The Gibb River Road is a 660-kilometre unsealed track through the heart of the Kimberley, running east from Derby to connect with the highway near Kununurra. Built in the 1960s to move cattle off the remote stations, it has become one of Australia's iconic drives — not because it's comfortable, but because the gorges, waterfalls, and swimming holes along the way are some of the most beautiful in the country.
Key stops include Bell Gorge (about 70 km from Derby, with a series of swimming holes and falls), Manning Gorge (further east, with a 45-minute walk to the falls), and the various gorges on El Questro Wilderness Park near the eastern end. Most stations along the route offer camping and some have simple accommodation. You do not need to drive the entire road in one go — many people fly into Broome or Kununurra and do the western or eastern section separately. A 4WD with high clearance is essential; conventional vehicles can manage some sections in dry weather but not all. Allow at least five days to drive the full route with time to stop properly.