The Gibb River Road Photo Tour
Peta North
Experience the incredible atmosphere of the Kimberley
The Gibb River Road was known as ‘The Mt House Road’ up until 1962. It was a rough track that followed a different route to the current Gibb River Road past all of the old stations and ending at Mt House Station. In 1961 millions of dollars were committed to enable the construction of a new, improved road linking Derby and Glenroy Meat works. As a result in 1963 the first load of frozen beef carcasses travelled to Derby by road. Within a short time, the road was extended to Gibb River, putting an end to the Air Beef Scheme. In 1964 the Mt House Road was renamed ‘The Gibb River Road’, so named as it was constructed from Gibb River Station to Derby. According to the History of the Kimberley, Gibb River itself, was named by Charles Crossland (member of Frederick Brockman’s North-West Kimberley exploring Expedition) who first came across the river in 1901. He named “Gibb River” after Gibb Maitland (a government geologist) who was a member of the expedition. The northern section of the Gibb River road remained in the hands of the local authority of WyndhamEast Kimberley. The lack of major pastoral leases and funding meant that the northern section was not as well constructed and maintained as the southern section. The Gibb River Road was eventually completed in 1967 - the hardest parts to complete were through the King Leopold Ranges especially ‘Inglis Gap’ and ‘The Bench’. The roads linking the Gibb River Road to Wyndham and to Kulumburu were completed in 1977. In 1996 Main Roads W.A. took over responsibility for the whole length of the Gibb River road. This has lead to an upgrade in road conditions in the northern section of the Gibb River Road to equal the southern section, as well as progressive upgrading of the access roads linking stations along its length.
Discover incredible new places...
Day One
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Master a new way to see the world around you...
Day Two Early morning start for another trip along the Great Northern Highway, this will be the last day travelling on the highway because this afternoon we get to the start of the Gibb River Road where we will be stopping for two nights at El Questro Wilderness Park. We arrive in the afternoon and after a welcome drink and briefing in the art of aerial photography we will be up in the air for a helicopter ride over the gorges to get the late afternoon light for some spectacular photos. After Dinner take a stroll to the Swinging Arm Bar, it’s a great place to relax and swap tales with fellow adventurers. You can also enjoy campfire entertainment most nights.
Day Three Today we will have an early morning start for sunrise photos at Brancos Lookout, which is a rough 4X4 track leading up to a spectacular lookout. This is an adventure in itself with a large creek crossing and a very steep climb to the top. Spread out along the cliffs and watch as the sun lights up the cliffs and the surrounding vegetation. We will go back along the same road, and you can see all the boulders we narrowly missed on the way up, then its back in time for a hearty breakfast. After breakfast we will head out for the day, you will take your morning tea and lunch as well as enough water for the day. Bathers and a dry bag is a must as we may be able to cross the swimming hole (depending on the water level) and continue to the end of the gorge. Those who find the trek difficult can spend the rest of the afternoon around the first water hole. If the track is open it is well worth the effort to get to the end. El Questro Gorge features crystal clear pools and lush tropical vegetation. The trail passes along a deep narrow gorge flanked by sheer cliffs. Depending on time (if we get to the end of the gorge) we will go to the Pentacost River crossing for sunset, weather permitting, the sunset will light up the ranges and we should be able to get some spectacular photos reflected in the Pentacost river. Back for a late dinner and a choice of an early night or a nightcap at the bar.
Day Four After an early breakfast we drive out to Emma Gorge for another day in the wilderness park. You will take morning tea and lunch as well as enough water for the return journey. There are plenty of spots to rest, watch out for the shy rock wallabies that live in the area. Once you get to the end of the track you will be greeted by a beautiful waterfall and an icy plunge pool. A great spot to cool off before taking photos of the falls and surrounding area, a tripod is a must for this location. Try your hand at light painting and bring out your creative side. After the Gorge we head back out onto the Gibb River Road and head to our next location. A leisurely afternoon and a swim for those who are still nursing sore muscles. After dinner a good time for discussion on the photos that have been taken or just sit back, relax and watch the stars appear.
Day Five After breakfast its time to once again pack up the morning tea, lunch, water and the dry bags. We will swim (or float on the esky lids) across the lower manning before heading on a 2 kilometre walk to the upper manning falls and gorge. A cool water hole is your reward at the end of the track. Lovely colours reflected in the crystal pools and great photo opportunities. Here you will have a chance to relax and watch for wildlife. Or just swim the afternoon away. We will walk out of the gorge in the afternoon light.
There is more to explore than just the landscape...
Day Six After breakfast it’s off to explore and photograph the many Gorges in the area, before heading to our next campsite. We arrive at Silent Grove and drive to the Gorge for sunset. Its great to sit and watch the amazing colours reflect in the still pools. If you want to just watch where the light is and just enjoy the ambience you can because we will be back here for sunset again tomorrow.
Day Seven After breakfast it will be pack up with your morning tea and lunch and its off to Bells Gorge for the day. Here you will have a chance to explore and photograph the different levels of the falls. We will have a sundowner and capture the last light before heading back to camp for dinner. Sit back and relax...
Day Eight We travel the last of the Gibb River and will pass Queen Victorias head, we will stop and photograph this amazing rock (beware - watch out for traffic). We will arrive at Windjana Gorge where we will be able to explore the Gorge and watch the crocodiles laze on the sand banks…but remember, if you think you see a log in the Gorge watch out its probably a croc! It’s not the best place for a swim but within the Gorge its very cool and lovely to sit and reflect on the journey so far. Tonight we will photograph the sunset reflected in the red cliffs of Windjana.
Day Nine Today we travel to Tunnel Creek for a little adventure through the limestone caves. Water should be high so bathers and dry bags are a must. Take care though! There are crocodiles are around. Back to the cool of Windjana Gorge, here we spend our last night together. A farewell dinner awaits and then if you are still keen another sunset photo awaits.
Reveal undiscovered encounters with nature...
Day Ten
Today we must pack up and head back on the main highway to Derby, we will visit the longest trough in the world and the Prison Boab tree for those last few photos. We all say goodbye as we drop you back to your accommodation in Broome.
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