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The top 4 most spectacular spots for your Gibb River Road Odyssey

EFS 4x4 Accessories

EFS 4x4 Accessories

Kimberley 4wding is the Trip of a Lifetime and What Better Way to See it than via the Gibb River Road?

You can experience much of the spectacular and varied beauty of the Kimberley via detours from this former stock route. Think ancient ocean beds, secluded swimming holes, pristine waterfalls, limestone gorges, and ethereal Wandjina rock art. Truly just a few of the reasons this road makes the bucket list for so many 4wders.  

Below we’ve shared our top four must-see destinations for those with limited time. However, you could spend weeks, months even, exploring all the delights off the Gibb River Road

FAST FACTS – THE GIBB RIVER ROAD 

  • The Gibb River Road starts at Kununurra, near the Northern Territory border, and runs about 660km west. It ends at the pastoral and mining town of Derby, on the Kimberley coast.
  • The southern part of the road, from the Gibb River Station (for which the road is named) was constructed in the 1960s to transport cattle to Derby. However, the western part came later.
  • Main Roads WA manages the entire road. For updates on closures along various section of the road click here.
  • The Gibb’ surface is dirt and gravel. While some of the flood ways are paved, others are not. All tourism operators recommend driving a high clearance 4wd only.
  • WA Roads runs graders through in early May (the start of the tourist season) and several times throughout the season. But the road corrugates quickly and can deteriorate rapidly.

OUR TOP PICKS ALONG THE GIBB RIVER ROAD    

 

Lake Argyle  

This first destination isn’t technically on the Gibb. But if you’re starting your Gibb trip in Kunanurra you’ll want to take the 40-minute drive to see it. Lake Argyle is one of Australia’s largest freshwater lakes, however, before the 1960s it was mostly dry land. Once, the traditional owners, the Miriwoong inhabited the dry plains along the banks of the Ord (and did so for thousands of years). For a short stint, these traditional lands then became cattle country. Finally, the state government dammed the Ord River in the 1960s, creating the lake we know today.

Despite being human-made, Lake Argyle is a superb wildlife watching destination. It offers premium wetland habitat for more than 240 species of native birds and 20-odd species of native fish plus freshwater crocodiles. Similarly, there are rumours of the odd salty in the lake too. If you visit, allow a few days as there are plenty of activities. Think bushwalking, mountain biking, lake cruises, fishing boating and more. It’s all at your doorstep if you camp at the lake’s caravan park.  

El Questro Station  

This next destination is a jewel in the Kimberley crown and it’s not far from Kunanurra. The highway out of Kunanurra connects with the Gibb River Road. Then the El Questro driveway is a mere 25km along the Gibb. El Questro is a HUGE wilderness park featuring the likes of thermal springs, rivers, salt flats, rainforests, waterfalls, and gorges. You can explore the park on foot, horseback, plane, or helicopter. Or you can soak up the true Kimberley 4wding experience and take your vehicle. El Questro offers accommodation options for all budgets. After luxury? Stay at the picturesque homestead perched atop the cliffs overlooking the Chamberlain River. For simpler fare, book a room at The Station on the Pentecost River or camp at the designated campsite nearby. The camp and station facilities include a bar, restaurant, and shop, BBQs, laundries, and kitchens.  

Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge) 

It’s a full 400km to our next favourite stop on the Gibb. However, we’ve chosen Dalmanyi because it’s one of the most beautiful and relaxing spots. Plus, it’s nice and close to the Gibb River Road.  Dalmanyi, is shaped like a horseshoe and features multi-tiered waterfalls plus a fantastic swimming pool at the base of the falls. When you get tired of swimming, you can camp overnight near Bell Gorge at the Dulundi campground. While rustic, this riverside camping site has toilet facilities if not much else. For something fancier, Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge is about 45 minutes’ drive from Bell Gorge and right next to the Gibb River Road. It features tented cabins, private ensuites and stunning views of the King Leopold escarpment. 

Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park   

Dimalurru Park showcases WA’s oldest cave system. You can walk through a 750m section of the tunnel, splashing through shallow pools and meeting ghost bats and small freshwater crocs along the way. While Dimalurru is a similar distance from the coast to Bell Gorge it’s almost due south. So, you’ll want to allow more than 3 hours between the two sites. However, Dimalurru is well worth the visit. The site is infamous; Aboriginal warrior leader Jandamarra purportedly hid out for two years in the cave in the 1890s. But his luck ran out and he was killed at the mouth of the tunnel in 1897 by an Aboriginal trooper. However, his leadership is still recognised today.  

But while Kimberley 4wding offers awe inspiring beauty, the Gibb River Road needs extensive prep and planning.  

Essential Gear for Kimberley 4wding

  • High clearance 4wd – especially if you’re planning to access many of the rougher tracks off the Gibb and other parts of the Kimberley
  • Roof racks – very handy storage as you’ll need quite a bit of gear (consider buying roof rack bags too)
  • Vehicle recovery gear – snatch strap, D shackles and a kinetic rope
  • Snorkel – if you avoid the wet weather, you won’t avoid the dust!
  • Tyre pressure gauge – you’ll want to lower your psi for the Gibb and other Kimberley tracks
  • Portable air compressor
  • Tyre repair kit
  • Spare tyres
  • Spare oil and petrol
  • A jack
  • Several days of non-perishable food (in case roads close)
  • Camping gear
  • First aid kit
  • Plenty of water

 

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