Gibb River Road — Pentecost River to Drysdale River Station via Mitchell Plateau Spur and Kalumburu Road Junction
The Kimberley's rawest gorge-and-bulldust run.
Cross the Pentecost River at low tide and you’ll understand immediately what the Kimberley demands of you. This central-to-far-north segment of the Gibb River Road runs roughly 420 km from Pentecost River Crossing — where the Home Valley Station track meets the main Gibb — northwest to the Kalumburu Road junction near the Drysdale River Station. Along the way you’ll pass Bachsten Camp, the turnoff to Mitchell Falls via the Mitchell Plateau Track, and the remote Drysdale River Station itself, one of the last fuel stops before the far north track to Kalumburu. Corrugations are relentless between stations, the bulldust holes are axle-deep after dry season traffic, and the Durack River crossings demand a proper read of the water before you commit.
This is Expert-level remote travel. A lifted 4WD with dual spare tyres, a complete recovery kit, and long-range fuel tanks is non-negotiable — Drysdale to Mitchell Falls return adds serious distance on poor track. The Gibb is generally open May through October; the Mitchell Plateau spur closes in the Wet entirely. No reliable cell service exists beyond the station HF radios. Carry minimum five days of water and food beyond your planned schedule. What you get in return: waterfalls at Manning Gorge, Mitchell Falls after the slog in, and a rawness that most of Australia’s well-signed tracks have long since lost.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 261 mi / 420 km |
| Duration | 5-8 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1200 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Lifted 4WD, long-range fuel, dual spares |
| Nearest town | Kununurra, Western Australia |
| Land manager | Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley / Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Tourism WA Gibb River Road guide DBCA Drysdale River National Park |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or Land Cruiser handle this without a lift?
Not reliably. The Pentecost and other river crossings can run thigh-deep or higher in the wet, and even in dry season the rocky creek beds and bulldust holes demand real clearance. A lifted 4WD with a snorkel is the minimum — no exceptions on this stretch.
When does the Gibb River Road close and when is it actually driveable?
The road typically closes June–October is peak season — May through October is your window. Outside that, the wet season turns crossings into genuinely dangerous flood events and many stations close their gates entirely. Check current conditions with the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley before you leave Kununurra, because 'technically open' and 'passable' aren't always the same thing.
Do I need permits to drive the Gibb and access the Mitchell Plateau spur?
No permit is needed for the main Gibb River Road itself, but Mitchell Plateau sits inside Mitchells Plateaux — Ngauwudu Management Area, and a free entry pass is required from DBCA. If you're passing through Aboriginal land on the Kalumburu Road, the Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation requires a separate permit — apply well in advance as approval isn't instant.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect there?
The Pentecost River crossing at the eastern end is the most notorious — fast-moving water over a rocky bottom with real crocodile presence, and it catches people out every season. The Mitchell Plateau spur road adds sharp rocky climbs and loose shale that punishes sidewalls. Expect to take it slow, air down to around 20 psi, and have both spares accessible, not buried under gear.
How far apart are fuel stops and is 130L enough to make it through?
Fuel is available at El Questro, Home Valley Station, and Drysdale River Station, but gaps between stops can exceed 300km on this route — and detours to Mitchell Plateau add significantly to that. A long-range tank or quality auxiliary setup is non-negotiable; 130L is workable if you're disciplined, but 150L+ gives you real margin in this country.
Trail track
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