The Gibb River Road was initially constructed as a beef road to transport cattle from the surrounding stations to the ports of Derby and Wyndham. It spans some six-hundred and seventy kilometres from Derby to the junction of the Great Northern Highway between Wyndham and Kununurra. Please note, although many visitors travel the Gibb River to experience the outback Kimberley, they are still primarily in cattle country, so please beware of cattle and road trains.
The Kimberley Region experiences two seasons being the dry and wet, (green season). Access to the Gibb River is not recommended during the wet or green season due to flooding. The recommended time to travel on this road is between April and November when the road is open. Large sections of the Gibb River Road are unfenced so beware of livestock and wildlife. Reduce speed if driving at night.
The road in fair conditions is a formed natural earth road over rugged terrain. A high clearance vehicle is necessary. Resist the desire to speed as sudden changes in road conditions are frequent. Recommended maximum speed limit 60 kilometres per hour. Towing caravans is not advised on the Gibb River Road. The road is bitumen for the first sixty kilometres out of Derby, from here it is gravel road right through to Mt Elizabeth Station. North from Mt Elizabeth and on through to Wyndham the road deteriorates due to the rocky nature of the terrain.
Due to the isolation of this area, your vehicle must be in first class condition. Repairs can be expensive and it may take a week or more to obtain parts and repair facilities are both limited and costly. Have your vehicle thoroughly checked prior to departure by a competent mechanic with specific attention to battery mountings and tyres. A comprehensive tool kit, puncture repair kit and first aid kit are essential along with spare tyres, radiator hoses, fan belt and high lift jack. Carry sufficient water and food to last three to four days longer than anticipated.
Facilities
Only camp in designated areas. Rubbish removal from isolated areas is very expensive, don't bury it, please take all rubbish with you. Your co-operation is sought in keeping these river and road areas clean. Legally, camp fires must not be within three metres of vegetation or left while burning. Try to use a place already cleared. A small spark can start a devastating bushfire. Collect firewood - do not chop down trees. When entering pastoral property, you must gain permission from the station owner. Do not camp in a creek or river bed, as they can be subject to flash flooding. Do not use soap in creeks or rivers. It is illegal to carry a firearm on pastoral properties without the land owner's consent. The Shire Ranger regularly patrols the Gibb River Road.
Please Note
Take Care In Crocodile Areas -
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