Gibb River Road — Silent Grove to Adcock Gorge via King Leopold Ranges and Lennard River
Limestone gorges and corrugations in the Kimberley.
Pull out of Silent Grove and the Gibb starts earning its reputation fast. The King Leopold Ranges loom ahead — a billion-year-old sandstone barrier that splits the Kimberley in two. This segment grinds northwest through corrugated pindan, drops into the Lennard River crossing, and punches up through limestone ridge country before reaching Adcock Gorge, where a short walk drops you into a palm-fringed slot with permanent water. The gorge itself is tucked inside Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge country — one of the Kimberley’s quieter corners, which tells you something given how remote the whole region is. Distance is roughly 120 km but budget the full day; the corrugations and river levels dictate pace, not your itinerary.
Dry season only — June through September. Any water on the Lennard after rain turns it into a genuine obstacle; check levels before you leave Fitzroy Crossing. A capable 4WD with a snorkel, good AT tyres, and a full-size spare minimum. Roof tent or swag gear; no powered sites. Fuel at Mount Hart is not guaranteed — top up in Derby. Cell coverage is nonexistent. The reward is a Kimberley gorge walk with almost nobody else in it.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 75 mi / 120 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1640 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Capable 4WD with snorkel and high clearance |
| Nearest town | Derby, 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 Lennard Gorge Park Page 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 Landcruiser 200 Series handle this stretch without a lift?
A stock 200 Series will struggle — the Lennard River crossing and rocky King Leopold Range sections demand genuine high clearance and a snorkel is non-negotiable when water levels are up. A mild lift and all-terrain tyres make a real difference. If you're running a standard road-clearance 4WD, stay home.
When does this section of the Gibb River Road close for the wet season?
Typically closes November through April when the Wet hits and the Lennard River and creek crossings become impassable or genuinely dangerous. June to September is the reliable window — the Kimberley Wet doesn't negotiate. Always check current road conditions with the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley before you leave.
Do you need a permit to camp at Silent Grove or Lennard Gorge?
Yes — both Silent Grove and Lennard Gorge fall under DBCA management and require a park pass. Grab a Western Australian national parks pass online or at a regional DBCA office before you head out; there's no ranger station on-site to buy one from.
What's the hardest section on this route and what does it actually involve?
The descent through the King Leopold Ranges toward the Lennard River is the crux — loose rock, steep shelf road, and a river crossing that can run thigh-deep into September depending on the season. The corrugations leading in will shake bolts loose before you even get there, so check your gear security before the run.
Is there any place to get fuel or water between Silent Grove and Adcock Gorge?
No fuel and no reliable treated water for the entire 120km — carry a minimum 200 litres of water for a two-person trip and tank up completely in Derby before departure. Water crossings are not drinking water. The nearest fuel after Derby along the Gibb is Imintji Roadhouse, well past Adcock.
Trail track
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