Australia's Biggest Adventure: The Gibb River Road
Off-Road Adventure: The Gibb River Road
Are you ready for one of the most iconic road trips on the planet? After picking up our 4WD camper van in Broome, we left the multicolored landscapes and stunning sunsets behind to tackle the legendary Gibb River Road. Spanning 660 kilometers through the heart of the Kimberley, this former cattle route is now a bucket-list destination for adventurers. From prehistoric gorges to swimming with crocodiles (well, almost!), here is the first part of our journey.
What is the Gibb River Road?
Built in the 1960s, the “Gibb” was originally designed to transport livestock from remote stations to the ports of Wyndham and Derby. Back then, it could take over a week to navigate. Today, it remains a rugged dirt track that demands a sturdy 4WD and a sense of adventure. It crosses the traditional lands of many Kimberley peoples, making it a journey through both nature and history.
Stop 1: Windjana Gorge – Walking Through Time
About 1.5 hours from Derby, we felt like we were driving straight into the rock walls. Windjana Gorge is a sacred place for the Bunuba people, who believe ancient spirits roam these cliffs.
The Experience: We camped right under the desert stars. It gets chilly at night, but the sunrise over the limestone walls is worth every shiver.
The Wildlife: We took the ‘Time Walk’ along the Lennard River. Within minutes, we spotted wallabies and—believe it or not—at least seven freshwater crocodiles sunbathing on the banks. They are surprisingly peaceful, but they definitely remind you that you’re in the wild!
Top Tip: The walks start right at the campsite. You literally sleep next to the crocodiles!
Stop 2: Tunnel Creek – A Natural Cathedral
Our next stop was Tunnel Creek National Park, a place of deep historical significance. This 2-km natural tunnel was the hiding place of the Aboriginal leader Jandamarra in the late 1800s.
Walking through the pitch-black tunnel (with headlamps!) is an eerie but beautiful experience. The water can be deep, and yes, there are bats and the occasional croc inside. It feels like a natural cathedral hidden beneath the earth.
Stop 3: Camping at the Rim
After a few small river crossings and checking our tire pressure (essential for the Gibb—we kept ours around 30 PSI), we found what might be the best free campsite in the world: Boab Quarry.
Located on the rim of the dramatic King Leopold Ranges, it offers stunning views and a perfect spot to “chillax” after a bumpy day on the road. We use the WikiCamps app to find gems like this!
Watch the Full Adventure
Want to see the crocodiles and the stunning drone shots of the gorge for yourself? Check out our video below:
What’s next? The journey is just beginning. In the next episode, we’re heading deeper into the Kimberley to witness the spectacular Bungle Bungles. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and travel along!
Practical Travel Tips for the Gibb River Road
Best time to visit: May to September (the dry season). The road is often closed during the wet season (November–April) due to flooding.
Vehicle: A high-clearance 4WD is essential. Standard cars or 2WD campers will not survive the deep corrugations and river crossings.
Tire Pressure: Lower your tire pressure to around 30 PSI as soon as you hit the dirt. This helps prevent punctures from sharp rocks and makes for a smoother ride.
Fuel & Supplies: Fill up in Derby or Kununurra. On the road, fuel is available at Imintji Store (diesel only), Mt Barnett Roadhouse, and El Questro.
Permits: You’ll need a WA National Parks Pass for spots like Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek. Private stations like El Questro and Manning Gorge require separate entry fees paid on-site.
Navigation: Download offline maps (Google Maps or WikiCamps) or bring a hard-copy map. There is almost no mobile reception along the Gibb.
TRAVEL TIP! 🚐🇦🇺
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We’re Wout & Suus, traveling full time around the world with our little globetrotters Jens & Céline.
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