Gibb River Road — Lennard River to Adcock Gorge via the Kimberley Ranges Spine
Bulldust, crossings, and gorge-country solitude.
Push east out of Derby on the Gibb and by the time you hit the Lennard River low-water crossing you already know this isn’t a highway holiday. The Lennard crossing sits at roughly the 43-kilometre mark and can run thigh-deep after any Top End storm — the current is deceptive and the bottom is uneven rock and sand. From there the track climbs into the King Leopold Ranges through the Inglis Gap, a place where the red quartzite walls close in and corrugations beat the fillings out of your teeth. Adcock Gorge camp at the far end is the reward: a cold freshwater plunge pool under a paperback fig canopy, rarely more than a handful of rigs sharing it mid-week.
This section is rated moderate-to-difficult and earns that label honestly — soft sand approaches to creek crossings, loose rock climbs, and the ever-present bulldust holes demand a well-set-up 4WD with a minimum of 200mm clearance, recovery gear, and two spare tyres. Run it May through September only; the Lennard River becomes impassable in the Wet and the station tracks either close or disappear. Fuel and water both require planning: Derby or Fitzroy Crossing are your bookends, and there’s nothing in between. Dispersed camping is available at Adcock Gorge on a self-registration basis. Cell service is essentially zero from Lennard River to Adcock.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 87 mi / 140 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1450 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance with recovery gear |
| Nearest town | Derby, Western Australia |
| Land manager | Shire of Derby-West Kimberley / Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | DBCA Gibb River Road info Tourism WA Gibb River Road |
| 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 handle this section of the Gibb without a lift?
A stock 200 Series or 150 Prado can manage it, but you'll want at minimum all-terrain tyres and a full recovery kit — snatch strap, hi-lift, and a shovel. The bulldust holes and rocky creek crossings punish anything with low clearance or road rubber, and there's no one coming to help you quickly out here.
When does this section of the Gibb River Road close, and is it accessible in the Wet?
The Gibb effectively closes during the Wet Season (October–April) due to flooding, impassable creek crossings, and road deterioration. Stick strictly to May through September — even early May can see surprise closures if the Wet runs late.
Do you need a permit to drive the Gibb River Road through this section?
No permit is required to drive the Gibb River Road itself. If you're entering any gorge reserves or station properties along the way, some charge a day-use or camping fee — carry cash, as there are no EFTPOS facilities anywhere near this stretch.
What's the hardest section between Lennard River and Adcock Gorge?
The creek crossings through the King Leopold Ranges spine are where rigs get into trouble — water depth varies wildly by season and recent rain, and the rocky exits are steep and loose. Walk every crossing before you commit, and watch for soft bulldust on the approaches that can bog you before you even hit the water.
How much fuel do I need to carry, and is there any between Derby and Adcock Gorge?
There is no reliable fuel on this 140km stretch — the nearest town is Derby to the west. Carry enough for at least 300–400km of range given low speeds, 4WD use, and possible detours; a jerry can is not optional on this run.
Trail track
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