Gibb River Road — Derby to Kununurra via the Kimberley Gorge Country (King Leopold Ranges, Dry Season, Mitchell Plateau Spur)
The Kimberley at full volume.
The Gibb cuts across the ancient Kimberley plateau from Derby to Kununurra, threading through the King Leopold Ranges and passing turnoffs for Bell Gorge, Manning Gorge, Barnett River, and the long Mitchell Plateau spur to Mitchell Falls — arguably the most spectacular waterfall in Western Australia. River crossings at the Pentecost and Durack define the trip; in a wet year the Pentecost alone has stopped convoy after convoy. The road surface alternates between corrugated gravel, bulldust holes, and sharp ironstone that will chew through budget tyres in an afternoon.
This is a Difficult to Expert run depending on conditions and how far up the Mitchell Plateau spur you go. A true dual-cab 4WD with a snorkel, rated recovery points, and at minimum one full-size spare (two is smarter) is the floor. Fuel is available at Imintji, Mount Barnett, and El Questro, but carry a 60-litre auxiliary minimum. The road is open May through October — attempting it in the wet is a survival exercise, not a holiday. Permits required for certain Aboriginal Land Trust properties along the route. What you get for the effort: gorge swims, ancient boab trees, zero mobile coverage, and the quiet understanding that you are genuinely far from help.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 410 mi / 660 km |
| Duration | 7-14 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1640 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance with snorkel |
| Nearest town | Derby, WA |
| Land manager | Main Roads Western Australia / Shire of Derby-West Kimberley |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Main Roads WA – Gibb River Road Kimberley Australia Travel Info |
| 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 4WD handle the Gibb River Road, or do I need serious mods?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will struggle on the rougher sections, especially the Mitchell Plateau spur and creek crossings after rain. At minimum you need a snorkel, all-terrain tyres, and a solid spare setup — two spares is standard practice out here. Lift and underbody protection aren't mandatory but you'll wish you had them on the corrugated creek approaches.
When is the Gibb River Road actually open and passable?
Dry season only — May through October is your window. The Wet (November–April) closes large sections entirely due to flooding, and even fringe-season trips in April or November can get you stranded if a late storm rolls through. Check Main Roads WA road conditions before you leave Derby, every single time.
Do I need a permit to drive the Gibb River Road or camp along it?
The main Gibb itself doesn't require a permit, but accessing station stays, gorges on private pastoral leases (like Mornington or El Questro), and the Mitchell Plateau requires either entry fees or paid permits — the plateau sits within Ngauwudu Management Area and has a fee-based permit system through the Kimberley Land Council. Budget for multiple entry fees across the route, not just one.
What's the hardest section of the route and what should I expect?
The Mitchell Plateau spur (Kalumburu Road turnoff to the plateau) is consistently the roughest — loose rock, deep bulldust holes, steep pinch points, and creek crossings that demand real 4WD skill and a snorkel. The King Leopold Ranges section also throws serious corrugations and tight gorge creek crossings at you. Slow is fast out here; high-speed corrugation travel destroys vehicles and tyres.
How much fuel range do I need, and where can I actually fill up along the 660km route?
Fuel is available at a handful of stations along the way — Imintji Store, Mount Barnett Roadhouse, and Drysdale River Station are the main stops — but hours are limited, supplies run out, and nothing is guaranteed. Carry a minimum 200-litre total fuel capacity (main tank plus jerry cans) and treat every fill opportunity as mandatory. Don't gamble on the next stop being open.
Trail track
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