Hotels in Western Australia
Running straight across the heart of the Kimberley region in Australia's remote north-west, the Gibb River Road remains one of the country's great off-road driving adventures, although improvements in the road's condition has meant that there are many more travellers who take on the challenge than there used to be.
Even so, there is still a real sense of achievement as you motor into the small towns of Derby at the western end or Kununurra at the eastern end, saddle-sore after 700 mostly bone-shaking kilometres (400 mi) and once you've cleared the last of the bulldust from your lungs.
"The Gibb", as the road is known locally, is serious 4X4 terrain. Apart from a short sealed stretch east of Derby, it is a red dirt and gravel track, fairly wide and smooth for the most part but badly corrugated in places from the effect of other vehicles and "wash outs" from the wet season. All this might still be negotiated in conventional car but what you really need the high clearance of a take in order to visit the main attractions along the route. Involving detours of up to 50 km (30 mi), places such as Bell, Addock and the Manning Gorges showcase the natural features for which this ancient and rugged landscape is famed: narrow sandstone gorges, waterfalls, hidden creeks and tranquil pools.
Most travellers tackling the Gibb choose to camp along the way but there are accommodation options for those wanting more comfort. You can drive the road in either direction but as the majority of the big sights are in the western half you might prefer to start from the eastern end and save these delights for later.
HOW
4X4
WHEN TO GO
May to October
TIME IT TAKES
At least five to six days if you want to make the most of being in this remarkable region.
HIGHLIGHTS
Waterfalls in full flow in the gorges - but you need to go early in the season to see them (soon after the end of the "wet").
Walking along beautiful Bell Creek and into the Gorge Swimming in a gorge pool (crocodile-free!).
The sunset over the Pentecost River and Cockburn Ranges from Home Valley Station.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
Letting air out of your tyres before you set off will improve your journey considerably and reduce the likehood of punctures. You must have a permit in advance to travel on any side tracks which cross Aboriginal land.
