The Gibb River track in 1968

by Gary
(Netherlands)

Gibb River track in 1968

Gibb River track in 1968

After working in Melbourne for a year three Dutchmen (ages between 22 and 28) decided to do a Grand Tour of Australia. We bought a 12year old Landrover, fitted her out as we thought necessary and started off between Christmas 1967 and New Year.

To earn enough money for the trip we did some fruit picking in the Mildura region and worked as builders labourers in the Nullarbor. We worked again as builders labourers on the new hospital building in Derby during July 1968.

Prison Boab at Derby


From there we started off in the direction of Wyndham. In Fitzroy Crossing we were told that the track through Gibb River was difficult, no more than 6 to 10 4wheel drives per year would take that track. And apparently the only map was taken from an aerial photograph taken in the Second World War.

The Gibb River track!


But we decided to take this on. A 44-gallon drum of petrol and lots of water on the trailer, enough beer to last us a week.

View over Geikie Gorge


Geikie Gorge


First we took a look at Geikie Gorge, Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge. Crossing the mountain ranges was very heavy, like driving up a steep uneven stair.

Tunnel Creek entrance


Windjana Gorge


Crossing the rivers took quite some time also, because we had to take off the trailer, let her down the steep slope, then follow with the Landrover, drive through the water (up to 2 foot 3 inches, 68 cm) and the same procedure to get out at the other side; with only a simple hand winch as tool. And 3 or 4 times the track had been washed out in the lower parts, so we had to scout around for some hours to find the track again.

River crossing


Wildlife around; wild donkeys, kangaroos and wallabies, wild turkey (good to eat!!) and a few dingo’s seen from quite near. After 6 days we reached Wyndham, beer in the 6 mile pub tasted magnificent! We were proud that our 12 year old Landrover did such a good job.



Our further trip took us to Alice Springs, Cairns, Sydney and back to Melbourne.

Total mileage was 21.500 in about 9 months.

Nowadays there are some scenic sites along the Gibb River Road; at that time we never heard about such things.

Gert (for Aussies Gary)

Comments for The Gibb River track in 1968

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Jan 09, 2016
 Real Adventure
by: Birgit

Thanks so much for the story and photos, Gary!
I love hearing stories from the old days, when such a trip was still a real adventure.
These days things have become almost too easy, comfortable and touristy... Almost :-)

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