Gibb River Road - Part 1
Everything you need to know
The Gibb River Road is one of Australia's most iconic overland journeys and one that we have both dreamed of completing. If you like stunning swimming holes, gorgeous water holes, scenic drives off the beaten track and breathtaking gorges, then the Gibb River Road should be added to your holiday bucket list. The iconic 660km Gibb River Road is a legendary dirt track that connects Derby to Kununurra in North Western Australia.
We set off to tackle the Gibb River Road at the end of June 2022. We started our journey at Birdwood Downs Station, which was an excellent place to start. We paid $35.00 per night for a non powered site, guests are able to choose a spot in a paddock wherever they like. The station has chalets, basic camp kitchen, toilets and hot showers. When we visited there was an event which offered food trucks, markets and live performances.
Our next stop was Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park. We decided to stay here two nights so we could explore all of what was on offer at Windjana Gorge. We stayed in the quiet area for $17.00 per person, per night, which we pre booked but that really isn’t necessary if you would like to have more freedom. There is plenty of space in the campground however if it does appear to be quite full you can camp in the generator area. We walked over in the afternoon and there was so much space and not everyone there was running a generator (same price). The campgrounds have flushing toilets AND hot showers!!! We did not expect this and it was a nice surprise! The road into Windjana Gorge was comfortable, with a small amount of corrugation.
After Windjana Gorge we drove to Lennard River Gorge. This is a day hike and no camping is permitted. The road into Lennard Gorge was the first bit of intense 4WDing we experienced. We would not recommend towing into this gorge as it was very rocky and in one section was steep with a decent water crossing. There are toilets at the carpark and the walk to the lookout is a moderate hike which follows a beautiful little river before the trail climbs to the lookout. From Lennard River Gorge we spent the night at a great little free camp called March Fly Glenn. There are no facilities at this spot, but if you get in early you can snag a spot right on the beautiful river. The bird life here was amazing, we spent the afternoon birdwatching and sitting by the river.
Silent Grove (Bell Gorge) Campground can be pre booked on Parkstay or when you arrive ($17.00 per person, per night). This is the perfect base to explore Bell Gorge. The road is scenic and has three small river crossings and some rough corrugations in some spots. From the campground the Bell Gorge carpark is 20km. We decided to head down early to beat the crowds. The hike is 4km return and relatively easy. Once you reach the river you are greeted with spectacular views from above the waterfall, looking down into the gorge and large swimming hole below. Once you reach the main swimming area, soak in the views of the true scale of this gorge. We recommend swimming further downstream to the very end where there is another waterfall and incredible views of the gorge further down.
Silent Grove Campground has no designated sites, find a nice quiet spot to relax, there is plenty of space, flushing toilets and hot showers (sometimes). We stayed here for two nights and only the men's showers had hot water during our stay. We would recommend a one night stay here.
We headed off early from Silent Grove towards Manning Gorge Campground. On the way we stopped at Adcock Gorge, the road noticeably became rougher from Silent Grove turn off, with deeper corrugations. The turnoff to Adcock Gorge is not clearly indicated so keep an eye out. We do not recommend towing into Adcock Gorge as there are deep washouts the whole way in. We parked at the first car park and started the walk from there. The walk is short but stunning. You follow the river up into the gorge and have to climb over some large rocks in parts. There was only a small waterfall when we visited but we could imagine how incredible it would be earlier in the season.
Galvans Gorge is only 14km West of Mt Barnett Roadhouse (Manning Gorge access point). Mt Barnett Roadhouse is a great spot to fill up water (free), remove rubbish and refuel. This is also where you pay to stay at Manning Gorge campground which is $40.00 per night, you will also need to show your proof of vaccination certificate. We definitely recommend staying more than one night here, we stayed three because we loved it so much! The campground is 7km from the roadhouse, when you arrive there is an abundance of bush campsites to choose from. Towards the entrance of the campgrounds there are flushing toilets, hot showers and washing machine ($5.00 per load).
From the campsites it is a short stroll to Manning River where you cross using a small boat or swim using the plastic tubs for your belongings to start the hike into Manning Gorge. We were blown away by the scale of Manning Gorge, where waterfalls flow into tranquil pools. You are able to find a spot away from the crowds and able to venture off and explore. There are a few spots where you are able to jump off the cliffs next to the waterfall. We decided to spend three nights at Manning Gorge as it was a great spot to stop and relax. At the river there is a sandy spot to sunbake, swim and use the rope swing.
Best time to hit the Gibb River Road?
The Gibb River Road opens from May to October each year coinciding with the dry season. If you can align your Gibb River Road journey with the start of the dry season, you will be rewarded with less corrugation and more spectacular waterfalls. However, this also means higher creek crossings.
We visited at the end of June and the waterfalls were still running and the creek crossings were lower. The road was in ok condition, but still corrugated and rough in sections especially between Gibb River to Drysdale.
Top Tips:
Download Wiki Camps and Google Maps before starting
Visit Derby or Kununurra Visitor Centre to help plan your trip and check which stations are open for the season.
Drive to the conditions, lower your tire pressure and drive with your headlights on to make visibility better in the dust
We put our tires to 25 psi and usually sat on 60-80km/ per hour.
Get all your groceries while in Broome, Derby or Kununurra (Depending where you start from) and try to cater for the entire time you will be away as supplies on the road are limited and overpriced.
Stop at Ellenbrae for their famous scones with jam and cream.
A 4wd is highly recommended on the Gibb River Road
Part 2 of our Gibb River Road adventure is coming soon!
