Driving Australia's Gibb River Road (Manning)

What to See in the Kimberley Outback near Manning Gorge, Australia

Dec 18, 2008 Chiz Dakin

An "Australia" movie location, the Gibb River Road has a reputation for eating tyres, but even a 4WD newbie can do it and experience the amazing gorges it has to offer.

The Central section of the Gibb River Road contains more awesome gorges and fantastic waterfalls than it's right to expect in a country full of deserts. The eastern end of this area contains Manning and Barnett River Gorges. Distances mentioned are from the Kununurra/Wyndham turnoff (eastern end of road).

Mitchell Plateau (Km 250)

The central section of the Gibb River Road has a number of side turnings, most of which are far rougher than the main road itself. This is one - a 240km (often very rough-going) side-track to the Mitchell Falls. Stock up on food and fuel at Drysdale Homestead – it’s the last opportunity on this side-track.

Barnett River Gorges (Km 330 - approx half way)

This used to be one of the last places on the Gibb River Road where free bush camping was allowed. Sadly a “no camping” sign has now arrived to spoil the party. But the gorge is still amazing, and it’s not too far from the Manning Gorge campsite.

It’s best to park just before the creek crossing, and walk the last 1km. The walking trail is quite rough and indistinct in places, but for those seeking a gorge swim to themselves along this popular road, Barnett River Gorge provides one of the more likely chances.

Manning Gorge (Km 360)

This is one of the few gorges with an entrance fee (AU$12.50/US$9), but this also covers the cost of a night’s camping, so it’s best to plan to make use of the reasonable camping facilities. Pay the fee at Mt Barnett roadhouse, where fuel and food is also available. The camp-ground is large, and generators are not segregated (so it can be noisy at times) but this does mean that even late arrivals in peak season should find somewhere to pitch up at.

The walk into the gorge can be long – very long for those who try to avoid getting wet crossing the river – but is mostly well-signed, typical bush walking. The “diversion” signs for wading appear a little misleading, the diversion comes a lot sooner than expected, and it’s quite a bit deeper and more awkward than expected. Those who ignore the crossing, believing it to be further up, shallower and easier, will eventually find a shallow crossing – but it is a fair distance upstream (c 1-2hrs stumble – walk would be an overly optimistic way of describing the route!) through challenging unmarked terrain and definitely not recommended.

For those worried about swimming across the river with camera gear or other electronic items, a series of polystyrene boxes are thoughtfully provided on the campsite side of the river. These gradually migrate with use across the river during the morning and so the majority are then available for the return journey back across the river. The boxes are surprisingly sturdy and buoyant – a heavy DSLR camera is no problem – and the river swim is a welcome chance to cool off again after the bushwalk back from the gorge.

“Can I Drive The Gibb River Road If I’ve Never Sat In A 4WD Before?”

Any careful driver, even the total 4WD novice, can cope with the Gibb River Road itself in the main Dry Season conditions (July-September) – side tracks are usually more challenging.

The article “the Gibb River Road (East)” covers some additional driving tips and advice to 4WD newbies.

For further information on the Manning Gorge area of the Gibb River Road view this section of the informative online guide to the Kimberleys by Birgit Bradtke or visit Day 6 on this page of Tourism Western Australia’s website.

The copyright of the article Driving Australia's Gibb River Road (Manning) in Aus/NZ/Oceania Travel is owned by Chiz Dakin. Permission to republish Driving Australia's Gibb River Road (Manning) in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Bushwalking to the Gorge after the river crossing