Australia´s North West Holiday Planner 2024

Turning off the bitumen and going ’over the range’ on the Gibb River Road is a unique outback adventure through the Kimberley’s vast untouched wilderness, ancient gorge country and epic cattle stations the size of small countries. This 660km 4WD track is the best way to discover the natural treasures of the Kimberley’s wild heartlands. Nestled amongst the ranges of the Gibb are river gorges, cascading waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes. While some gorges such as Galvans Gorge are located close to the road, to experience the impressive and spectacular Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge) and Manning Gorges you’ll need to allow some time to walk the bush tracks to the gorges. Once a road linking the cattle stations across the Kimberley with the ports at Derby and Wyndham, these days some stations welcome visitors to their vast outback properties. It’s not just an overnight stay, it’s also a chance to explore rivers, waterholes and springs to fish and swim, bushwalks, gorges and lookouts. The stations also offer great hospitality – be that tea and scones on the lawn, or a hot meal and cool drink in the evenings. From the Gibb you can also take a side trip north along the Kalumburu Road, travelling through a spectacular but very remote part of the Kimberley towards the four- tiered Mitchell Falls. The Gibb River Road crosses the traditional lands of many Kimberley peoples and some Aboriginal communities along the Gibb are now involved in tourism, operating a campsite, shop and roadhouse, as well as a gallery featuring local artists. Some examples of the Gwion (Bradshaw) and Wandjina rock art traditions may be seen along the bush walk tracks leading to the gorges, and at the Munurru art site on the Mitchell Plateau. However, some communities will remain closed to visitors so always check before entering. If you are a keen birdwatcher, you’ll have opportunities to spot elegant brolgas, jabirus, and rare and threatened species such as the Gouldian Finch and Purple-crowned Fairy‑wren. There’s a surprising range of accommodation options so if you’d like to camp under the stars or would prefer a comfy bed and a hot shower, you’ll find something to suit. Options include national park campsites, station stays, chalets, safari tents, serviced campsites and luxury homestead accommodation. If you’d like to let someone else do the driving, there’s also a fantastic range of tours to choose from - small group and private charters, accommodated or camping tours, tours for families or more active travellers, and shorter ’taster’ itineraries, or longer and more comprehensive trips. Perhaps you’d like to experience the Gibb in a different way? A guided walking tour or horse trek offers a different perspective on these ancient landscapes. If you’re feeling creative, an art, writing or photography workshop on a remote station will have you feeling inspired! Find out more australiasnorthwest.com/explore/ kimberley/gibb-river-road/ THE GI BB RIVER ROAD KUNUNURRA TO DERBY DALMANYI BELL GORGE, GIBB RIVER ROAD 32 | www.australiasnorthwest.com