What the road involves

The Gibb River Road runs about 650 km across the Kimberley, from the Derby Highway near Derby to the Great Northern Highway between Wyndham and Kununurra. Only the busiest sections at the eastern and western ends are sealed; the rest is maintained as a gravel road, with floodways and river crossings. Fuel is sold at Imintji (diesel only), at the Mount Barnett Roadhouse and at El Questro, just off the road near the eastern end. The stretch between Mount Barnett and El Questro is about 330 km.

What permitted means for your hire

Permitted means the conditions of hire allow the camper on the Gibb River Road, and the standard insurance applies while you are there. It does not reserve a vehicle or a date, and it does not cover every track nearby: the Mitchell Plateau Track and Purnululu National Park are listed separately. Check the equipment list on each camper for the second spare wheel, the compressor and the UHF radio. You add the fuel range and the road report on the day you leave.

Questions about the Gibb River Road

When is the Gibb River Road open?

In the dry season, roughly May to October. There are no fixed dates: wet season rain closes sections for weeks, and in some years parts of the road do not reopen until June. Main Roads WA publishes the current closures. Each camper has its own travel window, which can be shorter than the road's, so have your dates and side trips approved when you book.

Where can I refuel on the Gibb River Road?

At Imintji, about 227 km from Derby, which sells diesel only; at the Mount Barnett Roadhouse, about 80 km further east; and at El Questro near the eastern end. Drysdale River Station, 59 km up the Kalumburu Road, also sells fuel. Supply depends on deliveries, so carry spare fuel.

Is the Gibb River Road sealed?

Only in parts. Main Roads WA seals the sections that are hard to keep as gravel, mainly at the eastern and western ends, and maintains the rest as an unsealed road.