Kimberley Trail

SUMMARY

Discover Australia’s wild west on a 14-day adventure through the Kimberley region. Hike to grandiose gorges, stand in awe of tiered waterfalls, take dips in secluded swimming spots and unwind in natural thermal pools. With time spent in the West Kimberley Gorges, Mitchell Plateau, El Questro Wilderness Park, Lake Argyle and Purnululu National Park, this magical corner of Australia will soon have you under its spell. From the strange beauty of the Bungle Bungles to the sheer size of the Mitchell Falls, landscapes don’t get more vast, rugged or dramatic than this.

TOTAL DURATION : 14 Days

GROUP SIZE : MIN 4 MAX 20

TOUR ITINERARY AND DATES

START : Broome

END : Broome

COUNTRIES VISITED : Australia

Validity : 01 APR 2024 To 31 DEC 2024

Day :1

Location : Broome / Derby / Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) / Windjana Gorge

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 Napier Range is over 350 million years old and home to Tunnel Creek, a 750-metre cave system 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. In the afternoon we visit the geological wonder of Windjana Gorge, searching for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and indigenous bush tucker beneath the gorge walls that rise 90m. That night we settle into our first night under the Kimberley night sky.

Day :2-3

Location : West Kimberley Gorges

In the 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 day swimming in paradise: further up the Gibb River Road, we 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)

Day :4-5

Location : 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.

Day :6

Location : 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)

Day :7-8

Location : 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.

Day :9-10

Location : 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 including 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$120pp, own expense).

Day :11-12

Location : 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 1980s; 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.

Day :13

Location : 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 the remote Laarri Aboriginal Art Gallery, before an evening by the Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing.

Day :14

Location : Geikie Gorge / Broome

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.