Kimberley Trail

Day 1: Broome to Tunnel Creek

Welcome to Kimberley, a spectacular land of wild and rugged scenery. Your adventure begins in Broome where you’ll link up with your local leader and new travel companions. Then it’s time for your first taste of Kimberley’s beautiful landscapes as you hit the road and drive towards Tunnel Creek. Stop off for a snack alongside the Fitzroy River, then pay a visit to the 1500-year-old hollow boab tree. Afterwards, visit an Aboriginal cultural and art centre for insight into the history and culture of the Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunumbal peoples. Return to the road and come upon the ancient Napier Range, home to Tunnel Creek. Your leader will explain how this extensive cave system sheltered an Aboriginal freedom fighter in the 19th century. Later in the afternoon, head to Windjana Gorge, a seriously impressive gorge carved into the Napier Range. Explore the area on foot in search of freshwater crocodiles, birdlife and bush tucker, then retire to your camp for an evening under the stars.

Included Activities

• Derby – Boab Prison Tree
• Derby – Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Cultural Centre
• West Kimberley Gorges – Tunnel Creek National Park (Dimalurru)
• West Kimberley Gorges – Windjana Gorge National Park (Bandilngan)

Meals Included

• Lunch
• Dinner

Special Information

Please note that the tour commences early this morning in Broome at our default pick-up location (details can be found in the Essential Trip Information document), unless you or your booking agent requests an alternative pick-up location well ahead of departure. We do not take responsibility for missed tours if we have not been advised of an alternative in advance and you are not at the default location on time. You may want to stay a night in Broome prior to the trip’s departure.

Day 2: Mt Barnett Station

Start the day with a visit to Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), a picturesque spot in West Kimberley. Here you’ll find a deep, clear pool surrounded by a horseshoe of cliffs, but the star of the show is the spectacular tiered waterfall that tumbles into the pool below. Take some time to enjoy this secluded spot and take a refreshing dip, then stretch out in the sun on the surrounding rocks. Next, follow the Gibb River Road up to Galvans Gorge, a place so pretty it has to be seen to be believed. Swim in emerald waters encircled by granite outcrops covered in thriving plant life. For your last stop of the day, take a dip in the peaceful green pool of little-known Adcock Gorge. After a day of swimming in some of the Kimberley’s most stunning spots, retire to your camp on the side of a billabong on a cattle station – a true Aussie experience!

 

Included Activities

• West Kimberley Gorges – Galvans Gorge
• West Kimberley Gorges – Adcock Gorge
• West Kimberley Gorges – Bell Gorge (Dalmanyi)

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 3: Mt Barnett Station

Wake up to the sounds of the Kimberley and enjoy a peaceful morning at camp, then head out to the Manning Gorge, a truly unforgettable swimming spot. First cross Manning creek then follow a rugged 3km trail to the top of the gorge, marked out with rock cairns and red disks, enjoying views of the wide-open spaces along the way. When you arrive at the gorge you’ll soon see that your efforts were worth it – don’t be surprised if this place takes your breath away! There are multiple pools to enjoy here, plus gorgeous meandering streams, fascinating wildlife and even some examples of ancient rock art. After a day enjoying all Manning Gorge has to offer, return to camp for the evening.

 

Included Activities

• West Kimberley Gorges – Manning Gorge

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Special Information

The Manning Gorge walk is a 5.6km return walk, taking around 2 hours (oplus swimming time). It is a Grade 4 walk, requiring some rock hopping into the gorge.

Day 4: Mitchell River National Park

Rise bright and early this morning and travel to the Mitchell Plateau. Few visitors venture this far north, but those who do are rewarded with one of the highlights of the Kimberley region, especially the remarkable scenes of Mitchell River National Park, brimming with tropical rainforest, soaring waterfalls and dramatic escarpments. Weave through backcountry landscapes, up the red earth Kalumburu Road and onto the Mitchell Plateau Track. Cross rivers and pass through shady Livistona palm forests before coming upon the Mitchel Plateau. Set up camp in the national park and rest up for an exciting day tomorrow.

 

Included Activities

• Mitchell River National Park

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 5: Mitchell River National Park

Today will be spent exploring the wonders of the Mitchell River National Park. Set out on a hike to a series of magnificent waterfalls, first crossing Mertens creek and arriving at the Little Mertens Falls. Take some time to explore the surrounding caves and natural pools, then continue through rainforest on your way to the Big Mertens Falls. Your leader will fill you in on the biodiversity of the region as you pass through an ever-changing display of flora and fauna on your walk. You’ll also have the chance to admire Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock paintings on your journey, and while the age and the artists of these ancient pieces aren’t known, it’s estimated they are up to 12,000 years old. Arrive at the falls and stand in awe of their sheer size – you’ll feel pretty small watching the cascade plunge into the gorge below. But the final waterfall might just be the most impressive. Continue over rocky terrain to the Mertens Falls, an awe-inspiring four-tiered waterfall. Rather than turning around and walking back the way you came, you’ll board a helicopter from the Mitchell Falls and be treated to unbeatable birds-eye views on the return journey.

 

Included Activities

• Mitchell River National Park – Mitchell Falls (Punamii-unpuu)
• Mitchell River National Park – Helicopter flight
• Mitchell River National Park – Gwion Gwion rock art

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Special Information

The Mitchell Falls walk is approximately 5km over rough country.

Day 6: Drysdale Station

Leave the magical landscapes of the Mitchell Plateau behind and head to the Drysdale River Station. Covering a million acres and home to 10,000 cattle, this family-owned station is a vast oasis in the heart of the outback. Here you’ll experience life on a working cattle farm while also enjoying some isolation from the outside world. On arrival you may like to head out on a walk to get to know your remote surroundings, or just chill out in the beer garden and soak in the untouched scenery. This evening, gather around the log fire and swap stories beneath the stars.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 7: El Questro Station

Say goodbye to the cattle station and continue up the Gibb River Road to the El Questro Wilderness Park. Set on the grounds of a sprawling cattle station, the property is bursting with exciting things to discover – there’s striking gorges, wonderful waterfalls, natural hot springs and plenty of excellent restaurants. On arrival, you may like to take a cruise to the Chamberlain Gorge, an area only accessible by boat. Learn about the unique plant life that clings to the escarpments bordering the gorge and the intriguing fish that live beneath the water.

Optional Activities

• El Questro – Chamberlain Gorge Cruise – AUD89

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 8: El Questro Station

Start the day with a trip to the beautiful Emma Gorge within the El Questro Wilderness Park. Walk for around an hour over rocky terrain and emerge at the gorge, a serene waterhole surrounded by cliffs and fed by a towering drop waterfall. The waterfall is connected to a little thermal spring making for a pleasant temperature when swimming in the pool. Later in the day, pay a visit to Zebedee Springs. Take a short walk through leafy forests of Livistona and pandanus palms, then arrive at a stunning series of thermal pools and waterfalls. Enjoy some time out to soak in these gorgeous pools while appreciating the serene location.

 

Included Activities

• El Questro – Emma Gorge
• El Questro – Zebedee Hot Springs

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Special Information

The Emma Gorge walk is moderately difficult taking around 1 hour with some rugged creek crossings

Day 9: Lake Argyle

Depart the El Questro Wilderness Park and drive to the town of Kununurra. Enjoy some down time here to explore the town. You may like to swing by the sandalwood shop to browse their range of deliciously scented locally made beauty products. In the afternoon, continue to the shores of Lake Argyle, the lifeblood of the Ord River Irrigation System, turning the arid landscapes of the region into lush agricultural land. On arrival, head to a breathtaking infinity pool and enjoy a peaceful swim while taking in unbelievable views across the lake.

 

Included Activities

• Lake Argyle – Historic Durack Homestead Museum

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 10: Lake Argyle

The day is yours for further discoveries of Lake Argyle. Why not hire a kayak or stand up paddleboard to explore the lake, or perhaps join your leader on a visit to the Historic Durack Homestead Museum or on one of the many fantastic bush trails in the area. In the evening you’ll have the option to take a sunset cruise around the lake – there’s no better way to see out the day here.

 

Optional Activities

• Lake Argyle – Sunset Cruise – AUD100

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 11: Purnululu National Park

It’s time to hit the iconic Great Northern Highway and venture on to Purnululu National Park, home to the delightfully unusual Bungle Bungles. These stripey beehive-shaped sedimentary formations have existed for more than 300 million years, but were only known to the Gija people and stockmen until the 1980s. Australia’s best kept secret is now able to be admired by those who make the trip to this remote and truly spectacular location. You may like to take a scenic helicopter flight over the national park for an unmatched view of the landscape – you’ll be able to see how the domes of the Bungle Bungles were carved out by rivers over millions of years. This evening, set up camp in a secluded location in the heart of the park.

 

Optional Activities

• Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) – Scenic Helicopter Flight – AUD500

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 12: Purnululu National Park

Set out to explore the natural wonders of Purnululu National Park. Walk to the Echidna Chasm, a natural pathway framed by towering walls up to 200m high. The chasm is also home to impossibly tall Livistona palm trees, and you may even be able to spot some tiny bats high up on the walls. Next, follow a scenic trail along to Cathedral Gorge, a gigantic natural amphitheatre made of red rock. You’ll soon see why the gorge got its name, and be sure to test out the acoustics here!

 

Included Activities

• Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) – Cathedral Gorge
• Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) – Echidna Chasm

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 13: Fitzroy Crossing

Leave Purnululu National Park in the rear-view mirror and make tracks to Fitzroy Crossing. A long day of driving will be broken up with interesting stops along the way. Pull into Halls Creek to see its fantastic natural wall made of white quartz, break for lunch at Mary Pool and pay a visit to the remote Laarri Gallery, displaying works by Aboriginal artists. In the evening, arrive into Fitzroy Crossing, a little outback town on the banks of the Fitzroy River. With around fifty Aboriginal communities living in the town and its valley, this part of the country is home to many spiritual and cultural sites.

 

Included Activities

• Halls Creek – China Wall
• Halls Creek – Mary Pool
• Yiyili Aboriginal Community – Laarri Aboriginal Art Gallery

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 14: Fitzroy Crossing to Broome

Kick off the day with a morning cruise through the grand Danggu Geikie Gorge, sculpted by the Fitzroy River during the Devonian geological period. Float through the gorge while learning how the geological wonder was formed and observe its abundance of wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles, birds and fish. After your cruise, it’s time to make the drive back to Broome, where on arrival your Kimberley adventure will come to an end.

 

Included Activities

• Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park – Geikie Gorge Experience

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Special Information

This trip ends with drop off at central Broome hotels at approximately 6:30pm. Onward travel must be booked for the following day. Please contact your booking agent if you would to arrange additional accommodation.