Gibb River Road — Windjana Gorge Spur to Silent Grove via Lennard River
Kimberley limestone gorges, crocs, and a proper river crossing.
The Windjana Gorge spur peels south off the Gibb River Road about 330 kilometres east of Derby, drops through the Napier Range — a fossilised Devonian reef that rises sheer from the flat savannah — and delivers you to one of the Kimberley’s genuinely spectacular gorges. Windjana Gorge itself holds a permanent pool with freshwater crocodiles lazing on every sandy bank. The track continues through Tunnel Creek (you wade through it, torch in hand, bats overhead) then pushes on to the Silent Grove campsite via a sandy, corrugated track that crosses the Lennard River. That crossing can go waist-deep on a Land Cruiser in the early dry season.
Difficulty is moderate to difficult depending on the Lennard crossing depth — check conditions at the Derby Visitor Centre before you leave. Stock Troopy or equivalent is the minimum; a snorkel is strongly recommended. The spur runs roughly 100 kilometres return from the Gibb and is a self-contained side trip best done with two days. Open May through October only — the entire region floods and closes November through April. Carry 100 litres of water and enough fuel for the return to the Gibb. The Silent Grove and Windjana campgrounds are managed by the Bunuba and Doon Doon Aboriginal communities — fees apply, book in advance in peak season. No cell service anywhere on this spur.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 62 mi / 100 km |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 820 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with snorkel recommended |
| Nearest town | Derby, Western Australia |
| Land manager | Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions / Bunuba Aboriginal Community |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | DBCA Windjana Gorge Park page Tourism WA park info |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Cruiser or Patrol handle this without a snorkel?
A snorkel is strongly recommended, not optional — the Lennard River crossing can run deep enough to hydro-lock an unsnorkeled engine depending on timing and wet season runoff. High clearance is mandatory; a stock GX or Patrol without a snorkel is a gamble on crossing depth that's not worth taking.
When does the Lennard River crossing become impassable?
The wet season (November–April) floods the Lennard River and closes this route entirely — sometimes dramatically. Stick strictly to May–October; even in early May, check with DBCA and local stations for current water levels before committing.
Do you need a permit to drive this section and camp at Silent Grove?
Yes — Windjana Gorge National Park requires a park pass via the DBCA, and Silent Grove camping requires a separate campsite booking through the same system. Parts of this route cross Bunuba Country, so respect any access conditions posted by the Bunuba Aboriginal Community.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The Lennard River crossing is the crux — it's wide, rocky-bottomed, and current can be deceptive. After the crossing, the track to Silent Grove includes loose limestone rubble, soft sand, and tight scrub that will test your recovery gear. Go slow, walk the crossing first, and watch for freshwater crocs on the banks — they're real and they're there.
Is there any fuel or resupply between Derby and Silent Grove on this run?
No. Derby is your last reliable fuel stop — roughly 100km from the Windjana spur turnoff. Carry enough fuel for the full 100km spur plus your planned return or onward route with margin; there is zero cell service, no roadside assistance, and no fuel on this stretch.
Trail track
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