Gibb River Road — Derby to Kununurra via the Kimberley Gorge Country Full Traverse
660km of Kimberley dirt that earns every scar.
The Gibb River Road is the Kimberley’s backbone — a corrugated, dust-choked, river-laced corridor that runs 660km between Derby and Kununurra through some of the most remote cattle and gorge country on earth. Open since the 1960s as a beef road, it passes through the King Leopold Ranges, crosses the Lennard, Pentecost, and Durack rivers, and spurs off to gorges like Bell, Windjana, Galvans, Manning, and El Questro. The Pentecost River crossing near Home Valley Station is the Gibb’s defining moment — wide, rocky, and crocodile-inhabited, it can run thigh-deep in the Wet and will test your approach angle and your nerve in equal measure.
This is a serious remote track, not a Sunday drive. High-clearance 4WD is mandatory; a locking diff front and rear is strongly advised for the wet season fringe and deep crossings. Two spare tyres, a compressor, recovery gear, UHF radio, and a PLB are not optional. Fuel at Imintji, Mount Barnett, and Drysdale River stations — gaps exceed 250km. Run it May through September; the Wet closes crossings entirely. You’ll camp on station land (fees apply at most), swim in gorge pools, and by Kununurra you’ll have dirt in places you didn’t know existed. Worth every corrugation.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 410 mi / 660 km |
| Duration | 5-10 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1640 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with locking diffs |
| Nearest town | Derby, Western Australia |
| Land manager | Main Roads Western Australia / Shire of Derby-West Kimberley |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Main Roads WA — Gibb River Road Tourism WA trail overview |
| 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 lifted Prado or 4Runner handle the Gibb River Road, or do I need a purpose-built rig?
A high-clearance 4WD with locking diffs is the minimum — a stock Prado or 4Runner will struggle on the rougher corrugated sections and creek crossings. Lift, bash plates, and a dual battery setup aren't optional luxuries out here; they're what keeps you moving. Run at least one full-size spare, ideally two.
When does the Gibb River Road close, and what happens if you get caught by a wet season flood?
The road typically closes between October and April due to the wet season — crossings flood fast and roads become impassable. If you're caught mid-route during an unseasonable early wet, you can be stranded for days or weeks with no way out. Stick to May through September and check Main Roads WA road conditions before you leave Derby.
Are there permits or fees to drive the Gibb River Road itself?
The road itself is free and public, but many of the gorges, station stays, and side tracks require entry fees or permission from the station owners — El Questro, Bell Gorge, and Manning Gorge all charge access fees. Carry cash because EFTPOS doesn't exist out here. Respect station boundaries; trespassing on pastoral leases is taken seriously in the Kimberley.
What's the hardest section of the route and what should I actually expect?
The corrugations between Imintji and Drysdale River Station are relentless and will loosen every bolt on your rig if you push speed. Water crossings after Kalumburu Road junction can be thigh-deep during a wet shoulder season and hide sharp rocky bottoms. Check depth on foot before you drive it — crocs are present in most Kimberley waterways, so be quick and don't linger.
How far apart are fuel stops, and can I make it on a single tank?
Fuel is available at Imintji Store (roughly 300km from Derby) and Mount Barnett Roadhouse, but hours are limited and stock is not guaranteed — call ahead. The full traverse from Derby to Kununurra is 660km with significant detours to gorges, so a long-range tank or fuel jerry cans are essential. Plan on a minimum 700km fuel range to do this without anxiety.
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.