Gibb River Road — Lennard River Gorge to Windjana Gorge via the Kimberley Limestone Ranges
Devonian reef, crocs, and the Kimberley wilds.
The stretch between Lennard River Gorge and Windjana Gorge on the Gibb River Road cuts through what was once a 350-million-year-old tropical reef, now lifted and carved into sheer limestone walls by the Lennard River. Windjana Gorge itself — sacred Bunuba country and the territory of the outlaw Jandamarra — forces you to wade knee-deep through the gorge to reach the far walls, where freshwater crocodiles sun themselves on the banks by the dozen. The track surface alternates between corrugated laterite and loose limestone rubble, with the Lennard River crossing requiring a proper read before committing — it can run thigh-deep after a wet season flush even well into June.
This is not a beginner run. A high-clearance 4WD with a snorkel and a spare or two is the minimum; a dual-battery setup for the heat and an UHF radio for the isolation are non-negotiables. Best season is May through September — the Kimberley wet makes this impassable from roughly November to March, and even early April can surprise you. Fuel up at Derby before you go and do not count on anything until Fitzroy Crossing. The gorge walk and the sheer quantity of freshwater crocs visible from the Windjana wall make this one of the genuinely wild places left in Australia.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 54 mi / 87 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1148 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with snorkel |
| Nearest town | Derby, WA |
| Land manager | Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions — Windjana Gorge National Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | DBCA Windjana Gorge NP page Tourism WA — 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 Land Cruiser without a snorkel handle this route?
No. The Lennard River crossing and other water crossings along this stretch can run deep enough to hydro-lock a non-snorkelled engine, especially mid-season. High clearance and a fitted snorkel are the minimum — not optional.
When does the Gibb River Road close and when is it actually driveable?
The Wet Season (October–April) regularly closes the Gibb entirely — floodwaters make crossings impassable and the road surface deteriorates badly. Stick to May through September; July and August are peak condition but also peak traffic.
Do you need a permit to camp at Windjana Gorge?
Yes. Windjana Gorge is a national park managed by DBCA and requires a paid camping permit booked through the Western Australia parks booking system. Don't show up without one — rangers patrol and issue fines.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The Lennard River crossing is the crux — it's wide, rocky-bottomed, and can have a strong current after recent rain. Walk it before you drive it, check depth at multiple lines, and watch for submerged rocks that will knock you off your chosen track mid-crossing.
How far is the nearest fuel stop and is 87km enough to worry about range?
Derby is your last reliable fuel before this route — roughly 100–120km from the Lennard River Gorge end depending on your approach. The 87km of trail itself isn't the range killer; it's the corrugated Gibb River Road kilometres getting in and out that add up fast, so top off in Derby every time.
Trail track
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