It is one of Australia's most famous 4WD tracks, notorious for shredding tyres and rattling bones.
But the Gibb River Road in remote northern Western Australia is getting a make-over that'll see about a third of the bush track bituminised.
The latest roadworks will seal the western and eastern ends of the "The Gibb", with small sections along the centre upgraded to allow safe overtaking and reduce flood damage in the wet season.
It will mean a third of the 660-kilometre track will be accessible in two-wheel drive vehicles.
Main Roads regional manager Gerry Zoetelief said there were no plans to continue sealing beyond the current scope of works.
"There are targeted sections. There are no plans to seal the entire Gibb River Road," he said.
"Our focus is on sealing the eastern and western ends, where we experience most of the traffic.
"At the moment it's challenging because we can't keep up with the maintenance grading effort in those parts. We'll grade it one week and it'll be corrugated the next week."
Road crews are now sealing 120km of track from Derby to the turn-off to the Windjana and Tunnel Creek gorges.
Next year, work will begin sealing almost 100km at the eastern end to open access to popular tourist sites like El Questro and Home Valley Station.
A 3-kilometre section has been upgraded between Imintji and Mt Barnett in the centre section, to allow safe overtaking.
A handful of creek crossings are also being strengthened to reduce expensive wash-outs that can close the road for months at a time.
Mr Zoetelief said the work had been prioritised to improve safety and reduce repair costs, not reduce the Gibb River Road's appeal as a 4WD destination.
"We're aware the Kimberley is a place that 4WD enthusiasts want to do, so there's a strong tourism attraction there," he said.
"We're trying to meet the dual demands of servicing the local stations and communities that need the road for access, but also preserve the fun trip that some people get from driving hundreds of kilometres of corrugated road."
'Cars cop an absolute beating'
Locals who live and work on the Gibb River Road have welcomed the news.
Neville Hernon, who runs the only mechanic shop on the track, said the upgrades were a good compromise.
"We are driving hundreds of kilometres up and down to get supplies and drop the kids at school, and it's really rough on the vehicles and very expensive.
"Most of it will still be gravel and dirt, so there's still lots to keep the tourists busy."
