Gibb River Road — Silent Grove to Tunnel Creek via Windjana Gorge Spur
Ancient reef gorges and croc-shared caves in the Kimberley.
Most people thunder along the Gibb River Road ticking off gorges like a checklist — but the spur south to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek rewards the ones who slow down. Leaving the Gibb near the Leonard River crossing, the track drops through open spinifex and boab country to Windjana Gorge — a sheer-walled slot through a 350-million-year-old Devonian reef, the same limestone reef system that formed the Bungle Bungles. Freshwater crocodiles lounge on the banks in numbers that will make you recalibrate your casual approach to camp spots. From there it’s a short run south to Tunnel Creek, where the road ends and you wade through 750 meters of dripping limestone cave — chest-deep in the wet season, knee-deep in the dry — with a headlamp and the uneasy knowledge that freshwater crocs live in there too.
The spur road itself is corrugated dirt, manageable in a high-clearance 2WD when dry but unforgiving in the wet — which you shouldn’t be here for anyway. Visit May through September. The Gibb River Road proper, which this spur branches from, is the real challenge — river crossings, corrugations, and 660km of isolation demand a proper 4WD with dual spares, UHF radio, and enough fuel to cover 300km between reliable stops. Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek both have Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions campgrounds — book ahead in peak season. This corner of the Kimberley is ancient, raw, and will make every other limestone gorge you’ve seen feel like a practice run.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 56 mi / 90 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1150 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with dual spares |
| Nearest town | Derby, Western Australia |
| Land manager | WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | DBCA Windjana Gorge National Park DBCA Tunnel Creek National Park |
| 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 Hilux or Prado handle this section, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Prado or Hilux is fine for this track in dry season. Carry two spare tyres — the corrugations and sharp Kimberley rock eat tyres, and there's no help between stops.
When does this section of the Gibb actually close, and what happens if you push the shoulder seasons?
The Gibb River Road and these parks typically close from around November through April due to wet season flooding — exact dates vary year to year. Attempting it outside May–September risks impassable creek crossings, washed-out sections, and park closures with no rescue coming.
Do you need a permit for Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek, and what does it cost?
Yes, both Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek are national parks requiring paid entry — fees apply per vehicle and are collected on-site or via the DBCA parks system. Check current fees directly at the DBCA links before you go, as they update seasonally.
What's the gnarliest part of this route and what should I actually expect?
The trail itself is moderate — deep bulldust pockets, corrugations, and creek crossings are the main obstacles, not technical rock crawling. The Tunnel Creek section demands you wade through knee-to-thigh-deep water in the dark with a headlamp, sharing space with freshwater crocs that are present but generally non-aggressive.
Is there any potable water along the route, or do I need to carry everything from Derby?
There is no treated potable water available on this route — carry all drinking water from Derby before you leave. The creek crossings and gorge pools are croc and cattle-contaminated and should not be used as a drinking source without serious filtration and treatment.
Trail track
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