Gibb River Road — El Questro to Kununurra via the Ord River and Keep River Corridor
Red pindan, croc water, and the Ord.
This is where the Gibb River Road shakes off its tourist veneer. After crossing the Pentecost, the track climbs onto the Cockburn Range’s eastern flank before descending toward El Questro Station and eventually threading through the Ord River floodplain toward Keep River National Park and Kununurra. The river crossings here — particularly the Pentecost at the wrong time of year — have swallowed vehicles whole. The Ord floodplain is saltwater croc country, so treat every waterway with respect. The route passes through extraordinary boab-studded savannah with sandstone escarpments in every direction.
A standard-clearance 4WD handles this in the dry season (May–October), but you need recovery gear, a snorkel is strongly advised, and fuel planning between El Questro and Kununurra is critical — it’s roughly 110 km with no services. Tyre damage on the corrugated pindan is common; carry two spares minimum. Cell coverage is essentially zero until you’re almost into Kununurra. This is a worthy finish to one of the world’s most celebrated outback drives.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 68 mi / 109 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1640 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance with snorkel |
| Nearest town | Kununurra, Western Australia |
| Land manager | Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | DBCA El Questro Park Info Tourism WA Gibb River Road |
| 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 Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner run this section without modifications?
Only if it has a snorkel — the water crossings on the Ord River corridor are non-negotiable and can exceed 600mm depending on the season. Stock suspension and clearance are borderline acceptable, but a lift helps. No snorkel, no go.
When does this section close, and is it driveable outside the May–October dry season?
The Wet season (November–April) makes most of this route impassable — crossings flood out, pindan clay turns to grease, and sections are formally closed. Stick to May through October; even early May and late October can catch you out after unseasonal rain.
Do I need a permit to drive through El Questro or camp along this corridor?
Yes — El Questro is a private pastoral station and charges an entry fee (currently around AUD $20 per person) to access the property. Keep River National Park at the eastern end requires a separate WA National Parks pass. Pay before you go; there's no one to collect at the gate on a bad day.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The river crossings on the descent off the Cockburn Range into the Ord basin are the crux — uneven rocky beds, variable depth, and real crocodile presence mean you scout every crossing on foot first, no exceptions. The pindan corrugations leading toward Kununurra aren't technical but will shake your gear loose if speeds aren't managed.
Are there any fuel or water resupply points along this 109km stretch?
There are zero fuel stops between El Questro Station and Kununurra — carry enough for the full run plus a buffer. Do not drink from the Ord River crossings; saltwater crocs and station runoff make it unsafe. Tank up on potable water at El Questro before you leave.
Trail track
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