After three relaxing days at Manning Gorge, we set off on the short drive to Hann River (free camp) stopping at Barnett River Gorge. If you are wanting to visit Barnett River Gorge make sure you are following WikiCamp as it is not signed. It is a short walk to the gorge and be prepared to get lost as there are no signs or visible tracks. The only markers to stay on the path are rock piles. There are multiple shallow spots to swim and no crowds. Arriving at Hann River we found the perfect spot on top of the river bank with private access to the stream (on the Derby side of the river) with only one neighbour in sight. There was incredible bird life and enough water to swim in… we considered spending two nights here.

The corrugation became considerably deeper as we left Hann River heading towards Gibb River Crossing. Gibb River Crossing is a great free camp, deeper river, quiet and if you get there early a spot right on the creek. We ran into our friends here and they convinced us to go to Mitchell Falls. We spent the night catching up around the river with a nice veggie curry. This was also the coldest night we experienced on the Gibb, 5 degrees!

The following morning we hit the road to Drysdale which our friends informed us was the worst stretch of road. The 53 km was the worst we experienced on the entire trip! Passing Drysdale the drive to King Edward River was pleasant and scenic.
Diesel at Drysdale $2.75 (2022 price)

We arrived at King Edward River campground after lunch and were blown away by the spacious campsites all with fire pits (make sure you collect wood before entering the campground as it’s not allowed once you arrive). To stay it costs $34.00 per night (for two adults). A short walk from the campground takes you to a beautiful river perfect for cooling off, if you venture further down you will come across a small waterfall!

The following morning we packed up at 7:00 am and hit the road to Mitchell Falls. The drive was in decent condition with a few washouts and winding corners. This was absolutely the most scenic drive on the Gibb. After an hour of driving, we came across a camper trailer that had flipped over. We recognised the driver from Manning Gorge so we got out to check he was okay. A few other vehicles stopped and were able to winch the trailer back onto its wheels. Seeing this was a reminder to take caution on the Gibb!

We started hiking shortly after 10:00 am. It is an easy scenic walk with lots of opportunities to stop for a swim, explore and photograph. We were expecting it to be overcrowded but by the time we reached the falls we were the only ones there and it was absolutely breathtaking, definitely a highlight of our trip so far. We enjoyed our lunch before hiking back to the carpark.

The following day was our biggest driving day on the Gibb, we left King Edward early and made our way to Ellenbrae station for fresh scones… WOW! This is a must-stop place on the Gibb, the gardens are perfect for enjoying a scone with jam and cream. We enjoyed reading about the history of the station and its surroundings. Leaving Ellenbrae station we had the intention of camping the night at Durak River, however, on arrival, all the decent sites were taken so we decided to push on to the Pentecost River. We stopped at the incredible lookout and got our first glimpse of the spectacular Cockburn Rangers. Arriving at the Pentecost we were happy to see there was not much water on the crossing. The river was packed but we managed to squeeze into a spot for the night right on the river with the perfect area for a fire. The sunset was one of the best we had on the Gibb, which set off all the fish jumping in front of us.

El Questro is a short drive (40 minutes) from Pentecost River and to our surprise is mostly sealed road. We did not have a booking at El Questro so we spent the morning lining up to get a site for two nights, even though the sign at the entrance stated there was no availability. Once we secured a site we set up and then decided to do Moonshine Gorge, which meant crossing the deep-water crossing (Yes, the water did get into our car). The start of the walk was the most scenic and since the track was not well maintained we got lost a few times and decided to turn back to enjoy the first swimming hole.

The following morning, we got up early to do the El Questro Gorge hike. From the very beginning, it was absolutely stunning. Towering palm trees, red rock faces and crystal-clear streams. It kept getting better and better as we turned the first bend, it started to get greener with beautiful ferns that flowed down the gorge walls. We reached the middle pool and had to take off our shoes and carry our bags above our heads to reach the other side. The rest of the hike was climbing over and across rocks until you climbed to the top pool. It is a beautiful, small waterfall that flows into a small pool. We were lucky to reach the pool and have it to ourselves. This was our highlight in El Questro and should not be missed.

Zebedee Springs was next on our El Questro bucket list, we were told the gates open at 7:00 am so we were there right at 7, however, when we entered the carpark there were already 16 other vehicles there with the same idea. When we arrived at the Springs I (Megan) was a little underwhelmed. We found a pool and tried to make the most of the experience, but the reality was kids everywhere splashing around and a group already on the beers. We decided to search for a new pool and were rewarded with a private pool at the top of the springs, which was much more relaxing.

We ended our Gibb River Road experience at Emma Gorge, which is a short drive out of El Questro Station towards Kununurra. It is a relatively easy walk, with rocking sections to reach the main pool and waterfall. The water is absolutely FREEZING (There is a warm spring to the right of the swimming hole where you can warm up). We recommend walking early as it can become very busy with tour groups.

Now we have tackled the Gibb and survived we can’t help but think what track is next…?

**What would we change?**

We would not pre-book any campsites as we felt this was restrictive and unnecessary as you could always get a site as long as you had cash.
There are so many free camping options that are much quieter than the National Parks and Stations. Make sure you have Wiki Camps Downloaded before setting off.
Take more snacks and beer than you think you will need.

Recommended itinerary for two weeks on the Gibb River Road

Night Eight: Hann River (free camp)

Night Nine: Gibb River Crossing (free camp)

Night Ten: King Edward Campground (two nights)($34.00 per night two adults)

Night Twelve: Ellenbrae Station ($35.00 per night two adults)

Night Thirteen: Pentecost River (free camp)

Night Fourteen: El Questro Station (2-3nights) ($50.00 per night two adults + $44.00 Park permit)

End Kununurra: Stay Kimberleyland Caravan Park ($50.00 per night two adults)

Night One: Birdwood Downs ($35.00 per night for two adults)

Night Two: Windjana National Park ($42.50 per night for two adults)

Visit Tunnel Creek and Lennard River Gorge

Night Three: March Fly Glenn (free camp)

Night Four: Silent Grove (Bell Gorge) ($34.00per night for two adults)

Visit Adcock and Galvans Gorge

Night Five: Manning Gorge (2-3 nights) ($40.00 per night two adults)

Visit Barnett Gorge (follow Wiki camp)

Gibb River Road - Part 2

Recommended itinerary for two weeks on the Gibb River Road

Things to note

Gibb River Road - Part 2

Recommended itinerary for two weeks on the Gibb River Road

Things to note

The Best Guide to Exploring Karijini

Gibb River Road - Part 1