Gibb River Road Day 1: Derby

• Derby is a small town with a population of just over 3000 people and will be the start of your Gibb River Road itinerary. 
• Nearly 50% of Derby’s people are aboriginals. While in town you can stop at the Derby Prison Boab Tree which will tell you the sad history of the local indigenous people.

Gibb River Road Day 1: Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek

• From Derby you’ll need to head to Windjana Gorge National Park which is about a 2 hour drive. 
• Carved out of the Napier Range, Windjana Gorge is a 3.5km gorge by the Lennard River which is home to many freshwater crocodiles.
• If you’re brave you can swim the different pools of water that can be found in the gorge which are home to the crocodiles. These crocodiles are known to be relatively harmless compared to their saltwater counterparts.
• Tunnel Creek is located very close to Windjana, about 33kms south east from the gorge.
• Tunnel Creek is known for being used as a hideout by the Aboriginal leader Jandamarra in the late 1800s.
• You’ll need a flashlight to see many species of bats living in this 750 metre limestone tunnel.
• You can sleep under the stars if you decide to spend the night on the campground at Windjana Gorge National Park

Gibb River Road Day 2: Bell Gorge

• From Windjana you will drive 6 and a half hours to Bell Gorge. Bell Gorge is the most famous gorge along the Gibb River Road.
• Take the walk down to the waterhole, it’s the perfect place for you to relax, sunbathe, and have a picnic.
• Spend the day soaking up the picturesque views and swimming in the many pools
• You can stay the night at the nearby Silent Grove Campsite or Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge.

Gibb River Road Day 3: Manning Gorge

• On your way to Manning Gorge you can make a stop over at the horseshoe shaped Galvans Gorge, which is also the most accessible gorge along the Gibb River Road.
• Your next stop will be Mt Barnett Roadhouse, where you can refuel and pay for your entrance and camping fees for Manning Gorge.
• Spend the afternoon swimming in Manning River. From the river it’s about an hour walk to Manning Gorge.
• Visit the tranquil pools of Lower Manning Gorge. Use the walking track from here and stroll past Aboriginal rock art to the spectacular waterfall and Yallamia Pool of Upper Manning Gorge.

Gibb River Road Day 4: Ellenbrae Station

• You’ll be driving nearly 8 hours east from Manning Gorge to Ellenbrae Station.
• Ellenbrae Station is a great place for you to restock and refuel. There is a camp kitchen, BBQ, fire pit, restrooms all close by.
• Ellenbrae has two campgrounds with unique amenities and is a short walk to the waterhole.
• While in Ellenbrae make sure to try out some of their famous scones.

Gibb River Road Day 4: Home Valley Station

• From Ellenbrae you’ll be headed to Home Valley Station. Home Valley is a 615,000 acre former cattle station nestled in Cockburn Range.
• Home Valley offers a range of accommodations, activities, and tours for all travelers looking to truly explore the Kimberlys. 
• Explore the regions different gorges,waterholes, rivers, beaches, billabongs, waterfalls and ancient landforms and ranges.

Gibb River Road Day 5: El Questro

• A short 50 km drive away, El Questro Homestead is your next stop after Home Valley Station.
• El Questro is a destination unlike any other in the Kimberleys, this 700,000 acre property is the heart of the Kimberleys and gives you everything that the region has to offer all in one place.
• While in El Questro you have to visit the waterfalls, some of which can only be accessed by helicopter. Make sure you do the different hikes and treks as well as the different swimming holes and hot springs.
• Visit the ancient gorges in the area, many of which have lush tropical gardens and waterfalls.
• Explore the many different majestic lookouts where you will appreciate the true expanse of this region.
• Activities available in the area include horse rides, fishing, day tours and scenic flights.
• While exploring the El wilderness make sure to visit Emma Gorge and the thermal waters of Zebedee Springs.
• Accommodations in El Questro range from private camping under the stars to luxury Homesteads.

Gibb River Road Day 6: Kununurra

• Your last stop on the Gibb River Road is Kununurra, a vibrant town on the eastern edge of the Kimberleys.
• If you’re looking to continue being on the road, Kununurra is conveniently located so that you can take road trips to Purnululu National Park, Mirima National Park and Lake Argyle.
• There’s a lot of water to be explored in Kununurra, make sure to take in all the different gorges, waterfalls, rivers, streams, and creeks in the area.

We hope that this post was able to help you plan your Gibb River Road trip. Remember, you can use GAFFL to find travel mates for your trip. Backpackers are using GAFFL every day to connect with each other all over Australia. Additionally, if you want some local recommendations of things to see along the west coast, you can connect with locals in Australia using GAFFL.