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This 11 Day Kimberley Tour explores those Kimberley highlights you have always wanted to experience – encountering wildlife in Windjana Gorge, the adventure of Tunnel Creek, a journey along the famous Gibb River Road, magnificent El Questro Wilderness Park, Kununurra, Lake Argyle, the World-Heritage protected Bungle Bungles and dramatic Danggu (Geikie Gorge).
Gibb River Road, Windjana Gorge, indigenous-guided walk through Tunnel Creek, Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), Manning Falls, El Questro Wilderness Park, Zebedee Springs, Emma Gorge, Lake Argyle, Bungle Bungles, Echidna Chasm, Cathedral Gorge, Danggu Gorge Cruise
Itinerary
Day 1 Tunnel Creek
As we travel through the remote and beautiful Kimberley landscape, our guide shares stories of local history, people and the environment. Enjoy a morning tea break by the Fitzroy River and visit the Derby ‘Boab Prison Tree’ before we hit the Gibb River Road. The afternoon is devoted to exploring Tunnel Creek, with our local Bunuba guide. In this 750-metre cave system carved through the Napier Range, we discover stalactites, secret caves and a large variety of wildlife. It is here we also learn the legend of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hide-out in the late 1800’s. Don’t miss a refreshing swim in an idyllic waterhole. That night we settle into our first night under the Kimberley night sky. (LD)
Days 2-3 West Kimberley Gorges
The Napier Range is over 350 million years old and home to the geological wonder of Windjana Gorge. Beneath gorge walls rising 90m, we spend the morning searching for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and indigenous bush tucker. Mid morning we head off to Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), a hidden highlight of the West Kimberley. This idyllic retreat, considered amongst the most beautiful in the area, boasts cascading waterfalls and crystal clear pools formed over millions of years – an easy place to while away a few hours! Spend the next day swimming in paradise: discover the cool waters of water lily-laden Galvans Gorge and stunning Adcock Gorge. Amid the rugged beauty of Manning Falls we swim in deep clear pools, relax, explore wandering streams, uncover local wildlife and take a dip in the waterfall pools. Overnight we camp by a billabong on Mt Barnett Cattle Station. (BLD/BLD)
Days 4-5 El Questro Wilderness Park
Our journey up the Gibb River Road continues to the iconic El Questro Wilderness Park. Two nights in our private campsite allows free time to join one or more of the many activities on offer. We include a refreshing dip in the Zebedee Springs and walk into Emma Gorge while a cruise on Chamberlain Gorge, bush tucker walk or bird watching tour are amongst the many optional activities. You may choose to simply explore this beautiful wilderness park at your own leisure. (BLD/BL)
Days 6-7 Kununurra & Lake Argyle
Emerge from the Gibb River Road for a few hours free time in Kununurra: sample locally-made rum at the Hoochery and pick up some local sandalwood inspired beauty, health and lifestyle products at the Sandalwood Factory. After lunch, travel on to the shores of the expansive Lake Argyle, the heart of the Ord River Irrigation System which has transformed this dry region into a lush agricultural oasis. Two nights allows time to enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim in the Infinity Pool, with a magnificent view across the lake, and take up one of the many optional activities on offer such as scenic flights and kayak hire. You may like to join our guide to visit the historic Durack Homestead Museum or take on one of the many bush trails to explore the area. A sunset boat cruise on the lake is highly recommended (approx AU$100pp, own expense). (BD/BL)
Days 8-9 Purnululu National Park: Bungle Bungles
Journey south down the Great Northern Highway to Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungles. Two nights here, staying in our private Bungle Bungle Safari Camp in the heart of the park, allows a full day to explore the highlights of this extraordinary National Park, the most famous of which, are the Bungle Bungle domes. Rivers created this landscape of unique orange and black striped ‘beehive’ geological formations over a period of 20 million years. Unbelievably, only the locals knew it existed until the early 1980’s; once discovered by others, the area was made a national park in 1987. We explore Echidna Chasm (2km), known for its towering Livistonia Palm trees, and take a short walk (2-3km) into stunning Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks create a natural amphitheatre. There is time in the afternoon to take an optional scenic helicopter flight and enjoy a birds-eye view of the beehive domes (approx $450pp, own expense) to put it all into perspective. (BLD/BLD)
Day 10 China Wall & Fitzroy Crossing
Enroute to Fitzroy Crossing, we break the long journey with a visit the gold rush town of Halls Creek to see the remarkable China Wall. We also enjoy lunch at Marys Pool and visit an Aboriginal Art Gallery, before an evening by the Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing. (BLD)
Day 11 Danggu (Geikie Gorge)
A morning cruise through the majestic Danggu (Geikie Gorge) is a great start to the day. Nature carved this wonder through the Geikie and Oscar Ranges during the Devonian geological period. Learn of the fascinating geology of this natural wonder and discover the huge array of wildlife including freshwater crocodiles, birds and fish. Enjoy lunch by the river en route back to Broome. (BL)
It is essential that you bring a torch, shoes you don’t mind getting wet – and we mean fully immersed in water: ideally, wet shoes, sandals or old runners, broad-brimmed hat with sun visor for all round sun protection, sunscreen, swimming costume and towel, good walking/trekking shoes and a personal water bottle.
You will also need to bring a sleeping bag, even if you have chosen the Camping Plus option (11DKL1) as these are necessary for the Camping nights and also the Bungle Bungles Safari Camp stay. 10ºC sleeping bags are available for sale at $50pp – these must be requested with our office prior to travel and can be kept following your trip or donated to local indigenous communities.
Other recommendations include: warm clothes for the evening (particularly if travelling May-Aug), personal toiletries and first aid, with any personal medication required.
** Don’t forget the necessary luggage restrictions – due to
limited space in the vehicles it is important that your luggage is in a
small, soft bag (suitcases are not suitable) and weighs a maximum of
15kg. You are welcome to store any excess luggage at your accommodation
in Broome, to be collected on your return.
Notes
- Departures are subject to weather conditions and road closures.
- Accommodation upgrades are subject to availability and On Request until Confirmed.
- Some meals are not included as there are excellent local options available, providing freshness, variety and choice – allow approx AUD $250pp for meals. (Allow a little more if you want a beer or glass of wine with dinner.)
- This itinerary involves some clambering over rocks, wading in water by torchlight, walking on rocky creek beds and ascending/descending into gorges. A reasonable level of fitness and being sure on your feet is necessary to participate. Refer to the Fitness rating in The Facts.
- Expect some early morning starts! It is nicer to walk in the cooler morning and travel in the vehicle during the heat of the day.
- The Single Supplement on our tours is optional. If you are a Single traveller, you can pay a Single Supplement, or you will be accommodated on a twin-share basis with a fellow traveller of the same gender where necessary.
- For those who choose to pay the optional Single Supplement, note that it does not include the private camp stays; due to capacity constraints single travellers may have to twinshare with another traveller of the same gender – this is a rare occurrence.
- It is important that you appreciate the Kimberley Wild experience and the remote, vast nature of the areas through which we travel – please ensure you read our What You Need to Know and Frequently Asked Questions pages.
- Travel Insurance is compulsory for all travellers on all tours and details must be presented to tour guide before departure.
- A Tour Assistant is provided on tour for all larger groups of 8 or more travellers.
- Are you over 70 years old? Due to the remote location and challenging nature of our extended camping tours it is essential for older travellers to review and sign our Medical Form to ensure you can participate fully in the itinerary.
