Seven days on the Gibb River Road, done properly
The Ultimate Western Kimberley Road Trip
If you have a full week, this is the itinerary we'd feature most prominently. Seven days gives travellers enough time to experience the Gibb River Road without turning every day into a long-distance driving exercise. There is time for longer walks, swimming, two-night stays and those unplanned Kimberley stops that often become the highlight of the journey.
Day 1: Derby to Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge)
Collect your vehicle in Derby and begin your journey into the Kimberley.
Stop at Mowanjum Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre if opening times suit your departure, then leave the highway behind and travel towards Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge).
Explore the gorge in the afternoon and watch for freshwater crocodiles along the Lennard River.
Stay: Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) Campground.
Day 2: Tunnel Creek to the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges
Travel south to Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) and walk through the 750-metre natural tunnel beneath the Napier Range.
The area is also strongly connected with the story of Bunuba resistance leader Jandamarra, adding another layer to the experience beyond its extraordinary geology.
Afterwards, return towards the Gibb River Road and continue towards the Bell Gorge region.
Stay: Dulundi (Silent Grove) Campground or nearby accommodation.
Day 3: Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge)
Leave the vehicle parked today and make the gorge the destination.
Walk into Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), cross above the falls and descend towards the swimming hole beneath the waterfall.
With a full day available, there is no need to rush back to the vehicle. Enjoy the water, landscape and surrounding Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges before returning to camp.
Stay: Second night at Silent Grove or nearby.
Day 4: Bell Gorge to Manning Gorge
Continue east along the Gibb River Road.
Stop at Galvans Gorge along the way before travelling to Mount Barnett Roadhouse and Manning Gorge.
Stock up on essentials at the roadhouse, organise camping access and spend the remainder of the afternoon around Manning Creek.
Stay: Manning Gorge campground.
Day 5: Explore Manning Gorge
Another day with very little driving.
Start the Manning Gorge walk early before the temperature rises. The route involves a creek crossing followed by an approximately 3-kilometre walk through exposed Kimberley terrain.
Reach the gorge, cool off in the pools and spend a few hours enjoying the surrounding landscape before walking back to camp.
Having a second night here is exactly why the seven-day trip works. You experience the destination rather than simply driving to it, taking a photograph then moving on.
Stay: Second night at Manning Gorge.
Day 6: Manning Gorge to Bell Gorge / Western Gibb
Begin travelling west again, but don't rush all the way back to Derby.
Use the day to revisit the western Gibb at a slower pace, stopping at viewpoints and locations you may have passed earlier in the trip.
Depending on your preferred accommodation style and driving times, spend your final night around Bell Gorge, Silent Grove or elsewhere along the western Gibb.
This breaks up the return journey and leaves you with a short final day.
Day 7: Western Gibb to Derby
Enjoy a relaxed final morning before travelling back towards Derby.
Once you reach town, there is time for a final look around the Derby area before returning the vehicle.
Finish at the Derby Jetty around sunset if timing allows, bringing the road trip back to where it began.