sunrise walks. Just don’t forget your torch and keep your food packed up!

Day 7: Windjana Gorge to Derby (146 km, ~2.5hr)

But before you leave Windjana Gorge to finish the road trip, make sure you visit Tunnel Creek! It’s just 35km from Windjana Gorge and only takes about 30–40 minutes to drive.

Tunnel Creek (also called Dimalurru) is a 750-metre-long cave system that runs straight through the Napier Range.

The cave is enormous inside, with some sections over 20 metres high, and you’ll likely see stalactites, freshwater crocs, and bats flitting around the roof.

It’s also a historic place, as it was the hideout of Jandamarra, a Bunuba warrior who led resistance against colonial police in the late 1800s.

He was eventually tracked down and killed right at the entrance of the tunnel. There’s a real sense of presence here, and it’s worth reading up on his story before you visit.

After Tunnel Creek, it’s back on the road for your last leg to Derby. You’ll notice the road improving as you go, with more sealed sections popping up, and eventually, you’ll be back on smooth bitumen.

Derby itself is a small town, but it’s got all the basics — fuel, groceries, mechanics, and a couple of pubs if you feel like toasting the end of your trip.

Make sure to check out the Boab Prison Tree just outside town. It’s a sobering bit of local history tied to the region’s dark colonial past.

That’s the end of the Gibb, but not the end of the adventure! From there you can head to Broome and/or explore the Dampier Peninsula.

You can also loop back to Kununurra via the National Highway 1 and check out Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Ord River, and Lake Argyle!

14-day Gibb River Road itinerary if you have more time

10-14 days is the ideal time to spend doing the Gibb River Road! So if you’re going anywhere between June, July and August, definitely follow this longer itinerary:

• Day 1: Kununurra to El Questro Wilderness Park (100 km). Relax in Zebedee Springs, take in the Chamberlain River views, and cool off at Emma Gorge.
• Day 2–3: El Questro Wilderness Park. Spend two full days enjoying everything El Questro has to offer — hikes, swims, thermal springs, and top-notch facilities for every budget!
• Day 4: El Questro to Home Valley Station (50 km). Cross the Pentecost River and roll into Home Valley. Enjoy the views of the Cockburn Ranges, plus a bar, pool, cultural tours and comfy camping.
• Day 5: Home Valley Station to Ellenbrae Station (111 km). Bumpy track today. Stop at Ellenbrae for a relaxing night, tyre repair if needed, and some of the best scones in the Kimberley.
• Day 6–8: Ellenbrae Station to Mt Elizabeth Station (175 km). Base yourself at Mt Elizabeth to explore remote Wunnamurra Gorge, Aboriginal rock art, and the Hann River “beach”.
• Day 9: Mt Elizabeth Station to Manning Gorge (72 km). Short drive to Manning Gorge, with a full day to explore! Swim in the gorge, check out Aboriginal rock art, and visit nearby Galvans and Adcock Gorges for quieter swims.
• Day 10: Manning Gorge to Bell Gorge (85 km). Head to Silent Grove campground and take the short walk into Bell Gorge — one of the Gibb’s most iconic swimming spots with cascading falls and pools.
• Day 11: Bell Gorge to Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge (90 km). Drive through the Wunaamin-Miliwundi Ranges to Mt Hart. Explore Dolerite Gorge, Yellowman Gorge, and cool off at Barker Pool.
• Day 12–13: Mount Hart to Windjana Gorge (136 km). Stay at Windjana Gorge campground and walk through the towering gorge walls while spotting freshwater crocs. Don’t miss Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek).
• Day 14: Windjana Gorge to Derby (146 km). Finish your Gibb adventure in Derby!

Planning your Gibb River Road adventure

Now that you know all the basics, it’s time to plan your trip to Gibb River Road. It can be overwhelming, but these tips will help you with that:

When is the best time to do the Gibb River Road?

Anytime in the dry season (between April and November) will do!

However, we recommend visiting early in the season (April-May), so you can see the cascading waterfalls in full.

The road will be open and you won’t have as many corrugations because the council grades the road after the wet season, just before it’s opened again to the public.

The trade-off is high humidity and deep river crossings, so you will need to be in a 4WD capable of potentially deep crossings. Keep that in mind!

The middle of the season is best weather-wise, but there will be many tourists. There are many “offshoots” 4WD tracks that you can do to get away from the crowds, or just leave early each morning.

We went late in the season and some waterfalls were either dry or closed to the public. We still had a great time, but we wish we had gone earlier to see more stuff.

Keep Reading: Best (and worst) times to tackle the Gibb River Road

You WILL need a 4WD for the Gibb

The road is mostly dirt and it’s not well maintained. They only graded one or two times a year, so expect the corrugations to be very heavy at times!

Also, the Pentecost River is a relatively large crossing. If the levels are high, you won’t be able to go through it without a 4WD.

There are also quite a few other river crossings along the way including many “offshoot” 4WD tracks you can try your luck on.

Caravans can easily access and go through here, but they should be 4WD and have a good suspension.

There are a few places in Kununurra that rent 4WDs. We recommend carefully reading the reviews and double-checking what’s included in the policies (and what’s not!) before booking.

Decide which way you’ll be travelling

Will you be travelling from the east to the west coast (Kununurra to Derby), or the other way around? Most people choose the first one, but we went from Derby to Kununurra – both are great!

Deciding this first will help you map the gorges you want to visit, decide where you’ll stay, and make it easier for you to book any accommodations or activities you want to do.

It doesn’t matter which way you start at all. If you are coming from the Northern Territory side, then you would start at Kununurra. If you’re coming from Broome, then you will start at Derby.

How long do you need on the Gibb River Road?

10-14 days is the recommended time, so you don’t have to travel too far each day. The whole thing is over 660km, plus you won’t be driving at the usual speed due to the corrugations and river crossings.

We only took 7 days because some sights were closed during our visit. This is rare if you visit early or in the middle of the season, but you can check them before visiting here:

• Main Roads
• Derby Visitor Centre
• Broome Visitor Centre

Planning fuel

There are actually a few stops along the Gibb River road for fuel, but do not rely on them.

The Gibb is very remote so sometimes the fuel truck just doesn’t get out there, leaving the Roadhouse without fuel… Not to mention the crazy prices!

We recommend bringing at least 2x 20L jerry cans worth of extra fuel along with completely fuelling up Kununurra or Derby. Our 4WD drive had a secondary fuel tank so we just brought 1x 20L jerry can for emergencies.

Coming from the Derby side, Mount Barnett Roadhouse was the first fuel stop and around about halfway along the Gibb.

We topped up fuel there even though we probably had enough to get through to the end. Why? Because there are heaps of fun offshoot 4WD tracks and we didn’t want to miss out just because we were trying to save money on fuel!

Essentials to bring in your car

You should prepare to be self-sufficient for most of the trip, as stores and cattle stations are sparse. Also, these essentials apply to most people, but your list will entirely depend on the characteristics of your trip.

At the very least, you should have:

• Spare fuel – more so if you want to go off main roads.
• Spare tyres, a tyre repair/replacement kit, and an air compressor.
• A basic mechanic tool kit.
• A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or SAT phone.
• Recovery tracks (Maxtrax).
• Fire extinguisher.
• First aid kit and snake bite kit.
• Camping gear.
• Water, PLENTY. 60L per person is a good start, it will be HOT.
• A water filter and/or water purification tablets.
• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Appropriate clothing and enclosed footwear that can handle getting wet.
• Lots of sun protection and insect repellents.

Finally, discuss with your mechanic what spare parts you should bring, and learn how to replace the basic stuff.

Stock up on supplies

Take as many supplies as you can with you, and bring for extra days just in case too.

While there are places you can buy groceries, do minor repairs, and fuel along the road, they are expensive and far between.

Apart from fuel and water, stock up on fresh and nonperishable food. And if possible, cryovac as much as you can – this will help your food last for longer while saving you tons of storage space.

Also, bring extra drinking water if you can. You’ll be actively hiking and this is a hot country – you’ll need more water than usual. The recommended is 9 litres per day per adult.

Camping along the Gibb River Road

There are plenty of options to stay, but they fall into two categories – free or paid camping.

Free camping options

We free camped a lot, almost every night!

And if you want to live the Gibb River Road adventure to its fullest, we recommend you at least do a few nights of free camping. You can collect firewood along the way too.

To find the best spots, we used the app WikiCamps Australia. Just make sure to download the map of the area to your device before losing coverage!

TBH, there’s no need to pay for accommodation along Gibb River Road if you are trying to do it on the cheap.

But some paid accommodations are AMAZING so it would be a shame to not stay in at least one!

Paid accommodations

If you are travelling by caravan, these paid accommodations will be your best option. These can be very budget-friendly, like $20/night!

Also, most working cattle stations offer accommodation. Some provide food, bathroom facilities, and even kitchens, while others are exclusively for camping.

Most have non-powered campsites, though. There are some where you can book ahead, but others are first-come first-served (like Drysdale River Station).

Here’s a list of our favourite campsites in the Gibb if you’re keen! Most are crazy cheap.

Free downloadable map of this Gibb River Road itinerary

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What about Gibb River Road tours?

If driving the Gibb River Road makes you nervous, there are always tours you could do! These are two popular ones:

Outback Horizons Luxury Tours

Choose from a luxury tour or a camping adventure tour of the Kimberley with Outback Horizons. You’ll find all the best of the Kimberley region with these experienced tour guides.

Tours include all accommodations and meals, as well as the opportunity to explore the fantastic scenery in this region. 

Here’s an all-inclusive, 15-day camping tour – the Kimberley Ultimate Camping Tour. Apart from all meals and camping gear, it also includes a helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls! You just have to focus on enjoying everything the Kimberleys have to offer.

Check out this incredible tour here!

Kimberley Outback Tours

If you want to travel in luxury 4WD buses with everything all planned and provided for you, using the Kimberley Outback Tours could be the way to go. You can pick from a 9-day “Kimberley Taster” tour or a 14-day “Ultimate Kimberley Tour”.

You’ll be able to visit some unique places, as the Kimberley Outback Tours have access to some areas that other tourists cannot. 

Top tips

There aren’t many hardcore full-driving areas unless you go off the track. As for the fuel, we had a secondary tank but didn’t use it because we mostly stayed on the main road. We fueled up halfway and had plenty to go!

Now, some sections of the road are really rough. Make sure you have ways to keep everything in your vehicle as secure as possible to avoid accidents.

And when packing, make sure you have sturdy hiking boots. You’ll have to walk to get to most of the gorges, and a few are particularly rocky.

Did you know?

Gibb River Road is named after Andrew Gibb Maitland, a geologist and explorer. He’s one of the main contributors to the study of geology in Western Australia.

The road itself was built to send cattle from surrounding stations to Derby or Kununurra, and its construction finished in 1956.

FAQs

Tackling the Gibb River Road is no small feat, but it’s one of those adventures you’ll be talking about for years!

Whether you do it in 7 days like we did or stretch it out to 14, the real magic is in the remote Gibb River Road gorges, the remote station stays, and the feeling of being well and truly out there.

There’ll be dust in your socks, mud on your rig, and probably a few bumps along the way, but that’s all part of the fun! Just make sure to prep well, give yourself time to explore, and stay flexible.

And remember: the earlier in the season you go, the more waterfalls you’ll see! Just double-check the road conditions, load up on supplies, and don’t skimp on water or fuel.