Gibb River Road with small kids

by Elizabeth
(Perth, W.A.)

We are planning a Gibb River Road trip in June with our 8 month old and 2 year old in hired 4WD bush cruiser.

Since our initial excitement we have had many people tell us we are mad and that the effort is not worth it as we will not be able to access so many of the gorges with the kids. We are allowing 3 weeks to do it so that we are not moving everyday and don't have long drives.

We have been very close to canning the whole idea but are now thinking we will give it a go if we can find out the gorges to go with easy access to carry both kids on our backs. Any advice both positve and negative VERY welcome.

Comments for Gibb River Road with small kids

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May 10, 2009
 Gibb River Road with small children
by: Birgit

Hi Elizabeth,

Please see:
Travelling through Kimberley with young children
Walking to the Mitchell Falls with young children

Destination Kimberley describes all the gorges and walks in detail. The first link also mentions the tougher ones. Which are suitable for you is something you have to decide. Read up on the details and then decide if you want to carry the kids that far.

(I know my sister would carry her youngest down to the Mitchell Falls without problems, but I don't think everybody would...)

Also see the comments in this thread:
Video: Darwin to Broome via Gibb River Rd. Scroll down to Simone's question and then read the answers that follow. Many people take young kids along the Gibb!

Don't let people put you off!
Feb 05, 2010
 You should do it!
by: Nelly

We did the GRR with 3 kids (2, 4 & 6). It was fantastic and not as hard as people imagine.
The treks into some gorges are long and hot but our 2 older kids did them with ease (our 2 year old even walked a couple of the big ones).

The best thing we bought was a Macpac Child Carrier (backpack carrier) for our 2 year old. This carrier was comfortable enough for myself or my husband to use.
Don't let people talk you out of going, you will love it. We have plenty of friends who have taken small children and had a great time too.
Jun 30, 2013
 Take the Kids
by: Anonymous

We own 2 macpac back packs. We haven't done Gibb river road, but have climbed Uluru and walked Kings Canyon; one for each kid. We have also done some walks in kakadu. They walk a bit and got carried the rest. The mac pac back packs are great. Just ensure that you carry lots of water. We used soft water bladders to carry the extra litres. Kids at that age are quite portable and will probably have a sleep in the backpack while you are walking.

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