Gibb River Road Trip Itinerary
The Gibb River Road Trip is a great way to explore the stunning landscapes of Western Australia. Starting in Kununurra and ending in Derby, the road trip covers a distance of 448 miles and is best done over 8 days. You'll pass through Pentecost River, Gibb, Adcock Gorge, and Lennard River Gorge, each offering a unique experience of Australia's beautiful nature.
The best time to drive the Gibb River Road Trip is during the dry season, which is typically from May to October. During this time, you'll have the chance to enjoy the stunning landscapes, such as the rugged Kimberley ranges and the spectacular Victoria River.
Be aware that the road conditions along the Gibb River Road Trip are generally poor, and some sections are only accessible with 4WD vehicles. Motorhomes may not be able to access some sections, and there is a possibility of seasonal road closures due to weather conditions. Also, some sections of the road are curvy, so be aware during your journey.
Despite the road conditions, the Gibb River Road Trip is an amazing experience that you won't forget. It's a great way to explore the Australian outback with a moderate budget and suitable for drivers of all levels.
8
number of days
721 km
route length
fair
budget
adventurer
good for
on the left
traffic direction
high
accident level
START
Kununurra
Distance 721 km
Driving time 12.2 h
Pace: modest
187.5 kWh
Airports
KNX
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Kununurra is a great starting point to the Gibb River Road Trip. Situated in Australia's beautiful Kimberley region, the town is filled with natural attractions and activities that will make sure you have a memorable experience.
The town is home to many wonders, such as the Lake Kununurra, the Ord River, and the Mirima National Park. The Lake Kununurra is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and boating, and is a must visit for anyone looking for a unique experience. The Ord River is perfect for a leisurely cruise, and the Mirima National Park is a great place to see the diverse wildlife of the area.
Kununurra is also a great base for those traveling by car. The closest international airport is Kununurra Airport (KNX), which offers car rentals for those looking to explore the area. From here, you can take the Gibb River Road Trip and explore the area's stunning landscapes, remote communities, and ancient rock art.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway, or an adventure-filled road trip, Kununurra is the perfect place to start. With its stunning natural beauty and abundance of activities, it's sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
1
Kununurra
- Pentecost River
Distance 126 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: modest
32.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Kununurra to Pentecost River! Enjoy the 78mi journey and take in the stunning views of the Kimberley region in the less than 3 hours drive.
The road is mostly sealed but a 4WD is required in some sections. Be aware that some sections are not suitable for campers and cars with camper trailers. You should also keep in mind that there may be a lack of gas stations and some sections may be closed seasonally.
Along the way, make sure to check out the historical sites and take in the scenic views. You can also visit the famous Pentecost River, where you can enjoy a variety of activities like swimming, fishing, and bird watching.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please see the ‘Itinerary’ for this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Pentecost River - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
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2
Pentecost River
- Ellenbrae Station
Distance 116 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: modest
30.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Pentecost River to Ellenbrae Station, a journey of 72 miles that will take you less than 4 hours. This scenic drive is best experienced in a 4WD and is not recommended for campers in some sections. You will also find sections of the route inaccessible to cars with camper trailers and some sections may be closed seasonally. The road is very winding in some sections, so be sure to drive with caution. Along the way, you will be able to visit some of the most interesting places such as the ancient Aboriginal rock art sites at Pentecost River, the stunning waterfalls at Ellenbrae Station, and the breathtaking views of the countryside. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage.
Ellenbrae Station - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Darwin to Broome
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3
Ellenbrae Station
- Gibb
Distance 107 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: fast
32.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a road trip from Ellenbrae Station to Gibb and explore the stunning natural beauty of Australia! This 67mi journey will take you fewer than 4 hours, so you'll have plenty of time to take in the sights. You'll need a 4WD to take on this route, and it's not recommended for campers in some sections. In some sections, cars with camper trailers may not be able to access the road. Keep an eye out for seasonal closures, and be aware that some sections of the road are very winding. As you drive, take in the spectacular views and take lots of photos! Don't forget to check the "Itinerary" for this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy the journey!
Gibb - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Pinterest
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4
Gibb
- Adcock Gorge
Distance 101 km
Driving time 1.7 h
Pace: modest
26.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Gibb to Adcock Gorge! This 63-mile journey will take you fewer than four hours to complete, and you'll get to see some of the best sights Australia has to offer. You'll need a 4WD to make the trip, and it's not recommended for campers in some sections. Also, some sections of the route may be closed seasonally and some sections are inaccessible to cars with camper trailers. Be sure to keep an eye out for gas stations as some may not be available along the way.
The scenery along this route is breathtaking, so be sure to take a few moments to appreciate the views. As you make your way through the winding roads, you'll get to visit some amazing attractions, such as the picturesque Adcock Gorge.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for a memorable journey from Gibb to Adcock Gorge!
Adcock Gorge - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - AusTravelPhotography - WordPress.com
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5
Adcock Gorge
- Lennard River Gorge
Distance 79 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: modest
20.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Adcock Gorge to Lennard River Gorge, spanning 49 miles and taking no more than 3 hours to complete. Along the way, you will traverse through some of Australia's most stunning landscapes, with plenty of sights to behold. Be sure to keep an eye out for the breathtaking views of the rolling hills and lush vegetation, as well as the occasional wildlife. However, note that 4WD is required in some sections and the route is not suitable for campers in some areas. Furthermore, some sections may be inaccessible to cars with camper trailers, and there may be limited gas stations along the way. Additionally, some sections of the route may be closed seasonally. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Lennard River Gorge - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - AUS-blick
Lennard River Gorge - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Lennard River Gorge
- Lennard River
Distance 69 km
Driving time 1.2 h
Pace: modest
17.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a thrilling road trip to the Lennard River Gorge! You will explore some of Australia's most stunning landscapes in just a few hours. This 43-mile journey will take you less than three hours to complete. Be sure to take your 4WD as some sections of the route require it and are not suitable for campers. Be aware that some sections may be inaccessible to cars with camper trailers and that there may be a lack of gas stations along the way. Additionally, some sections may be closed seasonally. Enjoy the scenic road and take in the breathtaking views. More information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route can be found in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey to Lennard River Gorge now!
Lennard River - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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7
Lennard River
- Derby
Distance 123 km
Driving time 1.6 h
Pace: fast
37.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip adventure? Start your journey in the picturesque Lennard River, Australia, and drive through the stunning landscapes of the Kimberly region until you reach Derby. Along the way, you'll find plenty of incredible sights to explore, including the Lennard River Gorge and the King Cascade Waterfall. The 77-mile drive should take you less than 3 hours, but you'll need a 4WD to get through the rough terrain. Keep an eye out for the scenic roads, which offer some of the most beautiful views in the region. Once you reach Derby, you can explore the town's many attractions, such as the Boab Prison Tree, the Derby Jetty, and the Derby Wharf Lookout. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary for this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Derby - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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Derby
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Derby, located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, is the perfect place to finish off your Gibb River Road Trip. Derby is known for its stunning scenery and vibrant culture, making it the perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty of the Outback.
Take in the beauty of the Boab Prison Tree, an ancient boab tree that was used as a prison in the 1850s. Or you can go to the stunning Windjana Gorge, which features fossilised coral reefs and a variety of wildlife. You can also take a stroll to the nearby Tunnel Creek, a 750-metre long underground cave system.
Head to the Old Derby Gaol for a unique cultural experience. The Gaol is the oldest operating jail in Western Australia, with a range of artefacts and stories about the area's history. The nearby Derby Jetty is another must-see, with its iconic whalebone arch and spectacular views.
For those travelling by air, Derby is served by Derby Airport (DRB), located 4.5 km from the town centre. From the airport, you can take a taxi to your destination.
So, when you're planning your next road trip, make sure to plan your route to include Derby. With its stunning scenery and vibrant culture, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Gibb River Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Kununurra
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End:
Derby
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Distance:
721 km
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Stay:
8 days
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Getting there:
Kununurra Airport (KNX)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Gibb River Road is a legendary outback journey through the remote and captivating Kimberley region of Western Australia, connecting Kununurra in the east to Derby in the west. Covering approximately 660 kilometers (410 miles), this former cattle route traverses a vast landscape of red dirt, boab trees, and ancient gorges. While it can be driven in 8 days, allowing more time to explore is highly recommended to fully appreciate the remote beauty and cultural significance of the region.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
This epic drive will lead you through a land teeming with wildlife, dotted with freshwater swimming holes, and framed by the iconic Cockburn Range. Key destinations include the majestic Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, the cascading waterfalls of Mitchell Plateau, and the inviting natural pools of Bell Gorge. The Pentecost River crossing is a highlight and an iconic photo opportunity, while the serene El Questro Wilderness Park offers a taste of luxury in the outback. The Road also brings you to the King Leopold Ranges and the historical Boab Prison Tree near Derby, believed to be around 1,500 years old.
Best Time to Go:
The dry season, between May and October, provides the best conditions for Road travel and accessibility to various sites. During this time, the water levels in the gorges are lower and safer for swimming, and the reduced risk of rain means fewer Road closures and less challenging driving conditions.
Potential Risks:
The Gibb River Road is an unsealed track and can be tough on vehicles, with sharp rocks, river crossings, and corrugations. A high-clearance 4WD is necessary to navigate the terrain safely. It's essential to be mindful of the isolation of the area; ensure you carry enough supplies, including water, food, and fuel, and be prepared for emergencies with a first aid kit and communication devices.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Gibb River Road was originally constructed in the 1960s to transport cattle from remote stations to Derby and Wyndham.
- Several cattle stations along the route, such as Home Valley and El Questro, have been converted into tourist accommodations, blending cattle farming heritage with eco-tourism.
- Indigenous culture is rich in the Kimberley, with opportunities to learn from local traditional owners and view ancient rock art.
A good choice for:
A journey on the Gibb River Road is a deep dive into one of Australia's last true frontiers. The route offers a profound connection with nature, opportunities for adventure, and a chance to witness the timeless beauty of the Kimberley's landscapes. It's an essential pilgrimage for those seeking the quintessential Australian outback experience.
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