What and Where is the Gibb River Road?
The Gibb River Road is an outback track in the Northern part of Western Australia, called The Kimberley’s. The track itself is approximately 650kms and it runs from the town of Derby to Kununurra, West to East.
The road was originally built in the 1960’s to transport agriculture from the Stations in in-land Kimberly regions to the Ports based in Derby and Wyndam.
These days however the Gibb is alright like a right of passage for people travelling in the Kimberley’s region.
Some of the best features of travelling the Gibb River Road are;
- Beautiful Gorges such as Bell, Galvans, Manning and the stunning Emma Gorges
- Amazing flora and fauna. Wallabies, various bird species, kangaroos and of course crocs
- Indigenous culture in the form of local communities and rock art
- Incredible 4WD opportunities if that is an interest of yours. I would think if you want to do the Gibb this will be a given
(Map has been taken from https://www.australiasnorthwest.com/explore/kimberley/gibb-river-road/map-gibb-river-road/)
We have just finished the Gibb River Track with our little ones and I thought I’d share our itinerary and thoughts for those who also have little ones. Sometimes people get put off that is difficult with small kids but if you’re prepared and have realistic expectations it’s amazing.
We did it on just over 14 days with 1 lost day due to the fact out back glass window broke and we went back into Derby to fix it. Due to littles we try not to drive excessive hours during the day and kept within a max of 400kms. We did minimal free camping and stayed at a few stations along the way.
DRIVING: Mazda-BT 50
TOWING: Single axle hybrid Camper (Bluewater Gascoyne).
Itinerary
DAY 1: Broome to Birdwood Station (via Derby to fuel up and do a quick lap of the town). Also did a minute shop at Woolies just incase
Thoughts on Birdwood station: Cruisey and peaceful. No bookings needed unless you want a dinner meal. They have showers and toilets camp kitchen. You can top up your water tanks there it’s lovely to talk to everyone who has finished the Gibb to get some tips.
FOR THE KIDS: they had a calf named Lulu and chickens that also kept the kids entertained.
DAY 2 & 3: Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) & Tunnel Creek.
We camped at Windjana which was a great base. It’s unpowered with flushing toilets and pretty decent showers. No potable water.
FOR THE KIDS: Windjana is easy and a nice intro to Freshwater crocs (at a distance) and an easy short walk to the end of the Gorge.
Tunnel Creek was not so easy for my litte kids. The entrance was a little tough but not a show stopper The swim in the dark with the cold water however, was.
Kids who are swimming independently and are good with floaties should be okay. We split up and I went through since my husband had already been. Bring a good strong torch . It’s dark but also gorgeous on the other side.
DAY 4 – Silent Grove (Bells Gorge)
Great camp site. Unpowered but with flushing toilets and showers. No potable water.
FOR THE KIDS: Bells Gorge could possibly be challenging for little ones but our 3 year old walked half okay and we held him on some of the more challenging bit which require you to be a bit of a mountain goat.
The walk in is not long (~1km) and there are rock pools if you’re not game on going to the water falls.
I’d recommend you do it.
DAY 5 to 7 : Mt Barnett Road House
This camp-site is pretty popular. We re-fuelled and filled our water tanks. Unpowered. Unless you’re at the entrance most sites was far from the amenities.
We bought bread and the famous burger.
We used this as a base to visit Galvan’s, Adcock and Manning Gorge.
Galvan’s Gorge: a personal fav. Very kid friendly. There was a swing at the waterfall to use. The water coming from the top is not cold and a short walk in which was half shaded.
Adcock Gorge: Husband went in with the 3yo (#2 was asleep). Found it alright and not to hard to get it. He thoughts are it’s an optional Gorge if you’re time poor.
Manning Gorge: Lovely Gorge BUT it’s a long walk for the little ones (~2.5km) and there is little shade. There is a little swim across the watering hole but the camp provides buckets for your belongings. So we put the kids in . Win-win. I won’t lie, the kids did not like this one due to distance esp 3yo but the Gorge is one to see so just push through.
FOR THE KIDS: We really enjoyed swimming at the water hole and make sure you check out the creek as well.
DAY 8 – 10: Mt Elizabeth Station. Unpowered
Initially we thought we’d stay 2 nights but really liked it so stayed 3 nights. The best BEST showers every.
There is a swimming hole, a Gorge (Wunumurra) and a creek that can be accessed from Mt Elizabeth.
Wunumurra Gorge: The access track is not for the faint-hearted it’s 10kms but it takes about an hour and then it’s a 1.5km walk so it takes a little effort. The Gorge has a waterfall but you have to go down little ladders to get there. 3yo went with dad and whilst I could have gone with the little one. We skipped it and played in the rock pools at the top. (Picked our battles)
We loved the creek/ swimming area but it’s about a 40 min drive from the station. Gorgeous bush and great for little ones.
We didn’t get to the swimming hole.
FOR THE KIDS: I’d recommend the creek and also there were calves to go see.
DAY 11: Ellenbrae Station
Good for scones and the grass with with play cars/ items.
Stayed overnight only and paid a quick visit to the swimming hole. They have cool showers under the stars which on a full moon are pretty speccy.
DAY 12 & 13: Home valley station
We’d initially booked the river side BUT once we got there and saw the pool and
playground decided it best to stay near the main area. Which was excellent. We were unpowered but really enjoyed a slow couple of days resting. We did go to the Pentecost River Crossing and got to watch the moon rise over the cockburn Ranges.
FOR THE KIDS: The pool / the playground and even the food. For us it was worth it.
DAY 14 to 16 El Questro Station.
By this stage you’re feeling bitter-sweet because you know it’s the end but also you might be running out of fresh food .
We did El Questro Gorge to the half-way pool. It’s moderately difficult. I found it my hardest only because the rocks made me a bit unstable. BUT it’s shaded and really gorgeous. I would recommend it.
Zebedee Springs are easy, we went around 9 and actually avoided a decent amount of the crowd who go either early or right before it shuts at 12.
We loved Brancos lookout which does require a little river crossings but nothing too intense. Slow and steady.
The ️highlight ️ was definitely Emma Gorge which is incredible and the most fantastic Gorge IMHO.
FOR THE KIDS: The hike is doable at slow and steady. There are some challenging bits but the end goal is worth it.
Once you get to the Gorge there is a spring to the right which was much warmer than the main pool and my kids played in there.
In conclusion, we loved the Gibb. We’ll definitely come back when the kids are older so we can do a bit more such as Mitchell Falls and finish El Questro and do Amalia Gorge but don’t let that stop you for now.
One of the best parts of the trip is that we met some of the best people whilst on the track. It was and has been a great community.
We hope you take the plunge and go do it. Its a beautiful part of the country.