Do I really need a 4WD for the Gibb River Road?

Four Wheel Drives At Creek Crossing On The Gibb River Road

Hey, I just have a really simple question. Is it possible to drive with a two wheel drive through the Gibb River Road or is it really necessary to have a four wheel drive?
Christian

--
Related Reader Pages:
Vehicle Suitability for Gibb River Road
Gibb River Road in Subaru Forester
Buying a Suzuki for Gibb River Road
4wd snorkel needed for Gibb River Road?

Photo by Brogge

Comments for
Do I really need a 4WD for the Gibb River Road?

Click here to add your own comments

Oct 28, 2010

2WD for Gibb River Road
by: Birgit

Hey, and I have a really simple answer: it depends :-).

It depends what you want to do, it depends on the time of the year, and it depends on the kind of 2WD and your experience.

What you need most is clearance and a tough vehicle that doesn't fall apart with those corrugations, but not usually the 4WD itself, at least not on the Gibb itself.

If you just want to be able to say that you did it in a two wheel drive then yes: during the dry season, once all the rivers a down, and once the road is graded, it's usually possible for an experienced driver to get from one end of the Gibb River Road to the other in a two wheel drive.

But creek crossings can still be a problem, even when dry. It's not the 4WD you need, it's the clearance to navigate the holes and rocks and bumps.

I also don't see the point in doing it. If you don't go and see places along the way—and without 4WD you are very limited in where you can go—then the Gibb River Road is just a slow and uncomfortable way to get from Broome/Derby to Kununurra/Wyndham.

The attraction of the drive is not the Gibb River Road itself, but the places, mainly the gorges and waterfalls, on the way. And to get to most of those you do need a four wheel drive.

The Gibb River Road itself is not much fun (very corrugated, dusty, and awfully busy in the main season) and there isn't all that much to see along it.

But then again, if you have done plenty of offroading in your 2WD before, and if getting a 4WD for the trip is totally out of the question, and if this is your once in a lifetime chance to see it, you wouldn't be the first to do it in a 2WD :-).

More info at: GRR - What You Need To Know

Click here to add your own comments

Travelling to the Kimberley?

The free Kimberley Pocket Guide
is a great introduction to travel in the region.

The full Kimberley Travel Guide
shows you how to make the most of your adventure at Australia's last frontier.

Travelling to the Northern Territory?

NEW! Destination Top End offers the same comprehensive, detailed insider information for the tropical regions of the Northern Territory.

A must have if you travel to or from Darwin.

Return to top

Return to Kimberley Travel Guide home page