Unfortunately, we can't answer this question as conditions may change rapidly and will vary throughout the length of the road. It depends on weather conditions, when the road was last graded and how much traffic is using the road.

The unsealed sections of road are graded 3-4 times a year, and a full grade may take up to two months to complete. The road condition may degrade rapidly depending on how much traffic is on the road, and by the time the grader reaches the end, the road condition may have deteriorated at the other end and grading will start again.

While the sealed sections of road are typically in good condition, the unsealed sections may have a good gravel surface or will be corrugated and rocky. The condition of and depths of water at floodways will also vary quickly.

Make sure you’re prepared by knowing the abilities of your vehicle, driving to the conditions and ensuring your tyre pressure is suitable for the weight you’re carrying and the surface of the road you’re travelling on.

Our Travel Map and status boards located at both ends of the road near Derby and Kununurra provides up to date information on the road status, and highlights any current restrictions. For example, road is open only to High Clearance 4WD’s due to the floodway conditions.

Gibb River Road is often closed during the wet season, which generally runs from December to April as river crossings become impassable or sections of road have been damaged and may be dangerous. Following the wet season and once river crossings are low enough to allow access, work kicks off to repair any flood damage and the road is reopened - but only when it is safe to do so!

Don't forget about the side roads. These roads are managed by other agencies, so be sure to check their road condition information as well:

• Shire of Derby / West Kimberley - Road Condition Report
• Shire of Wyndham / East Kimberley Road Condition Report
• Parks and Wildlife Service - Bungle Bungles/Purnululu National Park
• Parks and Wildlife Service - Parks information

We’re stoked you’re preparing this unique adventure! Gibb River Road is typically open during dry season from May to November, however you will also need to check if the side roads to the attractions are open to really make your trip worthwhile.

The best time to travel is early in the dry season when rivers and waterfalls may be still flowing and there is a lot of water around in gorges. Later in the year is starts to heat up and hiking through gorges can be more uncomfortable. 

From fuel and supplies to gorge locations, visit Australia’s North West website to plan your drive.

First hot tip…. make sure your car is suitable for the big adventure. We recommend travelling in a larger 4WD in high range with a high clearance like a Prado, Pajero or Hilux.

Caravans, motorhomes and some camper trailers are not recommended on unsealed roads. Refer to your vehicles user guide or phone the manufacturer.

Here are a few other things to consider:

• Plan your trip and let others know of your plans
• Pack essential equipment for your vehicle – spare tyres, portable air compressor, etc. It’s common to adjust your tyres pressure to suit the conditions and be prepared to change a tyre or two on your trip. Unfortuantely we are unable to provide advice on tyre pressures
• Stay alert, slow down on bends and approaches to floodways and drive to conditions
• Do not brake suddenly. You may skid and lose control
• Keep your headlights on low beam
• Do not overtake vehicles in dusty conditions. If you have the opportunity to overtake, ensure you have good visibility and a long, clear stretch of road ahead of you
• Watch for animals, especially when travelling at dusk and dawn
• Keep a safe distance from all other vehicles
• Do not  travel through water of unknown depth and learn what to do if your vehicle gets bogged or stranded in river crossings
• Stay on the roads. The land on either side of unsealed roads is private property, even if there is no fence.

Pentecost River is the major river crossing on Gibb River Road. Haven’t heard about it? Well, let’s just say you should also be aware of hidden dangers. River levels can rise very quickly and there might be a crocodile or two.

The majority of Gibb River Road between Lennard River and Pentacost River is unsealed (about 470 km), which means you will come across long stretches of road with heavy corrugations, loose gravel, potholes and/or rocks. Be prepared for a bumpy and sometimes slow journey for most of the trip!

There are a small number of sealed sections which allow a short reprieve from all the rocking and rolling. We’re progressively sealing further small isolated lengths to provide some safe overtaking opportunities and help minimise damage from flooding during the wet season.

View our Gibb River Road map (PDF) to see the current sealed sections.

The road is initially graded at the end of the wet season and then again 2-3 times throughout the year. As each maintenance grade may take up to 2 months to complete, there is generally a grader working on the road for most of the tourist season.

Depending on how much traffic is on the road, and how quickly the surface deteriorates between the grades, you may experience corrugations and dust holes on some sections of road. Soon after the maintenance grade, the road surface will be loose and you will be more likely to experience some rocks on the road. As conditions will change quickly, you will need to stay alert at all times, slow down when required and drive to the conditions, and it should not be a problem.

If you encounter our grader along your journey, slow down and only overtake when it’s safe to do so and you have a clear line of sight.