Gibb River Road — Bachsten Camp to Manning Gorge via Beverley Springs Station
Corrugations, river crossings, cold gorge water.
This central segment of the Gibb River Road runs roughly 180 km between Bachsten Camp and the Manning Gorge turnoff near Beverley Springs Station, cutting through the raw heart of the Kimberley. The road is unsealed the entire way — corrugations can shake bolts loose on a good day — and the Barnett River crossing near Mount Barnett Roadhouse is the wildest water crossing most drivers will attempt on the Gibb. That roadhouse is your last fuel stop before Manning Gorge campground, so fill everything you’ve got. The gorge itself is a short walk from camp: a chest-deep swim across a channel leads to a tiered waterfall and a swimming hole cold enough to reset your brain after days in the dust.
A stock 4WD with high clearance handles this in the dry season (May–October), but soft-roaders have no business here even then. Wet season closes the road entirely — crossings become uncrossable and the Gibb turns into a mud trap. Carry at minimum two full-size spares; corrugations eat tyres and the roadhouse can’t always help you. The Shire of Derby-West Kimberley manages the road; entry to Manning Gorge campground requires a fee paid at Mount Barnett Roadhouse. Satellite comms are non-negotiable out here. Cell service is essentially zero between Imintji and El Questro.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 112 mi / 180 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1640 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with two full-size spares |
| Nearest town | Derby, WA |
| Land manager | Shire of Derby-West Kimberley / Mount Barnett Roadhouse (Manning Gorge access) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | Tourism WA – Gibb River Road DBCA Parks & Wildlife WA |
| 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 Prado or 4Runner handle this stretch of the Gibb?
A stock high-clearance 4WD can manage it, but you need a proper 4WD — not an AWD SUV or 2WD. Bring two full-size spare tyres minimum; the corrugations and sharp ironstone gravel eat tyres fast, and the river crossings can water-log a poorly sealed undercarriage.
When does the Gibb River Road close, and is this section accessible in wet season?
The Gibb typically closes between November and April due to wet season flooding — river crossings become impassable and stations shut their gates. Stick to May through October; even early May can see leftover water in the crossings near Beverley Springs.
Do you need a permit to drive through Beverley Springs Station or access Manning Gorge?
Beverley Springs is a working cattle station — you're crossing private pastoral land, so respect any posted access conditions and stick to the main track. Manning Gorge camping is run through Mount Barnett Roadhouse; pay the fee there before heading to the gorge (cash and card accepted at the roadhouse).
What's the hardest part of this section to drive?
The corrugations are relentless and will shake loose anything not properly secured in your rig — that's the real enemy here, not technical rock work. The river crossings vary by season but can reach door-sill depth; walk them before you drive them and watch for slippery rock shelves on the exit ramps.
Is there fuel or water available between Bachsten Camp and Manning Gorge?
No fuel on this 180 km stretch — plan your range carefully, as Derby is your last reliable fill before heading out and Mount Barnett Roadhouse is your first option at the end. Carry all your own drinking water; the river crossings and gorge water are not treated, so filter or boil anything you take from them.
Trail track
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