Kimberley Tours: What To Expect From Self Driving the Gibb River Road

The Gibb River Road is an integral part of many Kimberley tours, but many visitors wonder whether they should attempt self driving or stick to Kimberley adventure tours. So, here we’ll explore what you can expect from self driving to help you determine if it is the right option for you.

Challenging Road Conditions

The first thing you’re likely to notice about the Gibb River Road is the challenging road conditions. Many of the accommodation options and resources on the Gibb River Road are remote, so while you may see others on your trip, you’re likely to see people rushing back to "civilisation." You’ll need a 4WD vehicle and ensure that you drive to suit the road conditions. There are sections of the Gibb River Road that are vulnerable to flooding during the wet season, which can make them difficult to pass them. This means that you’ll need to be confident in driving a 4WD and prepared to deal with any challenges of the road. This can be a little daunting, which is why many visitors opt for a guided tour. Guided tours allow you to experience the Gibb River Road, but with the expertise of an experienced driver and tour guide. So, you can just relax and watch the sights, without needing to concentrate on the road conditions.

Tracks and Trails

During your first visit to the Gibb River Road, you may be surprised at the number of tracks and trails. While travelling the road itself can be interesting, many of these trails lead to scenic locations and gorges. This means that if you want to make the most of your trip, you need to do a little more exploration to discover some of these fantastic locations. If you’re not a confident navigator, you may struggle to deal with mud maps and the ill defined trails. Again, this is where a guided tour can be beneficial. The tour guides have local knowledge to take visitors to the best scenic spots and secluded gorges, so you can experience the vast beauty of the region.

You May Need to Rough It

While there is accommodation on the Gibb River Road, you will need to be prepared to rough it a little. You need to be aware that internet and phone reception can be very spotty. So, you’re likely to feel cut off, if you struggle to live without social media and the internet. You’re also not likely to see daily papers, hairdryers, sophisticated coffee options, and guest laundries. If the idea of this minimalist lifestyle leaves you in pieces, you may be better suited to a guided day trip, where you can return to your luxury accommodation at the end of the day.

If you’re considering visiting the Gibb River Road or other Kimberley tour packages, you should speak to us. We offer a vast choice of Kimberley tours from Broome including Kimberley adventure tours. The Broome Kimberley team is also available to answer any of your queries to help you plan your dream break.

Broome Kimberley & Beyond (previously known Broome & the Kimberley Holidays) is a specialist travel wholesaler with more than 20 years of industry experience.