Gibb River RD

Hi Stooge

The condition of the roads throughout the Kimberley's can change quickly. If its good this week, it doesn't mean it will be good next week. Most people leave their vans, trailers etc at Drysdale Station and use a tent. The Kimberleys in a magic place, so much to see and do. I would love to go back there soon. Check out this web site.http://www.gibbriverroad.net/

If you need a guide I can help. Have a great trip.

Wato35

Hi Holly.

If you travel at a reasonable speed and drop your tyre pressures a bit you should not have any problems. See our blog here

Bear in mind there is a deepish river crossing on the way to Mitchell Falls so make sure your trailer can handle that. But the falls are very impressive and the helicopter ride is recommended.

The Bungle Bungles is a must see place - allow 2 or 3 days to have a good look around. Take it slowly on the road in. The Duncan Rd is a good drive too and there are some spectacular gorges along the southern section west of Old Halls Creek

Cheers,

Val

Mitchell falls is certainly worth the visit.
When I went last August the road was the worst road I have ever been on, and I was reduced to 10-15Kmh for long stretches and the trip from King Edward River took 3 hours. I left my Camper at King Edward river campground and was glad I did.
The failure rate of cars is extremely high, and I met 2 Toyota 100 owners at Drysdale who had destroyed their front shocks and were waiting a week or so for replacements as well as hearing of numerous "war stories" of eg an older Pajero destroying all body to chassis mounts..
The secret is to go slowly even though the rental toyotas may thunder past at 80Kmh.

Regards Philip A

Hi, just returned from the trip.Derby half of GRR is a highway. we sat on 95km/h towing a trailer, no probs. eastern half gradually gets worse but still not "bad". track to Mitchell is awful, many cars and "hardcore" offroad campers falling apart, but they were starting to grade to track so might be ok when you go.

have fun

Did you do a search here ? Anne from Drysdale River station has recently posted info on the very subject. Agreed re other comment - taking it very easy, with softened tyres (plus some thoughtful provisioning and preparation) can take you just about anywhere !

Think I have seen somewhere recently that there has not been much of a Wet in the Kimberley this year, so it might be worth contacting Anne at Drysdale River to find out if the Falls will be flowing enough in August to make the trip in worthwhile. When the Falls are flowing (especially after a big Wet) they are just brilliant. Been in there 3 times now and the track from King Edward River (great camp spot) was bad each time. Broken vehicles are very common, as are instances of running off road and hitting trees, etc. - people who are just going in for the day from the King Edward, have a tendency to hurry - and there are virtually no signs on bends, dips and hazards.
If you are going to be that close, would recommend going north to the Kalumburu area. You can camp in the town, but there are 2 coastal camps that can be great - it can vary from year to year. We used to like Honeymoon, run by the local French family, but were very disappointed our last time there. We found McGowans much better, then, but depends who managing it.
Along the Gibb, recommend going into Mornington - hiring a canoe and paddling the gorges there is brilliant; it is worth putting up with the very variable quality camp area at Mt Barnett in order to walk to Manning Gorge and Falls - great swimming too; do not miss Home Valley - camp out by the Pentecost for mind blowing scenery.
By August, all of the Gibb area will be dry and dusty - you just have to accept that.

Do not do the michell falls by road. It's is the worst road I have ever travelled. The grader only started to travel the 60km from drysdale down the GRR. I'm a singel bloke with only a swag, and I could not put my vehicle through the the torture. After travelling the 60klm to drysdale, the next day I saw three vehicle being towed down from the falls at $150 an hour back to the station. Then they charge you $120 an hour to fix your problrm.
.
I turned arounf the headed back, I then did a plan over the falls well worth the money, but that this just me.

Thanks everyone for all your feed back, its all very helpful. I cant wait to go, 4 and a 1/2 weeks to go and counting :)
Just another quick question, how available is fresh water along the Gibb River RD? Do most of the Stations and roadhouses let you fill up your water tanks?
Just wondering because if they dont we will have to make sure we use our water very wisely.
Cheers,
Holly

Plenty of creeks to fill up. We only use those 25Lt white plastic ones. Not a problem to carry down to the creek.

A hint. If you have standard suspension, you would do well to consider upgrading it a bit. Maybe just shock absorbers to start with. We chose Bilstein. I like their 33 year German precision engineering and background in shock absorbers for serious competition, rallying and the general public. Tyre pressures 20 to 25 on the corrugated Kalumbaru road and especially the Bungles and Mitchell Falls roads.

Have a look at the Karunji Track while you are there.

Phil