Gibb River Road
Australia, oceania
660 km
320 m
hard
May-October (dry season only)
The Gibb River Road is a legendary 660-kilometer outback track traversing the heart of the Kimberley region in Western Australia, connecting Derby to Kununurra. Originally built as a cattle route in the 1960s, this rugged unsealed road is one of Australia's great 4WD adventures, crossing vast cattle stations, ancient gorge systems, and Aboriginal lands in one of the most remote inhabited regions on Earth.
The road passes through a landscape of epic scale: ancient sandstone ranges over two billion years old, wide river crossings that can be impassable after rains, and hidden gorges with crystal-clear swimming holes. Highlights include Windjana Gorge with its colony of freshwater crocodiles basking on the banks, the tiered waterfalls of Mitchell Falls (accessible via a rough side track), and the stunning natural amphitheatre of El Questro Wilderness Park. The night skies along the Gibb are among the darkest and most star-filled in the world.
Where is it?
Gibb River Road is located in Western Australia, Kimberley, Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -16.5000, 125.5000
Driving Tips
Only accessible in the dry season (May-October) as river crossings flood in the wet. A well-equipped 4WD with high clearance is essential. Carry at least two spare tires, extra fuel, and ample water. Register your trip with local authorities. Check road condition reports daily. Allow at least 5-7 days to properly explore. Be crocodile-aware at all water crossings and swimming holes.
Road Surface
Unsealed, corrugated gravel, river crossings, rocky sections
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Region
- Western Australia, Kimberley
- Length
- 660 km
- Max Elevation
- 320 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Surface
- Unsealed, corrugated gravel, river crossings, rocky sections
- Best Season
- May-October (dry season only)
- Coordinates
- -16.5000, 125.5000
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