Accommodation on the Gibb River Road
The Gibb River Road offers a wide range of accommodations for every type of traveller. Options include everything from luxury lodges to remote bush camps. You can indulge in a luxurious stay. Alternatively, experience the raw beauty of the Kimberley wilderness through camping. You’ll find something to suit your needs.
My setup is simple—just the essentials to keep me moving and exploring. It’s all I need to reach the places that matter. The only upgrade since this pic is a 270-degree awning, making camp life a little easier.
I am also considering a roof top tent but watch this space.
Along this 660 km stretch, stations, wilderness lodges, and bush camps provide the perfect base for exploring the region’s stunning gorges, waterfalls, and rich Indigenous culture.
Before heading on the Gibb, be prepared. Read 10 Road Trip Basics for Outback Australia and 5 Top Travel Tips for Navigating the Unique Australian Wild Life.
Preparation is key on this journey.
Embracing the Culture and Heritage of the Gibb River Road
This is more than just a rugged, iconic outback track. It is a journey through the heart of the Kimberley region, filled with natural beauty, history, and culture.
The Indigenous custodians of this land, the Aboriginal people, play a vital role in preserving its heritage. Their efforts maintain the unspoiled beauty that makes the Gibb River Road such a unique experience.
Their knowledge, traditions, and deep connection to the land enrich every traveler’s journey. They offer a deeper understanding of this ancient landscape.
Supporting Indigenous accommodation options along the Gibb River Road is essential. It ensures the preservation of cultural heritage and contributes to sustainable tourism in the region.
As you explore the accommodation options along this breathtaking journey, consider the opportunity to engage with and support these communities, helping to make a positive impact on both the land and its people. Check out my Sustainable Travel: Indigenous Accommodation on the Gibb River Road .
Munurru Campground
Located near the turnoff to Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls), offers travelers a unique opportunity to connect with both the natural beauty and the ancient cultural history of the Kimberley. Managed by the Wunambal Gaambera people, the campground is close to important Indigenous rock art, including Wanjina and Gwion art.
By staying here, visitors contribute to protecting and preserving Wunambal Gaambera Country and help maintain the community’s ability to continue living on their ancestral lands.
An Uunguu Visitor Pass is required to access the area, promoting sustainable travel and supporting local initiatives. Check out my post on Indigenous Accomodation options on the Gibb River Road
HOT TIP – there is no internet up this way so take cash to pay for your visitors pass or buy it before you leave.
Imintji Campground and Art Centre
Set beneath the majestic King Leopold Range, Imintji Campground provides a peaceful retreat for travelers exploring the Gibb River Road. Once a key stop for cattle drovers, Imintji is now a leading eco-tourism destination, featuring clean amenities, eco-friendly services, and proximity to Bells Gorge.
Managed by the Worrorra people, the campground also hosts an art center where visitors can purchase traditional artworks from local artists. Staying at Imintji helps support the local community while offering a meaningful cultural experience that deepens the connection between visitors and the Indigenous history of the land.
Balangarra Home Valley Station
Located along the eastern stretch of the Gibb River Road, Home Valley Station is an Indigenous-owned destination that combines eco-tourism with cultural immersion.
Operated by the Balanggarra people, the station offers a variety of accommodations, from eco-cabins to bush campsites, set against the stunning backdrop of the Cockburn Range.
Guests can participate in Indigenous-led tours, learning about bush skills, local flora and fauna, and the cultural heritage of the land. Staying at Home Valley supports Balanggarra Ventures, helping preserve both the environment and the community’s cultural traditions for future generations.
Homesteads, National Parks, Stations and Camping Spots
El Questro Station
El Questro offers a variety of accommodation options for travelers. The Station provides a more relaxed stay with riverfront bungalows and rooms, ideal for families or groups.
For the adventurous, El Questro Camping offers riverside camping sites surrounded by nature. A short distance from the main station, Emma Gorge offers unique tented cabins for a more immersive wilderness experience.
You can easily visit Emma Gorge’s stunning waterfall without staying overnight. Located just 1 km off the Gibb River Road, it’s highly accessible for a day trip. This makes it a perfect stop to experience one of the Kimberley’s natural highlights. Remember to check in at the office.
Ellenbrae Station
Ellenbrae Station provides a tranquil stopover, known for its warm hospitality and famous scones. It offers two types of accommodation: rustic cabins with basic facilities for those wanting a peaceful retreat, and camping areas shaded by trees with access to showers and BBQ facilities.
Ellenbrae’s remoteness gives you an authentic outback experience. Here you can enjoy a quiet evening under the stars and swim in the nearby waterholes. Bring your firewood as you can have a fire here. Always check with the camp before starting fires.
Drysdale River Station
Located just 1km off the Kalumburu Road, Drysdale River Station is an essential stop for travelers navigating the remote Kimberley region. Known for its convenient services and welcoming atmosphere, Drysdale offers everything from tyre repairs and fuel (both diesel and ULP) to comfortable accommodation and hearty meals.
Its shop and fuel station are open daily during the dry season (when the roads are legally open), making it a key stop for those exploring the Gibb River and Kalumburu Roads.
The campground features hot showers and flush toilets, with eight powered sites available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended. Drysdale River also offers a range of accommodation options, from basic rooms to air-conditioned ensuite rooms, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.
In addition to its practical services, Drysdale River Station is home to a restaurant and bar. Travelers can enjoy a cold beer in the Beer Garden or dig into their famous Kimberley Beef burgers at lunch. Evening meals are buffet-style, and bookings for dinner are strongly recommended. My fav was the restaurant, I cannot lie. After coming off the Mitchell Plateau and days of dust, this stop was absolute bliss.
For those looking to explore further, Drysdale offers scenic flights and day trips to the breathtaking Mitchell Falls. They provide options for guided treks and overnight stays. Whether you’re refuelling or making essential repairs, Drysdale River Station is a crucial stop. It is also crucial if you’re simply looking to relax and enjoy a meal while journeying through the Kimberley.
Mt Barnett Roadhouse
Mt Barnett Roadhouse is a vital stop for travelers along the Gibb River Road. It offers essential services like fuel and supplies. Visitors can also access one of the Kimberley’s most iconic attractions—Manning Gorge.
It is conveniently located about halfway along the route and serves as an ideal base for those exploring the region.
The nearby Mt Barnett Station Campground provides a comfortable and well-maintained camping option with basic facilities, allowing visitors to recharge before venturing further.
A short hike from the campground takes you to the breathtaking Manning Gorge. Here you’ll find a spectacular waterfall cascading into a pristine swimming hole. This is perfect for cooling off after a day of adventure and dust. This stop offers more than just rest and refueling. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with nature. You can do this in one of the Kimberley’s most stunning locations.
Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or simply take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape, Mt Barnett is a must-visit on your Gibb River Road journey.
Silent Grove Campground
Silent Grove Campground, located within King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park, is just 19 kilometers from Bell Gorge. It offers shaded campsites with essential amenities like toilets and showers. This makes it a perfect base for exploring the nearby gorge.
As a protected area, booking is required, with reservations available up to 180 days ahead. This ensures availability during peak travel times on the Gibb River Road. allowing travelers to secure a spot and fully enjoy the region’s beauty.
Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) Campground
Nestled within the stunning Windjana Gorge National Park, the Bandilngan Windjana Gorge Campground offers a unique opportunity for travelers. Visitors can experience the awe-inspiring natural beauty of one of the Kimberley’s most significant geological and cultural landmarks.
The park is renowned for its towering limestone walls. These were once part of an ancient reef system from the Devonian period, over 350 million years ago. The gorge is cut by the Lennard River, which flows only during the wet season. In the dry months, it leaves serene pools where freshwater crocodiles can often be seen basking.
The Windjana Gorge Campground, located within the park, is a fantastic accommodation option on the Gibb River Road.
The campground features basic amenities such as showers and toilets, providing a comfortable yet authentic bush camping experience.
Set to reopen in May 2025 for the tourist season, the campground will offer travelers a unique base to explore the park’s trails and natural wonders.
Beyond its geological history, Windjana Gorge holds deep cultural significance to the Bunuba people. They recognize it as a spiritual place and have shared its stories for generations. Exploring the park allows visitors to connect with both the ancient history of the landscape and the rich cultural heritage of its Traditional Custodians.
With limited sites available, it’s recommended to book well in advance, as camping spots fill up quickly. You will find a deeply enriching stay at Windjana Gorge Campground. Whether you’re stargazing under the Kimberley skies or listening to the quiet hum of the gorge, the experience is unforgettable. It combines nature, history, and culture in one unforgettable experience.
Mount Elizabeth Station
Nestled in the heart of Western Australia’s Kimberley region, Mt Elizabeth Station is a working cattle station that offers a genuine outback experience.
Accommodation options cater to various preferences, from camping under the stars in a spacious campground with amenities like showers, toilets, and laundry facilities, to staying in refurbished Homestead Garden Rooms that accommodate couples and families, or the Outcamp Rooms featuring double beds and ensuite facilities.
Guests can explore the station’s expansive landscapes through challenging 4×4 tracks leading to secluded gorges such as Wunnamurra and Warla, perfect for swimming and fishing.
Visitors can enjoy bushwalking, bird watching, and observing native wildlife. They can immerse themselves in the rich history and natural beauty of this authentic Kimberley destination.
Birdwood Downs Station
Birdwood Downs Station is situated just 20 kilometers from Derby along the Gibb River Road. It offers travelers a genuine Kimberley experience. Visitors can enjoy a range of accommodations and activities.
Guests can choose to camp in the bush-style campground. It provides spacious, shaded sites. These sites are suitable for tents, campervans, camper trailers, and caravans. For those seeking more comfort, the station offers Savannah Huts equipped with double beds.
Visitors can embark on self-guided walks to explore the local flora and fauna, including ancient boab trees, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and bird watchers.
Each evening, guests are invited to gather around the communal campfire to enjoy Burton Beef products sourced directly from the station’s cattle operation.
Mitchell Falls Camp Ground
Mitchell Falls Campground is the ideal base for exploring one of the Kimberley’s most iconic landmarks, Punamii-Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls). Located within Mitchell River National Park, the campground is managed by the Wunambal Gaambera people and offers a simple but comfortable bush experience.
Facilities include toilets and designated campsites, with separate areas for generators and quiet camping. While there are no showers or powered sites, the location more than makes up for it with its proximity to the trailhead leading to the falls.
Campers are required to bring their own water and take all rubbish out with them. To access the area, you’ll need a Uunguu Visitor Pass, available online or at points along the Gibb.
A stay here allows for early starts on the walking track or the chance to book a scenic helicopter flight. For those willing to go off the beaten path, Mitchell Falls Campground offers a raw, rewarding stay in one of the Kimberley’s most remote and spectacular regions.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions no longer charges national park entry fees at Mitchell River National Park but camping fees still apply at campgrounds. You do require a Uunguu Visitor Pass to enter to cover the camping fees.
Lodges
APT’s Wilderness Lodges
APT’s Wilderness Lodges at Bell Gorge and Mitchell Falls provide a comfortable escape deep within the Kimberley. These eco-conscious stays feature spacious safari-style tents with private bathrooms, ensuring a restful night after a day of exploring.
Set in prime locations near some of the Gibb River Road’s most breathtaking attractions, the lodges offer easy access to waterfalls, swimming holes, and hiking trails. With gourmet dining and a strong focus on sustainability, they provide a perfect blend of convenience and immersion in the natural landscape.
Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge
Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge offers a secluded outback retreat in the heart of the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges. Once a working cattle station, it now welcomes guests with homestead-style rooms and safari tents with en-suite bathrooms. The lodge’s remote setting makes it an excellent base for exploring nearby gorges, hiking trails, and scenic drives. Guests can enjoy chef-prepared meals and unwind under the Kimberley’s expansive night sky, making it an ideal stop for those looking to experience the region’s rugged beauty with added comfort. Check out my post on Luxury Stays on the Gibb River Road.
Not opening 2025
Charnley River Wilderness Camp is CLOSED to public visitation due the 2025 season due to extensive damage caused by ex-tropical cyclone Ellie.
Mornington Wilderness Camp is CLOSED to public visitation for the 2025 season due to extensive damage caused by ex-tropical cyclone Ellie.
Verdict
The Gibb River Road offers a diverse range of accommodations, from luxury lodges to rustic campgrounds, each providing a unique experience of the Kimberley region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Whether you’re seeking the comfort of a well-appointed lodge or the authenticity of camping under the stars, there’s an option to suit every traveler. By choosing accommodations that align with your preferences and values, you can fully immerse yourself in this remarkable journey, creating lasting memories while supporting the communities that call this region home.