There are many good off-road tracks in Australia. You can pick your choice of dessert, jungle or dune terrain to conquer. But there is one road in Australia that offers a unique off-road experience. The Gibb River road is probably the best road trip journey if you fancy driving on rough gravel roads. It will surely be fun and challenging for any driver to tackle. This is one road trip where you will have to be on your best driving.
You can pass by the Windjana Gorge when driving through the Gibb River Road. Photo source
The Gibb River Road is 410 miles long stretch of gravel road that spans the Kimberly region of Western Australia. The Gibb River after which the road is named, runs nearby but it does not cross paths with the road. The namesake river was named after Andrew Gibb Maitland, a geologist and explorer, was part of the team that surveyed the Kimberly Region. The road was constructed in 1948 and completed in the 1950s as a means to make transportation of beef easier in the region. The Gibb River Road is one of two major roads to traverse Kimberly with the other being the Great Northern Highway.
A view of the beautiful savannah while driving along the Gibb River Road. Photo source
The Gibb River Road is a scenic route through Kimberly featuring spectacular natural views and tourist attractions.
Along the route are sites of aboriginal and pastoral importance. There are also national parks where you can have a chance to glimpse rare birds, bats and even crocs sunning themselves along the banks. There are also a number of gorges, creeks and waterfalls if you fancy a bit of a swim. Bushwalking, bird watching, camping and nature treks are some of the many activities that you can do along the many sites in this route.
A four-wheel vehicle is recommended when driving through the Gibb River Road. Photo source
The most common Gibb River Road itinerary covers several days to a week as there are many sights to see and places to visit. There are homesteads along the route as well as campsites where you can spend the night. Homesteads also provide an opportunity to stock up on resources you might need along the route. It would be a good idea to plan your trip ahead and pack all the necessary camping gear you might need.
If you want to experience the great outdoors, go camping! Photo source
The Gibb River Road is recommended only for four-wheel drive vehicles as there are numerous water crossings and rough stretches of road. Before going on this trip, check your vehicle for anything that might cause a breakdown such as leaks and mechanical failures. It would also be best to bring tools along with you as it can be awhile for roadside assistance to get to you out in the bush.
The Bungle Bungle Range. Photo source
You can find these bloated Baobab trees around the road. Photo source
The Gibb River Road is often closed from November to March where flooding along the route is common. The best time to take the trip is from May to July when the natural scenery is at its finest. Take your time along the route and experience nature around you. Remember to rise early to enjoy the sunrise and get to a good vantage point at sunset. And if you can, experience sleeping under the stars at night.