Spotlight on the Gibb River Road

Load up your 4WD with jerry cans full of petrol, lots of snacks and enough good music to take you the approximately 700 kilometres between Derby on the Western Australian coast, and Kununurra on the border with the Northern Territory – it’s time to brave the Gibb River Road.

The Gibb River Road is rightfully famous for crossing the stunning and remote Kimberley region. But with better roads (and better vehicles), the trek isn’t as risky as it used to be. Although, as the freshwater crocodiles sunning themselves at the waterholes will attest, the drive still feels like an adventure.

Freshwater crocs aren’t the only life you’ll see on the Gibb River Road. The drive passes by a few outback stations and roadhouses on the way, as well as increasing numbers of travellers. Stop at one of the roadhouses to fill up on petrol, food and to chat with the locals about the road conditions and attractions to explore in the Kimberley.

We recommend stopping at a few of the Kimberley region’s famous gorges, like Bell Gorge and Windjana Gorge, where majestic rock structures are carved into the landscape. There are camping grounds near most of the gorges, and you can swim at some of them, although it’s recommended you avoid swimming in those with croc warning signs.Before you embark on this trek, take the time to do your homework. The Gibb River Road is impassable during the wet season (with waters sometimes washing bridges away), and saltwater crocs (one of the most dangerous animals in Australia) can be found near some of the swimming holes.

But undertake this drive in the right season and you’ll experience a truly spectacular trek in one of the most remote areas of Australia.

Have you driven along the Gibb River Road? Tell us your tips and recommendations in the comments!

Images: Gibb River Road, Tourism Australia; Gibb River Road, The Kimberley by Phillie Casablanca used with permission under CC BY 2.0; Windjana Gorge by NeilsPhotography used with permission under CC BY 2.0