DESCRIPTION
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).
Highlights
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)
