Gibb River Road

Hi EKO,

"Depends" is the operative word in this case.

http://www.drysdaleriver.com.au/ is a very good URL to have a look at as the nice people there explain the situation well.

From my own experience.. yes, I have crossed the Penetecost River at the end of April. Had to wait a week first (we were there around the 25th of April at the time) and so we were one of the first across

The next difficulty we came across was a slightly large hole in the road. Washout ! Could have parked a truck in it !

So yes, it does really depend on the wet season and when it ends and when the rivers are low enough.

But my advice would be to read the inforamion on the Drysdale Station webpage and perhaps phone them and ask.

Hope it helps

EKO,

As Peter has said, it depends on the season.
We did the GRR last April, and it had only just opened after damage from Cyclone Ingrid.
The Pentecoste River was a delight to see with a full width of water, and rocky bottom.
The road itself was variable in smooth to rough, but not extreme.
The weather was quite humid and hot.
But the scenery was worth it.

Geoff.

Hi EKO.
The cook (wife) and I did the GRR in June last year and the Pentecost was only about 150mm deep but the Western end including the Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge road was closed due to unseasonal weather.
Definitely try to get to Drysdale River Station (rough road but nice bar and showers etc), Bell Gorge (great for swimming and good camp sites) and Home Valley station which is good for fishing in the Pentecost (watch for crocs here).
You could also drive the Old Karunji Road (just before/past the Pentecost depending on travel direction) through to Diggers Rest station which also does accommodation, then the King River road through to Wyndham. Great drive and very scenic.
From Wyndham the back road to Ivanhoe Crossing at Kunnunurra is a good drive with some beautiful camp sites beside the Ord River but again crocs are around this area.
Have a good trip.
Alan.

This is like saying;

"I am going to the north pole but unfortunately I only have sandals and a T shirt"

If you want to risk the conditions of a late monsoon then please don't complain if you get stuck behind a river somewhere.

You may be lucky or you may be unlucky.

Apparently there has been a lot of rain this monsoon(wet season).

EKO keep this URL to check up on Rd conditions
Road conditions

Thanks already for all the information. It is clear that I need some patience to see how weather and road conditions will develop.

Because my ticket (leaving from Darwin mid-may) and 4wd rental (pick-up in Broome) are booked I welcome every tip and advise for some other good sights somewhere between Broome and Darwin. This in case the Gibb River Road is still closed the moment I arrive. The guide books will ofcourse direct me to known sights like Kakadu, Litchfield, Bungle Bungles but are there maybe other, less known, sights which are worthwile a visit?

Thanks again,
EKO
the Netherlands