Excessive speed is the major cause of accidents on the Gibb River Road. Be alert and travel at a speed that suits the road, the vehicle and the weather conditions. Our recommended speed for driving on the Gibb is 70km/hr when conditions allow. This allows you to slow down for the corners, culverts and river crossings and when conditions allow to speed up to 80km/hr.
We recommend slowing down to 50-60km/hr for all dry culverts and river crossings that have a concrete base. Slow down to 30-40km/hr for dry crossings that have a rocky base (ie those that haven’t had concrete applied). Is is much easier to slow down to these speeds when you are travelling at 70km/hr than 80km/hr. PLEASE NOTE slow right down for ALL river crossings that have water across them. You will know which crossings or culverts have water across them because as you drive towards them you will notice the road ahead is wet from previous vehicles having gone through them.
Sections of the Gibb River Rd and access roads to waterfalls or cattle stations can be corrugated. Corrugations can cause high levels of vibrations through the vehicle at lower speed, which increase fatigue. If you are experiencing this high level of vibration increase your speed so the vehicle is “skimming over” the corrugations. Speeds around 80km/hr maybe required however please do not travel at this speed if the conditions don’t suit. SLOW DOWN for corners, crests and dips in the road and if dusty. It is better to endure some vibration rather than an accident. Slow right down or come to a stop if you see other vehicles approaching.