Gibb River Road — Imintji to Mount House Station via the Kimberley Ranges Central Heart
King Leopold Ranges at their most uncompromising.
Between Imintji Community and Mount House Station, the Gibb River Road sheds any pretence of being a highway and becomes what it actually is: a corrugated, red-dirt station road punching through the King Leopold Ranges. The climb up and over the King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park is the centrepiece — steep, rocky switchbacks where loose stones test tyre sidewalls and underbody armour earns its keep. The Lennard River crossing at the base demands a wade before you commit your vehicle to the current; in the wet season it’s impassable, full stop. This 130-kilometre stretch also passes the turnoff to Lennard Gorge, one of the Kimberley’s least-visited deep gorges, reachable via a rough 12-kilometre spur that ends at a short but genuinely exposed scramble to an upper pool.
High-clearance 4WD is mandatory — a standard 4WD with all-terrain tyres and a bash plate minimum, though a lifted dual-cab with a locker is better. Carry at least two spare tyres; corrugations shred sidewalls on underinflated rubber. Fuel from Derby or Fitzroy Crossing before you enter — no bowser exists on this stretch. The Gibb runs May through October; attempt it outside that window and you’ll be turning around at the first wet crossing. Reward is profound isolation, rust-red gorge country, and a sky at night that has no business being that full of stars.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 81 mi / 130 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1850 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with all-terrain tyres and bash plate |
| Nearest town | Derby, Western Australia |
| Land manager | Main Roads Western Australia / King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park (DBCA) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Tourism WA — Gibb River Road DBCA King Leopold Ranges Conservation 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
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 Series handle this section of the Gibb River Road, or does it need a lift?
A stock 200 Series with all-terrain tyres and a bash plate will get through, but it'll work hard on the rocky limestone and ironstone corrugations. A 2–3 inch lift gives you meaningful extra clearance on the sharper rock shelves — factory height is the bare minimum, not comfortable. Underbody protection is non-negotiable.
When does this section of the Gibb River Road actually close, and is the May opener reliable?
The Gibb is typically open May through October, but the exact open date shifts year to year depending on how wet the Wet Season was. Check Main Roads Western Australia (mainroads.wa.gov.au) for current road conditions before you leave Derby — sections near creek crossings can stay closed weeks after the official 'open' date.
Do you need a permit to drive through King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park on this route?
No permit is required to transit the Gibb River Road through King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park. If you're camping within the park boundary rather than at Imintji or Mount House Station, DBCA fees apply — check parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au for current rates and any updated entry requirements.
What's the worst section between Imintji and Mount House Station and what does it actually feel like to drive it?
The rock bar crossings through the ranges are the hardest part — chunky ironstone shelves that punish anything not aired down and moving slowly. Corrugations between the rocky sections are relentless and will shake loose anything not strapped down tight. Budget more time than the distance suggests; 130 km can eat a full day if conditions are rough or you're towing.
How far is it from Derby to the start at Imintji, and is there fuel or water anywhere on this 130 km stretch?
Derby is roughly 290 km west of Imintji on the Gibb — fuel up fully before you leave town. Imintji Community Store has sold fuel historically but hours and availability are unreliable; do not count on it. Carry a minimum of 20 litres extra fuel and treat any creek water before drinking — there's no guaranteed potable water source between Imintji and Mount House Station.
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.