Roadtrip Day 11-12 / Gibb River Road

Since there was nothing to see except cattle farms for the next 300 km, we decided to travel a daily distance of 300km. We drove at speeds between 10kmh and 100kmh on the Gibb. Our entire car, including its contents, and ourselves were covered with a fine red layer of sand. We were always sandy and dirty, so we were grateful for every shower or swimming opportunity. At lunchtime, we ran out of fuel and had to fill up our reserve cans. It's not fun to do that in the desert at 39 degrees. But the motto of the Gibb River Road is 'take it easy', that's the only way to make it through the road without too much damage.

At the Mount Barnett Roadhouse, we were able to refuel and refill the cans. We filled up for 'only' $2.05 per liter.

After some very difficult off-road situations, we reached Bell Gorge and the camp. The walk to Bell Gorge was easy and the gorge was beautiful, and the natural swimming pool with waterfall was refreshing and safe from crocodiles.

The next morning, we were supposed to go to the next national park. Unfortunately, we found out that our brakes had failed. Therefore, we decided to drive directly to the next city, Derby, 230km away. There, Padi's suspicion that the master cylinder was broken was confirmed. Now we're here at the campground in Derby, waiting for the spare part to arrive from Perth (expected on Friday).

We're glad that we only have the brake problem. We didn't have a flat tire or any other problems. We saw so many shredded tires, people with 3 or more flat tires. And some had problems like cars flying off the road (which is sandy through the desert), requiring a tow truck (starting at $8000). And hardly any vehicle (old or new) makes it through the Gibb unscathed. Every evening at the campgrounds, vehicles are checked and repaired, and everyone helps each other.

The Gibb River Road is really tough and pure self-destruction for a vehicle. But the Kimberlys are so beautiful and unique. Every night, we were rewarded with a breathtaking night sky, including a view of the Milky Way.

We want to drive this road again, but then with a rental car.