the gibb river road- Adcock, Galvan’s + Manning Gorge

AN MRT logo ADVENTURE

the gibb river road- Adcock, Galvan’s + Manning Gorge map image the gibb river road- Adcock, Galvan’s + Manning Gorge map image
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Distance: 660 km

Gibb River Road runs 660 km in length from Derby to Kunnanura in WA. Perth to Derby is 2,250 km. Brisbane to Kunnanura is 3,600 km. We start this journey about 220 km into the Gibb River Road coming from the western side (Derby).

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Time to drive: 7 days

This journey along the Gibb itself could be completed in as little as 7 days if you were rushing. However, you are going to want to allow as much time as possible to see everything there is to see and the time to get there should also be factored in.

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Terrain: Easy to Moderate

A 4WD-only track that requires high clearance and a raised air intake. It is a seasonal track, closed during the wet season each year from around December to April. The terrain difficulty will depend on the severity of the wet season after reopening. Wandering cattle, kangaroos, and other large animals inhabit the area, so caution is advised.

An MRT Adventurer from ExploreBound, wearing a casual tank top, stands contemplatively before a towering, rugged black rock face, reflecting on the natural beauty and challenges it presents. A breathtaking view of a waterfall cascading into a serene blue pool, surrounded by rugged cliffs adorned with sparse vegetation. The scene captures the natural beauty and dramatic landscapes typical of remote outdoor areas ideal for exploration. An MRT Adventurer from ExploreBound refueling a dusty off-road vehicle at a remote fuel station, equipped for continued travel and exploration in rugged terrain.

Today we backtracked 5 km from last night’s camp and headed into Adcock Gorge. We got there nice and early at 9 am to try and avoid any crowds as best we could.

On the track in, there was a longer water crossing we needed to traverse and a rocky 4WD track in. While it was slower going, the track didn’t pose too much of an issue. However, the people we were travelling with opted to unhitch their camper trailer and leave it at the start of the track to avoid any unnecessary damage. There were a couple of more difficult sections but overall it was a fun little track in.

Once we arrived at Adcock Gorge, the walking trail was a more natural and unmarked track than some, which we prefer as it gives an authentic feel to the place, almost as if we were the first people to discover it! There are some sections requiring you to climb up rocks and navigate your way around boulders.

Once at the Gorge, we had it all to ourselves and the view was simply amazing. There is a waterfall here and the swimming hole (albeit cold) is well worth a dip if you’re feeling brave enough (as with most swimming holes along the Gibb, crocs are prevalent but keep to themselves). We opted not to swim here this time as we were keen to get back on the track.

After our first stop for the day, we jumped back on the corrugations of the Gibb River Road to head towards our next stop – Galvans Gorge! On our way there, we did get a reminder of the risks associated with driving this track, and to always be as prepared as possible – as we passed a caravan with one of its axles ripped from underneath it. It didn’t appear that anyone was harmed thankfully, but it was definitely a reminder to remain vigilant.

We had a quick stop over at Galvans Gorge which we shared with few other fellow travellers – however, for the last 20 minutes we had it all to ourselves! It seems as though most people leave around 4 pm to find camp, so sometimes waiting just a little longer might get you a place all to yourself!

From here we headed towards our camp for the night – Manning Gorge Campground at the Mt Barnett Roadhouse. This was our first paid camp of the whole trip at $50. However, it gave us a chance to fill our water up as well.

We woke up before sunrise to avoid the crowds of Manning Gorge – and our first obstacle was a ‘croc-infested’ crossing to swim across.

There were half barrels provided to float your gear across to stay dry, and thankfully the water wasn’t as bad as we thought – but it was still a chilly start to the day! The hike out was so peaceful and we felt very lucky to be doing it without anyone else around – so it’s well worth the early rise for the added serenity.

Once you get a bit closer to the Gorge itself, there are some rocks you are required to traverse, but you are greeted with a stunning swimming hole and waterfall for your efforts! Another unreal piece of Australian natural beauty which we would highly recommend you add to your list of places to visit along the Gibb!

After enjoying the Gorge all to ourselves, a lot more people started to make their way in, so we were very happy we got to see it when we did!

Once we got back to camp, we collected some firewood ready for another night around our camp at the Manning Gorge Campground.

We filled up on supplies of fuel and filtered drinking water at the Mt Barnett Roadhouse before heading back onto the Gibb towards our next stop 167 km away at Drysdale Station.

This one requires you to take a turnoff on Kalumburu Road, which if you follow it all the way to the end, takes you to the Aboriginal Community of Kalumburu and is the gateway to some incredible beach camps at McGowans Sunset Beach and Honeymoon Bay.

Mitchell Plateau and Mitchell Falls are other popular locations in this area that we will be checking out in our next adventure that may well be worth adding to your list too!

A dusty MRT X-Series Chassis Mount Canopy equipped off-road vehicle traveling on a rocky desert path

RECOMMENDED GEAR

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X-Series Chassis mount canopy

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Storage Solutions

  • MRT Jerry Can Holder for extra fuel or water
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  • 130L Bushman Fridge + additional freezer
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  • Designated spaces for recovery gear and spare parts (our MRT Canopy Toolboxes are great for this)

Recovery Gear

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  • Snatch Straps and Shackles
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Camping Gear

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  • Portable Gas Stove
  • Camp Chairs and Table

Vehicle Protection

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Navigation and Communication

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  • Wikicamps or other camping app

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

  • Tyre Repair Kit
  • Spare Air Filter + Snorkel Sock
  • Automotive Tool Kit
  • Cable Ties/ Wire
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  • Air Compressor and Tyre Deflator
  • Suitable Jack for your vehicle

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