GIBB RIVER ROAD

First thing to read is the Gibb River Road trek note if you have not already!

DM

Have a look here http://www.kimberleyaustralia.com/ its one of the best sources of info on the Kimberley. There is much more to the Kimberley that the GRR. Spent a few weeks there last year, have a look at my blog.

Have a great time,

Val.

Firstly, what sort of vehicle, trailer and main hardware do you intend to have on the trip ?

If you have a look at the blog section at the top of the Forum page, you'll see a series of blogs from myself and John and Val all of which are coving the Kimberley, Gibb and some of the attractions. You should also be able to pick up a fair idea as to road and track conditions and what facilities are available in various locations.

Cheers Mick

I did the Gibb in July/Aug 2007 and it was not as bad as I had read. I did hire a sat phone and made sure I had recovery gear, plenty of water and topped up with fuel at every oportunity.
I had a new vehicle and handled the conditions without any problems.
Just make sure when you cross the Penticost river you give the vehicle time to cool down before entering the water. Take your time it is spectacular.
If you are towing a van/ campertrailer make sure you arrive early at caravan parks if that is where you intend to stay, they are usually full by mid morning.

We went through in June last year with our F250 and caravan, and just loved it. It took us three and a half weeks Derby to Kununurra at a leisurely pace. My blogs aren't complete as yet, but should be posted here soon. June is best - the falls and streams gradually dry up during the season, and in July there are so many people, including those in hire campers driving like a bat out hell, and cutting up the roads. Camps can get crowded. In June the roads were good, and not too many people. Be aware than if it rains (they had unseasonal rain during June in the past two years), roads are closed, because they get cut up easily. You may need to remain in a set place for up to a week, so you need to carry adequate supplies.

Motherhen

We have spent 2 months in the Kimberley every year for the past 4 years (plus a couple of trips in the 90s before that).
Still have not seen a fraction of what is on offer.
Allow plenty of time.
See the link below for some slide shows.

Cheers,
Peter.
OKA196 Motorhome

thanks guys sounds great all that info. Ill be very busy reading all the l blogs. I am working up in the Pilbara at the moment and i can tell you we have had a lot of rain in the last couble of days

Jnny B

Check out all the good feedback I got on thread 65388

Looks like it may be a longer than usual wet season up there it seems. We are up that way around the beginning of May. hopefully the roads are open!

Sounds like the Navara will be well loaded - my attention would therefore be focussed on tyres - in general terms, the eastern half of the Gibb has some very tiresome stony sections (the western half is mainly a good surface) - but taking it very easy with reduced pressures can cover the stones factor - I always take a used tyre case on my trailer case for such areas - just in case I blow one and the various roadhouses could be stuck for my size - if not towing though, places to stow tyre cases can be a space, weight issue. As well as Michelle's info here at Eoz, have a look at Anne's travel spiel on the Drysdale River Station site.... with enough time, you should find the Kimberley great ! I'll be back there !

Be aware of the " bar" at Drysdale station , you wander up to have a beer or 2 and the next thing you know you've sat there for hours on end and the generators are shut down and it becomes difficult to find your campsite ,,, lol , magic place , magic people.

Hi Johnny,I live in Tom Price hope to do GRR in late April will get back to you and let you know how i went.
Regards Chucky