Gibb River Road — Imintji to Bell Gorge via Silent Grove and King Leopold Ranges Central Traverse
Gorge swimming earned the hard way.
Pull off the bitumen at Imintji Store — last fuel for a long stretch — and the Kimberley swallows you whole. This central segment of the Gibb runs southwest through the King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park, dropping into Silent Grove campground before the spur track to Bell Gorge kicks in. Bell is the payoff: a two-tiered waterfall hammering into a deep swimming hole, surrounded by orange sandstone walls. The track itself is classic Gibb — bulldust patches, sharp corrugations that rattle fillings loose, and creek crossings that vary dramatically depending on the season. The Lennard River crossing between Silent Grove and Bell Gorge can run knee-deep or axle-deep; check with the Imintji Community store before you commit.
This is genuine high-clearance 4WD country. A locked rear diff and at minimum 265mm tyres are non-negotiable; a dual-battery setup for fridge power is assumed. The track is closed during the wet season (roughly November through April) — DPaW enforces this and locals know why. Run it May through September for reliable crossings and manageable dust. Carry 40 litres of water minimum per person beyond your fridge stock. Cell service is zero from Imintji to Bell Gorge. The reward is one of the most iconic gorge camps in Australia, and you’ll earn every metre of it.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 47 mi / 75.6 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1148 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with locking diff |
| Nearest town | Derby, Western Australia |
| Land manager | WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DPaW) — King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | DPaW King Leopold Ranges Park Page DPaW Bell Gorge Campsite Info |
| 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 lifted Prado or 4Runner handle this, or do I actually need lockers?
A high-clearance 4WD with a locking diff is the minimum — not a suggestion. The King Leopold Ranges section throws up loose shale climbs, off-camber ledges, and creek crossings where a locker earns its keep. A stock lifted Prado might squeak through in dry conditions, but if it rains or you hit the crossings running higher than usual, you'll want that rear locker engaged.
When does the Gibb River Road actually close, and is this section accessible in the wet season?
The Gibb closes seasonally — typically October through April — due to flooding and impassable creek crossings. This stretch through the King Leopold Ranges is one of the first sections to cut off. Stick to May through September; anything outside that window is a gamble with crocodile-inhabited floodwater and zero rescue infrastructure.
Do I need a permit to camp at Bell Gorge or drive through King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park?
Yes. You need a valid park pass for King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park, and Bell Gorge campsite requires a separate campsite booking through DPaW. Book well ahead — Bell Gorge fills fast during peak season (June–August). Check https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/bell-gorge for current fees and booking availability.
What's the hardest section on this traverse and what specifically makes it difficult?
The King Leopold Ranges central crossing is the crux — tight switchbacks over loose shale, steep descents with minimal margin for error, and no room to pass oncoming vehicles on some pinch points. It's not technical in the rock-crawling sense, but the combination of surface instability, exposure, and remoteness (zero cell service, long recovery distances) is what earns this route its 'difficult' rating.
How much water and fuel do I need to carry for this stretch?
Fuel up fully in Derby before you leave — there's no reliable fuel between Derby and Fitzroy Crossing on this route, and the detour into Imintji Store (if it's even open) shouldn't be your plan A. Carry a minimum 80–100 litres of fuel and at least 20 litres of drinking water per person; creek water is present but treat everything given livestock and croc activity upstream.
Trail track
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