Last Updated on 26 January 2026 by Rob
Manning Gorge campground is a bush-style campsite located on the historic Mount Barnett Station. This shaded, riverside camp serves as the base for exploring the stunning Manning Gorge. The gorge is reached via a 5.8km return walk that uniquely begins by swimming and ferrying your gear across Manning Creek in provided plastic tubs.
This is a campground you don’t want to miss.
Toilets and showers are provided, so there is no need to be self-sufficient.
Pets are permitted at this campground.
Tents are permitted.
Fires are permitted.
Manning Gorge Campground Quick Facts
| Campground Name | Manning Gorge Campground – Mt Barnett |
|---|---|
| Nearest Town | Kununurra/Derby |
| GPS | 16°39'26.32"S 125°55'42.19"E |
| Access Road | Unsealed |
| Number of sites | 30 |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Water | Yes |
| Dump point | No |
| Power | No |
| Pets | Yes |
| Tents | Yes |
| Fires permitted | Yes |
| Telstra coverage | Yes |
| Optus coverage | No |
| Cost | First night $25 then $15 |
| Booking | N/A |
Campground Layout and Features
The campground has about 30 campsites. They are set among small trees, with some sites having some shade. They are on a dirt base and the ground is flat.
Toilets and showers are provided in the camping area.
Potable water and rubbish disposal are available at the roadhouse 7km away.
Basic groceries and fuel are available at the roadhouse.
A washing machine is available for $6 per load.
The fee to stay at this site is $25 for the first night (as it includes the $10 gorge access fee) and $15 per night for subsequent nights. The fee is paid at the roadhouse prior to taking the track to the camping area. If you decide to stay an extra night, there is a caretaker who can sort you out.
Manning Gorge Campsite Location
The campground is a 7km drive on a track from the roadhouse. During the check-in process you will be given directions
The map below shows the campground’s location. You can zoom out for a more general location.
What to Watch Out For at Manning Gorge Campground
We didn’t have any issues at this site. If you want a hot shower, do it early, as we found that later the water may be lukewarm.
Final Words
This is a great spot. Make sure that you do the walk to the gorge. It is beautiful, and the creek crossing gives you some bragging rights.
Like with all the popular campgrounds on the Gibb, you want to arrive as early as possible. This will give you the best opportunity to secure the better sites.
If you are not staying at this campground and visiting the gorge, you should still stop at the roadhouse to pay the day-use fee ($10).
Our comprehensive Gibb River itinerary uses this campground for a two day stay. It is also used on our 8-day express itinerary.
Closeby Campgrounds
The next spot you should stop at if you are travelling east is Mt Elizabeth Station.
To the west is a free camp at Frog Hole Campground and/or March Fly Glen.