Gibb River Road — Mornington Wilderness Camp to Silent Grove via the Fitzroy Crossing Connector
Kimberley corrugations with zero mercy.
The stretch linking Mornington Wilderness Camp southwest toward Silent Grove and the Fitzroy Crossing connector puts you deep in the Leopold Ranges, where the track chews through pindan scrub, drops into creek beds with no warning, and occasionally disappears into the Adcock River. Mornington itself — run by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy — is one of the Kimberley’s best bush camps, and leaving it south toward Fitzroy Crossing means trading the gorge-hopping tourist loop for genuine isolation. The corrugations here can be savage after a dry season of road train traffic, and the river crossings at Adcock and lower Barnett tributaries read shallow on the map but hide soft sand that’ll swallow an unprepared rig.
This is Moderate to Difficult territory depending on recent rainfall and grading cycles. Minimum requirement is a high-clearance 4WD with a dual-battery system, UHF radio, and at minimum 80 litres of extra fuel — the run from Mornington to Fitzroy Crossing has no fuel along route. Best run May through September in the dry season; wet season closures are non-negotiable. Permits are required to pass through Mornington AWC property — book ahead. What you get out of this run is the Kimberley without the crowds: wedge-tail eagles, rock wallabies, and gorges you’ll share with nobody.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 112 mi / 180 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1150 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with dual battery and long-range fuel |
| Nearest town | Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia |
| Land manager | Australian Wildlife Conservancy / Shire of Derby-West Kimberley |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | AWC Mornington Sanctuary 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 Hilux or Prado handle this section of the Gibb, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD can manage it, but you'll want a minimum of all-terrain tyres, a dual battery setup, and a long-range tank — the corrugations alone will shake loose anything poorly maintained. A 2-inch lift gives you meaningful margin on the creek crossings. Roof-mounted or properly secured gear is non-negotiable; the corrugations destroy loose loads.
When do the river crossings become impassable and is May really safe to start?
The Gibb typically opens to 4WDs in late April or May after the Wet Season subsides, but crossing depths vary year to year — check with the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley before you leave. May is generally safe but early-season crossings can still run deep and fast. By June through September conditions are most reliable.
Do I need a permit to access Mornington Wilderness Camp and drive through AWC land?
Yes — Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary is managed by Australian Wildlife Conservancy and entry requires a booking and fee through AWC directly. You cannot free-camp or self-access AWC land without prior arrangement. The connector route outside sanctuary boundaries falls under Shire of Derby-West Kimberley jurisdiction, no additional permit required.
What's the hardest section of this route and what actually makes it technical?
The brutality here isn't one obstacle — it's sustained. Deep corrugations across red dirt roads cause overheating, loosened fittings, and tyre damage over hours, not minutes. River crossings between Mornington and Silent Grove can run thigh-deep in early season with soft, uneven creek beds that punish underprepared vehicles. Keep speeds controlled on the corrugations — pushing through them fast destroys suspension and creates dangerous instability.
How far is the nearest fuel and can I complete this 180km stretch without a long-range tank?
Fitzroy Crossing is your closest reliable fuel stop, roughly 100km from the southern end of this route — but there is no fuel at Mornington or Silent Grove. A standard tank on most 4WDs won't cover the full route plus buffer; a long-range tank or quality jerry cans are required. Don't count on fuel at remote stations along the way — they may be closed or out of stock.
Trail track
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