26 June 2024
8 mins Read
Originally built to transport cattle from surrounding stations to the ports of Derby and Wyndham, the 4WD trail is the best way to discover the Kimberley’s rugged landscapes, cascading waterfalls and rich Aboriginal heritage. But where to rest amidst all this natural splendour? Here is our list of Gibb River Road accommodation, from campsites to station stays and glamping.
Drysdale River Station is the last refuelling stop on your way to the magnificent Mitchell Falls. Whether you’re an adventurer keen on exploring nearby gorges or a birdwatcher eager to spot endemic species, Drysdale River Station serves as a convenient base.
With oodles of rustic charm and warm hospitality, it offers 40 campsites and 10 rooms, from small and basic cabins to larger spaces with queen beds and private bathrooms. The station also offers scenic flights, making it easier for you to delve into the area’s treasures.
A further 170 kilometres on from Drysdale River Station, nestled beside a billabong at Camp Creek you will find APT Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge. Offering 24 tented cabins, the lodge features a lounge, bar, library and natural waterhole with a swimming platform.
Guests can enjoy a three-course dinner and a hearty breakfast, making it a culinary highlight along the Gibb River Road. The lodge is accessible via the remote Kalumburu Road, offering a journey past breathtaking scenery and extraordinary Aboriginal art.
Please note: Windjana Gorge Campsite is currently closed due to flood damage.
Located 144 kilometres east of Derby, Windjana Gorge Campground offers 50 campsites, plus there are bathrooms with showers. While the campsite is basic, it compensates with its proximity to the awe-inspiring Windjana Gorge, which runs for 3.5 kilometres through the Napier Range.
Popular among hikers and photographers, the campsite is an ideal spot for capturing the gorge’s towering limestone cliffs, tranquil pools and wildlife, such as fruit bats and freshwater crocodiles.
When visiting Mitchell Falls, a handy place to stay is Munurru Campground, which is the first campground when you cross over the King Edward River. Managed by Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera people and their Uunguu Rangers, the 30-site campground provides an authentic cultural experience, complete with guided tours to nearby Wandjina and Gwion rock art.
Pitch your tent by the river at Munurru Campground. (Image: Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation)
Well-equipped with basic amenities like toilets and fire pits, Munurru will suit adventurers who are keen on fishing, swimming and relaxing by the river.
Go fishing or relax and take in these scenic views. (Image: Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation)
Located near the stunning King Leopold Ranges, Imintji Campground offers 25 campsites and is well situated to explore nearby attractions like Bell Gorge, Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge.
Find the necessities at Imintji Community Store.
Managed by the Ngarinyin Aboriginal people, the campground boasts a large camp kitchen, toilets and fire pits. Imintji Community Store sells fuel, basic staples, wi-fi and decent coffee.
Embrace the rustic charm of wilderness camping at Imintji Campground. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Located near the stunning Pentecost River, Balanggarra Home Valley boasts two campgrounds. If you want to be close to the action, the Homestead Camp offers powered and unpowered sites with easy access to Dusty’s Bar & Grill, the Station Store, laundry, bathrooms with hot showers, playground and lagoon pool. The Pentecost River Bush Camp is four kilometres away on the banks of the river with spectacular views of the Cockburn Range.
Leave the stresses of the modern world at Balanggarra Home Valley. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Take it up a notch and book into a Riverside Suite featuring a king-size bed, verandah with a daybed and floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors with a direct view over the water. Whether you’re interested in fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the river, Balanggarra Home Valley offers a peaceful retreat.
Dine at the rustic, in-house restaurant. (Image: Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation)
Situated five kilometres off the Gibb River Road and 230 kilometres from Kununurra, Ellenbrae Station offers bush campsites, homestead rooms and safari tents. Wash away the Gibb dust and soak in one of the open-air claw baths with a grazing platter at hand’s reach.
Soak the red dust away in an outdoor bathtub.
The station also features a popular bakery, known for its delicious homemade scones, adding a touch of comfort to your wilderness adventure.
Find bush campsites, homestead rooms and safari tents at Ellenbrae Station.
Located near Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge) in the Wunaamin Conservation Park, Silent Grove Campground offers 50 campsites. Managed by the Ngarinyin people, the campground features a generator area and a quiet (no generator) area, flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, benches and communal firepits.
The campground serves as a great base to explore the nearby Bell Gorge, offering a range of activities from hiking to swimming. With its natural beauty and serene atmosphere, Silent Grove Campground is an ideal spot for those looking to disconnect.
First established in 1945 and located halfway between Kununurra and Derby, Mt Elizabeth Station offers 30 campsites and 10 homestead rooms with dinner and breakfast options available.
Stay for the night at Mt Elizabeth Station.
Visitors can explore the station by 4WD, hike, swim, fish, and visit exceptional rock art sites with an Aboriginal guided tour. Enjoy floating away at Warla Gorge with its white sandy ‘beaches’ along the riverbank or head out on a challenging 4WD track to Wunnamurra Gorge.
Sit on the shore along the riverbank at Warla Gorge.
Mt Hart Lodge is a wilderness oasis situated on the bank of the Barker River. Managed by the Ngarinyin Aboriginal people, the lodge offers safari tents with ensuites, deluxe tents and elegant homestead rooms, with rates including a hot breakfast and dinner.
It also features shady riverside camping facilities, and the area is particularly popular among birdwatchers and bushwalkers. Don’t miss a swim at Annie Creek Gorge or the Barker Pool, a short walk from the campground.
Just 20 kilometres from Derby, Birdwood is a great place to relax before or after a Gibb River Road adventure. The station boasts shady bush camping for tents and caravans, plus several Savannah Huts with double beds and shared bathrooms.
Birdwood Downs Station has all the necessary comforts.
Fill your Kimberley days with self-guided boab walks on the station or take a day trip to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek.
Stay in a Savannah Hut at Birdwood Downs Station.
If you’ve ever wanted to live like a celebrity, El Questro Homestead, located within the expansive El Questro Wilderness Park, is the place to do it. This 10-suite hideaway provides an array of high-end amenities, including deluxe double baths overlooking the Chamberlain Gorge, private thermal springs and gourmet dining.
But luxury doesn’t mean isolation from nature. The Homestead offers a range of activities, from helicopter tours to guided bushwalks, ensuring guests can fully engage with the surrounding landscapes. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and adventure, making it a must-visit for those looking to splurge.
Step outside for a soak in the tub. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
A more budget-friendly option within the El Questro Wilderness Park, El Questro Station offers riverside bungalows and bush campsites.
El Questro Wilderness Park is hidden within rainforests and by deep gorges. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
The Station is particularly popular among families and groups, offering a range of activities that cater to different interests and fitness levels. Whether you’re interested in fishing, hiking, or simply soaking in the thermal springs, El Questro Station provides a versatile and engaging experience.
Sip your morning coffee in the wilderness. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
A sister property to El Questro Homestead, Emma Gorge offers 60 tented cabins. Nestled in the heart of the wilderness park, the resort features a unique blend of rustic charm and modern comfort.
Emma Gorge Resort provides modern comfort and rustic charm.
Emma Gorge is popular among hikers, serving as the starting point for the trek to the stunning Emma Gorge waterfall. After a day of exploration, guests can unwind at the resort’s pool and restaurant, which offers a range of local and international cuisines.
One to watch, Mornington Wilderness Camp is currently closed due to damage from ex-tropical cyclone Ellie. It’s owned and managed by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and offers 40 campsites, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Annie Creek.
The most lavish tented camp facility in the Kimberley, Ngauwudu Safari Camp offers unparalleled luxury in the Top End. Stay in one of 14 chic ‘Safari Suites’ outfitted with stylish furnishings, ensuite bathrooms, and linen bedding. The tents blur the line between indoors and out with a wide veranda equipped with outdoor furniture for relaxing in nature with a tipple in hand.
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