Gibb River Road — Imintji to Adcock Gorge via Barnett River and Mount Elizabeth Station Junction
Kimberley corrugations, gorges, and cattle dust.
Between Imintji Community store — one of only two fuel stops on the Gibb — and the turn-off to Adcock Gorge lies a stretch of the Kimberley that most people drive through with their eyes half-closed from vibration. Don’t. The Barnett River crossing is a legitimate water crossing after early rains, the junction to Mount Elizabeth Station signals you’re deep into working cattle country, and Manning Gorge — a short detour east off the main track — delivers a swimming hole backed by ancient sandstone that rivals anything in the national park system. Midday light on those walls is something you don’t forget.
The road surface here is classic Gibb: bulldust pockets hiding sharp corrugations, loose gravel on camber, and creek crossings that vary wildly season to season. A high-clearance 4WD with a full-size spare is the minimum — two spares is smarter. Fuel at Imintji before you leave; the next reliable stop is Mount Barnett Roadhouse east of Manning Gorge. The window is June through September; anything outside that and you’re gambling with flood closures. Cell service vanishes completely. Dispersed camping is available at Manning Gorge through the Kupungarri community. This segment rewards slow travel and punishes hurry.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 112 mi / 180 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1640 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with two spare tyres |
| Nearest town | Fitzroy Crossing, WA |
| Land manager | Shire of Derby–West Kimberley / Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Kimberley road guide (Tourism WA) Main Roads WA road conditions |
| Verified | |
| 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 200 Series LandCruiser handle this stretch of Gibb River Road without a lift?
Yes, a stock 200 Series is fine here — factory clearance is adequate. The bigger issue is tyre choice and carrying two full-size spares; corrugations and sharp ironstone gravel shred tyres fast on this section.
When does the Gibb River Road close, and is June too early to attempt it?
The road typically closes November through April during the wet season, sometimes longer depending on flood damage. June is solidly within the dry season and one of the best months to run it — creek levels are manageable and the dust hasn't reached peak insanity yet.
Do I need a permit to drive through or camp on this section near Mount Elizabeth Station?
No permit is required to drive the Gibb River Road itself. If you intend to access Mount Elizabeth Station or camp on private pastoral land, you'll need prior permission from the station — contact them directly before assuming access.
What's the hardest part of this 180 km stretch and what actually makes it difficult?
The corrugations are continuous and brutal — they're the primary challenge, not technical obstacles. The Barnett River crossing can have slippery, submerged rock shelves after any late-season rain; check the approach angle carefully before committing, as recovery out here takes time with no phone service.
How much fuel range do I need between Imintji and Adcock Gorge, and is there any resupply?
Imintji Store sells fuel and is your last reliable stop before this section — fill completely there. There's no fuel between Imintji and the Adcock Gorge area, so you need a minimum 250 km range to run it comfortably with detours; a long-range tank or jerry cans are standard practice out here.
Trail track
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