Tour Code: GKH11
Tour Duration: 11 Days

Itinerary

Day 1 Sun. Broome, Guided Hike and Cruise in Geikie Gorge, Fitzroy Crossing
This morning in Broome, your experienced guide will pick you up from your hotel at 7.00 a.m. We begin our adventure into the remote and beautiful Kimberley. Known as Australia's 'Last Frontier', this is a magical region of magnificent gorges, idyllic waterholes, stunning waterfalls and unique rugged landscapes. For those with a sense of adventure, the bushwalking and swimming opportunities are unrivalled. Today, we journey through vast cattle country, stopping at Willare. Continue to Geikie Gorge National Park, where the annual flooding of the Fitzroy River has created a fascinating 'bleached' effect on the gorge walls. With a Bunaba traditional owner as our guide, we hike into the gorge, then join a cruise to admire Geikie's spectacular limestone cliffs. Look out for the national park's diverse wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles, fruit bats, wallabies, dingoes and birdlife. Travel to the historic township of Fitzroy Crossing.
Accommodation: Fitzroy Crossing, Fitzroy River Lodge, in an idyllic setting overlooking the river. (LD)
 

Day 2 Mon. Halls Creek, Ord River Crossing, World Heritage Purnululu National Park
This morning we travel to the old goldmining town of Halls Creek. As we cross the Ord River, one of the region's most significant waterways, we stop for a photo opportunity. Continuing west, we turn onto the Spring Creek track for the journey into remote Purnululu National Park. World Heritage-listed in 2003, this incredible destination is home to the striped domes known as the Bungle Bungle Range. The area is also rich in Aboriginal heritage and wildlife, including more than 130 bird species. Tonight, you can 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 permanent tents. (BLD)
 

Day 3 Tue. Purnululu National Park, Bungle Bungle Range, Cathedral Gorge, Piccaninny Creek, Sunset Drinks
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)
 

Day 4 Wed. Echidna Chasm, Kununurra
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)
 

Day 5 Thur. Lake Argyle, Ord River Cruise, Lake Kununurra at Sunset
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)
 

Day 6 Fri. Gibb River Road, El Questro Station, Zebedee Springs, Chamberlain Gorge
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)
 

Day 7 Sat. Pentecost River, Cockburn Range, Mt Elizabeth Station, Barnett River Gorge
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)
 

Day 8 Sun. Mt Elizabeth Station Guided Tour, Bradshaw and Wandjina Rock Art, Gorges
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) 

Day 9 Mon. Manning Gorge, Galvans Gorge, Mt Hart Station
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)
 

Day 10 Tue. Mt Hart Station, Day at Leisure
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)

Day 11 Wed. Windjana Gorge National Park, Derby, Boab Prison Tree, Broome
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)