Loading...
AUD / USD rate: USD 0.63

Gibb River Road Adventure

  
Duration: 17 Days
     
Starts: Broome
     
Finishes: Broome

(This tour can also be travelled in reverse order)

Experience one of the Australia’s greatest 4WD adventures as you travel over 660 kilometres of Western Australia’s rugged Kimberley wilderness on this Gibb River Road discovery drive. Visit remote outback stations, swim in pristine rock pools, walk through towering gorges, traverse rivers and enjoy true outback hospitality.

Day 01

Welcome to Broome. You will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle.

Once a sleepy outback pearling town, Broome has long been renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and unique character.

The amazing turquoise waters and the intensely coloured red earth leave an indelible impression and continue to inspire artists and photographers. Roebuck Bay is a haven for thousands of migratory birds, and the waters around Broome attract fishing enthusiasts. Whales, dolphins and turtles all populate the waters, and the dinosaurs that roamed the ancient lands have left their mark, preserved in rock at Roebuck Bay.

Day 02

Today is a free day to explore. With so much on offer in and around Broome it is hard to know where to start. Choose from a scenic flight over the truly spectacular Horizontal Waterfalls, a South Sea Pearl Farm tour, riding camels at sunset along Cable Beach or just relaxing on the white sandy beaches and its pristine turquoise water.

You pick up your RedSands vehicle today. Take the time to familiarise yourself with your vehicle and stock up on water and food supplies for your upcoming adventure.

Day 03
Approximate driving time 2.5 hours, 220 km

Today sees you travelling towards the start of one of Australia’s most iconic and renowned roads - Gibb River Road.

This approximately 660 kilometre (410 mile) journey through the vast Kimberley region of Western Australia is a great 4WD adventure.

Your first overnight stop en route is Derby, which was the first town to be settled in the Kimberley and the main access point to Gibb River Road, Windjana Gorge National Park and the small islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago. The warm winters and hot humid summers provide perfect conditions for watching the highest tides in Australia, peaking at over 11 metres.

Day 04
Approximate driving time 3 hours, 250 km

Leaving Derby, drive east along the Gibb River Road to Windjana Gorge National Park, one of the best places in Australia to see freshwater crocodiles in the wild. Windjana Gorge was carved out of the Napier Range by the Lennard River. Walking around you can see abundant birdlife and crocodiles sunning themselves near waterholes.

Continuing east pass through Lennard River Gorge before you reach the picturesque Bell Gorge, the road’s most famous gorge. Take the short walk alongside and cross pretty Bell Creek taking care of the slippery surface. Watch waterfalls cascade 100 metres down perfect U-shaped cliffs, into a deep pool, which is popular for swimming. After a relaxing swim continue to your accommodation.

Day 05
Approximate driving time 6.5 hours, 145 km

A further 100 kilometres from Bell Gorge you arrive at Galvans Gorge, the most accessible gorge along the Gibb River Road. Enjoy a relaxing swim or simply sit under the waterfall and look at the boab trees clinging to the escarpment above.

Continue on past the Mount Barnett Roadhouse to Manning Gorge for a tranquil swim in the Lower Manning Gorge. From here the walking track winds past Aboriginal rock art to the spectacular waterfall and Yallamia Pool of Upper Manning Gorge. After lunch continue to Mt Elizabeth Station.

Day 06

Experience the beauty and tranquility of the Kimberley at Mt Elizabeth today, boasting exquisite landscapes, Kimberley history and extreme terrain for the adventurous and all the excitement that comes with a fully operational cattle station. Wunnamurra Gorge is located approximately 15 km from the Mt Elizabeth homestead and boasts the beauty and tranquillity the Kimberley’s is renowned for.

Day 07
Approximate driving time 7 hours, 160 km

Today you leave the Gibb River Road for a little while as you travel north towards the spectacular Mitchell Plateau in the Kimberley’s northwest. Drysdale River Station is a family owned, family operated, million-acre working cattle station located on the Kalumburu Road, approximately 59 km north of the Gibb River Road/Kalumburu Road junction. It is your midway point as you travel north to the Mitchell Plateau.

Day 08

Today take a break from driving. We highly recommend a flight excursion to the impressive Mitchell Falls (optional). The four-tiered Mitchell Falls is an iconic Kimberley attraction, and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Australia. Also known as Punamii-unpuu to the Wunambal people, the falls were carved through sandstone by the waters of the Mitchell River, producing layers of mesmerising emerald water pools from which the waters tumble from one to the next.

Tours via small aircraft leave directly from Drysdale River Station and can also include hiking and even an overnight at Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge, if you would like to add another night to your itinerary (please enquire with your Rest AU consultant).

Day 09
Approximate driving time 9 hours, 236 km

Leaving Drysdale River Station head south back towards the Gibb River Road and then east to Home Valley Station, at the foot of the majestic Cockburn Range. On today’s drive you will complete the Durack River Crossing en route to tonight’s accommodation.

Day 10

Today is a free day to explore the majestic surrounds of Home Valley Station.

There is a range of activities to enjoy including barramundi fishing, boating, gorge walks, horse riding, heli-flights, swimming pools to soak in and so much more. At the end of the day, relax at the famous Dusty Bar & Grill and enjoy a meal and live entertainment.

Day 11
Approximate driving time 2.5 hours, 121 km

Continuing our journey eastwards, you will first encounter the extensive Pentecost River Crossing reaching some 50+ metres in length. Beware of crocodiles on this crossing and do not wade through to check water levels. Care should be taken when water levels are high and Home Valley Station can advise you.

The last section of today’s drive is on sealed roads as you travel to the township of Kununurra, established in 1961. Kununurra is a local aboriginal word meaning ‘meeting of big waters’.

Day 12

Today, take a scenic flight from Kununurra. During the two-hour flight, you will soar over the beautiful Bungle Bungle Range, Lake Argyle, the Argyle Diamond Mine and the Ord River Irrigation Area. You will also witness the stunning Carr Boyd Ranges, the Osmand Ranges, the Ord River and the Bow River, before returning to Kununurra.

Day 13
Approximate driving time 5.5 hours, 315 km

Travelling west from Kununurra along the Great Northern Highway you will pass through the open expanses of the Kimberley’s. On the river crossing you will notice the trees are all bent downstream due to the flood waters of the wet season.

At Ord River it is time to leave the highway behind and travel deep into Purnululu National Park and the Bungle Bungles. The drive to your accommodation is along a good track with numerous river crossings and hills to climb.

Day 14

Today you have the opportunity to explore the black and orange striped Bungle Bungle domes on foot. Hike into Echidna Chasm, a spectacular cleft in the rock. While you are here, look out for the marvellously constructed bower bird nests. Head into Cathedral Gorge, a natural amphitheatre offering amazing acoustics or simply enjoy the sunset over the Bungle Bungle Ranges. The choice is yours.

Day 15
Approximate driving time 7 hours, 465 km

Leave the park the same way you entered and re-join the Great Northern Highway to Fitzroy Crossing. One of only two towns on the highway linking Kununurra and Broome, Fitzroy Crossing is set on the banks of the mighty Fitzroy River and a true outback town.

The Fitzroy Valley is home to five Aboriginal groups – the Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Nyikina, Wangkatjunka and Walmajarri, each with their own distinctive language and customs. Aboriginal art and culture is strong in the area, with several galleries open to visitors.

Day 16
Approximate driving time 4.5 hours, 397 km

Today’s drive will see you returning to where this adventure started, Broome. As you travel west you can reflect on the amazing outback scenery and contrast witnessed over the past couple of weeks.

Day 17

Drop off your vehicle and depart Broome with new friendships formed and wonderful memories of your adventure through the Australian Kimberley’s.

Interested in Gibb River Road Adventure?

Enquire Now