Best Maps for the Gibb River Road

by Christopher O'Keeffe July 28, 2026

The Gibb River Road is a journey through vast distances, rugged ranges, ancient gorges and some of the most remote country in Australia, stretching across the heart of the Kimberley from Derby towards Kununurra. No single map can reveal it all. A complete mapping kit may combine the Hema Kimberley map for the road beneath your wheels, the Kimberley Atlas & Guide for camps, gorges and side trips, six 1:250,000 topographic sheets for understanding the country beyond the road, broader Western Australia mapping for the long journey north, and a large Kimberley wall map to grasp the immense scale of the crossing before it begins.

The Gibb River Road is one of Australia’s great overland journeys.

Running for roughly 650 kilometres across the Kimberley between Derby and the Great Northern Highway west of Kununurra, it passes through a landscape of:

• ancient sandstone ranges

• dramatic escarpments

• broad river valleys

• boab country

• freshwater gorges

• cattle stations

• Aboriginal lands

• seasonal waterfalls

• unsealed roads

• floodways and river crossings

• vast areas with limited services and communications

The road itself is only part of the journey.

Much of what travellers come to see lies along side roads and station tracks leading to places such as:

• Dimalurru, or Tunnel Creek

• Windjana Gorge

• Dalmanyi, or Bell Gorge

• Adcock Gorge

• Galvans Gorge

• Manning Gorge

• Mount Elizabeth

• Drysdale River Station

• Mitchell Plateau

• Ellenbrae Station

• Home Valley

• the Pentecost River

• El Questro

• Emma Gorge

• Wyndham

• Kununurra

That is why the best Gibb River Road map kit combines different types of mapping.

A touring map identifies the road, attractions, campsites, fuel and practical travel information.

A guidebook explains how the journey works.

A topographic map reveals the ranges, rivers, drainage systems and terrain extending far beyond the road.

A wall map makes it possible to see the entire Kimberley at once and plan the journey as a connected whole.

Explore Mapworld’s:

• Western Australia maps, guides and road atlases

• Australia 1:250,000 Geoscience topographic maps

• Western Australia wall maps

The Best Gibb River Road Maps: Quick Recommendations

Purpose	Best place to begin
Best single folded map	Kimberley Hema Map, 15th Edition
Best detailed guide and atlas	Kimberley Atlas & Guide, 6th Edition
Best WA-wide 4WD atlas	Western Australia Road and 4WD Track Atlas by Hema
Best locally produced WA atlas	Roads & Tracks of Western Australia by QPA
Best map for the journey to and from the Kimberley	Western Australia Hema State Map
Best topographic coverage of the complete route	Derby, Lennard River, Charnley, Mount Elizabeth, Ashton and Cambridge Gulf 1:250,000 sheets
Best whole-route planning map	Kimberley Hema Supermap — Laminated
Best wall map for pinning or framing	Kimberley Hema Supermap — Paper
Best ready-to-hang version	Kimberley Hema Supermap — Laminated with Timber Rails
Best navigation redundancy	Paper maps, downloaded offline mapping, GPS and current official road reports

For most travellers, the strongest practical combination is:

1. the Kimberley Hema Map;

2. the Kimberley Atlas & Guide;

3. the six 1:250,000 topographic sheets covering the road;

4. downloaded offline navigation;

5. current road, park and station information.

The Kimberley Hema Supermap is an excellent addition when the journey will be planned over several months, discussed by a family or group, or used by a tour operator.

Why the Gibb River Road Requires More Than a Phone

Digital navigation is extremely useful on the Gibb River Road.

A GPS receiver, in-vehicle navigation system or correctly prepared offline app may provide:

• current position

• route tracking

• stored waypoints

• distance to a destination

• recorded trip data

• emergency coordinates

• offline turn guidance

But a phone or GPS remains dependent on:

• battery power

• functioning hardware

• correctly downloaded map data

• readable screens in heat and bright sunlight

• secure mounts and charging systems

• the accuracy and purpose of the selected digital map

Mobile reception should not be assumed across the route.

A small screen may show the next turn without revealing:

• the full distance between fuel stops

• how a side trip changes the day’s route

• the scale of the range or river system ahead

• which alternative road returns to Derby or Kununurra

• whether an attraction lies on another map sheet

• how the Kalumburu Road and Mitchell Plateau detour relate to the main road

• the wider geography of the West and East Kimberley

A paper map provides:

• a permanent regional overview

• visible alternatives

• a shared planning surface

• independent backup

• terrain context

• a way to brief another traveller

• useful information when a device is damaged, flat or unavailable

The strongest approach is not paper instead of digital.

It is paper and digital together.

For a wider explanation, read GPS vs Paper Maps: Why Paper Maps Still Matter.

1. Kimberley Hema Map, 15th Edition

The Best Single Folded Map for the Gibb River Road

The Kimberley Hema Map, 15th Edition is the best place to begin.

It is designed for the way travellers actually move through the Kimberley and combines regional coverage with practical touring information.

At approximately 1:1,100,000, one centimetre represents about 11 kilometres on the ground.

The map measures approximately:

• 1000 × 700 mm unfolded

• 250 × 140 mm folded

Its coverage includes:

• the Gibb River Road

• Kalumburu Road

• major Kimberley highways

• sealed and unsealed roads

• four-wheel-drive tracks

• access gates

• river crossings

• national parks

• station stays

• campgrounds

• roadhouses

• fuel

• visitor facilities

• major attractions

• road distances

Inset mapping provides additional context for destinations including Purnululu National Park, the Dampier Peninsula and the Parry Creek area.

The map is printed on waterproof, tear-resistant synthetic material, making it much better suited to repeated use in a vehicle than an ordinary paper map.

Why the Hema Kimberley Map Stands Out

This map is not simply a road diagram.

It is a traveller’s interpretation of the Kimberley.

It helps answer questions such as:

• Where are the principal services?

• How far is the next fuel stop?

• Which roads are sealed or unsealed?

• Which side roads lead to gorges and stations?

• Where do the major parks and conservation areas begin?

• How does the Gibb connect with Broome, Derby, Wyndham and Kununurra?

• Where does the Kalumburu Road branch north?

Its scale is broad enough to show the region as one journey while retaining the travel information most visitors require.

Best For

Choose the Kimberley Hema Map when:

• you want one practical folded map

• the Gibb River Road is the centre of the journey

• campsites, fuel and attractions matter

• a durable map is required in the vehicle

• the itinerary includes Kimberley side trips

• you want a reliable paper companion to offline navigation

Read Hema Maps Explained for more on Hema’s approach to Australian touring and four-wheel-drive mapping.

2. Kimberley Atlas & Guide, 6th Edition

The Best Detailed Guide for Planning the Journey

The Kimberley Atlas & Guide, 6th Edition is the strongest choice when a folded map alone does not provide enough explanation.

This spiral-bound guide combines:

• approximately 20 pages of regional atlas mapping

• more than 200 pages of travel information

• detailed route descriptions

• suggested four-wheel-drive adventures

• distance and timing information

• track notes

• camping and accommodation information

• fuel and supply planning

• access and permit guidance

• practical remote-area advice

• natural, cultural and historical context

The guide covers the Gibb River Road as part of the wider Kimberley, allowing it to support journeys that also include:

• Broome

• Derby

• Fitzroy Crossing

• Purnululu

• Kununurra

• Wyndham

• Kalumburu

• Mitchell Plateau

• the Tanami Road

Its A4 spiral binding allows the book to lie flat on a table, vehicle bonnet or camping setup.

Why a Guide Is Different from a Map

A map shows where places are.

A guide helps explain what the journey involves.

That distinction matters on the Gibb River Road because route decisions often depend on:

• driving time rather than straight-line distance

• the condition of side roads

• the suitability of a vehicle or trailer

• river levels

• opening dates

• accommodation bookings

• fuel availability

• walking conditions

• permits and access

The guide is particularly useful during the early planning stage when deciding:

• how many days to allow

• which direction to travel

• which gorges to prioritise

• whether to include Mitchell Plateau

• where to stay

• how much fuel and water capacity may be required

Best For

Choose the Kimberley Atlas & Guide when:

• this is your first Gibb River Road journey

• the itinerary includes several side trips

• you want information beyond the road network

• camps, fuel and attractions must be planned together

• you need a guide that lies flat

• you want to understand the wider Kimberley

The folded Hema map and the atlas-guide are complementary.

The map is faster to consult on the road.

The guide provides the depth needed before departure and at camp.

3. Western Australia Road and 4WD Track Atlas by Hema

The Best State-Wide Atlas for the Complete Expedition

The Western Australia Road and 4WD Track Atlas by Hema is particularly useful when the Gibb River Road forms one part of a much larger Western Australian journey.

The fourth edition is an A4 spiral-bound atlas containing:

• detailed statewide road and four-wheel-drive mapping

• sealed and unsealed road classifications

• remote tracks

• national parks

• campsites

• caravan parks

• fuel locations

• rest areas

• dump points

• visitor information

• elevation shading and terrain information

• route planning tools

• a place-name index

It also includes a collection of major four-wheel-drive journeys, including the Gibb River Road.

Why the State Atlas Is Useful

Many travellers do not begin at Derby or finish at Kununurra.

Their real journey may begin in:

• Perth

• Geraldton

• Carnarvon

• Karratha

• Port Hedland

• Broome

• Darwin

• Alice Springs

The atlas connects the Gibb with:

• Great Northern Highway

• North West Coastal Highway

• Broome Road

• Victoria Highway

• the Tanami Road

• access to the Pilbara and Kimberley

• alternate return routes

That broader context is valuable when planning fuel, rest days, resupply, vehicle servicing and the journey home.

Best For

Choose the Hema WA Road and 4WD Track Atlas when:

• the Gibb is part of a longer WA road trip

• the journey begins far south of the Kimberley

• you prefer atlas pages to one large folded sheet

• statewide camping and service information is useful

• several WA four-wheel-drive routes are being combined

• the atlas will be used repeatedly on future trips

4. Roads & Tracks of Western Australia by QPA

The Best Locally Produced Alternative

The Roads & Tracks of Western Australia, 16th Edition by Quality Publishing Australia is a comprehensive Western Australian road and track atlas researched, compiled and printed in the state.

Its mapping is presented at different scales:

• 1:250,000 for the South West

• 1:500,000 for the greater South West

• 1:1,000,000 for the remainder of Western Australia

The atlas includes:

• roads and tracks

• national parks

• geographic features

• towns and localities

• a detailed index

• climate information

• broad statewide context

Why QPA Is Worth Considering

The QPA atlas is not as tightly focused on the Gibb River Road as the Hema Kimberley map or guide.

Its value lies in providing a substantial Western Australian reference produced with strong local knowledge.

It is particularly useful for travellers who want:

• a second statewide perspective

• broad track coverage

• an extensive gazetteer

• a map extending well beyond the Kimberley

• a locally produced WA atlas

Best For

Choose Roads & Tracks of Western Australia when:

• you want a WA-specific reference

• the expedition crosses several regions

• an extensive place-name index is useful

• you want an alternative or companion to Hema

• the atlas will remain part of a permanent vehicle library

5. Western Australia Hema State Map

The Best Map for the Long Journey North

The Western Australia Hema State Map is a broad touring map at approximately 1:2,500,000.

One centimetre represents about 25 kilometres.

It is not detailed enough to serve as the principal map on the Gibb River Road.

Its role is different.

It shows how the Kimberley relates to the rest of Western Australia.

That makes it useful for:

• planning the drive from Perth

• comparing coastal and inland approaches

• understanding the distance between major service towns

• connecting the Pilbara, Broome and Derby

• planning the return from Kununurra

• explaining the complete journey to family or friends

Best For

Choose the WA Hema State Map when:

• you are driving to the Kimberley from southern WA

• the complete expedition must be visible on one sheet

• the Gibb is part of a Big Lap

• a simple statewide backup is required

• you prefer a folded state map to an atlas

Browse the full Western Australia maps collection for additional touring maps, atlases and regional guides.

6. The Six 1:250,000 Topographic Maps Covering the Gibb River Road

The Best Maps for Understanding the Land Around the Road

The complete Gibb River Road crosses six principal Geoscience Australia 1:250,000 topographic sheets.

At 1:250,000:

• one centimetre represents 2.5 kilometres

• four centimetres represent 10 kilometres

• each standard sheet covers roughly 150 kilometres east to west and at least 110 kilometres north to south

These maps show information that touring maps may simplify, including:

• contour lines

• spot elevations

• ranges

• escarpments

• river systems

• creeks and drainage

• roads and tracks

• buildings and infrastructure

• vegetation

• place names

• administrative boundaries

• coordinate grids

The six-sheet sequence from west to east is:

Route order	Topographic sheet	Principal role in the journey
1	Derby SE51-07	Derby, the western approach and the first section towards Macs Bore
2	Lennard River SE51-08	The Lennard River and Napier Range country, including the western gorge region
3	Charnley SE51-04	The central-western Gibb, including the Charnley, Bell, Adcock and Mount Barnett region
4	Mount Elizabeth SE52-01	Mount Elizabeth and the central-eastern section towards the Ellenbrae turn-off
5	Ashton SD52-13	Ellenbrae, Drysdale and Durack River country
6	Cambridge Gulf SD52-14	Home Valley, the Pentecost crossing, El Questro, Wyndham and Kununurra

Together, these sheets provide continuous regional topographic coverage from Derby to the eastern Kimberley.

Browse the complete Australia 1:250,000 Geoscience topographic-map collection.

Derby SE51-07

The Derby sheet provides the western starting point.

It is useful for understanding:

• Derby and its approaches

• the beginning of the Gibb River Road

• the relationship with the Fitzroy River and surrounding plains

• the transition from coastal lowlands into the Kimberley interior

Lennard River SE51-08

The Lennard River sheet covers country associated with:

• the Lennard River

• Windjana Gorge

• the Napier Range

• Mount House

• Mount Hart

• Silent Grove

• the western Wunaamin Miliwundi ranges

This is where the value of contour and drainage information becomes obvious.

The road is no longer simply a line.

It can be seen in relation to the ranges, valleys and river systems that shape access.

Charnley SE51-04

The Charnley sheet covers an important central section associated with:

• Dalmanyi, or Bell Gorge

• Adcock Gorge

• Galvans Gorge

• Charnley River

• Mount Barnett

• Manning Gorge

• major escarpments and drainage systems

Mount Elizabeth SE52-01

The Mount Elizabeth sheet continues the route through the central Kimberley.

It helps place:

• Mount Elizabeth

• station access roads

• Barnett River country

• adjoining ranges

• the approach towards Ellenbrae

within their wider terrain.

Ashton SD52-13

The Ashton sheet covers country around:

• Ellenbrae

• Drysdale River

• the Durack River

• Jacks Waterhole

• the north-eastern section of the main route

It is also valuable when studying the relationship between the Gibb River Road and routes leading north.

Cambridge Gulf SD52-14

The Cambridge Gulf sheet completes the eastern end of the journey.

Its coverage includes:

• Home Valley

• the Pentecost River

• the Cockburn Range

• El Questro

• Emma Gorge

• Wyndham

• Kununurra

• Cambridge Gulf

This sheet provides the topographic context for one of the most visually dramatic sections of the road.

Why Carry Topographic Sheets?

The sheets are particularly valuable for:

• understanding the scale of the Kimberley

• interpreting ranges and escarpments

• studying river and creek systems

• planning professional field operations

• recording coordinates

• examining country beyond tourist corridors

• building an independent paper-map backup

They are not substitutes for a current touring map or live road report.

Older infrastructure, station access, river conditions and road surfaces may have changed.

The touring map explains the journey.

The topographic maps explain the land around it.

For more information, read:

• How to Choose Topographic Maps for Western Australia

• How to Find the Right Topographic Map Sheet for Any Location in Australia

• What Is a Topographic Map?

• How to Read a Topographic Map

7. Kimberley Hema Supermap

The Best Wall Map for Planning the Complete Journey

The Kimberley Hema Supermap is available through Mapworld in several formats:

• 1430 × 1000 mm Paper Supermap

• 1430 × 1000 mm Laminated Supermap

• 1430 × 1000 mm Laminated Supermap with Timber Hang Rails

The map places the Gibb River Road within the wider Kimberley and displays:

• major roads

• four-wheel-drive tracks

• national parks

• conservation areas

• rivers and ranges

• campgrounds

• roadhouses

• visitor facilities

• road distances

• major attractions

Why a Wall Map Changes the Planning Process

A wall map provides a perspective that neither a phone nor a folded map can fully reproduce.

It allows the whole journey to remain visible while you:

• compare overnight stops

• mark fuel points

• identify long driving days

• add side trips

• discuss the route with other travellers

• create alternatives

• record bookings

• explain the itinerary to family

A laminated map can be marked with suitable whiteboard markers or used with removable map dots.

That makes it especially useful for:

• tour operators

• four-wheel-drive clubs

• schools

• visitor centres

• expedition planners

• families preparing a major journey

The timber-hang-rail version creates a finished display without conventional framing. Allow up to 10 working days for rail fitting.

Choosing the Finish

Choose paper when:

• the map will be pinned to a board

• permanent written notes are required

• it will be framed

• the lowest-cost large-format option is preferred

Choose laminated when:

• the route will change during planning

• temporary marks are required

• the map will be handled repeatedly

• a wipe-clean surface is useful

Choose laminated with timber rails when:

• the map will remain on display

• a ready-to-hang finish is preferred

• it will be used in an office, classroom or planning room

Browse more Western Australia wall maps.

Paper, Waterproof or Laminated Topographic Maps?

Mapworld supplies the 1:250,000 topographic sheets in paper, waterproof and laminated formats.

Paper and waterproof sheets are supplied folded unless a flat version is requested.

Laminated maps are normally supplied rolled in a tube.

Paper

Paper is best for:

• economical complete-route coverage

• carrying all six sheets

• permanent annotations

• office reference

• occasional field use

Its main limitations are water, wind, dust and repeated folding.

Waterproof Tyvek

Waterproof Tyvek is the strongest field choice.

It is:

• waterproof

• tear resistant

• lightweight

• foldable

• suitable for repeated handling

Choose waterproof maps when they may be used:

• outside the vehicle

• at river crossings

• in dusty camps

• during fieldwork

• in harsh or unpredictable conditions

Laminated

Laminated maps are best for:

• planning rooms

• tour operators

• expedition briefings

• repeated temporary marking

• wall display

They can be marked with suitable whiteboard pens and used with removable map dots.

For most private travellers carrying six sheets, waterproof or folded paper is more practical than six rolled laminated maps.

Building the Best Gibb River Road Map Kit

Essential Kit

For a straightforward trip between Derby and Kununurra:

• Kimberley Hema Map

• downloaded offline navigation

• current official road reports

Recommended Kit

For a multi-week trip with several gorges and station stays:

• Kimberley Hema Map

• Kimberley Atlas & Guide

• the six 1:250,000 topographic sheets

• offline GPS mapping

• satellite or emergency communications

• current road, park and station information

Complete Expedition Kit

For an extended WA or northern Australian journey:

• Kimberley Hema Map

• Kimberley Atlas & Guide

• Western Australia Road and 4WD Track Atlas

• six 1:250,000 topographic sheets

• Kimberley Hema Supermap for planning

• offline digital mapping

• GPS and emergency communications

• current official advice

Maps Do Not Replace Current Road Information

No printed map can show today’s:

• road surface

• corrugations

• flood damage

• water depth

• grader location

• park closure

• fire restriction

• station access

• fuel availability

• permit requirements

• temporary construction

The Gibb River Road is normally travelled during the Kimberley dry season, often between May and October or November, but the exact opening and closing dates vary.

Conditions may change rapidly.

Before departure and during the journey, consult:

• Main Roads WA — Driving the Gibb River Road

• Main Roads WA Travel Map

• Explore Parks WA — Kimberley

• Australia’s North West — Gibb River Road Guide

• the relevant shire road-condition reports

• local visitor centres

• park alerts

• accommodation and station operators

Check side roads separately.

The main road may be open while access to a gorge, campground, station or Mitchell Plateau remains closed or restricted.

Never enter water of unknown depth.

Respect road restrictions, private property, Traditional Owner requirements, station instructions and park closures.

Relevant Mapworld Articles

Continue planning with:

• The Gibb River Road: A Pilgrimage Through the Kimberley’s Wild Cathedral

• Best Maps for Remote Outback Travel

• Hema Maps Explained

• How to Choose Topographic Maps for Western Australia

• New AUSTopo 1:250,000 Geoscience Maps for Australia

• How to Find the Right Topographic Map Sheet for Any Location in Australia

• What Is a Topographic Map?

• How to Read a Topographic Map

• GPS vs Paper Maps: Why Paper Maps Still Matter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best single map for the Gibb River Road?

The Kimberley Hema Map, 15th Edition is the best single folded map. It combines the complete route with four-wheel-drive tracks, camping, fuel, distances, attractions and wider Kimberley coverage.

Is the Kimberley Atlas & Guide worth carrying as well?

Yes. The folded map is faster for route reference, while the Kimberley Atlas & Guide provides detailed descriptions, travel advice, camps, side trips and regional background.

Which 1:250,000 topographic maps cover the Gibb River Road?

The six principal sheets are:

1. Derby SE51-07

2. Lennard River SE51-08

3. Charnley SE51-04

4. Mount Elizabeth SE52-01

5. Ashton SD52-13

6. Cambridge Gulf SD52-14

Are topographic maps enough on their own?

No. Topographic sheets are excellent for terrain, waterways, coordinates and regional context, but they do not replace a current touring map, guide or live road-condition report.

What does 1:250,000 mean?

One centimetre on the map represents 2.5 kilometres on the ground.

Should I choose paper or waterproof topographic maps?

Choose folded paper for economical reference and permanent notes. Choose waterproof Tyvek for demanding field use, repeated folding and exposure to dust, mud or water.

Is there a wall map showing the whole Gibb River Road?

Yes. The Kimberley Hema Supermap measures approximately 1430 × 1000 mm and gives the complete Kimberley journey a useful planning scale.

Can the laminated wall map be marked?

Yes. It can be used with suitable whiteboard markers and removable map dots, making it useful for itinerary planning.

Do I still need GPS?

GPS and offline digital mapping are extremely useful. The strongest system combines GPS with paper mapping and current official information.

Is mobile reception available along the road?

Reception should not be assumed. Download required digital mapping before departure and carry an appropriate remote-area communication system.

When is the Gibb River Road open?

It is normally travelled during the dry season, but opening dates and restrictions vary with rainfall, flooding, repairs and river levels. Check Main Roads WA immediately before travel and continue monitoring conditions.

Does an open Gibb River Road mean every attraction is accessible?

No. Side roads, parks, station tracks, gorges and campgrounds may have separate closures or restrictions.

Which direction is best?

Both directions are possible. The choice may depend on the wider itinerary, accommodation, vehicle logistics and current conditions. Maps are especially useful for comparing the complete approach and departure route.

How long should be allowed?

The road can be driven more quickly, but a meaningful journey with major gorges and side trips generally deserves considerably more time. Australia’s North West recommends allowing at least two weeks for the best experience.

Final Thoughts

The Gibb River Road is not a line to be followed blindly.

It is a journey through one of the largest, oldest and most powerful landscapes in Australia.

The Kimberley Hema Map provides the practical touring foundation.

The Kimberley Atlas & Guide explains the journey in greater depth.

The six 1:250,000 topographic sheets reveal the ranges, rivers and country through which the road passes.

The Kimberley Supermap brings the complete route together before departure.

Digital navigation confirms position.

Current official information confirms access.

Each has a different purpose.

Together, they create a mapping system worthy of the Gibb River Road.

Explore Mapworld’s complete collections of:

• Western Australia maps

• Australia 1:250,000 topographic maps

• Western Australia wall maps

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