Our most popular tour, Kimberley Complete is a thorough exploration of the Kimberley, staying in our exclusive wilderness safari camps and hotels. At our permanent camps, you are the welcome guests of the traditional Aboriginal land owners. Enjoy the comforts of small group travel in our all-terrain vehicle, as we experience all the unique icons: the Gibb River Road, Mitchell Plateau, the Bungle Bungle domes and a special Aboriginal-guided cruise on Geikie Gorge. It's no wonder we call this tour the Kimberley Complete.
Tour Code: GKC11
Tour Duration: 11 Days
| Twin Share | $4,340.00 |
| Single Supplement. | $ 720.00 |
Itinerary
Depart Broome at 7.00 a.m. and begin your complete exploration of the awe-inspiring Kimberley region. At Derby, we visit the Boab Prison Tree, believed to be more than 1000 years old. With a girth of 14 metres, this hollowed tree was used as a prison cell during the region's early days. The tree is now a sacred Aboriginal site. There are also fascinating storyboards here, providing information on Kimberley culture, wildlife and plant life. Next, 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 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. As we drive to Windjana Gorge National Park, stop at Lilimooloora to discover the stories behind the old police station, including the legend of Jandamarra. At Windjana, a short walk leads into the tranquil gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above white sands. View the ancient marine fossils entombed in the limestone walls, which formed part of a reef during the Devonian Age. You may also witness freshwater crocodiles lazing on the surface of the Lennard River, which runs through the gorge. Unlike the famous 'salties', the smaller freshwaters are not known to attack humans. Continue to our exclusive safari camp on the Gibb River Road.
Two Night Camp: Imintji Safari Camp. Stay in the comforts of our permanent campsite. (LD)
Back on to the Gibb River Road, we travel through Outback landscapes to Bell Gorge, where rugged cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. Enjoy the afternoon to explore the spectacular scenery and perhaps swim below the waterfall which feeds the lower pool. While the energetic can choose from a number of hiking opportunities, this is truly an idyllic place to just relax and enjoy the surroundings. Head back to camp and relax before dinner. (BLD)
Today we travel through the heart of Kimberley cattle country to discover some of the region's most secluded gorges. At beautiful Barnett River Gorge, we enjoy lunch in a setting of shady paperbark trees. Look out for the birdlife that inhabits the area and enjoy a leisurely swim. We stop at the Mt Barnett Roadhouse before travelling to Galvans Gorge. Here, 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 another refreshing dip. Turning off the Gibb River Road, we travel north on the Kalumburu Road, heading towards the isolated Mitchell Plateau. We cross the beautiful Drysdale River and, late this afternoon, arrive at our exclusive overnight camp on the banks of the upper King Edward River. This area is the home of the Ngarinyin Aboriginal people.
Camp: King Edward River, Marunbabidi Safari Camp. Relax in the tranquil bush setting. (BLD)
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 an amazing Wandjina gallery and swim in the crystal-clear waters at the King Edward River Crossing. For the next two nights, we will stay in our permanent safari camp beside the pandanus-fringed Camp Creek. Enjoy this unique location, at the top of the plateau with incredible views. 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 type of 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 Camp: Ungolan Safari Camp. Our exclusive camp is this gateway to the Mitchell Plateau. You are the welcome guest of the Wunambal people. (BLD)
Today we have a full day to discover the beauty of Mitchell Falls, with a magnificent system of waterfalls and Aboriginal art. When possible, 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 Merton's Falls to see impressive Aboriginal art. Continue through open woodland to view Bradshaw art and Big Merton 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 endangered wildlife. You also have the opportunity to undertake an optional helicopter flight over the falls and surrounding wilderness or join a longer flight over the remote coastline (own expense). Then, it's time to meander back to camp, knowing you have experienced a day most people can only dream of. (BLD)
Today we view galleries of ancient Aboriginal art before saying goodbye to the Mitchell Plateau. Lunch at a majestic spot along the King Edward River, with time for a swim before continuing to our camp.
Camp: Marunbabidi Safari Camp. (BLD)
Rejoining the Gibb River Road, we cross the mighty Durack River, named after the region's most famous pioneering family. Driving their cattle from Queensland in the 1880s, the Duracks took just over two years to reach the Kimberley, then proceeded to open up much of the land for grazing. We travel to El Questro.
Camp: El Questro Station. (BLD)
Enjoy time to explore El Questro. Relax with a soak in the hot pools of Zebedee Springs. Hike to Emma Gorge, where you can swim in the waterhole then warm up in a spring. Farewelling the Gibb River Road, we head to Wyndham and take in spectacular views from Five Rivers lookout. Continue to Kununurra.
Two Night Stay: Kununurra, Mercure Hotel. (BL)
This morning you have some free time to explore Kununurra. Then we tour to Lake Argyle, Australia's largest man-made lake with nine times the capacity of Sydney Harbour. This afternoon, we join a guided cruise on the Upper Ord River to Lake Kununurra. Admire the spectacular scenery and look for birdlife, flying foxes and crocodiles. (B)
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 massif. Hike into Echidna Chasm, a mysterious cleft in the rock massif. Take in sunset views before we head to camp. With APT, enjoy the unique wilderness experience of staying within the national park without having to 'rough it'. Our tented cabins feature lighting, off-the-ground beds and linen, while the camp comes complete with an enclosed dining area, toilet and hot shower facilities.
Two Night Camp: Purnululu Safari Camp, in comfortable tented cabins. (BLD)
Hike into Piccaninny Creek and Cathedral Gorge. Marvel at 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. Fly to Kununurra (flight included). (B)
Departures
Itinerary valid 1 January 2004 to 31 March 2005
16 June 2004
21 June 2004
23 June 2004
26 June 2004
28 June 2004
30 June 2004
5 July 2004
7 July 2004
10 July 2004
12 July 2004
14 July 2004
19 July 2004
21 July 2004
24 July 2004
26 July 2004
28 July 2004
2 August 2004
4 August 2004
7 August 2004
9 August 2004
11 August 2004
16 August 2004
18 August 2004
21 August 2004
23 August 2004
25 August 2004
30 August 2004
1 September 2004
6 September 2004
8 September 2004
13 September 2004
15 September 2004
20 September 2004
22 September 2004
27 September 2004
29 September 2004
4 October 2004
6 October 2004
Highlights
• Explore World Heritage Purnululu National Park, home of the Bungle Bungle domes
• Experience three magical days on the Mitchell Plateau, discovering wildlife, waterfalls and Aboriginal heritage
• Explore Mitchell Falls in full - hiking, swimming, caves and rock art
• Traverse the renowned Gibb River Road
• Hike and swim at stunning Kimberley gorges - Bell, Barnett River, Galvans
• Cruise the Ord River and Lake Kununurra
• Walk and cruise Geikie Gorge with a local Bunaba guide, one of the Traditional Owners
• See rare Wandjina and Bradshaw rock art
• Explore Emma Gorge, jewel of El Questro
• Discover Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek
Unique Wilderness Accommodation
• APT EXCLUSIVE! Permanent campsites in the best wilderness locations. All camps feature enclosed dining areas, toilet and hot shower facilities. Stay in tented cabins with lighting, off-the-ground beds and linen.
• Explore Mitchell Falls with two nights at the Ungolan Safari Camp
• Stay two nights at Imintji Safari Camp
• Stay two nights on the banks of the King Edward River at Marunbabidi Safari Camp
• Stay two nights in Purnululu National Park
• Relax at Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing
• Two nights at the Mercure Inn, Kununurra
• The perfect combination of camping feasts, home-cooked meals and restaurant dining
• Includes 10 breakfasts (B), 9 fresh, healthy lunches (L) and 8 hearty dinners (D)
APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures
• Cultural and Indigenous Experiences - Traditional Owners share their land with you
• Small group touring, maximum 20 travellers
• Experienced Driver/Guide, a Kimberley expert
• Comfortable 4-wheel drive vehicle
• $5 Million Consumer Protection Guarantee
• All inclusive touring.