Gibb River Road Pictures

Kimberley Photo Gallery

Many myths revolve around the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley. Some are true, some aren't.

True is that the corrugations are sometimes deep enough to lie in.

Not true is that you are on your own out here, that the drive is challenging, that you need to be an experienced four wheel driver, yada, yada, yada.

The exception are the first few weeks of the tourist season, when the road re-opens after the wet season closure.

Before the graders have done their bit, when the rivers and creeks still run deep and fast, then it can indeed be a real adventure.

However, also not true is that you will experience the solitude of an untouched wilderness. Those days are over.

True is that it is still a great trip. So fear not, pack up your four wheel drive and go. The tourist numbers here will only increase.

Gibb River Road Pictures 1

Typical View Of The Gibb River Road

This is a very typical view of the Gibb River Road. Some sections are even sealed but most of the road consists of red dirt and gravel. A lot of it is badly corrugated. This stretch was reasonable.

There is still a puddle left from one of the creeks, but it is very early in the season. Most people will not see much water at all on their trip.

Gibb River Road Pictures 2

Pentecost River Crossing

This is probably the most famous of all Gibb River Road photos: the Pentecost River Crossing and the Cockburn Ranges at sunset.

The Pentecost River is one of the few big rivers that you have to cross on your trip and at the very beginning of the season that can be a bit of a challenge.

Note: the Pentecost River is full of saltwater crocodiles that have caused trouble in the past. (One attacked campers in their tent at night time.)

Gibb River Road Pictures 3

Getting Sidetracked

Water on a side track of the Gibb River Road.

This picture was taken on a side track, not the main road. It's the access track to Adcock Gorge to be precise. As you can see, this track is a bit rougher than the main road.

And that is the reason why in my eyes it doesn't make sense to drive the Gibb River Road in a conventional vehicle. Even once all the water has dried up, the tracks to many of the attractions remain very rough and you will need the clearance of a four wheel drive vehicle. (You don't need exceptional skills, just a vehicle with clearance.)

I'd hate to drive all the way, seeing all the turn offs and not being able to go anywhere.

Here is an example of what you might miss out on:

Gibb River Road Pictures 4

Bell Gorge

One of the most famous Kimberley gorges is Bell Gorge. It's 30 km off the main road and when I was there it was a four wheel drive only track for sure.

Of course, the Gibb River Road and all the tracks to the attractions are constantly improved and upgraded. There are also plans to seal all of the main road in the near future. Yes, access will become a lot easier, but then the tourist numbers will increase, too.

Gibb River Road Pictures 5

Galvans Gorge

If you do go in a conventional vehicle, this is one of the places that you can see. Galvans Gorge is only a short walk from the main road. It's the perfect place for a lunch break and a swim. The only thing I found wrong with it is, you guessed it, the amount of people.

I managed to shoot a photo without other tourists in it, but this would not have been possible 10 minutes later. It pays to be early, early in the season and early in the day.

Gibb River Road Pictures 6 and 7

Road Trains

Road trains are looooong trucks with three, four or more trailers. By the time you get here you will have seen many of them on the highways. But they don't kick up as much dust on the highways...

The Gibb River Road is an important beef road and you will come across many cattle trucks. They drive fast and it's not easy for them to slow down, so please don't do stupid things like pull out in front of them or similar. Here's another one:

Meeting them like this is not too bad. You just pull up and wait till the dust settles. But it's not much fun to being stuck behind one and you can imagine your chances of seeing the road ahead. Overtaking them is usually not an option.

It's best to have a break instead...

Gibb River Road Pictures 8

Home Valley Sunset Lookout

What you can see here is the Pentecost River and the Cockburn Ranges in the distance.

Sunset or not, the sunset lookout is a nice place for a break. There is even a table and some seats made from rock and an invite from people who don't take no for an answer: