This tour is ideal for the Active traveller. Stay in the comfort of cattle station homesteads and Kimberley hotels. Explore at a relaxed pace the wilds of the Gibb River Road and World Heritage Purnululu National Park, travelling in the comfort of our all-terrain, 4-wheel drive vehicle. Walk into spectacular gorges, where you can swim in pristine waterholes and discover ancient Aboriginal rock art. Experience the hospitality of local characters and relax in our small group touring atmosphere.
Tour Code: GKHK10
Tour Duration: 10 Days
Arrive in Kununurra and join your tour.
Two Night Camp: Purnululu Safari Camp, in comfortable permanent tents. (BLD)
Today, experience the magic of Purnululu National Park, taking in the distinct vegetation, fascinating geology and looking out for wildlife. We tour the southern side of the range to explore majestic Cathedral Gorge. Be sure to test out the acoustics within this natural amphitheatre. Later, we enjoy an easy walk along the dry bed of Piccaninny Creek, a great opportunity to inspect the domes up close and discover hidden gorges. Our knowledgeable guide will bring the natural history of the Bungle Bungle domes to life, explaining how a covering of silica and algae has created the striped effect. Enjoy the opportunity to learn about bushtucker, bush medicine and the area's significance to local Aborigines. There is also time for an optional scenic helicopter flight over the domes, an awe-inspiring experience (own expense). Enjoy drinks as you witness the sun setting over the Bungle Bungle, then return to camp for a delicious dinner, the ideal reward after a day exploring. (BLD)
The morning is spent exploring the northern part of the incredible Bungle Bungle Range. We hike into Echidna Chasm, a mysterious cleft in the massif. Farewell Purnululu and head north, passing through the township of Warmun (Turkey Creek). Continue to Kununurra, the Kimberley's eastern gateway. Enjoy the evening at leisure to relax.
Two Night Stay: Kununurra, Mercure Inn. (BL)
Enjoy some time at leisure this morning before we explore the township of Kununurra. See Lake Argyle, Australia's largest man-made lake with a capacity nine times that of Sydney Harbour. Join a guided cruise on the Ord River to Lake Kununurra. Enjoy spectacular scenery and look out for the freshwater crocodiles, flying foxes, myriad birdlife and other wildlife that inhabit the area. Witness a magical sunset as you cruise Lake Kununurra. (B)
We depart Kununurra and journey westwards, soon beginning our journey along the Gibb River Road. This famous Outback highway spans 649 kilometres of remote yet stunning Kimberley country, and can only be travelled by 4-wheel drive. This is your chance to explore some of the Kimberley's hidden jewels, from pristine gorges to ancient rock art. Our first stop on the Gibb River Road is El Questro Station and Wilderness Park, 405 000 hectares in the heart of the Kimberley frontier. Visit a fascinating collection of Aboriginal art sites before a walk to beautiful Zebedee Springs. Here, you can enjoy a soak in the natural thermal pools, surrounded by lush ferns and palms. Explore the station headquarters and view Chamberlain Gorge before another rewarding bushwalk. We hike deep into the Cockburn Range to Emma Gorge, where there is time for another dip in the clear pools below a droplet waterfall.Accommodation: El Questro, Emma Gorge Resort, tented safari cabins with private en suite. (BLD)
This morning we farewell El Questro and rejoin the Gibb River Road. We cross the mighty Pentecost River and stop to admire magnificent views of the rich-red Cockburn Range. We also stop at the Durack River, keeping in mind that fearsome saltwater crocodiles inhabit these deceptively calm waters. After lunch, we travel on to Mt Elizabeth Station. An afternoon swim awaits us at pretty Barnett River Gorge. Keep an eye out for the birdlife that inhabits the area.
Two Night Stay: Mt Elizabeth Station. (BLD)
Today we enjoy a guided station tour, visiting ancient Bradshaw and Wandjina art sites with our guide and host. Explore secluded waterholes and gorges, and enjoy time to soak up the ambience of Outback life. If station activities are available, you can experience a working cattle station in action. (BLD)
Our journey continues along the Gibb River Road to Mt Barnett Station, where we enjoy a stop at the Roadhouse. From here, we head to delightful Manning Gorge, an idyllic spot for a swim. Later, a short walk leads to Galvans Gorge, a smaller waterhole where you can see rock art and marvel at the boab trees clinging to the escarpment above. Travel towards the King Leopold Ranges and Mt Hart Station, both of which are part of the King Leopold National Park.
Two Night Stay: Mt Hart Station. (BLD)
The remote Mt Hart Station is a fabulous place to unwind and explore. Today is at your leisure to discover the station's beautiful gorges and botanical walks. Perhaps go birdwatching and test out your photography skills. Or just relax, enjoying Mt Hart's famed hospitality and tropical gardens. (BLD)
Journey through the King Leopold and Napier ranges to Windjana Gorge, a tranquil place rich in natural beauty and Aboriginal legend. Take a short walk into the gorge, where the limestone cliffs were actually an underwater reef during the Devonian Age. You can even see marine fossils embedded in the gorge walls. You may also see freshwater crocodiles lazing on the surface of the Lennard River. After lunch, we tour Lilimooloora, a fascinating old police station with an eerie atmosphere. Our guide will explain the legend of Jandamarra, the famous Aboriginal outlaw and freedom fighter of days gone by. Arriving in Derby marks the completion of our Gibb River Road journey. We visit the Boab Prison Tree to learn more of the Kimberley's early history. Continue back to Broome, arriving at approximately 5.30 p.m. (BL)
Itinerary valid 1 January 2004 to 31 March 2005
Departure Dates Available on Request.
• Explore World Heritage Purnululu National Park, home of the Bungle Bungle domes
• Hike and cruise Geikie Gorge with a local Bunaba guide, one of the traditional owners
• Journey along the famed Gibb River Road, discovering the Kimberley's best gorges
• Hike and swim at Manning Gorge, Barnett River Gorge and Galvans Gorge
• Discover ancient Windjana Gorge
• See age-old Wandjina and Bradshaw Aboriginal rock art, Mt Elizabeth Station
• Travel through the rugged beauty of the King Leopold and Napier ranges
• Explore El Questro - swim in Zebedee Springs and hike to Emma Gorge
• Discover the fascinating stories behind Lilimooloora police station
• Cruise the Ord River and Lake Kununurra, looking out for varied birdlife and wildlife
• Inspect the historic Boab Prison Tree
• Experience Outback life with four nights at Kimberley homesteads, Mt Elizabeth Station and Mt Hart Station
• Stay at Emma Gorge Resort, El Questro
• Stay two nights in Purnululu National Park, in the comfort of our exclusive safari camp
• Two nights at the Mercure Inn, Kununurra
• The perfect combination of camping feasts, home-cooked meals and restaurant dining
• Includes 9 breakfasts (B), 8 fresh, healthy lunches (L) and 7 hearty dinners (D)
• 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
Additional Information
Note: Access to some Kimberley gorges may not be possible due to seasonal conditions. At these times, alternative touring will be offered.