DESCRIPTION
This 14 day 4WD adventure takes on the popular Kimberley trail: journey the Gibb River Road and discover the West Kimberley Gorges, the Mitchell Plateau and El Questro Wilderness Park. Venture into remote Purnululu National Park to explore the World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungles and witness the vast waters of Lake Argyle.
Highlights
Gibb River Road, Tunnel Creek, Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), Galvans Gorge, Mitchell Falls, Mitchell Falls Scenic Transfer Flight, Bradshaw Rock Art, Drysdale River Station, El Questro Wilderness Park, Zebedee Springs, Emma Gorge, Bungle Bungles, Echidna Chasm, Cathedral Gorge, Kununurra, Lake Argyle
Itinerary
Days 1-3 West Kimberley Gorges
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, the biggest waterway in
the Kimberley which floods annually, but recently swelled to record
levels in a once in a 100 year weather event! Soon enough we hit the
Gibb River Road and journey to our campsite in Silent Grove, where we
set up camp for our first night under the Kimberley stars. In the
morning we discover 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!
Further up the Gibb River Road, we settle into our seasonal camp by a
billabong on Mt Barnett Cattle Station. Two nights here allows time to
bathe in the cool waters of water lilie-laden Galvans Gorge and stunning
Adcock Gorge. Also, trek to Manning Falls, where, amid rugged beauty,
we relax, explore wandering streams, encounter local wildlife and take a
dip in the waterfall pools. (LD/BLD/BLD)
Days 4-5 Mitchell Plateau
It is a very early start to kick off our two-day diversion to the
majestic Mitchell Plateau: a highlight of the trip. The long drive
through real 4WD country takes us up the rugged Kalumburu Road then onto
the Mitchell Plateau Track – totally worth it! After crossing rivers
and passing through ancient Livistonia palm forests, we emerge from the
savannah and onto the Mitchell Plateau. With two nights camping in the
National Park, we trek to Little and Big Merten Falls, take a dip in
pristine plunge pools and view Bradshaw rock art. A return scenic
helicopter flight offers a bird’s eye view of this extraordinary
landscape. (BLD/BLD)
Day 6 Drysdale Station
Drysdale River Station is an oasis in the outback. This million-acre,
family owned and operated cattle station, runs approximately 10,000
head of cattle and lies in the North Kimberley on the Gibb River Road.
Hanging out in the true-blue Australian outback means you have all the
magical scenery and feeling of isolation you could ask for. On arrival
you may wish to explore the nearby surroundings or sit back and enjoy a
cold drink in the beer garden, warm yourself around the log fire in the
cool night air. (BL)
Days 7-8 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 9-10 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.
Enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim in the Infinity Pool, with a
magnificent view across the lake. In the morning, take up one of the
many optional activities on offer such as scenic flights and kayak hire.
Alternatively, 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$110pp,
own expense). (BD/BL)
Days 11-12 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 $500pp, own expense) to put
it all into perspective. (BLD/BLD)
Day 13 China Wall & Fitzroy Crossing
Enroute to Fitzroy Crossing, we break the long journey with a visit
to the gold rush town of Halls Creek to see the remarkable China Wall.
We also enjoy lunch at Marys Pool and visit a remote Aboriginal Art
Gallery, before an evening by the Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing.
(BLD)
Day 14 Tunnel Creek
The morning is the devoted to exploring Tunnel Creek, a 750-metre
cave system carved through the Napier Range, in which 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. Travel along the
Fairfield-Leopold Road, pausing for a peak into history at the ruins of
Lillimiloora Police Station and to visit the Derby ‘Boab Prison Tree’,
enroute back into Broome. (BL)
