Fuel, Food & Supplies on the Gibb River Road (2026)
Fuel stops on the Gibb River Road are limited and spaced across a 660 km remote route between Derby and Kununurra. Fuel planning on the Gibb River Road is therefore essential, and knowing exactly where the fuel stops are can make or break your trip.
This page shows every fuel point along the route and links through to what supplies are available at each location, including what often sells out in peak season. If you’re heading to Punamii-Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls) or taking the Kalumburu Road, this information becomes even more important.
➡️ See the full Gibb River Road guide here.
⭐ Where to Find Gibb River Road Fuel Stops
Fuel stops on the Gibb River Road are limited, spaced far apart, and can occasionally run out during busy weeks. Below is the complete list of the Gibb River Road fuel stops from west to east:
- Derby — full supplies
- Imintji Store — seasonal/limited
- Mount Barnett Roadhouse — reliable primary stop
- Drysdale River Station — two pumps
- Ellenbrae Station — extremely limited (do not rely on this place to have fuel)
- El Questro Wilderness Park (NOT Emma Gorge)— supplies + fuel
- Kununurra — full supplies
This is the core list every traveller should plan around.
⭐ Fuel Stops in Detail
Derby (Western Entrance)
Fuel Available: diesel, unleaded, premium unleaded
Supplies: Woolworths, hardware stores, BCF, mechanics, gas refills
Why fill here: cheapest, most reliable, everything you need
Your note:
Derby is the last “proper town” before you head onto the Gibb. I always fill here if I’m entering from the west. It’s worth a stop.
Imintji Store
Fuel: intermittent diesel supply (seasonal)
Supplies: basic essentials, cold drinks
Notes:
This stop can be unreliable early or late in the season. Don’t plan your fuel range around Imintji. Imintji also have a campground that backs onto the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges.
➡️ See the Indigenous Stays on the Gibb River Road for more details
Mount Barnett Station Roadhouse
If you’re only choosing one major stop between Derby and Kununurra, Mt Barnett Roadhouse is it.
Why it’s one of the best:
- Reliable diesel supply
- Basic groceries (bread, milk, snacks, frozen meals)
- Cold drinks and hot food
- Permits and access to Manning Gorge
- Safe spot for a break
➡️ See Permits and Passes on the Gibb River Road
My note:
Barnett has saved me more than once when the heat, corrugations and long days have caught up. I always fill here, including any Jerry cans I may have used.
Drysdale River Station (Essential for Mitchell Falls & Kalumburu Road)
If you’re heading to Mitchell Falls, you need to treat Drysdale as a mandatory Gibb River Road fuel stop, not an optional top-up. Drysdale isn’t just a stop — it’s the critical waypoint for anyone heading north.
Why it’s one of the best:
- The only fuel stop on the Kalumburu Road
- Two pumps (small supply → can run out in peak season)To
- Workshops for basic repairs, including tyres and tyre repairs
- Camping + rooms
- Real Kimberley atmosphere
My note:
I always top up here if I’m heading up the Kalumbaru road, no matter what I have left in my tank. Out here, availability matters more than price.
Ellenbrae Station
Not a proper fuel stop, but a legendary break.
Why
- Scones + jam + cream
- Cold drinks
- A little oasis on a hot day
- Fuel MAY be available → minimal
My note:
Ellenbrae is where you treat yourself — not where you plan to get fuel. But it’s a great morale stop, and people love it.
El Questro Station
Not the cheapest, but reliable and convenient.
Why it’s one of the best:
- Fuel
- Ice
- Gas
- Small store with snacks and basics
- Coffee, meals and amenities
- Safe place to reset after travelling from the west
My note:
I personally don’t use El Questro to top up, as Kununurra is only 100 km away. It’s an option if you need it, though.
Kununurra
On the eastern end, Kununurra is your best friend.
Mirima National Park sits right on the edge of town, with towering sandstone and easy access to full supplies, fuel, and repairs.
Why it’s one of the best:
- Fuel at multiple service stations
- Woolworths, Coles
- Mechanics, tyre shops
- Bottle shop, bakeries, ice
- Car repairs + caravan repairs
My note:
After the Gibb, nothing feels better than Kununurra fuel prices, the ice cream store, and properly restocking everything.
⭐ Fuel, Food & Supplies Comparison Table
| Stop | Fuel Reliability | Food Options | Supplies Available | Notes |
|---|
| Derby | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Full supermarkets | Full restock | Best place to stock up before starting or finishing |
| Imintji Store | ⭐⭐ (seasonal) | Snacks | Limited basics | Do not rely on this for major fuel or supplies |
| Mt Barnett Roadhouse | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Hot food, snacks | Basic groceries, ice | Most reliable stop in the middle stretch |
| Drysdale River Station | ⭐⭐⭐ | Hot meals | Basic essentials | Only fuel on Kalumburu Road; can run out |
| Ellenbrae Station | ⭐ (very limited) | Scones + drinks | Minimal | Great scone stop, not really a fuel stop |
Fuel Reliability Scale
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Full Reliability
Fuel always available, multiple pumps, long opening hours, full services.
Examples: Derby, Kununurra.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ — High Reliability
Fuel is usually available, occasionally busy, but rarely runs out.
Examples: Barnett Roadhouse, El Questro.
⭐⭐⭐ — Moderate Reliability
Fuel is available most of the time, but limited pumps and supply delays are possible in peak season.
Examples: Drysdale River Station.
⭐⭐ — Low Reliability
Fuel is seasonal or inconsistent. Never plan your range around this stop.
Examples: Imintji Store.
⭐ — Very Limited
Do not rely on fuel here. Treat these as break stops only.
Examples: Ellenbrae Station.
⭐ How Much Fuel You Need on the Gibb River Road
Your fuel usage will increase on the Gibb — everyone’s does. Corrugations, low-range sections and the extra weight of camping gear all make your engine work harder. That’s why planning your Gibb River Road fuel stops properly is essential.
Here’s what most travellers don’t realise until they’re out there.
Fuel Consumption Increases on Corrugations
Expect your fuel consumption to increase by 15–30% depending on:
- load and weight
- tyre pressures
- tyre type
- speed
- towing vs not towing
- road conditions at the time
If you usually get 12L/100km, expect 14–16L/100km on the Gibb.
If You Are Towing
Towing changes everything.
Expect:
- 25–40% higher fuel use
- Slower speeds
- Longer gaps between stops
- More pressure on your suspension and tyres
Every towing setup should treat ALL Gibb River Road fuel stops as essential.
My Setup
I run a 2015 Prado with:
- long-range tank
- two jerry cans
- basic knowledge of tyres and air pressures
- And I am weight-conscious with what I carry
- I watch my speed (I’m never in a hurry)
Even with all this, I still top up where I can.
Last time I drove the Gibb (2025), I filled up in Derby and made my way through Birdwood Downs, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, up to Mt Hart Station, then across to Silent Grove and Bell Gorge. By the time I reached Imintji , they had diesel available, so I topped up there. I could have made it to Barnett on what I had left, but there’s never a guarantee the next stop will have fuel when you roll in. When there’s fuel, you take it.
Mt Barnett Station, the fuel is very reliable…
Guide: Minimum Fuel to Carry
For a standard 4WD:
- Full tank from Derby or Kununurra
- 1‒2 Jerry Cans
- Top up at every major fuel stop
For towing:
- Full tank
- 2 Jerry cans minimum
- Refuel at every Gibb River Road fuel stop
➡️ See the Gibb River Road 4WD Safety Guide (2026 Update).
⭐ If You’re Going to Mitchell Falls
You MUST treat Drysdale as mandatory.
Distances:
- Drysdale → Mitchell Falls carpark: 187 km one way
- Return: 374 km
- Low-range sections increase fuel burn
- No fuel beyond Drysdale
- Kalumburu Road often has heavy corrugations
This is the biggest fuel mistake travellers make every single year.
Key Rule for Remote Travel:
When there’s fuel, fill up. Don’t gamble on the next stop — supply can run out without warning.
Topping Up at Every Stop
It’s not about price — it’s about availability.
The Gibb is remote and unpredictable. Trucks get delayed. Pumps break. Stations run dry.
This is why the midpoint Gibb River Road fuel stops like Barnett and Drysdale are critical. (Note, you will usually only head to Drysdale if you are going up to Mitchell Falls or Kalumburu. )
⭐ Food & Supplies — What You Can Actually Buy
Supplies on the Gibb River Road are limited, expensive and unpredictable. Most travellers assume there’s “a little shop at every stop,” but that’s not true. Planning your Gibb River Road fuel stops also means planning your food stops — and knowing what each location can and can’t provide.
Here’s what’s realistically available along the Gibb:
Broome, Derby & Kununurra — Full Restock
These are the places where you can fully resupply your:
- groceries
- fresh fruit and vegetables
- meat
- snacks
- ice
- water
- gas bottles
- vehicle consumables (oil, coolant, spares)
Think of these towns as your bookends.
I always leave Derby and Kununurra completely stocked.
Everything in between is limited. Over west, Broome is another great spot to top up on supplies and chill for a few days. Fill up the fuel in Derby before hitting the Gibb.
There’s also a laundromat in Kununurra at one of the motels. That was great, having clean clothes.
Mount Barnett Roadhouse — Best for Mid-Gibb Supplies
Barnett has the most reliable supplies on the Gibb River Road.
You can usually get:
- bread (sometimes)
- milk (limited)
- cold drinks
- hot food
- frozen meals
- snacks
- toiletries
- ice (sells out fast)
- basic first-aid items
Barnett is the only place in the middle stretch where you have a decent chance of finding what you forgot. They also have great burgers.
Drysdale River Station — Limited but Essential
Drysdale isn’t a supermarket, but it’s essential for anyone heading north.
You’ll find:
- drinks
- snacks
- frozen meals
- emergency groceries
- basic staples (if the supply truck made it)
If you’re planning to drive to Mitchell Falls, this is where you top up fuel, water and basic supplies. This place also has a restaurant and bar, which opens around 5 pm-ish.
Imintji Store — Very Limited
Imintji has:
- cold drinks
- snacks
- limited groceries
- a few basics
Treat it as a convenience stop — not a place to load up.
Ellenbrae Station — ‘Treat’ Stop Only
Ellenbrae is not a resupply point.
What’s available:
- cold and hot drinks
- scones
- jam and cream
- lunch
Nothing more.
It’s a comfort stop — not a shop.
El Questro — Good Supplies for the Eastern Side
El Questro has a small shop with:
- ice
- gas
- snacks
- cold drinks
- essential groceries
- basic toiletries
Kununurra is only 100kms from El Questro station. I would only buy here if you are desperate as a major supermarket is just down the road on bitumen.
⭐ What You Should Bring Yourself (Non-Negotiables)
I highly recommend carrying:
- Enough food for your entire journey.
- extra water
- I also carry a Sawyer squeeze water filtration system, just in case.
- medical supplies
- spare parts (belts, fuses, hoses)
- coolant, brake fluid, oil,
- duct tape and cable tyres for repairs on the run.
- snacks
- electrolyte drinks (heat exhaustion happens fast)
- coffee/morning essentials
- gas canisters
- dry goods (pasta, oats, rice, wraps, etc.)
Fresh fruit and vegetables are tricky because of quarantine rules, which we’ll cover shortly.
What Runs Out on the Gibb River Road
People often assume the Gibb is a steady supply line.
It isn’t.
Stock depends on:
- supply trucks
- weather
- demand
- delays
- road closures
- seasonal crowds
- power outages
- pump issues
Here’s what commonly sells out first:
Ice
Almost always the first thing to go — especially at Barnett and Drysdale.
Peak season + heatwaves = gone.
Diesel
Stations with only two pumps (Drysdale, Imintji) can run out.
This is why your Gibb River Road fuel stops must be planned, and you must fill up when fuel is available.
Milk
Always limited. Sells out fast after busy mornings.
Bread
Highly inconsistent. Never rely on finding it.
Snacks & cold drinks
Large groups (tour buses, tag-alongs) can clean out fridges in minutes.
Toiletries & basics
Sell out regularly at Barnett and El Questro.
Plan ahead.
Gas canisters
Sometimes available, but unpredictable. My Coleman gas cooker – I couldn’t find a gas bottle for this. I now carry a gas bottle to prevent that from happening again.
Cash Out / EFTPOS Connection
Not “stock,” but equally unreliable.
If EFTPOS goes down, you may not be able to buy anything at all.
⭐ What NOT to Rely On
The Gibb River Road is remote, and even the best stops can’t offer everything. Here’s what you cannot depend on:
EFTPOS
Card machines go down regularly due to:
- remote networks
- storms
- power issues
- satellite dropouts
Always carry cash.
Ice
Treat it as a luxury, not a guarantee.
Fresh produce
Quarantine rules limit what stations can stock.
Travellers arrive and clear shelves early.
Opening hours
Many stations have seasonal or reduced hours.
You may arrive to find the shop closed.
Fuel consistency
Remote areas sometimes receive less consistent supply.
This is worth noting.
⭐ Quarantine Rules You Need to Know
Crossing borders in northern Australia means dealing with quarantine checkpoints. This affects what food and supplies you can carry — especially fruit, vegetables and honey.
WA/NT Border (Kununurra) — Manned Checkpoint
If you enter WA via Kununurra or South Australia, you will be stopped.
Officers will inspect for:
- fresh fruit
- vegetables
- honey
- soil
- plants
- seeds
- root vegetables
Expect delays in peak hours.
Tanami Track (NT/WA border)
Unmanned — but you must dispose of restricted items in the quarantine bins.
SA/NT Border (if doing the Lap)
Similar rules apply:
- no fresh fruit
- no vegetables
- no honey
- no soil
Bins are clearly marked.
⭐ FAQs — Fuel, Food & Supplies on the Gibb River Road
Do the Gibb River Road fuel stops run out of diesel?
Yes. Drysdale and Imintji can run out during busy periods. In 2023 there was an unseasonal weather event and several stations had limited or no fuel for a few days.
Do I need Jerry Cans?
Yes — especially if towing or visiting Mitchell Falls. If you aren’t doing any of these things and have a long-range tank, then maybe you don’t.
Can I buy fresh fruit and vegetables on the Gibb?
Generally, no, so don’t bank on it, only in Derby and Kununurra.
Is EFTPOS reliable?
Sometimes. Always carry cash.
Can I buy ice?
Sometimes — but it sells out quickly.
Can I refill gas bottles?
Derby, Kununurra, and sometimes at El Questro.
Which stops have the most supplies?
Barnett Roadhouse, El Questro, Derby and Kununurra.
Is food expensive?
Yes — remote prices apply.