The Gibb River Road is one of Australia’s most iconic outback trips, appealing to both locals and tourists alike.
Whether you’re driving the well beaten track from Broome to Wyndham or breaking up the journey with side-trips along the way, there’s so much to see and do it’s important to plan, to make the most of your time travelling.
Take the time to explore, hike, swim, camp and more as you journey along the approximately 660 kilometres of this outback artery through the heart of the Kimberley.
You’ll experience many unique and amazing places, but here’s a list of our five must see stops along the way.
Tunnel Creek
Tunnel Creek National Park is a day use area only, open during the dry season (April to November). One of the area’s most well-known attractions is Jandamarra’s hideout, part of Western Australia’s oldest cave and Devonian limestone reef system.
Jandamarra was an Aboriginal leader in the early 1880s who used the cave system as a hideout from the law. He was killed outside of its entrance in 1897.
Visitors can walk through a water worn tunnel on a 750-metre underground trek, wading through several permanent pools (knee deep). Take a torch to spot some of the five species of bats that live in the caves, including ghost and fruit bats. Stalactites also descend from the roof in many places.
Camping is available nearby at Windjana Gorge National Park while nearby hotel accommodation is available at Fitzroy Crossing.
Galvan’s Gorge
Don’t miss this cool oasis along the Gibb River Road. A short walk from the carpark over some rocky terrain reveals a pretty swimming hole with a thin multi-tiered waterfall above. There’s a single Boab tree and various gum tress around the pool.
This is the ideal spot to take a relaxing dip and gaze up to the cliff and sky above. As this pocket size oasis is only a short walk from the main road, you can expect other visitors, so best to keep the cossies (bathers) on.
Home Valley Station
Home Valley Station is an outback playground featuring some of the region’s most breathtaking landscapes, from towering gorges to waterfalls, billabongs and ancient landforms.
This working cattle station is located at the base of the Cockburn Range and is a popular spot for horse riding, fishing, helicopter and adventure tours.
Explore the country on one the station’s self-guided walking trails or join the sunset tour where you’ll experience a stunning Kimberley sunset from a private lookout over the ranges.
If you’re a keen angler, why not try heli fishing? You’ll be flown into the heart of the Kimberley and could land a Barramundi from the Pentecost river system.
You’re sure to find an activity to suit everyone on this station and don’t be surprised if you stay longer than you originally planned.
El Questro
El Questro Wilderness Park is found on El Questro Station, a working cattle and pastoral operation comprising more than 1 million acres in the heart of the Kimberley.
Accessed from the Gibb River Road, the property has three resort style accommodation offerings from powered campsites and bungalows to the luxury of the El Questro Homestead.
This is the ideal destination for those with a sense of adventure with tours and options to explore by air, land, horse or water. Hike through ancient gorges, fish for Barramundi in locations only accessible via helicopter, explore the landscape on horseback or simply relax and admire the native flora and fauna.
Bush culture and history tours as well as bird watching (100 different bird species are attracted to the park) are popular attractions.
After a long day of adventure, a short walk (750 metres) through dense tropical vegetation will lead you to a series of rocky thermal pools and small waterfalls. Zebedee Springs is a magical place to relax and unwind.
Kununurra
Located at the Eastern end of the Kimberley region, Kununurra is the largest town in the east Kimberley and is north of Broome and 100 kilomteres from Wyndham.
Named one of Australian Geographic’s top 10 Australian outback towns, Kununurra is close to the Ord River and Lake Argyle with many nearby attractions including waterfalls, gorges and ranges.
Take in the art galleries, go on a day cruise or take a scenic drive to WA’s oldest continually operating legal Still at Hoochery distillery.
There’s so much to do and see that it’s worth spending a few days in Kununurra before continuing along to Wyndham.
Basic Travelling Tips
A 4WD vehicle is recommended to visit these Kimberley locations. You will be travelling through isolated outback areas so ensure to carry water, food, fuel supplies, spare tyres and let someone know your itinerary.
In the event of a breakdown, stay with your vehicle as it will be easier to find you.
Check road conditions before you travel as much of the Gibb River Road is unsealed and sections of it are closed and unpassable during the wet season, from November to April.