Starting from the Manning Gorge Campground off the Gibb River Road, King Leopold Ranges, this walk takes you to Manning Gorge and back. For camping under a star-filled outback sky, swimming in pristine waters and immersing yourself in Aboriginal history, visit Manning Gorge in the Kimberley region. This adventurous walk takes you to the top of the gorge, following the informal trail markers made up of rock cairns, red discs and arrows. From the campground, Manning Creek needs to be crossed. Visitors may swim across, use the rope-guided dinghy or take a detour around the end of the waterhole, across some swampy sections. The trail follows a route overland rather than along the creek, with great views over the ranges and savanna woodlands along the way. While the first half of the walk is fairly flat and easygoing, there are a few steep, rocky and uneven areas towards the end of the trail. Eventually, you'll emerge at the beautiful gorge, where you can cool down with a refreshing swim. Keep an eye out for Aboriginal art on the gorge walls. There's limited shade on the walk and it can get pretty hot and dusty, so most people choose to head off fairly early in the morning. You'll need to pay the entrance and camping fees at the Mount Barnett Roadhouse before heading to Manning Gorge. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water and don't forget your hat. Pets are allowed in the campground, but they can't be taken on the gorge walk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Ngarinyin people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn sharp right onto Gibb River Road and drive for another 236.4 km
Turn left and drive for another 430 m
Continue onto Manning Gorge Access Road and drive for another 7 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the Manning Gorge Campground off Gibb River Road, head along the singular walk track towards the creek (northwest). Veer right and keep the creek to your left for a while, then cross the said creek to continue along the Manning Gorge Track.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
Manning Gorge Campground.
Manning Gorge Campground
Manning Gorge Campground
Manning Gorge Campground is a short walk away from Manning Creek, where people tend to swim and cool off. The campsite is large and shady, and there are plenty of spots to set up camp. The section near the waterhole is usually crowded, but you can find quieter and more secluded spots after a quick walk. The camping area has toilets and even hot showers (that are powered by a generator). Campfires are also permitted. The campground is run by the Mount Barnett Roadhouse, which is located about 7km away. The roadhouse is well equipped and offers essential supplies and fuel (both diesel and unleaded). You'll need to buy permits from the roadhouse, and the access fee to the gorge includes one-night camping.
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Manning Gorge Campground is a short walk away from Manning Creek, where people tend to swim and cool off. The campsite is large and shady, and there are plenty of spots to set up camp. The section near the waterhole is usually crowded, but you can find quieter and more secluded spots after a quick walk. The camping area has toilets and even hot showers (that are powered by a generator). Campfires are also permitted. The campground is run by the Mount Barnett Roadhouse, which is located about 7km away. The roadhouse is well equipped and offers essential supplies and fuel (both diesel and unleaded). You'll need to buy permits from the roadhouse, and the access fee to the gorge includes one-night camping.
After another 215 m turn right.
After another 370 m turn right.
After another 2.5 km find the "Manning Gorge" (on your left).
Manning Gorge
Manning Gorge
Located on Manning Creek on the grounds of Mount Barnett Station, Manning Gorge is one of the most beautiful and best swimming spots in the Kimberley region. Aboriginal art (Bradshaw and Wandjina) can be found on the rock walls down in the gorge. The Kupungari Aboriginal Community welcomes walkers to Manning Gorge. Access is via the Mount Barnett Roadhouse located just off Gibb River Road. You can only access Manning Gorge if you've paid the fee for the track leading to the campsite.
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Located on Manning Creek on the grounds of Mount Barnett Station, Manning Gorge is one of the most beautiful and best swimming spots in the Kimberley region. Aboriginal art (Bradshaw and Wandjina) can be found on the rock walls down in the gorge. The Kupungari Aboriginal Community welcomes walkers to Manning Gorge. Access is via the Mount Barnett Roadhouse located just off Gibb River Road. You can only access Manning Gorge if you've paid the fee for the track leading to the campsite.
About 120 m past the end is "Manning Gorge Falls".
Manning Gorge Falls
Manning Gorge Falls
Probably the widest of the waterfalls along the Gibb River when in full flow, Manning Gorge Falls offers a cool reward after the rather long and exhausting hike to get there. There are a number of pools that are perfect for taking a dip, as well as a small beach area. A ledge allows visitors to get behind the waterfall, and the deep waterhole allows for some diving from the rocks above. The falls are exceptional after the wet season (specifically May to July). Although there are times the falls are dry, the pools in the area (and the base of the falls) are there throughout the year.
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Probably the widest of the waterfalls along the Gibb River when in full flow, Manning Gorge Falls offers a cool reward after the rather long and exhausting hike to get there. There are a number of pools that are perfect for taking a dip, as well as a small beach area. A ledge allows visitors to get behind the waterfall, and the deep waterhole allows for some diving from the rocks above. The falls are exceptional after the wet season (specifically May to July). Although there are times the falls are dry, the pools in the area (and the base of the falls) are there throughout the year.
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 3.1 km to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Manning Gorge
Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length
6.2 km
Time
2 h to 3 h
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
Bushwalk
2 h to 3 h
Campsite: There is one -4 m back from the start.
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After another 2.5 km find the "Manning Gorge" (on your left).
About 120 m past the end is "Manning Gorge Falls".
