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To check for the latest on closed roads and road conditions in any area, see the state by state links to Road Conditions. These cover main roads only. Many local roads are under the control of local Shires.
Due to the lack of interest, Parks and Road closures are no longer being regularly updated, allowing us more time to write travelogues and helpful informative articles.
Planning to travel in the Kimberley this year? Coming to Western Australia via the north? Following the worst floods on
record, roads are being repaired, but crossing the Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing is not possible at present.
The Fitzroy
River Bridge at Fitzroy Crossing: This suffered significant damage and is impassable. The south eastern approach was completely
washed away. See video of the damage.
Subject to weather conditions, construction of a new bridge is expected to commence
in May 2023 with a target to be completed by the end of 2024.
Crossing the river: In the interim a passenger ferry is operating
as the river divides the town.
While current river levels remain, a very limited ferry service suitable for high clearance
four-wheel drive vehicles is operating. This is limited to six vehicles per day, which must be roadworthy, not more than two metres
wide, and weighing in at under 2.4 tonne. Vehicles will be weighed and measured. This service must be booked, and is not suitable
for tourists.
Low level crossings: Work is continuing in preparation for two crossings. Roads are currently being prepared.
A single lane crossing is being constructed adjacent to the former low level crossing, approximately four kilometres upstream, north
east of the town. Subject to river levels, this could be open in April 2023 as an interim measure.
Plans are underway
for a two laned low level crossing 150 metres upstream of the bridge, which would be suitable for all traffic including heavy haulage
during the dry season. Subject to river levels and weather conditions, it is hoped to have this operational by May 2023.
Fitzroy Crossing Tourism: Danggu Geikie Gorge, twenty kilometres by road north east of Fitzroy Crossing and accessed from the west side of the river crossing suffered significant damage and will remain closed during 2023.
28th March 2023
The Gibb River Road: Seasonal maintenance is underway, and it is hoped that the road can be accessed by high clearance vehicles by
Easter and be open to all vehicles before then end of April. Not all tourist attraction will be open at this time, and some features
will remain closed for the season due to significant damage. See updates on Gibb River Road Travelogues. Contact the Kununurra Visitor
Centre for updates.
This is an alternative route between Kununurra and Derby or Broome. It is suitable for well prepared
rigs as it is mostly unsealed and becomes corrugated quickly following grading due to the amount of traffic it receives during the
peak tourist season.
April 2023
Fantastic news from the Kimberley today, with the opening of an interim low level causeway across the Fitzroy River.
A single-laned unsealed crossing has been installed, and, with a speed limit of 40 kph, most traffic will be able to continue through the Great Eastern Highway between Willare and Kununurra. Four wheel drive recommended, and no trailers.
UPDATE: The The Gibb River Road is now OPEN for all traffic, and graders are operating. June 2023
Following unprecedented
flooding events earlier this year, Main Roads WA has now OPENED the Gibb River Road to High Clearance 4WD’s and trucks under 15 tonne
only. Main Roads and local shires are continuing to work hard on restoring access roads to national parks. May 2023
UPDATES
Walarra Mindi (Mt Hart): Homestead and campground is OPEN. Walarra Mindi day use sites are now OPEN. 4WDs access only, with caution.
Purnululu National Park is OPEN. High clearance 4WDs access only due to considerable washouts and water still flowing over
creek crossings. Dual axle caravans and trailers not permitted at any time. Online bookings are essential for Walardi and Kurrajong
campgrounds in Purnululu National Park. Piccaninny Creek Gorge Trek is currently closed for maintenance.
Dulundi (Silent Grove), Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge) are OPEN. Bell Gorge road is single lane in some sections. High clearance 4WDs access only. Online bookings are essential for Dulundi (Silent Grove) campground in Wunaamin Conservation Park.
Lennard Gorge is expected to open soon. Road repairs are currently IN PROGRESS
Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) underwent a geotechnical assessment and
is cleared safe to be open once Fairfield-Leopold Road opens. Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park trail and facilities will OPEN
on Monday 15 May 2023. Fairfield-Leopold Road is single lane in some sections. 4WDs access only due to road conditions. Grading
in progress.
Mitchell River National Park and campground now OPEN, however Aunauyu (Surveyors Pool) is undergoing maintenance.
High clearance 4WDs access only due to road conditions.
Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) is currently CLOSED, with remedial works
underway.
Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park including boat tours will remain CLOSED throughout 2023.
29th April 2023 and
updated 15th June 2023
Update from Bungle Bungle Caravan Park who advise they are still unable to open, and have ceased taking any bookings until a
date is known. To make enquiries, email bookings@bunglebunglecaravanpark.com.au or phone (08)91687220.
In addition to
camping areas and cabins being closed, tours from this venue will not be conducted while the caravan park is closed. Bookings
throughout May and June have been cancelled, and bookings are not being taken until a firm date can be given. Opening is dependent
on the Bungle Bungles Aboriginal Corporation signing the required documentation.
Andrew Forrest’s company Harvest Road purchased
the pastoral lease Mabel Downs along with a number of other Kimberley pastoral stations last year. The Western Australian Department
of Planning Lands and Heritage told the ABC News a new permit was required for the caravan park to continue operating.
"Harvest Road Group was advised in January 2023 the Pastoral Lands Board would issue a three-year permit for non-pastoral activities,
subject to a letter of authorisation from the Bungle Bungles Aboriginal Corporation as the registered native title party," a department
spokesperson said.
The Bungle Bungles Aboriginal Corporation was formed late last year to represent native title holders at
the park, and has not yet provided a letter of authorisation.
A new, sealed, two-lane low-level crossing across the Fitzroy River, at Fitzroy Crossing, is now open!
The crossing, located approximately 200 metres upstream from the flood damaged bridge, forms part of a temporary detour of Great Northern Highway. It will be in operation over the dry season while the new bridge is being constructed.
The crossing is open to all vehicles, including road trains and oversize vehicles, at all times. A footpath is also being established to provide safe access for pedestrians.
The single-lane causeway across the Fitzroy River remains open to all vehicles up to Rigid Heavy Vehicles.
The new, bigger and stronger Fitzroy Crossing Bridge across Martuwarra (Fitzroy River) was officially opened on Sunday 10th December
2023.
Premier Roger Cook and traditional owners cut the ribbon at the new Fitzroy River bridge. Walmajarri elder Olive
Knight spoke in four local languages, followed by English, to mark the significant moment.
“I acknowledge the many partnerships
and companies who have combined their skills and expertise to produce such an amazing feat,” she said.
10th December 2023