RoadAtlas
Gibb River Road — Australia — Adventure
Australia & Pacific

Gibb River Road

Australia

In short: Gibb River Road is a 660 km adventure road trip in Australia, typically driven over 7–10 days, best in May–Oct (dry season). Highlights: Derby, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek.

Distance
660 km
Duration
7–10 days
Best Season
May–Oct (dry season)
LegendaryHard4WD onlyAdventureOff-road sections

The Kimberley's legendary outback dirt road connects Derby to Kununurra through ancient boab tree forests, Aboriginal rock art sites, spectacular gorges, and remote cattle stations, Australia at its most raw and untouched.

~1 refuel
~2 charges
Practical notes
The Gibb River Road is roughly 660 km of corrugated dirt and creek crossings, open only from around May to October. Two spare tyres, a high-lift jack, and recovery gear are essential. Notify someone of your itinerary as mobile coverage is virtually nonexistent along the route.
Explore on the interactive map →

Plan this trip

Self-guided audio toursExplore local stories near city stops Hotels for this tripCompare stays before you go Flights for this tripCompare flight options before you go Car rental for this tripCompare rental options before you drive

Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.

Stops along the route

Derby — Departure — Gibb River Road — Australia
Departure
Derby
Gateway to the Kimberley. The Boab Prison Tree is a 1,500-year-old hollow boab used as a lockup in the 1890s.
Hotels
Kununurra — Arrival — Gibb River Road — Australia
Arrival
Kununurra
Ord River irrigation town and gateway to Purnululu National Park, where the beehive Bungle Bungle domes rise from the plain.
Hotels

Things to Do

Windjana Gorge — Nature — Gibb River Road — Australia
Nature
Windjana Gorge
A 100m limestone gorge carved through the ancient Devonian reef. Freshwater crocodiles line every sun-warmed ledge.
Tunnel Creek — Nature — Gibb River Road — Australia
Nature
Tunnel Creek
Wade 750m through the Kimberley's only natural tunnel past bat colonies, cave fish, and Aboriginal rock art.
Bell Gorge — Nature — Gibb River Road — Australia
Nature
Bell Gorge
Tiered falls and red-rock swimming holes deep in the ranges. The most beautiful waterhole on the entire Gibb.
Manning Gorge — Nature — Gibb River Road — Australia
Nature
Manning Gorge
A two-tiered waterfall and emerald swimming hole reached by a short river crossing and walk from Mount Barnett Roadhouse.
Home Valley Station — Landmark — Gibb River Road — Australia
Landmark
Home Valley Station
A working Kimberley cattle station in the Cockburn Range's shadow, offering cold beers and iconic outback hospitality.
El Questro — Landmark — Gibb River Road — Australia
Landmark
El Questro
A million-acre wilderness of thermal springs and red sandstone gorges with the Chamberlain River winding through.
Zebedee Springs — Natural Hot Springs — Gibb River Road — Australia
Natural Hot Springs
Zebedee Springs
A series of thermal pools set amidst lush greenery, ideal for a relaxing soak.
Galvans Gorge — Waterfall — Gibb River Road — Australia
Waterfall
Galvans Gorge
A picturesque horseshoe-shaped gorge with a waterfall and swimming hole, easily accessible from the road.
Pentecost River Crossing — Scenic Viewpoint — Gibb River Road — Australia
Scenic Viewpoint
Pentecost River Crossing
Offers iconic views of the Cockburn Range and a thrilling river crossing experience.
Boab Prison Tree — Historic Site — Gibb River Road — Australia
Historic Site
Boab Prison Tree
A 1,500-year-old hollow boab tree, historically used as a temporary holding cell.

Where to Eat

Mt Barnett Roadhouse — Burgers — Gibb River Road — Australia
Burgers
Mt Barnett Roadhouse
Famous for its hearty burgers, this roadhouse offers a satisfying meal after a day of adventure.
Ellenbrae Station — Scones — Gibb River Road — Australia
Scones
Ellenbrae Station
Renowned for its freshly baked scones, a delightful treat amidst your journey.
Drysdale River Station — Steak — Gibb River Road — Australia
Steak
Drysdale River Station
Offers a great spot for lunch or dinner, serving delicious steak frites and wine.
El Questro Station — Steakhouse — Gibb River Road — Australia
Steakhouse
El Questro Station
Features a restaurant and licensed bar, perfect for a candlelight dinner after a day of exploration.

Explore related routes

Australia road trips Legendary Desert RoadsHistoric Road TripsAdventure & Overland Routes Australia & Pacific routes

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Gibb River Road drive?

The Gibb River Road covers 660 km from start to finish.

How long does the Gibb River Road take to drive?

Most travellers spend 7–10 days on the Gibb River Road, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Gibb River Road?

The recommended season for the Gibb River Road is May–Oct (dry season).

Where does the Gibb River Road start and end?

The Gibb River Road runs from Derby to Kununurra.

What are the main stops on the Gibb River Road?

The Gibb River Road passes through Derby, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek.

How difficult is the Gibb River Road to drive?

The Gibb River Road is rated hard and is best handled with 4wd only.

Do I need a 4WD for the Gibb River Road?

Yes — the Gibb River Road includes off-road or rough sections that require 4wd only.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Gibb River Road?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 2 EV charges) along the Gibb River Road, based on its 660 km length.

Is the Gibb River Road safe to drive?

The Gibb River Road is roughly 660 km of corrugated dirt and creek crossings, open only from around May to October. Two spare tyres, a high-lift jack, and recovery gear are essential. Notify someone of your itinerary as mobile coverage is virtually nonexistent along the route.

What scenic tier is the Gibb River Road?

The Gibb River Road is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.