The Kimberley

We’re back from Africa, swapping hippos and elephants for the rugged beauty of Australia’s far north. Next stop: the Kimberley – an outback paradise on the lands of its Traditional Owners, where endless red dirt roads are best conquered by 4WD. From the legendary Gibb River Road to Bell Gorge, the Durack River, and hidden crystal pools, every track promises something unforgettable.

Ready to relive the journey? Click below to watch the adventure unfold on ARB’s YouTube channel.

WATCH HERE

Day 1: Broome → Mount Hart

Kick off your adventure as we travel from Broome to Mount Hart Station via Derby and the legendary Gibb River Road, covering around 450km. Fuel up in Derby, detour to the iconic Boab Prison Tree, then venture through the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges.

The driveway into Mount Hart is an adventure in itself, with over 20 river crossings in the dry season. We stayed at the Riverside Campground at Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge and enjoyed dinner at Pippa’s Corner.

ARB Tip: Make sure you air down your tyres for the gravel and corrugations you’ll face when you head onto Gibb River Road

Day 2: Exploring Mount Hart Station

Day 2 is all about exploring the tracks and gorges around Mount Hart Station. We camped a second night at the Riverside Campground and took a short hike and swim at Matthew Gorge (Dawungumen Mindi). With plenty of day trips on offer from Mount Hart, there’s no shortage of adventures – check out their website for inspiration.

ARB Tip: If budget and timing allow, treat yourself to a helicopter ride up to Twin Flame Falls, an unforgettable way to take in the views and enjoy a quick swim in pristine waters. Book directly through Mount Hart Lodge here

Day 3: Mount Hart Station → Mount Barnett

Covering roughly 173km from Mount Hart to Mount Barnett via the breathtaking Bell Gorge, this natural wonder rewards a short but challenging 10–15 minute hike to the lower falls with a spectacular swim beneath cascading water and through hidden caves.

After a day of adventure, we indulged in burgers at Mount Barnett Roadhouse before settling in at Manning Campground (be sure to book ahead).

ARB Tip: Make sure you have supportive shoes for the Bells Gorge hike as it’s a rocky walk

Day 4: Mount Barnett → Home Valley Station

Early start for a special one hour hike to Manning Gorge, where we crossed the river using plastic tubs to float our gear – a truly unique method! Manning Gorge itself was incredible, a stunning natural formation perfect for adventurous swimmers. After breakfast, we hit the road for a long day filled with breathtaking scenery and corrugated roads, just be ready to push through the dust to enjoy it all!

ARB Tip: We highly recommend jumping off the top of the waterfall at Manning Gorge (but be careful as its slippery)!

Day 5: Tackling Oombi Track

Covering about 146km, this loop from Home Valley Station along the rugged Oombi Track to the Durack River and back is a true off road challenge. Not for the faint-hearted, the Oombi Track demands a well-equipped 4WD with quality tyres. We spent our second night at Home Valley Station, the perfect base after a day of tackling tough terrain.

ARB Tip: Oombi Track track isn’t publicly accessible as it is indigenous land, so you need permission and potentially book a tour here

Day 6: Home Valley Station → El Questro

This 80km journey takes you from Home Valley Station across the iconic Pentecost Crossing to Emma Gorge before arriving at El Questro. Emma Gorge is a must-see, with towering rock faces and a refreshing swim if time allows. We stayed at El Questro Station, a modern and well-equipped base, just be sure to book ahead.

ARB Tip: Make sure you head to the Pentecost Crossing for an iconic river crossing you and your 4WD need to tick off the bucket list!

Day 7: Exploring El Questro Wilderness Park

From El Questro Station, explore Branco’s Lookout, Explosion Gorge, and the Cockburn Ranges before returning to base. Accommodation options at El Questro include campsites, tented cabins, and riverside bungalows, so you are spoilt for choice!

A stunning sunset over the Cockburn Ranges is a perfect way to end the day, with vibrant colours and vast plains. Before heading out, check in with the El Questro team for the latest on track conditions and water crossings.

ARB Tip: Recovery gear is essential for remote 4WD tracks like this so make sure you’re equipped with an ARB recovery kit and tyre inflation/deflation devices before tackling rocky or muddy sections

Day 8: El Questro → Kununurra

Covering around 220km, this route takes you from El Questro to Kununurra via the iconic Ivanhoe Crossing, which is the perfect way to cap off your Gibb River Road adventure. If time allows, take the scenic detour through Wyndham for one last glimpse of the stunning Kimberley landscapes.

ARB Tip: After completing the Gibb, don’t forget to re-inflate your tyres before you hit the tarmac

Planning your own trip to The Kimberley?

As Australia’s 4×4 experts, we’ve made planning simple. Download our full itinerary and checklist as a handy PDF – perfect to print or save to your device. Packed with everything you need, it’s your go-to guide for exploring the Kimberley with confidence, whether you’re travelling solo or in a convoy. And if you’d like more advice, drop into your local ARB store or stockist, our teams have plenty of experience and are always happy to chat about your next adventure.

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