Gibb River Road — Pentecost River to Mitchell Falls via King Edward River and Drysdale River Station (Northern Kimberley Spur)
Crocs, cascades, and Kimberley wilderness.
When you turn north off the Gibb onto the Kalumburu Road past Drysdale River Station, the corrugations get worse, the stations disappear, and Mitchell Falls — one of Australia’s most spectacular four-tiered cascades — sits at the end of a rough 12km spur track that’ll shake loose anything not bolted down tight. The Drysdale River crossing is the big one: chest-deep in the wet, still thigh-deep in the dry, with saltwater crocs holding permanent residency. King Edward River crossing demands a scout before you commit. The 257km Kalumburu Road from the Gibb junction to Mitchell Plateau is remote enough that a breakdown mid-route is a multiday problem.
This is Expert territory — locked diffs, good ground clearance, and a snorkel are not optional given the crossings. Run it May through September only; the Kalumburu Road closes in the wet and the crossings become genuinely dangerous. Carry 60-plus litres of fuel for the Mitchell Plateau spur and back, and pack your own water. A Parks pass is required at Mitchell Falls. Satellite communicator is non-negotiable out here. What you get at the end: four tiers of falls, ochre sandstone gorges, and Wandjina rock art sites that most Australians will never see in their lifetime.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 160 mi / 257 km |
| Duration | 4-6 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 980 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Lifted 4WD with snorkel and locking diffs |
| Nearest town | Kununurra, Western Australia |
| Land manager | Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | DBCA Mitchell River National Park 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 Hilux or Prado handle this route, or do I actually need lockers and a snorkel?
A stock Hilux or Prado will get you killed by complacency here. You need a snorkel, raised air intake, and locking diffs minimum — the King Edward and Pentecost crossings run deep and the tracks off the Gibb toward Drysdale and Mitchell Falls have serious bog and rock sections that will punish open diffs. Lift and a good set of all-terrains are not optional.
When does the track close and when is it actually driveable?
May through September is your window — the Wet season (October to April) closes most of this route entirely due to flooding, impassable crossings, and road washouts. Even early May can be dicey depending on how the Wet finished; check current conditions with DBCA and Drysdale River Station before you leave Kununurra.
Do I need permits to drive to Mitchell Falls and camp through this section?
Yes — Mitchell River National Park requires a park entry fee and a camping permit booked through the DBCA online system before you arrive. Drysdale River Station is private property and charges separately for transit and camping. Don't show up without booking; spots are limited and rangers check.
What's the hardest section on this route and what should I actually expect?
The King Edward River crossing is where rigs get swallowed — it's wide, rocky-bottomed, and croc country, so you walk it first, check depth, and commit fast. Beyond that, the track into Mitchell Falls is deeply corrugated, badly rutted in places, and has tight creek crossings with soft exits that will bury you if you're moving slow. Expect at least one recovery situation per group over 4-6 days.
How far is the fuel range between stops, and is there anywhere to resupply between Kununurra and Mitchell Falls?
Drysdale River Station is your only fuel stop on this spur — it's roughly 130km from the Gibb River Road turnoff and sells diesel at remote-area prices. Carry a minimum of 200 liters total capacity; there is zero fuel at Mitchell Falls or anywhere between Drysdale and the end of the track. Cell service is completely absent the entire route, so your sat comms device is not a luxury.
Trail track
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