13 Days Kimberley Complete

itinerary

Day 1. Broome, Boab Prison Tree, Gibb River Road, Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge

Depart Broome at 7.00 a.m. to begin your exploration of the awe-inspiring Kimberley region. At Derby, we visit the Boab Prison Tree, believed to be more than 1500 years old. This hollowed tree was used as a prison cell during the region's early days. We begin our journey on the Gibb River Road, a remote Outback highway that accesses some of the Kimberley's best scenery. We travel to remarkable Tunnel Creek, a 750 metre-long natural tunnel carved through the Napier Range. With torch in hand, we wade through the cool waters to view the wonderful oasis that awaits us on the other side. At Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above white sands, see the ancient marine fossils embedded in the gorge walls. You may also see freshwater crocodiles lazing on the banks of the Lennard River, which runs through the gorge. Continue to our exclusive Iminjti Wilderness Camp, in the heart of Ngarinyin country.Two Night Stay: KWA's Exclusive Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge with private ensuites, Gibb River Road. L,D

Day 2. Bell Gorge, Hiking and Swimming

Back on the Gibb River Road, we travel through Outback landscapes to Bell Gorge, where rugged cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. The day is yours to explore the spectacular scenery of one of the Kimberley's best gorges and swimming spots. Take a swim below the waterfall which feeds the lower pool or go birdwatching. The energetic can choose from a number of hiking opportunities. This is the perfect place to simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. Head back to Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge and relax before dinner. B,L,D

Day 3. Galvans Gorge, Barnett River Gorge, Drysdale River, Marunbabidi Wilderness Camp

Today we travel through the heart of Kimberley cattle country to discover some of the region's most secluded gorges. At Galvans Gorge, a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole, with Boab trees clinging to the escarpment above. Inspect the rock art on the gorge walls and take a leisurely swim. We stop at the Mt Barnett Roadhouse before travelling to beautiful Barnett River Gorge, where we enjoy lunch in a setting of shady gum trees. Look out for the birdlife that inhabits the area and enjoy another dip. Turning off the Gibb River Road, we travel north on the Kalumburu Road, heading towards the isolated Mitchell Plateau. We ford the Drysdale River and, late this afternoon, arrive at our exclusive overnight wilderness camp on the banks of the upper King Edward River. This area is the traditional home of the Ngarinyin Aboriginal people. Stay: King Edward River, Marunbabidi Wilderness Camp or Drysdale River Station, Kalumburu Road. B,L,D

Day 4. Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River, Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge

Ascending the Mitchell Plateau, we enter a remote world of Livistona palm forests, beautiful lookouts, ancient Aboriginal art, magnificent waterfalls and isolated swimming holes. Today, explore amazing Wandjina and Gwion (Bradshaw) art galleries and swim in the crystal-clear waters at King Edward River Crossing. For the next two nights, we stay at our unique permanent wilderness lodge beside Pandanus palm-fringed Camp Creek. Enjoy this unique location, at the top of the plateau. For wildlife watchers, the region's prolific birdlife includes brolgas, herons, kites and sea eagles, as well as some rainforest birds. You may be lucky enough to see the Monjon, a rock wallaby that is unique to the Kimberley region. At night and early in the morning, look out for the Northern Quoll, a native cat that is often spotted near popular camps. Two Night Stay: KWA's Exclusive Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge, tented cabins with private ensuites featuring hot showers and toilets. B,L,D

Day 5. Mitchell Falls, Gwion Art, Scenic Helicopter Flight included

Today we have a full day to discover the beauty of Mitchell Falls, with a magnificent system of waterfalls and Aboriginal art. When available, local Aboriginal guides will join us for the adventure, imparting their knowledge of the area and sharing their cultural beliefs, which are closely linked to this stunning environment. Begin with a guided hike to Little Merten Falls to view rarely seen Aboriginal art. Continue on to view Gwion (Bradshaw) art and Big Merten Falls before arriving at Mitchell Falls. With superb scenery and rich culture, you can swim in the pools above the falls, learn of local history and look for the region's stunning flora and fauna. We have included a special helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls back to the vehicle (or, if you prefer, hike back with your guide). Longer scenic helicopter flights over the remote coastline are available at an additional charge. B,L,D

Day 6. Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River

Travelling through Livistona palm forests, we view galleries of ancient Aboriginal art before saying goodbye to the awe-inspiring scenery of the Mitchell Plateau. Lunch is at a majestic spot alongside the cool waters of the King Edward River, with time for a swim before continuing to our comfortable wilderness camp. Stay: Marunbabidi Wilderness Camp or Drysdale River Station, Kalumburu Road. B,L,D

Day 7. El Questro Station, Emma Gorge

Rejoining the famous Gibb River Road, we ford the mighty Durack River, named after the region's most famous pioneering family. Then, we cross the Pentecost River into El Questro - one million acres in the Kimberley wilderness. Once settled into Emma Gorge Resort, take a hike into the gorge and indulge in a refreshing swim over to the waterfall. Accommodation: El Questro, Emma Gorge Resort, tented safari cabins with private ensuites. B,L,D

Day 8. El Questro, Wyndham, Kununurra

Enjoy time to explore El Questro. Warm up in the hot pools of Zebedee Springs and visit the station. Farewelling the Gibb River Road, we head to Wyndham and take in spectacular views of the Cambridge Gulf from Five Rivers Lookout. Arrive in Kununurra, the Kimberley's eastern gateway. Two Night Stay: Kununurra, Country Club Resort. B,L,D

Day 9. Cruise Ord River and Lake Kununurra

This morning you have some free time to explore Kununurra. Then we travel to Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the southern hemisphere with 18 times the capacity of Sydney Harbour. This afternoon, we join a guided cruise on the Ord River. Admire spectacular scenery and look for local wildlife. Witness a sunset while cruising Lake Kununurra. B

Day 10. Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park, Echidna Chasm

Departing Kununurra, we travel to Purnululu National Park. A spectacular wilderness region and home to the unique Bungle Bungle Range, the park was awarded World Heritage status in 2003. Today we explore the northern part of the park. Hike into Echidna Chasm, a mysterious cleft in the rock massif. Enjoy the unique wilderness experience of staying within the national park without having to 'rough it'. Two Night Stay: KWA's Exclusive Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge. Tented Cabins with private ensuites. B,L,D

Day 11. Bungle Bungle Range, Cathedral Gorge, Piccanniny Creek

Hike into Piccaninny Creek and spectacular Cathedral Gorge. Walk among the unique beehive domes, as your guide brings the natural history of the range to life. Learn about bushtucker, bush medicine and the area's significance to local Aborigines. There is time for an optional helicopter flight (own expense). Enjoy drinks and watch the sun set over the domes. B,L,D

Day 12. Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing

Visit Halls Creek, an historic goldmining town. See unusual China Wall, a natural quartz formation, before heading to Fitzroy Crossing.Accommodation: Fitzroy Crossing, Fitzroy River Lodge. B,L,D

Day 13. Geikie Gorge Cruise, Broome

Enjoy an active morning exploring Geikie Gorge, where annual flooding has created a bleached effect on the limestone walls. Board a unique cruise along this stunning gorge and learn more about its surronding flora and fauna. After lunch, we travel to Broome, where the tour concludes. B,L

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