We travelled along the Gibb River Road West to East, starting at Derby and finishing at Kununurra. A week was a good amount of time to see a lot of places along the way but you could easily spend longer. It is 660kms of mostly gravel & corrugations. Here's what we did on our travels in June 2017...
Windjana Gorge
The easiest place to spot many freshwater crocodiles. An easy 2km walk along the edge of the creek amongst the gorge. Freshies lazing in the sun beside the water, watch your step! The Windjana camp area is large enough to spread out and a short stroll to start the gorge walk.
Tunnel Creek
Tunnel Creek was one of our favourite walks. You must take a torch as you walk into the limestone tunnel in complete darkness. The creek flows through here, it was only ankle deep when we visited but can be deeper. We spotted croc eyes in our torch light, in the little waterfall on our walk through. You'll also see lots of bats and amazing rock formations. Approx 750m walk.
Bell Gorge
Bell Gorge was an awesome short 1/2hr hike to the top of the gorge. Moderate walk with some water crossings (your shoes will get wet!) The gorge at the end is an amazing sight. We camped at the Silent Grove campground which was spacious and grassy.
Manning Gorge
We set up camp at Mt Barnett Roadhouse then started the 6km return hike. This was the hardest/longest gorge walk we did along the Gibb. It can be steep at times and closer to the gorge you are climbing over rocks & boulders. Keep an eye on the trail markings so you don't go off track.
You start the walk at the campground but first you have to cross 100m wide Manning Creek. You can either swim or jump into the little tinny and pull yourself over via the rope pull system. The waterfall and swim at the gorge is well worth it. Don't leave your walk too late in the day to avoid walking back in the dark.
We stopped at Home Valley Station and had lunch at Dusty's bar & grill. You can camp here, there is a pool and they often have live entertainment. It is close to the Pentecost River for the fishermen.
Pentecost River
Try your luck at catching a Kimberley Barra! An iconic photo opportunity with the Cockburn ranges in the background.
So much to see here, you have to stay a few days at least. We had a private riverside campsite which was amazing. You can also enjoy the restaurant & live music when you stay here.
Zebedee Thermal Springs
Thermal pools & waterfalls under a palm canopy...heaven! Access is restricted to 7am-noon. It is a 1.5km easy walk from the carpark.
Branco's lookout via Explosion Gorge
A great little 4wd adventure up to the lookout which overlooks the Pentecost River. We saw a croc swimming along from up here.
Saddleback Ridge Lookout
A nice little drive up to the lookout which is the perfect sunset drinks spot.
Amalia Gorge
Approx 3km return, this walk was moderately challenging. Walking/climbing over rocks along the waters edge, stunning scenery. And a swim opportunity at the end if you don't mind the cold! The rocks were quite slippery in the waterhole.
Emma Gorge
Amazing hike into the gorge to swim at the 65m high waterfall! It is 3.2km return and is challenging walking and climbing over all the rocks. Pay attention to the trail markings along the way. The most freezing cold swim I've ever had but well worth it. We rewarded ourselves with a gourmet lunch at the resort restaurant afterwards, a fantastic way to finish off the Gibb!
After leaving El Questro Station we made our way back to Kununurra. We didn't see everything in our week along the Gibb River Road but we did feel a little gorged out by the end! The scenery is spectacular. Is the Gibb River Road on your bucket list? If you haven't already, check out our Kimberley Adventure Itinerary to help with your planning.
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