Some of the most spectacular and picturesque scenery in Northern Australia is to be discovered along the Gibb River Road. The Gibb River Road is approximately 600 kilometres of scenic dirt road, accessible by four wheel drive vehicles only, which was once a track used to drove cattle to Derby for export.
As we travel along the Gibb River, places of interest include EL Questro Station; one of the world’s most unique holiday destinations. EL Questro offers luxury homestead accommodation, Emma Gorge tented cabins, bungalows and camping on the Pentecost River.
Activities are endless – cruising the Chamberlain Gorge, viewing Wandjina rock art, fishing for Barramundi, relaxing in Zebedee thermal springs, horse riding, or simply relaxing and unwinding.
Durack River Station is one of three pastoral properties owned and operated by the Sinnamon Family. Jack’s Waterhole is a great stop for a swim or picnic lunch.
For a real wilderness experience travel to Drysdale River National Park via the Gibb River/Kalumburu Road, the sheer escarpment that surrounds the area is abundant with Aboriginal art sites, gorges and waterfalls. Mostly accessable by foot only.
Mitchell Plateau/Falls, situated in the far north of the Kimberley, is accessed by the Warrender Road off the Gibb River/Kalumburu Road. The topography of the Mitchell Plateau is old, rugged and amazingly beautiful.
For bird watchers, the Mitchell Plateau is a delight, with species such as White Bellied Sea Eagles, Brahminy Kites and Brolgas, which are all residents to the area.
The Livistona Palm thrives up on the plateau and is a dominant feature of the landscape as you drive in. Areas that hold more water are alive with vines and rainforest type vegetation.
The striking coastline escarpment and Admiralty Gulf can all be viewed via scenic chopper flights.
Kalumburu is situated on Aboriginal land, where permits must be obtained prior to visiting. Historically, Kalumburu was an Aboriginal mission which played an important role in World War 2 and now welcomes visitors to take part in hiking, fishing and scenic flights. Kimberley Dreams is able to offer beach camping at Kalumburu.
Ellenbrae Station offers riverside camping, canoeing, bushwalking and birdwatching.
At Mt Elizabeth, specialist activities are available including photography, Aboriginal art and horse riding.
Barnett River Gorge is a series of pools and waterfalls – great for cooling off. Camping under the shade of huge trees around a waterhole is the perfect way to end a day.
Manning Gorge is divided into upper and lower. Lower makes for a great place to swim and relax on white sandy beaches in idyllic surrounds. Boab trees dominate the waterholes of the Lower Manning. A 2 kilometre walk to Upper Manning Gorge will allow you to explore the neverending escarpment, swim in waterfalls and view the Aboriginal Rainbow Serpent art. Kimberley Dreams can offer camping or accommodation at Manning Gorge.
The main pool at Galvan’s Gorge is a 200 metre walk – swimming and camping are both an option here.
Adcock Gorge is yet another great place for a cool down.
Silent Grove/Bell Gorge is situated in the King Leopold Range Conservation Park. Bell is known as one of the most spectacular gorges in the whole of the Kimberley. Camping down by Bell Creek is delightful.
Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge, also located in the heart of the King Leopold Range Conservation Park, is a ten acre oasis of beautiful lush tropical gardens situated alongside the majestic Barker River. Mount Hart offers comfortable and stylish boutique outback accommodation in two traditional ‘Kimberley-style’ heritage homesteads, gourmet country cuisine as well as some camping facilities. Mount Hart is the ideal base for exploring the stunning outback gorge country of the Western Kimberley including the magnificent Mount Matthew and Yellow-man Gorges, which are only a short drive away from the homesteads.
Lennard River Gorge is a narrow 5 kilometre chasm forged by the Lennard River and surrounded by towering cliffs.
Continue to Windjana Gorge National Park. Windjana Gorge is regarded by geologists as one of the classic examples of world geology. The gorge is a picturesque, narrow canyon cut by the Lennard River through the Napier Range, which was once a coral reef. Trees in the gorge are mostly cadjeputs (tropical paperbarks) and river gums. Also common are native fig and fresh water mangroves.
Tunnel Creek flows through the Napier Range and is approximately 750 metres long. A walk to the end of the tunnel can be undertaken with torches. Stalactites and stalagmites can be seen on your way through the underground caverns.
The Fitzroy River, flowing through the Geikie Range formed Geikie Gorge, with walls up to 30 metres high that contain visible fossils. Melaleuca of many species, freshwater crocodiles and a menagerie of fish and bird life make a boat cruise on the gorge a memorable experience.
