When most people dream about driving the Gibb River Road, it’s the famous names that come to mind: Bell Gorge, Manning Gorge, Mitchell Falls and the Pentecost River. They plan the distances, fuel stops and river crossings, but often overlook the very places that can transform a good trip into an unforgettable one.

Station stays are woven into the fabric of the Kimberley. Established to support the pastoral industry, many stations now welcome travellers looking to experience life beyond the roadside campground. They still run cattle across vast landscapes, but today they also offer everything from gourmet dining and luxury accommodation to challenging 4×4 tracks, secluded swimming holes and some of the warmest hospitality you’ll find anywhere in Australia.

Over several weeks travelling the Gibb River Road, I stayed at four very different stations, each with its own personality, its own stories and its own reason to linger a little longer. Some surprised me with exceptional food, others with spectacular swimming holes hidden well away from the crowds. Together, they reminded me that the Gibb isn’t simply about driving from one gorge to the next. Sometimes the best part of the journey begins when you turn off the main road.

JUMP AHEAD

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El Questro

If one property has helped define Kimberley tourism, it’s El Questro (↗). Covering hundreds of thousands of acres, this former cattle station has become one of Australia’s great adventure destinations while still retaining its outback character.

The drive in immediately sets the tone. With tyre pressures lowered, the rocky access road, creek crossings and low-range climbs remind you this isn’t simply another caravan park. Every kilometre builds anticipation. Once I’d settled into camp beside the Pentecost River, it quickly became obvious why so many travellers spend several nights here. There is simply too much to see in a single visit.

One morning, I had Zebedee Springs almost entirely to myself. Warm thermal water flowed gently through towering Livistona palms while sunlight filtered through the canopy. Later, I explored some of El Questro’s spectacular 4×4 tracks, each rewarding careful driving with breathtaking lookouts and remote scenery. One drive that particularly stood out was the rocky run to Explosion Gorge. Low range, careful wheel placement and a few ledges kept things interesting before the Kimberley opened into another spectacular landscape.

The property is equally famous for its walks. Emma Gorge, El Questro Gorge, Moonshine Gorge, Saddleback Ridge and Branco’s Lookout all reward those prepared to stretch their legs, while a leisurely cruise through Chamberlain Gorge offers a completely different perspective from the water. Evenings became just as memorable. Dinner at the Steakhouse showcased premium Kimberley beef cooked exactly as it should be, while the Swinging Arm Bar provided a relaxed atmosphere where travellers gathered to swap stories over cold drinks before live entertainment filled the night.

Adventure may draw visitors to El Questro, but it’s the combination of scenery, hospitality, dining and endless activities that keeps people coming back.

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El Questro FAQs

Where is El Questro?

Approximately 100km west of Kununurra via the Gibb River Road and El Questro access road.

Where can you stay?

Riverside camping, Station Village bungalows, Emma Gorge Resort and the luxury Homestead (seasonal).

What is there to do?

Zebedee Springs, Chamberlain Gorge cruise, Explosion Gorge scenic drive, Emma Gorge walk, El Questro Gorge walk, Branco’s Lookout and Moonshine Gorge.

What facilities are available?

Diesel and ULP are available, along with the Steakhouse Restaurant, Swinging Arm Bar, Emma’s Restaurant (Emma Gorge) and café.

Is it suitable for 4x4s?

Rocky access road, creek crossings and low-range sections. Suitable for high-clearance 4x4s.

How long should you stay and do you need to book?

At least three nights; ideally five. Bookings are essential during the dry season.

Contact:

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Ellenbrae Station

Some stations impress with dramatic scenery while others win you over with genuine country hospitality. Ellenbrae Station (↗) somehow manages to do both.

With fewer than 1200 head of cattle across almost one million acres, the station has made tourism its primary focus. From the moment I pulled into the homestead, it was obvious why so many travellers plan their Gibb River Road itinerary around a stop here.

Of course, there’s one attraction almost everyone comes for: the scones. Fresh from the oven each morning, they’re served from 8am with strawberry jam and whipped cream. Mine disappeared embarrassingly quickly. Could I have eaten a second one? Absolutely.

Manager Fiona laughed as she explained she’d started baking at 6.30am to ensure everything was ready when the first travellers arrived. “We’ve come close a few times,” she said with a smile when I asked whether they ever sold out.

The numbers are staggering. Since the tradition began in 2005, Ellenbrae has served hundreds of thousands of scones, with more than 21,500 disappearing during the 2025 season alone. If you’d like to recreate them at home, you can even buy the famous recipe printed on a tea towel from the gift shop.

Fortunately, Ellenbrae offers far more than morning tea. Manager Mark keeps travellers moving by repairing punctures, replacing tyres and stocking many of the common sizes needed by four-wheel drivers and caravanners tackling the Gibb. He can also help with smaller repairs to Anderson plugs and trailer wiring, often saving holidays from ending prematurely.

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Fresh bread, UHT milk, filtered drinking water, a guest laundry and excellent camping facilities make it an easy place to spend several nights. Simply grabbing scones and driving on would be a mistake. The real surprise lies at Sandy Gorge. Accessible only to overnight guests, the gorge is reached via a sandy 4×4 track winding through acacias, followed by a 500m walk.

Towering rock walls frame a beautiful swimming hole filled with flowering waterlilies and crystal-clear water. It was completely unexpected. While many travellers stop briefly for morning tea before continuing along the Gibb, those who stay are rewarded with one of the property’s greatest treasures.

Back at camp, both Jackaroo and Ringers campgrounds offer excellent amenities, including hot showers, flushing toilets and camp kitchens. Ringers even boasts one of the best campground showers I’ve enjoyed anywhere on the Gibb, while Jackaroo’s traditional donkey shower keeps hot water available throughout the day.

As the sun began to sink, I discovered another Ellenbrae experience: the private bush baths. Soaking in warm water with a grazing platter and a cold drink while the Kimberley sky turned shades of orange and pink was the perfect way to wash away another day’s dust. Sometimes, slowing down really is the best part of travelling the Gibb.

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Ellenbrae Station FAQs

Where is Ellenbrae Station?

Approximately 230km west of Kununurra on the Gibb River Road.

Where can you stay?

Jackaroo and Ringers campgrounds, cottages and Old Homestead accommodation.

What is there to do?

Sandy Gorge, bush baths, the camp swimming hole and freshly baked scones with jam and cream. The signature experience is enjoying a warm scone before relaxing in a private bush bath at sunset.

What facilities are available?

Diesel, a homestead café, famous scones and fresh bread.

Is it suitable for 4x4s?

Easy station tracks with sandy sections on the way to Sandy Gorge.

How long should you stay and do you need to book?

Two nights. Bookings are recommended, especially for a private bush bath.

Contact:

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Mount Elizabeth Station

Thirty kilometres off the Gibb River Road, Mount Elizabeth Station (↗) quickly exceeded every expectation I had.

The drive in was enjoyable enough that I almost forgot I was heading to camp, stopping regularly to photograph boabs, ghost gums and spear grass stretching across the landscape. It took me nearly an hour to cover the driveway, and I wasn’t complaining. What surprised me was the sheer number of campers already there. Caravans, camper trailers, swags and tents filled the campground, yet it never felt overcrowded. There was room to spread out and an unmistakable sense that everyone had come for the same reason: to experience an authentic Kimberley cattle station.

The station’s famous lamingtons had almost sold out by the time I reached the shop at 9am. Thankfully, there were still a few left. With soft sponge layered with strawberry jam and whipped cream, then coated in chocolate and coconut, they were every bit as good as I’d been told.

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Station managers Karla and Rob have embraced tourism without losing sight of what makes Mount Elizabeth unique. “We want people to leave feeling they’ve experienced a real Kimberley cattle station,” Karla told me. “Everything we do comes back to the station.” That philosophy extends to the dining. The beef served throughout the week comes directly from the property, whether it’s perfectly cooked eye fillet at the Station Table, hearty burgers or the famous Burton pies.

Warla Gorge was another highlight. The final rocky descent into the car park demanded concentration, but at the bottom, crystal-clear water framed by pandanus and melaleucas awaited. It was impossible not to spend hours swimming, taking photographs and simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings.

The more challenging drive to Wunnamurra Gorge became one of my favourite 4×4 experiences on the Gibb. The narrow track twists through classic Kimberley country before becoming increasingly rocky during the final kilometre. Low range, careful wheel placement and steady momentum were rewarded with a spectacular waterfall, a refreshing swimming hole and remarkably few people. Arriving early meant I shared the gorge with only one other couple.

Back at camp, conversations around the Station Table flowed easily, reminding me that station stays aren’t just about the scenery. They’re about the people you meet along the way.

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Mount Elizabeth Station FAQs

Where is Mount Elizabeth Station?

Approximately 30km south of the Gibb River Road.

Where can you stay?

Bush camping, homestead rooms and donga-style accommodation.

What is there to do?

Wunnamurra Gorge, Warla Gorge, Old Homestead ruins, the camp swimming hole and challenging station 4×4 tracks. The signature experience is dining on Burton Beef produced on the station.

What facilities are available?

Diesel, Station Table dinners, burger nights, pizzas, café, famous lamingtons and homemade treats.

Is it suitable for 4x4s?

Rocky station tracks, with low-range driving required for Wunnamurra Gorge.

How long should you stay and do you need to book?

Two to three nights. Bookings are highly recommended.

Contact:

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Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge

Turning off the Gibb River Road towards Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge (↗) feels like committing to another adventure.

More than 50km from the main road, the driveway is an attraction in itself. It was early in the season, and there was still plenty of water flowing through the creek crossings, adding another layer of excitement to an already spectacular drive. Dolerite ranges, towering boabs, ghost gums and open savannah woodland rolled past the windscreen, making it impossible not to stop every few kilometres for another photograph.

As tour leader William told me, “The driveway isn’t just access anymore, it’s part of the experience.” He couldn’t have been more right. After the final river crossing, the track opens onto the airstrip before winding past luxury safari tents, bell tents and beautifully maintained lawns. Walking beneath a long white arbour towards reception felt more like arriving at an outback oasis than a remote Kimberley station. Lush tropical gardens and towering shade trees provide a striking contrast to the rugged landscape surrounding the property.

Mount Hart has quickly established itself as one of the Kimberley’s premium station stays, combining luxury accommodation with genuine wilderness experiences. Whether you’re camping, staying in a bell tent, glamping in a safari tent or enjoying the comfort of the beautifully restored homestead rooms, there’s an option to suit almost every traveller.

The relaxed atmosphere continues at Uncle Tony’s Jungle Bar, where pizzas, light meals and cold drinks are served throughout the day. As the afternoon cooled, guests gathered beneath the trees while musician Chad Smith entertained the crowd with equal parts music, humour and storytelling. His easy-going personality had strangers chatting like old friends before dinner.

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When the dinner bell rang, those who’d booked wandered across to Pippa’s Corner Restaurant for the evening’s table d’hôte menu. Conversation flowed freely between tables as travellers compared river crossings, favourite gorges and plans for the next day.

Dinner itself was outstanding. A generous grazing board featuring local produce, warm fresh bread, cheeses, cured meats, olives and house-made dips was followed by perfectly cooked roast eye fillet with creamy mash, broccolini, heirloom carrots, mushrooms and a rich red wine jus. Sticky date pudding provided a fitting finale.

The following day, I began exploring the property’s network of tracks. Mayal Mindi, better known as Annie’s Creek, offers a gentle walk through a culturally significant landscape where a massive boab and strangler fig grow intertwined, illustrating both the beauty and the stories of Ngarinyin Country. Informative signs share the Traditional Owners’ connection to the area, adding depth to what could otherwise be just another short walk.

Walkers Gorge quickly became another favourite. A slow, rocky drive leads to a family-friendly gorge where a little rock hopping rewards visitors with refreshing swimming holes tucked between towering rock walls. Adventurous walkers can continue further upstream to discover smaller pools while keeping an eye out for rock wallabies among the cliffs. Barker Pool provides a completely different experience. Shaded by melaleucas, it’s an idyllic place to cool off, enjoy a picnic or simply relax beside the water among purple waterlilies.

Many visitors choose to see Mount Hart from the air, with helicopter flights offering access to spectacular locations inaccessible by road, including the breathtaking Twin Flame Falls. Listening to guests recount their experiences over dinner left me more than a little envious. While a scenic flight wasn’t in my budget for this trip, it’s firmly on the list for next time.

What impressed me most about Mount Hart wasn’t simply the accommodation or the food. It was the vision. The current owners are working closely with the Traditional Owners to ensure tourism grows respectfully while creating opportunities to share more of the region’s cultural stories in the future. Combined with exceptional hospitality and remarkable landscapes, that vision makes Mount Hart feel like a destination that’s only just beginning to realise its full potential.

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Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge FAQs

Where is Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge?

Approximately 50km north of the Gibb River Road.

Where can you stay?

Campground, bell tents, safari tents and homestead rooms.

What is there to do?

Matthew Gorge, Walkers Gorge, Barker Pool, Annie’s Creek and scenic helicopter flights. The signature experience is taking a helicopter flight to Twin Flame Falls.

What facilities are available?

Diesel, Uncle Tony’s Jungle Bar and Pippa’s Corner Restaurant.

Is it suitable for 4x4s?

The 50km driveway features creek crossings, corrugations and rocky sections, while several attractions are accessed via genuine Kimberley station tracks.

How long should you stay and do you need to book?

Two to three nights. Bookings are highly recommended.

Contact:

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Gibb River Road essentials

How far is the Gibb River Road?

Approximately 660km from Kununurra to Derby, excluding station driveways and side trips to gorges and other attractions.

When is the best time to travel?

The Gibb River Road generally opens between late April and May, depending on wet season damage and road repairs, and remains accessible until around October. May and late August to September often offer fewer crowds, while June and July are the busiest months.

What are the road conditions like?

No two trips along the Gibb River Road are ever the same. Conditions change constantly throughout the season, with corrugations, potholes, loose gravel, bulldust, rocky sections and creek crossings all part of the adventure.

Reduce your tyre pressures before leaving the bitumen and drive to the conditions, not the speed limit. A slower pace not only makes for a more comfortable drive but also reduces the risk of punctures, suspension damage and broken gear.

What vehicle do you need?

A high-clearance 4×4 is strongly recommended, especially if you plan to explore the station tracks and more remote attractions.

What recovery gear and equipment should you carry?

  • At least one full-size spare tyre (two is even better)
  • Tyre repair kit
  • Air compressor
  • Recovery gear
  • Basic tools
  • Plenty of drinking water

Where can you buy fuel?

  • Kununurra
  • El Questro
  • Drysdale River Station
  • Mount Barnett Roadhouse
  • Mount Elizabeth Station
  • Imintji Community
  • Derby

Is there mobile phone coverage?

Mobile reception is extremely limited once you leave Kununurra. Some station stays offer Wi-Fi for guests, but don’t rely on having phone coverage for most of the journey.

What should you pack?

  • Plenty of drinking water
  • First aid kit
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Swimmers and a towel
  • Hiking shoes
  • UHF radio
  • Torch or headlamp
  • Camera

Should you book station stays in advance?

The most popular station campgrounds and accommodation often book out months in advance during the dry season, particularly during school holidays.

Where can you check road conditions and closures?

Top 5 tips for travelling the Gibb River Road

  1. Don’t rush the Gibb: Slow down and spend a few nights at station stays rather than driving straight through.
  2. Explore beyond the main road: The best gorges, swimming holes and 4×4 tracks are found off the Gibb River Road.
  3. Lower your tyre pressures: Reduce pressures on the dirt to improve comfort and traction and minimise punctures.
  4. Book ahead in peak season: Station stays, meals and accommodation can fill quickly during school holidays.
  5. Travel prepared: Carry plenty of water, recovery gear, a tyre repair kit, an air compressor and basic spares, and always drive to the conditions.
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