10 Best Gibb River Road Gorges 2026: waterfalls, Hikes, and swimming spots
If you are planning a trip along the Gibb, you’re probably wondering which Gibb River Road gorges are worth your time. The truth? They’re all stunning in their own way, and if you’ve got the time, I’d genuinely tell you to see them all.
The Gibb River Road is one of the most iconic adventures in Western Australia, cutting through the heart of the Kimberley and connecting some of the most spectacular gorges and waterfalls in the country.
➤ If you are planning your trip, start with our complete Gibb River Road guide to understand road conditions, permits and what to expect.
But I also know that sometimes time isn’t on your side. Some Gibb River Road gorges involve a proper hike, some are super easy to get to, a few allow dogs, and others are strictly no-swim zones. So if you only have time for a few, this guide will help you choose the ones that suit you best.
We spent four weeks exploring almost every one of the Gibb River Road gorges, swimming in every waterhole we found, and tackling just about every hike. This guide runs west to east, so if you’re starting in Kununurra, just follow the list from the bottom up.
➤ Do you want to plan your days around these stops? Follow our 14-Day Gibb River Road Itinerary to connect them into one easy-to-follow trip.
Watch: Gibb River Road Gorges in Real life
If you want to see what these gorges actually look like before you go, we filmed three YouTube series along the Gibb River Road.
Tunnel Creek
Summary:
- Dark cave walk
- Mandatory water crossing
- Not ideal for swimming
- Freshwater crocs present
- No dogs
- Bring a good torch/headtorch
Tunnel Creek was our first one from the best Gibb River Road gorges, and it was one for the memory books. We went early to beat the crowds, and looking back, this was probably not the best move. When you’re the only ones in a dark cave full of freshwater crocs, the vibe becomes…interesting.
Right at the start there is a water crossing, and when your torch hits those red eyes in the distance, you suddenly question every life decision you’ve ever made. I stood at the edge for about 30 minutes before getting in. Did I enjoy it? Absolutely not. Did it feel dramatic later when we passed families and kids swimming through with pool noodles? Yes. Very.
The cave itself is incredible. Water carved this huge tunnel through the Napier Range. Up to 20 metres high in places. And it’s rich in history too. It was once the hideout of Aboriginal leader Jandamarra in the late 1800s.
The 750m walk takes you right through the range. Expect bats, crocs, chilly water and an atmosphere you won’t forget. Wear proper shoes, tell someone where you’re going and make sure you don’t forget a proper torch.
Windjana Gorge
Summary:
- No swimming
- Freshwater crocs everywhere
- Occasional saltwater crocs, stay out of the water
- No dogs
- Great for wildlife spotting
- Beautiful easy walk
Windjana is one of the most beautiful Gibb River Road gorges, carving a 3.5km path through the Napier Range. It’s wild to think this whole range was once an ancient coral reef.
During the dry season, the river slows into a series of big pools, and these pools are absolutely full of freshwater crocodiles. You’ll spot dozens sunbaking on the banks, and if you visit around sunset, you might even catch a few sneaking up to grab the bats as they skim over the water. Every now and then a salty makes its way in too, so this is one place where you want to admire the water from a safe distance.
Windjana Gorge has a relaxed, scenic feel, and the walk is easy and absolutely worth doing. There’s a national park campground right at the gorge as well, which makes it ideal if you’re staying for the sunset wildlife show.
Lennard River Gorge
Summary:
- No swimming
- No dogs
- 3km return walk
- Scenic lookout
Lennard River Gorge was closed when we came through, but it’s often called one of the underrated Gibb River Road gorges. The walk is about 3km return, taking you along a creek line before climbing to a lookout over the falls. If it’s open for you, go.
➤ Use our detailed Gibb River Road map to see exactly where each gorge is located along the route.
Bell Gorge
Summary:
- No dogs
- Beautiful for swimming and relaxing
- Steep decent to the base of the waterfall
- Walking track
Bell Gorge is one of the most iconic Gibb River Road gorges, and the first waterfall where we could finally swim. We loved it so much we went twice.
The steep walk down is worth every step. Bell Gorge looks like something from a postcard. Plan enough time to relax on the rocks and enjoy the main pool. Just be careful on the slippery rocks when getting in.
You can camp 10 minutes away from the gorge at Silent Grove (National Park Camp). It’s close enough to visit early and have it all to yourself.
Adcock Gorge
Summary:
- Dog friendly
- Swimming
- Rock jumping
- Short 4WD track (no caravans)
- Short walk from the carpark
Adcock Gorge is one of the most relaxed Gibb River Road gorges and a great pick if you travel with dogs or want something easy.
The 4WD track in is short but bumpy, so if you’re towing a caravan, leave it behind at the grassy clearing just off the main road. From the carpark it’s only a 600m walk that brings you past a lily pond and some rock scrambling.
The gorge itself is pretty shaded, with a deep pool that’s perfect for a refreshing swim or float. And if you’re the adrenaline type, there’s plenty of rock jumping to keep you entertained.
Galvans Gorge
Summary:
- Dog friendly
- Swimming
- Rope swing
- Very close to the carpark
Galvans Gorge might just be our favourite of all Gibb River Road gorges. It looks like a little oasis: a waterfall, a perfectly placed boab tree, deep water for a swim and a rope swing.
It’s an easy 1km return walk, which makes it very popular. Tour buses roll in mid morning, so come early. We arrived at 7am and had it to ourselves for a couple of hours.
Manning Gorge
Summary:
- Dogs allowed only at the campground Mt Barnett Station
- No dogs allowed on the walk
- Amazing swimming
- 3km hike to the waterfall – be prepared, rock scrambling, steep declines and inclines
- Rock/waterfall jumping
- Creek crossing required
Manning Gorge is one of the most beautiful Gibb River Road gorges for swimming, with a huge waterfall and a proper adventure to get there.
The walk begins at the campground at Mt Barnett Station, and begins with a 100m creek crossing. You’ll swim while your belongings float in blue barrels provided at the start. The trail is rocky, steep, and it will pump up the heart rate.
We loved it so much we stayed three nights at Mt Barnett. Not only for Manning Gorge, but also for the campground itself. Read the full camping guide here.
Mt Elizabeth Station Gorges
Summary:
- Waterfalls and swimming
- Dog friendly
- 4WD tracks
- Station Camping and private campsites
If you’re staying at Mt Elizabeth, you get access to two private Gibb River Road Gorges.
One track is rated “difficult”, and friends told us it was sketchy even in a Troopy. We skipped it because our car had developed a few mystery squeaks by then.
The easier track leads to the upper Hahn River. Shallow water, a sandy little beach, and a quiet place to relax.
Looking back, if you’re already planning on camping at Hahn River, the payoff probably isn’t huge. But if you want to include some 4WDing, it’s a fun track.
Mitchell Falls
Summary:
- No dogs
- Stunning, long walk
- Additional permit
- Helicopter flights available
- Swimming at the top only
- Multi-day detour
Mitchell Falls isn’t technically one of the classic Gibb River Road gorges, but most people include it in their Gibb itinerary, so I’ll add it here too. Just know it’s a serious detour, about 400km return, and fuel is not cheap.
➤ Read our full Mitchel Falls Guide if you’re considering adding this detour to your trip.
El Questro
Summary
- Dogs allowed at the campground
- No dogs on walking trails
- Beautiful walks and gorges
- Additional permit
- Camping at the station and private sites
➤ Planning a stay here? Check out our full El Questro camping guide for campsites, permits and things to do.
Emma Gorge
Emma Gorge is hands-down one of the most beautiful Gibb River Road gorges, even though it’s technically just off the Gibb. The 3.2km return walk takes you through changing landscapes and ends at a towering chasm with a chilly waterfall pool. If you only do one El Questro walk, make it this one.
Amalia Gorge
A more challenging 3.4km return hike with clambering and uneven ground. The plunge pool at the end is lovely, though water flow drops off late in the season.
Zebedee Springs
A short rainforest walk to natural thermal pools, perfect for a warm bath. Open mornings only from 7am to 12pm.
El Questro Gorge
Unfortunately, this one was closed after the 2025 bushfires when we were there, but usually known as the prettiest gorge in the region. A spectacular palm-filled, narrow gorge with deep pools and a challenging but rewarding trail.
These are our favourite Gibb River road gorges and hikes, each offering something different. If you’re looking for deep waterholes, short walks, croc spotting or full-day adventures, you’ll find it all.
Plan your Gibb River Road adventure
If you want to plan your trip properly, start with these guides:
Happy planning! I’m sure you’re going to love the Gibb!
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