Gibb River Road — Silent Grove to Bell Gorge via Inglis Gap and King Leopold Ranges
Three-tier falls at the end of corrugation hell.
Bell Gorge is the payoff that justifies every corrugation on the Gibb. From Silent Grove camping area, the track climbs through the rugged King Leopold Ranges via Inglis Gap — a sandstone notch that separates the coastal lowlands from the Kimberley plateau — before dropping to the Bell Creek crossing. Bell Falls cascades in three tiers into a deep plunge pool that has been the highlight of Kimberley road trips for decades. The corrugations between Silent Grove and the Bell Gorge turnoff can be savage after a dry season of heavy traffic; plan on 90 minutes minimum for the 40-odd kilometres and keep your tyre pressures dropped.
This section is accessible to well-prepared high-clearance 4WDs running appropriate all-terrain tyres, but the Bell Creek crossing should be assessed carefully — it can run thigh-deep after late-season rains. The Gibb is a dry-season-only road (typically May through October); do not attempt in the Wet. Fuel at Derby or Fitzroy Crossing beforehand — there is nothing out here. Camping at Silent Grove is managed by the Kimberley Land Council. A small fee applies. Satellite comms are strongly advised.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 25 mi / 40 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1150 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Derby, Western Australia |
| Land manager | Kimberley Land Council / Shire of Derby-West Kimberley |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | Tourism WA — Bell Gorge Main Roads WA road conditions |
| 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
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Cruiser 200 or Prado handle this stretch without a lift?
Yes. A stock high-clearance 4WD like a 200 Series or Prado handles this route fine. The creek crossings and rocky Inglis Gap sections demand low-range and decent ground clearance — a lifted rig helps but isn't required. Soft-roaders and 2WDs are a hard no.
Is the Gibb passable between Silent Grove and Bell Gorge during the wet season?
No. The route is effectively closed from November through April. Creek crossings flood out, the Inglis Gap becomes dangerous, and the entire Gibb River Road corridor is regularly cut off. Aim for May–October — earlier in the dry season means greener country but lingering mud.
Do you need a permit to drive this section and camp at Bell Gorge?
Yes. Bell Gorge sits within Silent Grove Station, managed under Kimberley Land Council jurisdiction. You'll need a valid entry pass purchased before arrival — these are available online or at Derby. No pass, no entry; rangers do check.
What's the hardest section between Silent Grove and Bell Gorge?
Inglis Gap through the King Leopold Ranges is where it gets honest — loose rock, steep pinches, and enough corrugation before and after to rattle your fillings out. It's not technically extreme, but tired drivers in under-equipped rigs have gotten into trouble here. Take it slow and check tyre pressures before you drop into the ranges.
There's no cell service out here — how far is the nearest fuel from Bell Gorge?
Derby is your last reliable fuel stop, roughly 230km west on the Gibb. There's no fuel on this section of the route. Carry a minimum 20-litre spare jerry can and top up in Derby before you commit to the Gibb. PLB or satellite communicator is non-negotiable out here.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.