The Kimberley in the dry season is one of the last genuinely wild places you can access in a standard 4WD. Here is a first-timer's account of two weeks on the Gibb River Road.
The Road
The Gibb River Road runs 660km between Derby and Kununurra through the heart of the Kimberley. In the dry season (April to October) it is graded corrugated dirt — passable in a well-prepared 4WD at speeds that won't destroy your suspension. Expect 4–5 hours to cover 200km. Bring two spare tyres. Three is not excessive.
The Fishing
Every creek crossing with permanent water holds barramundi. The accessible spots — Bell Gorge, Manning Gorge, Adcock Gorge — are well-known and fished. The productive fishing is away from the obvious spots. Park a kilometre upstream of the camping area and walk to water nobody else has reached that day.
Barramundi here respond to surface lures in the low light periods with spectacular aggression. Bring medium-heavy gear, 40lb braid, and wire traces — the snag-laden gorge pools will test your tackle. Expect to lose lures. Budget for it.
The Country
Red escarpments, boab trees, clear water in gorges that see 40°C days and cool nights. Wildlife that is genuinely abundant in the absence of population pressure: freshwater crocodiles in most waterholes (harmless), saltwater crocs in tidal water (treat with serious respect), countless bird species, wallabies, and the occasional dingo that will investigate your camp at night.
Practical Notes
Fuel at Mount Barnett roadhouse (roughly midpoint of the Gibb) is expensive but essential. Carry a satellite communicator — mobile coverage is non-existent for the majority of the route. Tell someone your itinerary and expected return date.
Two weeks in the Kimberley in this kind of heat requires serious sun and UV management. Browse our sun protection range.
