Explore more than 600km of road with the Gibb River Road trip in Western Australia. Starting in Derby, you’ll explore Western Australia’s Kimberley region and its many gorges, waterfalls, wildlife, and national parks
Day 1: Starting at Derby
Begin your trip with a visit to Derby, a historic outback town located 2 hours north east of Broome. Derby has been home to Aboriginal people for over 10,000 years and whilst Derby was only established in 1893, you’ll find plenty of history here including the Boab Prison Tree, Mowanjum Arts Centre, Norval Gallery, Derby Jetty, and Sculptures on The Marsh.
Day 2 & 3: Derby to Windjana Gorge National Park
Next, jump on the Derby-Gibb River Road heading east towards Windjana Gorge National Park. Here you’ll see some of the best the Kimberley region has to offer with the Lennard River and Devonian-era Reef, the perfect place to spend the night with camping options at Windjana Gorge campground. Don’t forget to experience the wildlife at Windjana Gorge National Park, home to freshwater crocodiles.
Day 3 & 4: Windjana Gorge National Park to Bell Gorge
The next leg of the trip is to head back onto the Derby-Gibb River Road and continue east. This part of the journey should not be rushed and we recommend exploring the Wombarella Creek Project and Wunaamin-Miliwundi Ranges, both great options for bush walks and to explore the kilometres of mountain ranges and rugged terrain. You also have great camping options in this area, the perfect way to finish a day and to sleep under the Kimberley stars. Both the Iminjti Community Campground and Bell Gorge Wildnerness Lodge are a great way to spend the night.
Day 5 & 6: Bell Gorge to Manning Gorge
After a spectacular night camping, head back onto the Derby-Gibb River road and head east making your way to Manning Gorge, just over an hour’s drive. Approximately halfway we recommend stopping off at Galvan’s Gorge, the most accessible gorge along the Gibb and a great place to relax and swim in the wilderness. We recommend spending a few hours here before heading to Manning Gorge.
Continue along the Derby-Gibb River road and you’ll soon cross the Barnett River before arriving in Manning Gorge. Spend the day exploring the beautiful Yallamia Pool and spend the night at the Manning Gorge Campground before the next leg.
Day 6 & 7: Manning Gorge to Drysdale River Station
After exploring what Manning Gorge has to offer, continue heading east exploring the various stop off points such as Hann River Crossing and Gibb River Station (a great place for an overnight stop) before heading North towards Drysdale River Station, another great place for an overnight stop offering great tours to the surrounding wetlands, scenic flights to Mitchell Falls, 4 Wheel Drive tours, and great camping options. You won’t be short of things to do or see at Drysdale River Station.
Day 8 & 9: Drysdale River Station to Home Valley Station
After spending the night at Drysdale River Station, head south and towards Gibb River-Wyndham Road, before heading east 2 hours. Make sure to stop at Lake Nabberu, a large salt lake, Lily Pools, Charnley Station, a great stop off for a swim and a few hours to relax, and Bindoola Creek, home to a natural stream full of Barramundi.
After a day of exploring, spend the night camping at Home Valley Station before setting off to the El Questro Wilderness park.
Day 10 & 11: Home Valley Station to El Questro
As you set off from Home Valley Station, take a quick stop at Cockburn Ranges lookout for spectacular views of the Kimberley Region. Continue south stopping at the Pentecost River Crossing for a great experience of the Outback then heading south before arriving in El Questro Gorge. Here you’ll find plenty of things to do including the Zebedee Springs, walking trails, and great accommodation options such as El Questro Homestead before making your way to Kununurra Park.
Day 12, 13, & 14: El Questro to Kununurra
As you set off from El Questro, make your way back onto the Gibb River-Wyndham Road before heading onto the Great Northern Highway towards Kununurra. We recommend taking a break at Molly Springs for a refreshing dip before just a 30 minute drive to Kununurra for your final stop.
We recommend spending a few days at Kununurra with great accommodation options at Lily Lagoon Resort, El Questro Wilderness Park, Hidden Valley, and Lake Kununurra. Spend your days exploring the town and great spots such as Celebrity Tree Park, Kelly’s Knob/Thegoowiyeng, Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, and Mirima National Park.
Happy Exploring!
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