The Gibb River Road: Fuel, Camping...

Accommodation, Permits, ... And Everything Else You Need To Know!

The Gibb River Road has become so popular in recent years, it is rather busy these days...

In the past you would have been entirely on your own if something went wrong. If something goes wrong today, it's often just a matter of minutes until another car comes along, at least during the tourist season.

Fuel and supplies are available at several points along the Gibb River Road, and so are tyre and mechanical repairs.

One of the stores on the Gibb River Road

But even if the idea of your vehicle breaking down out here is not as scary as it used to be, it's still a major inconvenience. And a rather costly one as well.

There have been seven deaths on the Gibb River Road since 1993, and many travellers manage to get themselves into trouble through their inexperience and their lack of preparation. Don't ruin your holidays through a road crash...

Let's make sure your trip will be smooth and just wonderful all the way. Here is what you should know about the Gibb River Road conditions and about the hazards that you might encounter on your drive.

Permits/Permission
Your Vehicle
Road Conditions
Driving/Speed

Tyres
River/Creek Crossings
Fuel/Supplies
Camping/Accommodation

Driving The Gibb River Road
Travel Information

Permits/Permission

You don't need a permit to travel on the Gibb River Road, the Kalumburu Road, the Mitchell Plateau Track or to access any of the usual attractions.

However, you do need a permit if you want to enter the Kalumburu Aboriginal community, and you have to organise it before you leave. Any of the Kimberley tourist information centres can do that for you, or you can do it online at the Department of Indigenous Affairs.

Any other travel on tracks across Aboriginal land requires a permit.

If it is not Aboriginal land, then it is private. All the land either side of the Gibb River Road and other roads in the area is private land! If you want to go off exploring on any tracks other than the sign posted gorge access tracks please get permission from the owners.

Return to top

Your Vehicle

Make sure your vehicle is mechanically sound and have it checked over and serviced before you leave..

If you have no four wheel drive (4WD) experience or are driving a hired car make sure you familiarise yourself with your vehicle, especially if you are travelling early in the season (April/May). Know the limitations of the car (how much water it can handle) and know how to engage the four wheel drive.

I have been contacted by people asking if it is possible to drive the Gibb River Road in a conventional two wheel drive vehicle (2WD), or if they can take their caravans.

Well, it has been done before. I'm not saying it is impossible. But taking a caravan is not a good idea. The corrugtions will likely make it fall apart. (Off-road trailers are ok.)

Taking a 2WD during the middle of the dry season is possible but I don't see the point. You will probably make it across the Gibb River Road ok. You do run a risk of damaging your vehicle in one of the river or creek crossings because of your low clearance.

But the main point is, all the attractions that make the Gibb River Road a worthwhile drive are on side tracks, and pretty much all of those require the high clearance of four wheel drive. You wouldn't see anything!

Return to top

Road Conditions

The Gibb River Road can at times be heavily corrugated, enough to rattle your teeth out. It gets graded regularly which certainly improves it, but that never lasts long. However, as long as you make sure that all you gear is stowed securely (lids on tightly etc.) the corrugations are only a nuisance. So is the dust.

At the start of the season (April/May) you may encounter holes and washouts left after the wet season rains.

Since all the steep sections where the Gibb River Road climbs across the ranges have been sealed this isn't really a problem any more, but do watch out on any side tracks.

The only real concern at the start of the season are creek and river crossings. Just because the Gibb River Road is open doesn't mean that your car will make it across! It comes back to knowing the limitations of your vehicle.

To get up to date information about road conditions and water depth ask the nearest tourist information centre or the Main Roads Department (free call 1800 013 314 or check their website)

It's so obvious I nearly forgot to mention it: the Gibb River Road is of course closed during the wet season. The date it closes and reopens depends on when and how much it rains.

The Gibb River Road is generally open from May to November. However, early or late in the season you better double check the road conditions and water depth and be flexible with your plans.

Return to top

Driving/Speed

This one is obvious, too, you would think, but when you look at the accidents that happen every year...

You can't drive on unsealed roads at the same speed as on a sealed road! You have to slow down! Corrugations are particularly hazardous. Flying over the top of them might feel a lot more comfortable, but think about how little traction you have when you only just touch the top of those bumps... Especially around bends it is very easy to lose control. So take it easy.

Dust is always a problem on the Gibb River Road, but don't let it tempt you into overtaking a slower vehicle unless you can actually see the road ahead. You should also drive with your headlights on so the vehicle you are approaching and any oncoming traffic have a chance to see you.

If you do overtake anybody put some space between them and you before you move back to your side of the road and shower their windscreen with gravel...

The Gibb River Road is an important transport road for the cattle industry. You will come across many road trains, trucks with three, four or more trailers. And they move...

Whatever you do, keep in mind that these road trains can't just jump on the breaks and stop in a hurry, so stay out of their way.

Don't take any risks trying to overtake them. You will need a lot of clear straight road ahead to do so, and how you are going to see that in their dust cloud I don't know...

Last but not least: at dusk and dawn there is always a risk of animals on the road. Not only wildlife but also cattle are a big hazard. Remember that all the land along the Gibb River Road is cattle farming country, and that the road is not necessarily fenced.

Return to top

Tyres

The Gibb River Road is famous for its sharp rocks and has a bad reputation for shredding tyres.

You should take at least two spare tyres, but I know of many people who ruined three or more. That can be avoided, you know?

To start with, drop your tyre pressure! Recommended off road pressures are way below the pressure you need on bitumen. If your tyres are too hard they don't give when in contact with sharp rocks, and, BANG, ...

Recommended pressures vary with the vehicle, tyre size and type and the load. (The printable Kimberley guide has a whole chapter on this, with numbers.)

But beyond that there is one method to prevent punctures that works without fail: go slow. If you dislike changing tyres (and paying for them) as much as I do, just keep your speed down at 60 kph or less on the rocky sections. It will greatly improve your chances. (Not saying I guarantee you won't get a puncture some other way...)

I have yet to change a tyre on the Gibb River Road, or any dirt road for that matter. I have yet to overtake another vehicle there, too.

Return to top

River and Creek Crossings

River crossings are only a problem at the beginning of the season. Luckily the water drops pretty quickly.

I already said it, just because the road has been opened does not mean that you will make it across all rivers. It really depends on your car.

A few rules of thumb:

If the water flows too strong for you to walk across then it is not safe to drive across. (The flow is more important then the depth.)
A water depth of no more than 50cm is recommended for 4x4 vehicles.
A water depth of no more than 20cm is recommended for 2WD vehicles.

Of course it is possible to cross water a lot deeper than that if you have the right vehicle, but you should know your car and you should know what you are doing. The above rules of thumb are a guideline for inexperienced drivers.

If the river or creek is crocodile free it never hurts to wade across first and check for bottomless holes, submerged logs etc. (Don't wade into the Pentecost, ok? You'll end up as croc dinner.)

So how do you actually drive across a deep crossing? Engage the four wheel drive for additional traction, select first or second gear in low range (don't change gears in the water!), and let the car slowly make its way across. Don't feel you have to take a run up and go fast to make it. I've seen people do that and you are really asking for trouble if doing that.

Return to top

Fuel/Supplies

Plan ahead what you want to do. Find out where exactly along the Gibb River Road you can refill your tank. You might need jerry cans. Diesel is available at many points, but anything else could be bit harder to come by.

Several stores, stations and roadhouses along the way sell basic supplies and ice. (The printable Kimberley guide has all those details.)

Drinking water is available at a few points, too. But you should still take plenty, especially if you plan to do a bit more exploring. Drinking water is the one thing you can never carry too much of. You should always have enough to last you for at least two to three days, just in case.

Return to top

Camping/Accommodation

Camping is only allowed in designated areas as everything along the Gibb River Road is private land. The facilities vary. Again, more details can be found in the printable Kimberley guide, and also on the page where I talk about the gorges and attractions of the Gibb River Road.

Some cattle stations along the Gib River Road welcome visitors and offer camping facilities, accommodation, meals and tours, but others are totally closed to the public.

There are also a few resort style wilderness camps.

Gibb River Road main page