Accommodation On The Gibb River Road

Station Stays, Wilderness Lodges, Wilderness Camps. Which Is Your Favourite?

There are quite a few excellent accommodation options along the Gibb River Road.

Most people camp, but even die hard bush campers like me don't mind the odd night with a hot shower and a meal that someone else cooked (and does the dishes for).

Also, some people would love to see all those beautiful gorges, but simply are not into camping at all. While I think it's more fun to rought it, you certainly don't have to.

Here are your options if you want a real bed along the Gibb River Road. Listed in order from east to west, with either my first hand impressions, or with opinions from friends or readers.

Please chime in! Fill in the form at the bottom and tell us about the places you stayed at, how you liked it, which was your favourite Gibb River Road accommodation, and why.

El Questro Station
Home Valley Station
Ellenbrae Station
Drysdale Station

Mt Elizabeth Station
Charnley River Station
Mornigton Wilderness Camp
Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge

El Questro Station

Only about 100 km from Kununurra (less than 50 km on the Gibb River Road), El Questro is by far the biggest and best know tourist venture in the Kimberley. Their marketing machine is so efficient that people overseas get the impression El Questro is the Kimberley, and the Kimberley is El Questro.

It's impossible to miss that El Questro is all about making money. Most people notice that, and most visitors also perceive it as overpriced. I agree.

Having said that, the land they own is beautiful. It is however huge, and you need to bring a lot of time (and money) to appreciate it. Most people do not have enough of either to fully appreciate what El Questro has to offer.

The easiest places to visit on El Questro are Emma Gorge, El Qestro Gorge (a challenging walk but worth it) and the Zebedee Hot Springs (where you get kicked out at lunch time to make room for the more illustruos clientele...).

Those who could afford to see El Questro in style loved it. However, take note of the price mentioned in the first review on this page, and then maybe check out the deals. You never know your luck...

I would absolutely love El Questro, if, well, if it wasn't El Questro... Tell us below what you thought!

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Home Valley Station

My favourite place at the moment is right on the Gibb River Road, just on the other side of the Pentecost River Crossing.

So far I haven't heard a bad word about Home Valley Station. Everybody loves it. It's a very rustic, down-to-earth place, and it's obvious that a lot of love and thought went into everything.

Home Valley Station has only been open to tourists in its current incarnation since 2006. Maybe it's their own enthusiasm for their new venture, maybe it's the fact that they know they need the word of mouth, in any way, they make you feel warmly welcome the moment you walk in. Every single visitor seems to matter to them. (A nice contrast to El Questro, where it's obvious that unless you're a millionaire they don't really care if you stop by or not...)

It might seem a weird thing to point out, but the bathrooms at the campground are awesome. You'll see what I mean when you get there!

The "Grass Castles" (luxury tents) overlooking the Bindoola Creek are magic, but even putting up your own little tent along the creek has plenty of magic to it. (And some mozzies.)

The food was fantastic last time I checked, but chefs change often in this part of the world. Tell us below if it's still the same delicious brand of Kimberley camp cooking meets five star cuisine.

Call them on (08) 9161 4322 or visit their website.

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Ellenbrae Station

Ellenbrae Station is roughly 230 km from Kununurra, and 70 km from the Gibb River Road/Kalumburu Road intersection.

This is a working station, tourism is not their main focus, but they do welcome visitors. It's a small family run place and offers camping facilities and very limited accommodation in basic eco-bungalows. They also offer dinners and breakfast. Please ring ahead if you'd like to visit them.

Some people love it, others were a bit disappointed. It seems the disappointment was with the ablutions. Apparently they don't quite compare to Home Valley Station... I would not take that complaint seriously, Home Valley Station is an exception in that respect. Plus, Home Valley DOES focus on tourism.

If you stayed at Ellenbrae, tell us about it below.

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Drysdale River Station

Drysdale River Station, located 60 kms along the Kalumburu Road, is the last civilization outpost for people visiting the Mitchell Plateau.

The bar and beer garden looked very inviting, as did the whole place, and the people I talked to were lovely. I only fuelled up here, and stocked up on some essentials. I would have liked to stay longer. Next time...

Check out their website, it's friendly, very useful, and has good information. Just like the real thing!

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Mt Elizabeth Station

Mount Elizabeth Station is 30 km off the Gibb River Road, the turn off is about 70 km after the Kalumburu Road intersection, 345 km from Derby. Unfortunately at this point that's all I can tell you about it, so check out their website.

Phone: (08) 9191 4644 (bookings essential).

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Charnley River Station

The same goes for Charnley River Station. They are located 42 km off the Gibb River Road, the turn off is about 165 km after the Kalumburu Road intersection, or 255 km from Derby.

Their number is (08) 9191 4646 and here is the website.

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Mornington Wilderness Camp

Photos by Serge ©

I'm embarassed to admit that I still haven't been there. Those photos were sent in by a reader. (Thanks, Serge!)

The Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary is a must see. It's a bit off the beaten track (90 km off the Gibb River Road to be precise), which makes it even more attractive. All friends or readers I spoke to rave about it.

The reason I haven't visited yet is that I did not want to go there as a tourist. I want to spend a few weeks there and do some volunteer work. It hasn't happened yet. You will read about it when it does.

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Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge

Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge is 50 km off the Gibb River Road, and the turn off is about 200 km from Derby. A lot of visitors to Mt Hart fly in.

The prices are fair, and they really look after their visitors. Accommodation is full board only, and you are not allowed to bring your own drinks either.

Camping is now available (as of 2008) at $20 pp. The campground is 800 m north of the homestead and has good facilities, including a small kitchen and laundry. Campers can use the restaurant facilities and licensed bar, but not the homestead grounds and gardens.

Phone: (08) 9191 4645

That's it, all the places along the Gibb River Road where you can have a hot shower, buy a cooked meal, and sleep in a real bed!

What I didn't include are the number of wilderness camps that the APT touring company operates in the region. If you're curious, a map with the locations and links to prices is here.

Also check out the deals on offer at Tripadvisor. There's always the chance of picking up a real bargain in terms of flight + accommodation deals, car hire etc.

Tell Us What You Thought About Your
Accommodation On The Gibb River Road!

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