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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.   

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

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.

29^th 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.