Galvins Gorge, Gibb River Rd, Kimberley

Overview

This easy flat 1km one-way trail is one of the prettiest short walks in the Kimberley. A multi-tiered waterfall plunges down a rocky gorge wall into a pretty reflective pool surround by luxuriant vegetation. It is a delightfully pretty spot to relax and ponder nature.

Galvins Gorge

The boab stands above the swimming hole of Galvins Gorge

Photo Credit: Pelusey Photography

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About the Trail

Many travellers doing the Gibb River Road rate Galvans Gorge as one of their favourite scenic locations. The short easy 2km return path passes by creek fed lily pools and luxuriant vegetation of pristine beauty. The walk opens up to a delightful multi-tiered waterfall fed pool.

It’s such a pristine scene you almost feel guilty going for a swim and spoiling the reflections. High above is a perfectly placed boab tree that seems to be standing guard. There is also a good example of Indigenous rock art under a ledge.

With so much water and dense vegetation, birds are numerous such as rainbow bee-eaters, azure kingfisher, blue winged kookaburras, various honeyeaters, wrens and finches. If you look carefully you may see a banded tree snake sheltering under a narrow rock ledge.

This is one of the smaller Kimberley Gorges, similar in size to Adcock Gorge, but the pool is more than big and deep enough to swim a few laps.

There is also a rope in one of the trees to swing on and jump and the falls are big enough to sit on the rocks underneath and get a back massage.

Need to Know

  • Time

    15 minutes one way

  • Distance

    2km return Length is 1km.

  • Trail Start

    Galvins Gorge car park, 284km east of Derby, 2400km north of Perth

  • Trail End

    Galvins Gorge

  • Degree of Difficulty

    Easy - Suits majority of fitness and experience levels.
    Bush Walk: Grade 3 - Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections a rough surface and many steps. Walks up to 20km.

  • What to Pack?

    Group A (Urban trails or short trails near facilities) required.

    • Full large water bottle per person.
    • Sturdy shoes
    • Sun hat or bike helmet (compulsory in WA)
    • Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+) and insect repellant
    • Clothes to suit the activity and potential weather conditions
    • Binoculars and camera (optional)

  • Best Time of the Year

    May to October. Waterfall flow will be better earlier in the season.

  • Facilities

    • Car Park

  • Access to the Trail

    Air, Drive or Bus to Broome 2200km north of Perth, 4WD to 284km east of Derby. See Group D items on Trail Tips page.

  • Trail Contact

    Derby Visitor Centre
    Telephone: (08) 9191 1426
    Email: info@derbytourism.com.au
    Web: http://www.derbytourism.com.au
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerbyVisitorCentre
    Twitter: @DerbyTourism