Gibb River Road — Mornington to Fitzroy Crossing via the Central Kimberley Gorge Country
Corrugations, crossings, Kimberley red dirt.
The Gibb River Road’s central stretch between Mornington Wilderness Camp and Fitzroy Crossing is where the track earns its reputation. You’re rolling across the Kimberley Plateau on red corrugated dirt, punching through the Fitzroy River drainage network where crossings can run thigh-deep mid-season. Mornington itself — run by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy — sits at the confluence of the Fitzroy and Annie Creek, and the drive out east toward Fitzroy Crossing passes through open savanna, boab country, and volcanic ridge lines that rise without warning. Watch the Adcock Gorge junction — it’s unsigned, and easy to blow past at speed.
This is a legitimate Difficult run. Corrugations will shake loose anything not properly secured, and the Fitzroy River crossings are real — check levels before you commit. You need a 4WD with high clearance, a snorkel if you’re going mid-season, recovery gear, and minimum 80L of extra fuel. No fuel between Mornington and Fitzroy Crossing. Best season is May through September — outside that window the crossings close or become impassable. The payoff is genuine Kimberley wilderness with almost no one else on the road.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 155 mi / 249 km |
| Duration | 2-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 820 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high clearance, snorkel recommended |
| Nearest town | Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia |
| Land manager | Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | DBCA Gibb River Road info 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 Land Cruiser or Patrol handle this stretch without modifications?
A stock 200 Series or Y62 Patrol will manage, but a snorkel is strongly recommended given the river crossings. Lift and all-terrain tires aren't mandatory but the corrugations are brutal on factory suspension — expect to lose nuts and bolts if your rig hasn't been properly checked and tightened down before you leave.
Is this section of the Gibb passable outside of May to September?
Hard no. The wet season (October through April) closes river crossings and renders large sections impassable — some crossings become fast-moving flood channels several metres deep. Check DBCA road condition reports before committing, even in shoulder months like April and October when conditions can flip fast.
Do I need a permit to drive through Mornington or camp along this route?
The Mornington Wilderness Camp sits on Australian Wildlife Conservancy land and requires a paid booking to access or camp there — you can't just pass through without permission. The rest of the corridor falls under WA state jurisdiction with no route permit required, but respect any station or private land gates you encounter.
What's the worst section to actually drive — where do things get real?
The corrugations are relentless across the full 249km and will shake gear loose, crack brackets, and fatigue drivers faster than any single obstacle. River crossings vary by season but can reach wheel-arch depth after recent rain — walk them first, check the exit bank, and don't assume yesterday's conditions hold today.
How much fuel do I need to carry, and is there any resupply between Mornington and Fitzroy Crossing?
There is no fuel between Mornington Station and Fitzroy Crossing on this route — carry enough for at least 350–400km to account for corrugation fuel burn, which is significantly higher than highway driving. Fitzroy Crossing has fuel and basic supplies, but don't count on anything in between.
Trail track
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