Gibb River Road Map – 10 essential stops for fuel, water, and camping
So you’re planning to tackle the Gibb River Road but don’t really know where to start? Trust me, I’ve been exactly where you are now. Before our own trip, I felt overwhelmed trying to figure out where to stop, where to get fuel, where to find drinking water, where to camp, and how far everything was from each other. I wish I had a proper Gibb River Road map available that I could use as an inspiration.
The Gibb Road is one of the most iconic adventures in Western Australia, cutting through the remote Kimberley region. And having a clear map before you go makes all the difference.
After spending almost four weeks exploring this spectacular stretch of Western Australia, I now know the little things I wish I’d understood before rolling in from the Northern Highway.
➤ If you’re still in the planning phase, start with our complete Gibb River Road guide to understand the route, road conditions and what to expect.
And that’s why I created this Gibb River Road map, the one I wish I had before we left. If you’re the kind of person who likes to go in feeling prepared, this guide walks you through exactly how to use the map, what’s marked on it, and how it’ll help you plan your adventure across the Kimberley region.
Digital Gibb River Road Map
➤ Do you want to run this map as a full trip? Follow our Gibb River Road itinerary to connect all stops into a day-by-day route.
Why this Gibb River Road Map will make your trip easier?
When we first arrived in Derby, the Visitor Centre handed me a paper version of a Gibb River Road map for $2, and honestly, it saved me. It showed me where to find fuel, water, campgrounds, station stays, and points of interest. But a physical map right before you start your adventure can only do so much.
So I created a digital Gibb River Road map with all the important stops pinned out clearly, which you can use on your phone or download for offline use. Planning becomes so much easier when everything is laid out visually. Especially when you’re heading into the North West, where distances can catch you off guard.
Here’s what you’ll find on the map and how to use it while travelling across the Kimberley region.
Fuel stops
Fuel planning can genuinely make or break your Gibb trip. Not every roadhouse has petrol, some only sell diesel.
On the Gibb River Road map, I’ve marked every fuel stop on the route, including what they sell (diesel, petrol or both). This gives you a clear idea of how far you can go between stops. If you’re towing or carrying extra weight, distances between stations can feel even longer, so use this Gibb River Road map to plan ahead.
➤ For a complete breakdown of distances and planning tips, refer back to our Gibb River Road Guide.
Drinking Water
Water is one of those things you don’t want to think about too late. We travel with a 150L water tank and only had to fill up twice at Mt Barnett Roadhouse and Drysdale Station. Both of which are now marked clearly on this Gibb River Road map.
I’ve added every reliable water refill point, so you can decide whether or not you need extra water.
➤ This is exactly why having a clear map matters. Use it alongside our Gibb River Road itinerary to plan your stops properly.
Camping on the Gibb
The Gibb River road map shows three types of camping options, all unpowered (except for El Questro Station), so keep that in mind.
Free Camps
Absolutely worth it, but competitive during peak season. When we travelled the Gibb, arriving at 2pm was already too late. If you’re aiming for a great spot, try reaching camp around 9 or 10 am when others are packing up.
National Park Campgrounds
Beautiful locations, usually near gorges or walking trails offering toilets and sometimes showers. You can book these online or pay cash when you arrive, so bring the right amount. These are all marked on the Gibb River Road map.
Station Stays
Good to know: There’s no need to book ahead. You can rock up and pay for a site.
➤ Do you want more details on where to stay? Read our full Gibb River Road camping guide for the best free camps, station stays and national park options.
Food
Stocking up in Derby or Kununurra is the smartest way to start. But it’s also nice to know where you can enjoy a proper meal along the way. After a few nights of bush camping, sitting at a table while someone else cooks feels like a luxury.
I’ve added these spots to the Gibb River Road map:
- Mt Barnett Station: famous for its burgers
- Mt Elizabeth Station: Book ahead for their dinner nights with local beef (bookings via email)
- Ellenbrae Station: Legendary scones
- El Questro: Their Steakhouse, if you feel like a fancier dinner
Most stations also have small convenience stores where you can buy some essentials. Prices are insane, so if you can avoid buying things here, do it.
Permits you might need
You don’t need any permits to drive the Gibb River Road itself. But a lot of side tracks take you into national parks or private land, so you may need a WA parks pass or an additional permit. I’ve marked these points on the Gibb River Road map so you know what’s required before you arrive.
Phone reception
Everyone who did the Gibb a few years ago, they told us we’d have no reception for two weeks. That might’ve been true once, but things have changed. Many stations now offer Optus, Telstra, or both. And honestly, if you travel with a Starlink, you’re sorted. Coverage points are indicated on the Gibb River Road Map, so you know when to send updates to family.
Waterfalls, Gorges and hikes
The Gibb is packed with incredible hikes, gorges and waterfalls.
➤ To decide which ones are worth your time, check out our guide to the best Gibb River Road gorges along the route.
Here are the major highlights pinned on the Gibb River Road map:
- Windjana Gorge
- Tunnel Creek
- Bell Gorge
- Adcock Gorge
- Galvans Gorge
- Manning Gorge
- Planning to include it? Read our full Mitchell Falls Guide before you go.
- Mitchell Falls
- El Questro Gorges
- Emma Gorge
Use this Gibb River Road map to plan your route so you don’t miss anything that truly makes this part of Western Australia so special.
If you think there’s anything on this Gibb River Road map that I missed or what you would like to see included. Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Planning!
Plan your gibb river road adventure
If you want to turn this map into a complete trip, start with these guides:
➤ Or explore all our Western Australia travel guides to help plan your trip.
Gibb river road map FAQs
Do you need a map for the Gibb River Road?
Yes. Having a map is essential for planning fuel stops, camping locations and distances between key points. A digital map makes it much easier to visualise your route and avoid missing important stops.
Can you use Google Maps on the Gibb River Road?
You can use Google Maps, but reception is limited in parts of the Kimberley. Relying on live navigation is not recommended.
Where are the fuel stops on the Gibb River Road?
Fuel is available at several locations including Mount Hart, Imintji Roadhouse, Mt Barnett, Drysdale River Station and El Questro.
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Thanks for your work
I was wondering if it’s possible to get a copy of your marked up map from the visitor centre??
Cheers and thanks
Peter
Thanks, Peter! I only have this screenshot from the $1 map at the Derby Visitor Centre. They offer the proper A3 version there, and it’s much better than the bit I shared. It also helps support the centre, so it’s definitely worth grabbing one. I hope that the digital map is helpful too 🙂 Happy travels!
Amazing thank you for all of your knowledge
Thanks, Kylie!