Tag: Free camp along the Gibb River Road

Hann River and Durack River crossings

Hann River and Durack River crossings were some of the most memorable river crossings for us along the Gibb River Road (apart from the famous Pentecost River). We even camped there!

Hann River

Hann River crossing

Hann River free camp ground is 60km from Manning Gorge (going east). It is close to the road, along Hann River (as the name suggests). We camped on the right side, just after the river (travelling from west to east). As we arrived late, there was just one place for us with at least 7 campers already there.

However, we discovered later that just after the turning, there was another track on the right with a big clearing enough for many more vehicles. So if you arrive late and are looking for a spot to rest for the night, there is definitely space for everyone.

Hann River crossing the Gibb River Road
The Gibb River Road crossing the Hann River

No doubt, if you are closer to the river, you get nicer views. But you can also go for a walk and enjoy those same views which are really amazing. Trees lining the river create a beautiful reflection in the water. They are also home to a lot of birds. Some people even go for a swim (or at least a waddle) in the river. If you are not keen on swimming, simply spending a bit of time near the river in that beautiful place, be it overnight or a few days, is really worth it. Just make sure you keep the place clean when you leave, so the next traveller can enjoy too 😊.

Places like this offer a wonderful opportunity to meet other travellers and share experiences. We still have fond memories of the Turner family (with your 4 bright children) we met at Hann River in July😊.

Durack River

Durack River crossing the Gibb River Road

Durack River is one of the major rivers in Kimberley. Like many other rivers, it crosses the Gibb River Road. Rising below the Durack Range and flowing north in East Kimberley, it is another picturesque place to discover, explore and rest by. While the river was flowing when we visited in July, the crossing on the Gibb was dry.

Durack River from above
Durack River camp

It is worth remembering that much of the land along the Gibb River Road is privately owned. Consequently, it is important to respect the land, so that it can be enjoyed by many generations to come. Leaving the place clean and in a better condition than you find it, is something we all can do. It is a way of paying for the privilege of stepping on the ancient land and enjoying one of the world’s last remaining wilderness areas.

Pentecost River Crossing

Iconic Pentecost River crossing

No trip along the Gibb River Road is complete without crossing the iconic Pentecost River. While it can be deep and very wide during wet season, it is relatively easy to cross during dry season. It is the place where every traveller would stop to take pictures. We’ve seen hundreds of vehicles crossing the river in one day. Many of them were dropping passengers on one side of the river and made round trips to take that ideal photograph. We also saw quite a few tow trucks passing by, pulling broken vehicles in both directions. Salt water crocodiles inhibit the river (although we did not see any), thus swimming or waddling through can be dangerous.

Pentecost river is an excellent place for catching barramundi. Although, we did not catch anything when we visited in July. We heard that it was too cold and not the season for barramundi.

It is also a popular camping spot for many travellers and a happy meet up place with other fellow travellers whom you’ve made acquaintances earlier the trip along the Gibb River Road (hello to Jason and Anthony from eastern states and their families 😊. We will always remember you and your cheering us on crossing the river).

Camping along Pentecost River

The sunsets at the Pentecost river are amazing with the purple, pink and orange colours of the sky being reflected in the river.

Sunset at Pentecost River