GIBB RIVER ROAD

The Gibb River Road is an alternate route from Wyndham to Derby 817km long and 4 wheel drive country. The road may become impassable in the wet season. A new sealed section now extends from the Derby turn off to the Kimberley Diamond mine and there are some bitumised sections on range crossings. Most of the water crossings have now been concreted.

The road passes through private property. DO NOT light open fires, discharge fire arms, camp in undesignated areas, leave rubbish, or attempt to drive the road without proper provisions and equipment. Always be aware that livestock and wildlife have no road sense. Expect them to be crossing the road t any time and keep your eyes open.

The best time to travel this route is from May to August. The road is not regarded as being suitable for 2 wheel drive vehicles but they can usually get as far as El Questro Station (coming from the east end) or as far as Windjana Gorge (coming from the west end of the road.

Watch out for these on all unsealed roads - pull off to the side to stay safe.

(C) Geri Dobson

Caravans are not recommended on this road but some people do take them.

You should carry at least two spare tyres on this road and also a puncture repair kit.

Driving from west to east the route can be split into various sections:

Mt. Barnett Station (C) Geri Dobson

Derby to Mt. Barnett Roadhouse. 301 Km. 16° 39' 29" S 125° 57' 09" E

Fuel can be obtained at Mt. Barnett Roadhouse (08) 9191 7007. Mt Hart Lodge (08) 9191 4645 offers accommodation but is 50Km off the main road.

Imitji Community (C) Geri Dobson

Manning Gorge (C) Geri Dobson

Places of interest on this section of road are:

Lennard River, Fitzroy Crossing diversion road to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek, Napier Range, Queen Victoria's Head, King Leopold Ranges, Barker River diversion, Mt Matthew, Yellow-man and Talbot Gorges. Lennard River trail and Lennard Gorge, Bell Creek Gorge, Old Silent Grove Homestead site, Aboriginal community of Imintji (08) 9191 7471 (diesel fuel only), Mt House Homestead (abandoned), Mornington Station (08) 9191 7406, Fitzroy River and gorges, Beverley Springs (08) 9191 4646, Walcott Inlet, Phillips Range, Adcock Gorge, Adcock River, Galvans Gorge, Manning Gorge.

Tunnel Creek (C) Geri Dobson

Mt Barnett Roadhouse to the Kalumburu turnoff. 107km 16° 07' 14" S 126° 31' 10" E

Places of interest on this section of road are:

Barnett River, Barnett Gorge, Mt. Elizabeth Station, Hann River, Gibb River Homestead.

Kalumburu diversion. 428 Km return (Premit required (08) 9161 4300) 14° 17' 53" S 126° 38' 38" E

Places of interest on this section of road are:

Kalumburu, Fr. Anscars Museum, Drysdale River National Park, Drysdale River Station (08) 9161 4326, Mitchell Plateau diversion.

Entry and camping fees apply at Kalumburu and alcohol is prohibited in the community.

Mitchell Falls (C) Geri Dobson

Emma Groge (C) Geri Dobson

Kalumburu turnoff to the Great Northern Highway. 409Km

Places of interest on this section of road are:

Durack River, Karunjie Station (abandoned), Rollies Jump Up, Durack River Station (no fuel) (08) 9161 4324, Pentecost Range, Cockburn Range - spectacular!, Pentecost and Durack Rivers, Cambridge Gulf, Home Valley Homestead (08) 9161 4322, El Questro Station (fuel and supplies) (08) 9169 1777, Zebedee Springs, Chamberlain, Moonshine and El Questro Gorges, Emma Gorge.

Be aware there are saltwater crocodiles in the Pentecost River.

Chamberlain Gorge (C) Geri Dobson

Check out http://www.gibbriverroad.net/ for a comprehensive look at the road and conditions.