Gibb River Road — Adcock Gorge to Bell Gorge via Barnett River and Beverley Springs Station
Kimberley gorges, corrugations, and one big river.
Pull out of Adcock Gorge with its fig-draped plunge pool behind you and point the bonnet west toward Bell Gorge — the Gibb doesn’t let you coast. The Barnett River crossing at Mount Barnett Station (one of the only fuel stops in the region, so fill up) can run knee-deep in the dry season and chest-deep after a late storm. Beverley Springs Station sits roughly midway and offers a rare homestead contact point before the track spills into the King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park approach to Bell Gorge, where a short walk drops you into one of the Kimberley’s genuinely spectacular tiered falls.
This is a Difficult-rated corrugated dirt and rock crossing requiring a well-prepared 4WD with dual spare tyres, recovery gear, and long-range fuel. The Gibb is manageable for stock high-clearance 4WDs with proper preparation, but loaded trailers take a hammering. Dry season only — June through September. The road becomes impassable mud in the wet. No permits needed beyond the national park day-use fee at Bell Gorge. Nearest fuel and resupply: Mount Barnett Roadhouse. Cell service is effectively zero end to end — carry a satellite communicator.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 155 mi / 249 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1150 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with dual spares and long-range fuel |
| Nearest town | Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia |
| Land manager | Shire of Derby/West Kimberley; DBCA Western Australia (King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | DBCA King Leopold Ranges Park Page Tourism WA Gibb River Road 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
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Prado or 4Runner handle this stretch, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get through, but the rocky creek crossings and washouts between Barnett River and Beverley Springs will punish low-hanging gear. Bash plates, dual spares, and a snorkel are not optional — they're survival gear on this section. A lift helps, but preparation matters more than inches.
When does this section of the Gibb River Road close, and is June actually dry enough?
The road typically closes November through April due to wet season flooding — some years it stays shut into May. June is generally safe and the gorge pools are full without being dangerous. July–August is peak season with cooler temps; September gets hot fast and some water holes dry up.
Do I need a permit to camp at Bell Gorge or pass through Beverley Springs Station?
Bell Gorge sits inside King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park — you'll pay a standard DBCA park entry fee (currently AUD $15/vehicle/day). Beverley Springs is a working station; a transit and camping fee applies, paid directly to the station. Check current rates before you leave because these change seasonally.
What's the hardest part of this route and what should I actually expect?
The Barnett River crossing is the crux — after any recent rain it runs fast, is rocky on the approach, and has a nasty exit angle that will high-centre a poorly driven rig. Beyond that, the corrugations between Beverley Springs and Bell Gorge are relentless and will shake loose anything not properly secured. Walk crossings before you drive them.
How far is it between fuel stops, and is there any resupply along this stretch?
There is no fuel between Fitzroy Crossing and the Gibb River Road's eastern end at Wyndham — plan for 600+ km between reliable bowsers. Mount Barnett Roadhouse (roughly mid-Gibb) is the only fuel option near this route and it runs out; carry a minimum 200L total capacity. There is zero cell service, no stores, and no help without a PLB or sat phone.
Trail track
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