Gibb River Road Dispersed Camping — Barnett River Gorge Area

Barnett River Gorge sits roughly at the halfway mark of the Gibb River Road — the Kimberley’s iconic 660 km red dirt highway — and is one of the most accessible dispersed stops along the run. Camp in the open near the gorge entrance on flat, cleared ground above the river bank. The swimming hole below is deep, clear, and cold. Saltwater crocs have not been recorded here historically but always check current NT/WA DPaW advice — it’s the Kimberley. No facilities. Generators and campfires in the dry season depend on current DPIRD restrictions.

The Gibb itself is corrugated hard in peak season (June-August) and can be 4WD-only after Wet season damage. Access to the gorge turn-off is unsigned — local knowledge and an offline Hema map are worth more than any app out here. Nearest fuel is Mt Barnett Roadhouse, roughly 8 km east — don’t skip it.

Kimberley gorge swimming at the Gibb's halfway mark.