Story: Gibb River Rd
Episode: 24
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
Air Date: 21st July 2024
Trevor tackles the Gibb River Rd after recent safety improvements from Building For Tomorrow.
- Derby is renowned for having the largest tides in Australia. It is a friendly and historic outback town situated at the edge of the King Sound, near the mouth of the mighty Fitzroy River. Despite its small size, Derby is rich in stories and history.
- Derby serves as the western gateway to outback adventure along the famous Gibb River Road, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the region. The Gibb River Road is one of Australia's most iconic roads, stretching 647 kilometers from Wyndham to Derby and being mostly unsealed.
- Originally constructed in the 1960s to transport cattle, the Gibb River Road has since become one of the best ways to discover the natural treasures of the Kimberley's wild heartlands.
- A four-wheel drive vehicle is essential for tackling the Gibb River Road as the tracks can become highly corrugated. Main Roads WA is currently working on upgrading the road's condition, particularly during the wet season.
- The ongoing upgrade works by Main Roads WA aims to improve the condition and serviceability of the Gibb River Road, particularly during the wet season. This work includes upgrading floodways to ensure better road serviceability, allowing access to residents, stations, and business owners for longer periods each wet season.
- The upgrades will provide a safer driving environment for all road users in both wet and dry conditions while reducing the need for road maintenance. While the road will generally be maintained as a high standard unsealed road, only the sections that are difficult to maintain will be sealed, especially the eastern and western ends with the highest traffic volumes.
- Despite the upgrades, the road will still offer the famous Gibb 4WD experience, ensuring it remains a unique Aussie outback adventure that every avid four-wheel driver should experience at least once in their lifetime.
For more information, head to:
www.buildingfortomorrow.wa.gov.au
