Gibb River Road — Beverley Springs to Drysdale River Station via Mitchell Plateau Spur
The Kimberley at full throttle — no exits.
North of Beverley Springs Station, the Gibb River Road transforms from a tough track into something genuinely unforgiving. The Mitchell Plateau turn-off at Kalumburu Road junction is your last reliable decision point before committing north toward Drysdale River Station — one of the most isolated outposts in the Kimberley. The Barnett River, Carson River, and a string of unnamed creek crossings sit between you and the station, and in the Wet they’re impassable. On the plateau spur itself, basalt rock, deep sand bogs, and the permanent Mitchell Falls trailhead crossing at King Edward River make this the technical crux of the entire Kimberley crossing. The reward is the four-tiered Mitchell Falls — Punamii-Unpuu — one of Australia’s great waterfalls, reachable only by foot from the plateau camp.
Rated difficult to expert depending on season and creek levels. You need a capable 4WD with a snorkel, minimum two spare tyres, and long-range fuel — Drysdale River Station sells fuel but don’t bet your trip on stock levels. The window is May to September; October onwards the creek crossings become genuine risks. Carry at least five days of water and food past Beverley Springs. Satellite communicator is non-negotiable. This is the Kimberley at full volume — remote, stunning, and completely indifferent to your schedule.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed, Rock, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 155 mi / 249 km |
| Duration | 3-5 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1148 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Capable 4WD with snorkel and long-range fuel |
| Nearest town | Derby, WA |
| Land manager | Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions / Drysdale River Station |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | DBCA Mitchell River National Park Australia's Outback Gibb River Road guide |
| 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 does it need to be built?
Stock high-clearance 4WDs will struggle — this section demands a snorkel as a minimum non-negotiable due to deep creek crossings, and a suspension lift helps significantly on the rocky Mitchell Plateau spur. Underbody protection and a second spare are not optional out here.
When is this section of the Gibb actually driveable?
May through September only. The Kimberley wet season (October–April) closes creek crossings completely and turns the track into impassable bog — some years crossings remain dangerous well into May. Don't try to push the shoulder seasons on this stretch.
Do you need permits to drive through or camp on this route?
The Mitchell Plateau spur runs through Mitchell River National Park, which requires a park entry fee via the DBCA. Drysdale River Station is private — you'll need to arrange access or an overnight stop directly with the station. No permit is needed for the Gibb itself but check current DBCA requirements before you go.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it gnarly?
The Mitchell Plateau spur is where rigs get hurt — sharp ironstone rock shreds tyres, the track narrows through dense scrub, and there's no alternate line when things go wrong. The creek crossings before the plateau can run thigh-deep after recent rain and have soft, rutted approaches that will high-centre an unprepared vehicle.
How much fuel do you need to carry between Beverley Springs and Drysdale River Station?
Fuel is available at Drysdale River Station but there is zero supply between Beverley Springs and there — budget for at least 400km of fuel capacity given detours, low-range crawling, and the plateau spur. Long-range tanks or jerry cans are mandatory; running out here means a very long, very expensive wait for help.
Trail track
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