Gibb River Road — Fitzroy Crossing to Mornington Wilderness Camp via Geikie Gorge and Tunnel Creek
Eastern Kimberley the hard way.
Most drivers hit the Gibb from Derby and call it done. Come in from Fitzroy Crossing instead and you earn your stripes through Geikie Gorge’s limestone walls before grinding north through Tunnel Creek — the Kimberley’s oldest known cave system, where you wade ankle-deep through bat-filled darkness to reach the other side. From there the corrugations begin in earnest as you push northwest toward Mornington Wilderness Camp, crossing the Fitzroy River tributaries at Dimond Gorge turnoff and navigating the unmarked station tracks that bleed off the main gravel spine. It’s roughly 260 kilometres of red bulldust, loose limestone, and creek crossings that demand your full attention.
You need a well-equipped 4WD — not a lifted show truck, a working one. Two full-size spares, recovery gear, 200-plus litres of fuel capacity (no bowsers between Fitzroy and Mornington), and enough water for three days if something goes sideways. Dry season only: May through September. The corrugations worsen by August but the creek levels are manageable. Mornington Camp is managed by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy — book ahead, it books out. Cell service disappears past Fitzroy. Carry a PLB. What you get is the real Kimberley: nobody’s Instagram reel, just gorges, red dust, and silence.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 162 mi / 260 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1050 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance, dual spare |
| Nearest town | Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia |
| Land manager | Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions / Australian Wildlife Conservancy |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | DBCA Geikie Gorge NP page Mornington Wilderness Camp — AWC |
| 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 Land Cruiser 200 or Patrol handle this, or does it need a lift?
A stock 200 Series or GU Patrol with factory high clearance will manage, but it's tight on some of the rocky creek crossings and corrugated sections. A 2-inch lift and proper all-terrain tyres make a real difference — running street rubber out here is asking for trouble. Dual spares are non-negotiable on this stretch.
When is the road closed and can you drive it in the wet season?
The Gibb River Road typically closes between November and April due to monsoonal flooding — creek crossings become impassable and sections of the road wash out entirely. The window is May to September, with June through August being the most reliable. Always check current conditions with Main Roads WA before you leave Fitzroy Crossing.
Do you need permits to enter Mornington Wilderness Camp or Tunnel Creek?
Tunnel Creek National Park requires a DBCA entry fee, currently part of the Western Australia national parks pass system — buy it online or at a DBCA office before you go. Mornington Wilderness Camp is managed by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and requires a separate booking and entry fee; walk-ins are not guaranteed a site. Sort both before you leave Fitzroy Crossing.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The corrugations between Fitzroy Crossing and the Tunnel Creek turnoff are relentless and will shake your gear loose if it isn't strapped properly — that's where most mechanical failures happen, not on the technical sections. Creek crossings after rain can run fast and deep with no warning, and there's no one coming to help. Walk every crossing before you drive it.
How much fuel do I need to carry and where can I top up along the way?
There is no fuel available between Fitzroy Crossing and Mornington — 260 km of nothing. Carry enough to do the full stretch plus a buffer; Mornington Wilderness Camp does not sell fuel to drive-in visitors. Fill completely in Fitzroy Crossing and plan your consumption conservatively, especially if you're running a rooftop tent, fridge, and heavily loaded rig.
Trail track
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