Luxury Stays on the Gibb River Road 2025
Where the Wilderness Meets Indulgence
The Gibb River Road, stretching over 660 kilometers through the heart of Western Australia’s Kimberley region, is renowned for its rugged beauty, ancient landscapes, and remote wilderness. Having traveled this long, corrugated road as a solo female traveler, I know firsthand the exhilaration and challenge it brings. The red dust gets into your pores, and while it’s a testament to the raw, untamed nature of the Kimberley, it also pushes you to your limits. Camping out in my swag puts me right on the ground, close to the land itself—a true grassroots experience. But even for someone like me, who thrives on the ruggedness, there are moments when I crave a little luxury. Sometimes, you just need an actual bed, a proper shower, or, heaven forbid, a flushing toilet.
Luckily, the Gibb River Road offers luxury stays that perfectly balance adventure and indulgence. These lodges provide a welcome retreat from the dust and the wild, offering comfort while staying connected to the land. In this post, I’ll take you through the top luxury accommodations along the Gibb River Road, including Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge, APT’s Private Wilderness Lodges, El Questro, and Home Valley Station. Each of these lodges provides a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, all while honoring the Indigenous custodians of these sacred lands.
1. Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge: History, Culture, and Comfort
Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge is located within the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges (formerly known as King Leopold Ranges), which are part of the Wunaamin Conservation Park and part of Wilinggin Country. We respectfully acknowledge the Ngarinyin and Bunuba Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians. The Ngarinyin and Bunuba people hold deep cultural and spiritual connections to the land.
Formerly a cattle station, Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge is now a luxury eco-lodge that provides a peaceful retreat in the remote heart of the Kimberley. Its transformation has created a seamless blend of history, cultural respect, and indulgent comfort, making it a must-stay location for those traveling the Gibb River Road.
- Accommodation: The lodge offers a variety of accommodation options, including rustic homestead rooms and safari-style tents. Both options include modern amenities like en-suite bathrooms and comfortable interiors, ensuring guests can enjoy the outback in style. Book here:
- Dining: The lodge serves gourmet meals that highlight the flavors of the region, focusing on fresh, local ingredients. Dining under the stars or in the charming homestead’s outdoor area creates a perfect setting after a day of exploration.
- Activities: Mt Hart is ideally situated for exploring the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges. The surrounding area features rugged gorges, pristine waterholes, and scenic hikes. Mt Hart also offers guided cultural tours that teach guests about the deep spiritual significance of this land to the Ngarinyin people.
Whether you’re taking in the history of the old homestead or embarking on an adventure into the ranges, Mt Hart offers a luxurious and enriching stay that connects you to both the land and its people.
2. APT Private Wilderness Lodges: Eco-Conscious Luxury at Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls) and Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge)
APT’s Private Wilderness Lodges provide an opportunity to experience the wild Kimberley landscape while staying in eco-conscious, luxury accommodations. These lodges are located at Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls) and Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), two of the most iconic natural attractions along the Gibb River Road.
The Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge is set on the lands of the Wunambal Gaambera people, who are the traditional custodians of this area. The Wunambal Gaambera’s connection to the land is deeply spiritual, and they manage it according to Uunguu — a philosophy of care and respect for the natural and cultural landscapes that sustains their people.
Visitors to Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls) can see stunning waterfalls, ancient rock art, and the incredible biodiversity of the Kimberley while learning about the Wunambal Gaambera people’s stories and heritage.
- Accommodation: APT lodges offer spacious safari-style tents with en-suite bathrooms and high-quality bedding. The tents are positioned to offer privacy while maintaining an intimate connection to the natural surroundings. These lodges operate with a focus on sustainability, minimizing their environmental impact while still providing all the comforts of a high-end stay.
- Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge: Located near the four-tiered Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls), this lodge provides exclusive access to one of the Kimberley’s most famous attractions. Guests can hike to the falls, explore nearby Aboriginal rock art sites, or take a scenic helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view of this stunning region.
- Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge: Situated near Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), this lodge is a haven for nature lovers. After a day of swimming in the gorge’s refreshing pools or hiking through the surrounding wilderness, guests can return to the comfort of their luxury tent and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the Kimberley.
APT’s lodges are perfect for travelers who want to experience the raw beauty of the Kimberley without sacrificing comfort. The lodges’ remote locations and focus on cultural respect and sustainability make them stand out among other accommodations along the Gibb River Road.
3. El Questro: A Legendary Kimberley Resort
El Questro, one of the Kimberley’s most iconic properties, offers a variety of accommodations that cater to different styles of luxury. Set on the traditional lands of the Balanggarra people, El Questro operates under an ILUA (Indigenous Land Use Agreement) that ensures respectful use and stewardship of the land. The station’s location near the stunning Chamberlain Gorge offers guests unparalleled access to some of the region’s most breathtaking scenery.
El Questro provides four main accommodation options, ranging from ultra-luxurious suites to more rustic but still comfortable choices, ensuring that every guest can find their perfect outback experience.
- The Homestead: The pinnacle of luxury, El Questro’s Homestead features exclusive suites with private balconies overlooking the Chamberlain Gorge. Guests staying here enjoy personalized service, fine dining, and bespoke activities, including heli-fishing, private guided tours, and scenic helicopter flights. The Homestead is the ultimate destination for those seeking privacy and indulgence in the Kimberley.
- Emma Gorge: For those who prefer to stay closer to nature, Emma Gorge offers luxury safari-style tents set in a dramatic wilderness setting. The gorge itself is a short walk from the accommodation, allowing guests to swim in the cool, waterfall-fed pools after a day of hiking through the rugged landscape.
El Questro offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and adventure, with its range of accommodations catering to every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for a five-star experience or a more intimate connection with nature, El Questro delivers.
4. Home Valley Station: Riverside Luxury on Balanggarra Country
Located on the traditional lands of the Balanggarra people, Home Valley Station is a unique luxury stay that combines outback charm with modern comfort. The station, operated in partnership with Balanggarra Ventures, is more than just a place to stay—it’s an immersive experience that connects guests to the land’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
- Riverside Suites: The Riverside Suites at Home Valley Station are the epitome of luxury. These suites offer spacious interiors, modern amenities, and private balconies overlooking the Bindoola Creek. The views of the nearby Cockburn Range provide a stunning backdrop, particularly at sunset when the landscape is bathed in warm, golden light.
- Activities: Home Valley Station offers a range of activities that immerse guests in the natural and cultural wonders of the Kimberley. Explore the rugged landscape on horseback, take a guided fishing tour, or embark on a 4WD adventure through the outback. After a day of exploring, guests can relax by the station’s pool or enjoy a meal at the Dusty Bar & Grill.
Home Valley Station is perfect for travelers seeking a luxury experience in a remote, authentic setting. The station’s commitment to cultural respect and sustainable tourism makes it a standout destination along the Gibb River Road.
Conclusion: A Journey Through the Kimberley’s Luxury Wilderness
The Gibb River Road is a gateway to the untamed beauty of the Kimberley, offering travelers the chance to connect with one of Australia’s most ancient and awe-inspiring landscapes. But luxury awaits those who seek it. Whether it’s the cultural immersion of Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge, the eco-conscious indulgence of APT’s Private Wilderness Lodges, the world-class experience of El Questro, or the riverside charm of Home Valley Station, each of these premium accommodations allows you to explore the wilderness in comfort and style.
As you travel the Gibb River Road, remember that you are walking in the footsteps of the Ngarinyin, Wunambal Gaambera, Balanggarra, and Wilinggin peoples, whose connections to this land stretch back tens of thousands of years. Respecting and acknowledging their custodianship enriches the journey, transforming your stay from just a vacation into a deeply meaningful adventure.
Whether you’re seeking five-star luxury or a deeper connection to the land, the Kimberley’s luxury stays offer something for everyone—combining adventure, culture, and indulgence in one of the world’s last great wildernesses.
Special Thanks to Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge and APT for providing pictures of their accommodation options