Gibb River Road — Adcock Gorge to Manning Gorge via Barnett River Station
Red dirt, river crossings, Kimberley gorges.
Between Adcock Gorge and Manning Gorge lies one of the Gibb River Road’s most satisfying middle stretches — remote enough to feel like you’ve earned it, but accessible enough to reward a well-prepared touring rig. From the Adcock River crossing, the corrugated red track winds northwest past Mount Barnett Station, where you can fuel up before the push to Manning Gorge. The Manning Creek crossing itself can run thigh-deep in the Wet season and still demands respect in the Dry — step it first. Manning Gorge is the payoff: a wide, deep swimming hole backed by ancient sandstone, accessed by a short walk from the camp.
This is genuine Kimberley driving — heavy corrugations, loose creek crossings, and sharp rocks that punish underinflated tyres. A minimum 200mm ground clearance with all-terrain rubber and dual spare tyres is non-negotiable. Fuel at Imintji and Mount Barnett; water is available at both stations. Best run May through September — outside those months the track closes and the crossings become dangerous. No permit required for the road, though Manning Gorge campsite charges a fee collected by Mount Barnett Station staff. Carry a sat comms device.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 54 mi / 87 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 980 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD, dual spare tyres |
| Nearest town | Fitzroy Crossing, WA |
| Land manager | Shire of Derby/West Kimberley; Mount Barnett Station |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | Tourism WA – Gibb River Road Main Roads WA Road Conditions |
| 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 Hilux or Patrol handle this section, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Hilux or Patrol is fine if it's in good mechanical shape. A lift helps but isn't mandatory — what matters more is having dual spare tyres, solid all-terrain rubber, and a snorkel if the Barnett River crossing is running high after rain.
When is this section of Gibb River Road passable, and what happens if I try it in the wet?
May through September is the window — the Kimberley wet season (October–April) turns this into a flood zone, the Barnett River crossing becomes impassable, and Mount Barnett Station closes the road entirely. Don't gamble with the shoulder months; check Main Roads WA conditions before you leave Fitzroy Crossing.
Do I need a permit to drive through or camp at Barnett River Station?
Yes. Mount Barnett Station charges an entry and camping fee — pay it at the station homestead. Manning Gorge camping is also fee-based and managed by the station. Adcock Gorge is roadside and free. Carry cash; there are no EFTPOS facilities out here.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually be ready for?
The Barnett River crossing is the crux — it can be axle-deep to door-deep depending on recent rainfall, with a rocky uneven bottom that will catch you off-guard if you cross too fast. The rest is corrugated dirt and loose gravel with occasional sharp-edged rock that eats sidewalls; slow down, watch your lines, and don't rush the 87 km.
How far is the nearest fuel from the Manning Gorge end, and is there any service along the way?
Mount Barnett Roadhouse (at the station) sells fuel — it's your only option on this stretch, and it's expensive. Stock up in Fitzroy Crossing or Derby before you head out, confirm the roadhouse is open before you arrive, and carry a minimum 20-litre jerry can as backup. There is zero cell service the entire route.
Trail track
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