Gibb River Road — Mitchell Falls Spur via King Edward River and Drysdale River Station (Northern Kimberley Remote Spur)
The Gibb's hardest detour. Earn your swim.
Most people drive the Gibb River Road and call it done. The ones who turn north at the Mitchell Falls junction are doing something different. The 162-kilometre spur to Mitchell Falls Campground threads through Kamburu (Mitchell River) National Park via the King Edward River crossing and past Drysdale River Station — the last fuel stop and a rough one at that. The King Edward River crossing is tidal-influenced and has caught rigs off-guard; timing and vehicle clearance matter here. Mitchell Falls itself (Punamii-unpuu) is a four-tiered cascade dropping into a deep plunge pool on Wunambal Gaambera Country, and the walk in from the campsite takes 90 minutes each way over sandstone. Most of the drive out here is corrugated red dirt that loosens bolts and rattles fillings.
This is not the Gibb’s hardest segment, but it is its most isolated. A breakdown past Drysdale River Station is a multi-day event. Minimum vehicle is a capable 4WD with good clearance, long-range fuel (carry 80 litres extra from Derby), and a UHF radio at minimum — satellite communicator is the smart call. Dry season only: June through September. Camping at Mitchell Falls requires advance booking through DBCA Western Australia. Flies are relentless. The payoff — swimming above a four-tiered Kimberley waterfall with almost no one around — is worth every corrugation.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 101 mi / 162 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1020 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Capable 4WD, high clearance, long-range fuel essential |
| Nearest town | Kalumburu, Western Australia |
| Land manager | WA Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) — Kamburu (Mitchell River) National Park |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | DBCA — Mitchell River National Park Tourism WA — Mitchell Falls |
| Verified | |
| 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
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Frequently asked questions
Can a standard GX470 or lifted 4Runner handle this spur, or do I need a purpose-built rig?
A capable, high-clearance 4WD with a solid snorkel and bash plates will get through, but this isn't a stock street truck trail. The King Edward River crossing alone can run thigh-deep in the dry season — low-range, diff locks, and a recovery kit are non-negotiable, not optional extras.
What's the access window and what happens if you try it outside June–September?
The wet season (October–May) closes this spur completely — the crossings become impassable and sections of the track wash out entirely. Outside the dry window, you're not just risking a tough drive; you're risking being stranded for days with no cell service and no help nearby.
Do I need a permit to drive into Mitchell River National Park and camp here?
Yes — a DBCA park entry and camping permit is required for Mitchell River (Kamburu) National Park. Book through the Parks and Wildlife WA online system before you leave; there's zero connectivity on the spur to sort it out on the fly.
What's the hardest section, and what should I actually expect when I hit it?
The King Edward River crossing is the crux — uneven rock bottom, varying depth, and no winch anchor points nearby if you bury it mid-river. Beyond that, expect relentless corrugations, sharp rock sections that punish sidewalls, and loose gravel descents that will test your braking control on the way toward the Drysdale stretch.
How much fuel do I need, and is there any chance to resupply between the Gibb turnoff and Mitchell Falls?
There is no fuel on this spur — Drysdale River Station sometimes stocks fuel but supply is unreliable, so treat it as a bonus only. From the Gibb River Road turnoff to Mitchell Falls and back is roughly 320km round trip; carry a minimum 50-litre auxiliary tank on top of a full main tank, or you're gambling.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.