10 must-see and dos along the Gibb River Road
Every trip will be unique is different from the last with endless things to see and experience, here are our top 10 things to do along the way:
1. Windjana Gorge, Bandilngan - The gorge is an ancient limestone reef system, with Lennard River winding its way through the middle. Whilst on the 3.5km walking track (each way) keep a lookout for marine life fossils in the walls of this spectacular gorge and freshwater crocodiles in the calm cool waters.
2. Tunnel Creek, Dimalurru - With impressive stalactites overhead, this 750m long underground tunnel leads you through WA's oldest cave system. This area is famously known as the place where the Aboriginal leader and resistance fighter Jandamarra of the Bunuba tribe hid in the late 1890s.
Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) - Photo Credit - Tourism WA
3. Bell Gorge, Dalmanyi - A natural infinity pool at the top of a cascading waterfall where you can get lost in the beauty of the Kimberley's with spectacular views, and a deep plunge pool at the bottom to wash away the heat of the day. Paradise found!
4. Adcock and Galvans Gorge - Both gorges are easily accessible from the Gibb River road, little oases with deep green pools that you can swim in. Adcock has a small waterfall at the start of the dry season whilst Galvans runs for most of the season. Galvans Gorge has a sentinel Boab standing proud at the top of the waterfall, and you can also find ancient Aboriginal rock art here.
5. Manning Gorge - There is quite an adventure to get to the main falls at Manning Gorge - It is a 3-kilometre walk following markers and arrows, then to cross the manning river there is self-powered pulley system in a little boat and on the way you must keep an eye out for Aboriginal rock art.
6. Ellenbrae Station - Reward your taste buds and float away on a cloud of whipped cream with the legendary homemade scones of Ellenbrae Station.
7. Pentecoste River Crossing and the Cockburn Ranges - The iconic river crossing of the Gibb River Road with the striking Cockburn Ranges towering above in the background. There are many lookout points to take in the glory of this area, especially stunning during an outback sunset!
8. El Questro Gorge and Wilderness Park - Gibb River dreams are made of a canopy of green palms overhead, rocky gorges that lead you to a haven of running water and a deep green pool, this is the El Questro Gorge. A working cattle station set on a million acres, there's no shortage of things to do from helicopter tours, walking trails, boat cruises and drives, all-encompassing the natural beauty of El Questro.
9. Emma Gorge & Zebedee Thermal Springs - Both found within the El Questro Wilderness Park, Emma Gorge is a tranquil, crystal-clear spot to enjoy a relaxing swim to beat the heat, found at the base of flame-red cliffs. Zebedee Thermal Springs is a place of magic including tall pre-historic palm trees, warm soothing pools, waterfalls and ragged cliff faces.
Emma Gorge - Photo Credit - Tourism WA
10. Wyndam Boab Prison Tree - Also known as Hillgrove Lockup is a hollow Boab tree that was used as a prison for Aboriginal prisoners in the 1890s. Unlike the famous Derby 'Prison Tree', which has no evidence to support the title. The 1500 year old Derby tree is still impressive with its age and girth of 14.7 meters.
* Whilst not on the Gibb River Road itself, we could not omit Mitchell Falls, Punamii-Uunpuu. It is accessed by taking the Kalumburu Road and the Mitchell Plateau Track. This awe-inspiring, four-tiered waterfall is worth the detour and along the way you can also view Aboriginal rock art sites, Little Mertens Falls and Mertens Gorge.
Learn more about exploring the Gibb River Road.