Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge is the second in my series on station stays along the Gibb River Road. If you’re planning your trip, be sure also to check out my guide to Birdwood Downs Station and the rest of my Gibb series.
Mount Hart: A Place Worth the Detour
Although Mount Hart is no longer a working cattle station, it earns its place in this station stay series. Now operating as Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge, it’s part of the Wunaamin Conservation Park, offering a rare blend of pastoral history and refined wilderness experience. Once a government lease for cattle grazing, the property has since been reclassified, but its station roots still shape the feel of the place.
Today, guests can stay in everything from shady campsites to safari tents and homestead rooms, with access to helicopter flights, land tours, swimming spots, and more. Open seasonally from May to October, it offers a different side of the Kimberley—remote, relaxed, and wrapped in a touch of luxury.
Mount Hart is the perfect place to break up your Gibb journey. It’s a true taste of the Kimberley, offering comfort, character, and connection.
Getting to Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge
After turning off the Gibb River Road near the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges, it’s about 50 kilometres along an unsealed access track to reach Mount Hart. This stretch isn’t just a detour—it’s part of the adventure. The road can be slow-going, with corrugations, loose gravel, and the occasional washout, especially early in the season. You will encounter water crossings. High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended, and 4WD is essential. Give yourself plenty of time to drive in—this isn’t a track you want to rush. Always check current road conditions before you set out, either with local authorities or the station.
Location of Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge
Concise Access Road Information
- The access track is unsealed, rough, and will have water crossings—especially early in the season. Allow plenty of time and check conditions with Main Roads WA or Mount Hart before departing.
- 4WD is essential. There is no vehicle recovery guarantee—travel prepared and at your own risk, as is standard across the Kimberley.
- Charter flights and a property airstrip are available for those wishing to skip the drive.
Why Choose Mount Hart?
Set amid the lush valleys of the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges, Mount Hart is a former cattle station turned wilderness lodge—and one of the more luxurious stays on the Gibb River Road. Unlike the more rustic stations along the route, this one leans into comfort. The setting is striking: green lawns, tall shade trees, and the Barker River flowing just steps from the homestead. While the lodge offers stylish rooms and hosted dining, the campsite is just as thoughtfully done—spacious, shady, and well-equipped, with hot showers, a camp kitchen, and fire pits.
For 4WD travellers wanting to camp without giving up comfort, Mount Hart strikes the right balance between wild and refined. They also provide transport from the campsite up to the Homestead and restaurants in the evening, so you don’t have to drive or cook. Perfect!! Remember to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Accommodation Options:
Mount Hart offers flexibility for all budgets and styles:
Riverside Campground
(picture compliments of Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge)
Unpowered, grassy sites by the Barker River with hot showers, clean ablutions, and plenty of shade. Family rates make it affordable for groups. I think it was a glitch, but when I arrived, there was no hot water in the showers. I did tell one of the staff, and this was changed immediately. No fuss no hassle. There is a resident dingo family up in the camping ground. DO NOT FEED THE DINGOES. They are wild animals, but they are opportunistic. Check out my posts on Australian Wildlife Safety Tips: 5 Smart Travel Rules and Karijini National Park: The Gem of Western Australia, where I have a section devoted to dingoes.
Bell Tents
(picture compliments of Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge)
Canvas tents with real beds for those wanting comfort but a close-to-nature experience. These are stunning. I prefer these to the ones at the Homestead. This is not my first Mt Hart rodeo, and these are back-to-nature luxury and affordable. I am the queen of freedom camping, travelling solo and sleeping in my swag. I LOVE it… But occasionally, a touch of luxury is the ultimate reset. I would seriously consider this option when you have been travelling for a while and need some pampering. You are sharing facilities, but you are riverside, and it feels more intimate, that’s what I think.
Safari Tents
(photo compliments of Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge)
For those chasing comfort without leaving the Kimberley behind, Mount Hart’s safari tents offer the ultimate glamping experience. These spacious, elevated canvas suites come with full hotel-standard en-suite bathrooms, generous beds, and wide timber decks that open onto sweeping views of the surrounding valley. It’s the kind of setup where you can hear the birds at dawn, feel the breeze off the river, and still enjoy a hot shower and crisp linen at the end of the day. Private, stylish, and thoughtfully positioned, they’re perfect for couples or travellers wanting to wrap their Gibb River Road journey with a touch of luxury.
Homestead Rooms
Nestled in the gardens of the original station homestead, these air‑conditioned rooms bring comfort and heritage together. Four of the five rooms include ensuite bathrooms; one shares facilities. Each room accommodates up to three guests, with a double bed and single — roll‑out beds are available on request. You’ll enjoy free WiFi, a complimentary continental breakfast, and access to the homestead’s shared common area (the perfect spot for a book or a hot tea). Whether you’re winding down after a rugged 4WD leg or simply choosing something more refined than camping, the homestead offers a relaxed station‑stay experience with quality touches. I have not personally stayed in this accommodation, but if it’s anything like the rest of the property, you will not be disappointed.
What to Do at Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge
- Swim at Barker Pool: A wide, clear section of the river perfect for a refreshing dip.
- Walk Annies Creek: Flat, scenic trail with lush vegetation and birdlife.
- Explore Matthew Gorge: Dozens of pools and gentle rapids for a relaxed day out.
- Birdwatching: The gardens and bush attract Gouldian finches, kingfishers, cockatoos, and even raptors.
- Sunset Hill: A short 4WD track rewards with unforgettable Kimberley sunsets.
- Helicopter Tours: Access remote gorges and waterfalls, including Twin Flame Falls and the Buccaneer Archipelago, and the Horizontal Falls.
Dining & Community
- Uncle Tony’s Jungle Bar: Outdoor bar and casual dining, serving hearty meals and barista coffee. A place to swap stories and meet fellow travellers.
- Pippa’s Corner: Book ahead for a set-menu dinner using WA produce. The food is impressive, especially given the remote location.
Heritage & Culture
- The station’s history spans early European settlement, conflict, drought, and adaptation. The area is also rich in Aboriginal heritage as part of Wilinggin country. Today, Mount Hart forms part of the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges Conservation Park, reflecting both environmental and cultural values.
Planning Your Stay
- Peak season is June to August (cool, dry, busy—book well ahead). Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) see fewer crowds but can bring the heat or wet tracks.
- Minimum recommended stay: 3 nights to justify the drive in and fully enjoy the property’s gorges, walks, and activities.
- Pack for both hot days and cool nights; bring plenty of water, insect repellent, and sun protection.
- Mobile coverage is limited, and WiFi is only available near the bar. Embrace the digital detox.
- Fuel is available on-site but at remote prices. Fill up in Derby or Kununurra and use Mount Hart’s supply only as backup.
Sample Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive, set up camp or check into a tent/room, relax by the river, do some bird watching, open a can and unwind at Uncle Tony’s Bar.
- Day 2: Swim at Barker Pool, walk Annies Creek, sunset at Sunset Hill.
- Day 3: Helicopter tour or explore Matthew Gorge, enjoy dinner at Pippa’s Corner
How Mount Hart Compares
Unlike many stops that are just a break in the journey, Mount Hart is a destination. Its access road deters the rush-through crowd, who just want to tick the Gibb River Road off their bucket list. This ensures fewer people and a more genuine atmosphere for those who do make the effort. Most visitors leave wishing they’d planned a longer stay.
Practical Tips
- Book accommodation and meals in advance, especially in peak season.
- Prepare for rough roads: carry recovery gear, water, and plenty of fuel. I have 2 jerry cans with diesel + recovery gear I travel with everywhere. Check out my post on Outback Australia Guide: 27 Expert Tips for a Safe Adventure.
- Respect fire bans and conservation park regulations.
- No pets allowed (except certified assistance dogs with approval).
- Laundry facilities available—useful for long Gibb trips!
Verdict on Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge
Mount Hart is not just a stopover. It’s the place to rediscover what makes the Kimberley special: wild country, open skies, real people, and time to slow down. If you want more than a checklist trip, make Mount Hart the heart of your Gibb River Road adventure.
Plan Your Gibb River Road Journey
Mount Hart is just one stop along a track full of stories, landscapes, and surprises.
This post is part of my series covering station stays along the Gibb River Road—real places, real experiences, and what to expect on the ground. If you’re planning the full route (or even just sections), these practical guides will help you make the most of it.
📍 Birdwood Downs Station – A functional stay close to Derby with shady campgrounds
🧭 Highlights of the Gibb River Road – Must-see gorges, side trips, and standout stops
🛠 Permits and Passes Required for the Gibb – What you need, where to get them
🏕 Accommodation Options on the Gibb – Station stays, campgrounds, and what’s actually open
💎 Luxury Gibb River Road – Where comfort meets wilderness
🌿 Sustainable & Indigenous-Led Stays – Travel with respect, and learn from Country
🏞 Mitchell Falls Guide – Walk notes, tips, and what to expect
❓ Mitchell Falls FAQs – Permits, access, gear, and timeframes
New posts coming soon as I cover every station stay along the Gibb—from iconic stops to hidden gems.
