9 Day Kimberley Tours

Day 1- Depart Darwin 6.30am, Edith Falls, Victoria River

Your Kimberley experience begins this morning as we collect you from your accommodation at 6.30am. Our destination for today takes us through the beautiful Victoria River District. En route we visit the gorgeous Edith Falls (Leilyn), part of Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) National Park, one of our great Northern Territory attractions. While at Edith Falls, we have time for a refreshing swim and healthy lunch, before departing and heading west along the Victoria River Highway headed for the WA/NT border. The Victoria River District displays some of the most dramatic sandstone escarpment country in Australia, and is one of Australia’s best kept secrets. We arrive at our first camp later in the afternoon where we set up and enjoy our first of many outback sunsets. Tonight’s camp will be the first of many under the star filled sky, so sit back and enjoy the camp fire while we cook you up a feast.

We provide fresh healthy meals, however if choosing to stay in hotel style accommodation, you are required to purchase your own dinners and breakfasts onsite. (Unless otherwise stated)

Day 2- Keep River, Lake Argyle (sunset cruise)

This morning after a relaxed camp breakfast we cross the WA/NT border and head to Lake Argyle for what is regularly voted as one of the highlights of the tour. The drive to Lake Argyle leads us through stunning East Kimberley country; Witness how time has folded and uplifted the Carr Boyd Ranges, and further how this landscape has been transformed by the damming of the Ord River to create a massive water reserve. Lake Argyle is not only the largest man made fresh water reserve in the Southern hemisphere, it contains a myriad of islands and is open to a variety of leisure activities, including boating, fishing, swimming and canoeing. Upon arrival at the lake, we have time for a look around the impressive damn structure and another wholesome lunch, before we prepare for our educational & fun Lake Argyle Sunset Cruise. One of the knowledgeable local guides from Lake Argyle Cruises will take you out on the lake, where you will watch the abundant wildlife including wallabies and plenty of bird life. There is also time for a swim in the pristine waters of the lake, while watching sunset and enjoying some sunset drinks & snacks. After returning to the mainland, we make our way to another great camp under the stars.

(Optional overnight remote island experience, or accommodation at Lake Argyle Village)

Day 3- Kununurra, Purnululu National Park

This morning we head into Kununurra to replenish our supplies for the remainder of the tour. Kununurra was originally constructed as a support base for the Ord River Irrigation Scheme and today is a thriving East Kimberley community filling a vital role in supporting the surrounding local economy. Here you have time to visit the indigenous art gallery, stroll through the local shops or relax in one of the town’s stylish cafes. From Kununurra we turn south onto the Great Northern Highway. Our drive is through a narrow corridor between the Carr Boyd Ranges on the eastern side, and the Durack Ranges in the West. This is classic Durack country and one of the most picturesque routes in the Kimberley. After a relaxing drive along the highway, we turn onto the Mabel Downs Station track to tackle the raw rugged terrain of the Osmond Range and surrounding Bungle Bungle landscape. As we continue through Mabel Downs cattle station towards Purnululu National Park, crossing several creeks and rivers, we stop at some lookout points to admire this uniquely striking landscape, while giving you time to capture it all through the lens. We end today at one of the park’s great vantage points to view the Bungle Bungle Range as the sun sets behind us.

Day 4- Bungle Bungle expedition

After an early breakfast we spend the whole morning hiking around and through the famous World Heritage acclaimed beehive formations of the Bungle Bungle Range. We also trek Piccinnini Creek, the main drainage channel of the park, and admire Cathedral Gorge and other outstanding features of this unique semi-arid Kimberley zone. After our morning hiking expedition we have an opportunity for a helicopter flight (optional) to view the surrounding Bungle Bungle landscape and get a true perspective of its grandeur and magnitude. An 18-45 minute flight over the Bungle Bungle Range in an open door chopper is an exhilarating experience and definitely the best way to view this incredible land form, particularly after exploring and hiking the area previously. After lunch we head to the northern section of the Bungle Bungle Range for more hiking. The drive to the North of the park is approx. 45 minutes and skirts the Bungles the whole distance, providing more opportunities to admire the changing aspects of this natural masterpiece. The experience in the park’s North is very different to this morning as we explore the changing habitats in and around Echidna Chasm. This afternoon we make a return journey once again through Mable Downs Station and onto tonight’s camp.

Day 5- Elquestro Station, Emma Gorge, Home Valley Station

This morning we head north to begin our adventures along the Gibb River Road. Our first stop along the Gibb is Elquestro Station. Upon arrival we begin our exploration with a hike into Emma Gorge. The Emma Gorge hike leads us through towering sandstone escarpments to eventually arrive at a tall waterfall in a lush tropical paradise. After a swim at Emma Falls, we return hike and depart Elquestro. As we travel further along the Gibb, we descend to and cross the tidal section of the mighty Pentecost River. This can be a tricky crossing if not handled correctly; we may even spot a crocodile as we cross! After a short drive, we arrive at our day’s final destination, Home Valley Station. HVS is owned and operated by the Indigenous Land Corporation, and is one of the emerging Kimberley indigenous outback experiences. Nestled in the mighty Durack Ranges, it is signalling our arrival into the Kimberley central plateau. Upon arrival at Home Valley, we set up camp and enjoy another breath taking sunset from a great vantage. The dominant Cockburn Range exhibits the most striking panoramic perspective of this classic east Kimberley Durack country at sunset.

Day 6- Ellenbrae Station, Galvan’s Gorge

This morning we travel further west along the Gibb and soon stop at Ellenbrae Station for mid-morning tea. This charming low key cattle farm is famous for their great scones with jam and cream, served by the friendly station managers. Relax in the lush homestead gardens and witness true Outback life styles. Travelling further on, we have lunch en route and later stop at Galvan’s Gorge for a refreshing afternoon swim before heading to camp. Tonight’s camp is one of our favourite bush camps, a great secluded little spot in the woodlands. Enjoy the tranquillity at this gorgeous time of the day, while we cook up another wholesome dinner on the camp fire.

Day 7- Manning Gorge expedition

This morning we backtrack a short way to Barnett River Roadhouse. After purchasing our day passes, we head immediately into Manning Gorge. We spend most of the day exploring this rugged remote gorge while swimming at secluded beaches, and viewing obscure Rock Art (Bradshaws). We also make time to visit the falls and have another swim, before our return hike. This expedition is for the fit and adventurous as we take you beyond where others go. After our Manning Gorge expedition we return to the Gibb River Road and head west over the Phillips Range to our camp, where we enjoy a well-deserved hearty dinner and another relaxing night under the stars.

Day 8- Imintji Community, King Leopold Ranges, Bell Gorge, Windjana Gorge

This morning after a relaxing breakfast, we continue west along the Gibb River Road, then stop at the Imintji aboriginal community. Our time at Imintji community allows us to visit the community arts centre, grab an ice cream, refreshing drink or even a latte and cake! – a true opportunity to experience remote community life and successful indigenous enterprise. Soon we enter the dramatic King Leopold Ranges, and after a brief stop we head directly into Bell Gorge. Nestled in the rugged sandstone of the King Leopold Conservation Zone, our Bell Gorge expedition leads us into the gorge revealing a major geological event in the evolution of the Kimberley land forms, and one of the most popular Kimberley waterfalls along the Gibb River Road. After our swim we exit the King Leopold Ranges and leave the central plateau area behind us, as we head towards the changing landscape and environments of the Western Kimberley. On approach the Napier Range abruptly rises from the western plains (Pindan country) to expose a 350 million year old Devonian Reef system. The reef system and surrounding plains provide cultural and geological insights spanning millennia. A short late afternoon hike into Windjana Gorge reveals one of the most dense freshwater crocodile populations in the south pacific, and how extreme weather events have created this geological masterpiece and its micro habitat. Tonight, enjoy a spectacular sunset from camp as the sun lights up the gorge walls displaying typical red and orange Kimberley colours.

Day 9- Tunnel Creek, Derby, Boab Prison Tree, Broome

After waking to our last Kimberley sunrise, our Kimberley experience continues as we explore Tunnel Creek in the early morning. We travel a short distance from camp, following the Devonian Reef system to Tunnel Creek. We arrive at Tunnel Creek nice and early to experience this unique formation and micro habitat in its true tranquillity. There is often an abundance of early morning wildlife here as we trek through the main tunnel and explore some of the secondary caverns of this amazing protected environment. While at Tunnel Creek we reveal some of the local Bunuba indigenous heritage, important cultural stories and historic events. After our early morning exploration of Tunnel Creek we then make our way back to the Gibb River Road, and soon afterwards we visit the remote town of Derby, home to some of the largest tides in the world. While in Derby we take advantage of the shopping opportunity and grab some fresh supplies, before heading out to the seafront for lunch. After lunch we hit the road for Broome, along the way stopping off to view a boab tree estimated to be 1500 years old, and said to have been used as a prison tree during the colonial/aboriginal conflict period of the late 19th century. Upon arrival in Broome we transfer you to your accommodation, as we conclude our Kimberley tour and say our farewells.

Day 1- Depart Broome 6.30am, Derby, Boab Prison Tree, Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge

Your Kimberley Experience begins this morning as we pick you up from your Broome accommodation at 6.00am. Our immediate destination is the heart of the Kimberley as we head towards the Kimberley Devonian Reef system. Along the way we visit the remote town of Derby, home to some of the largest tides in the world. Next we head straight for the Gibb River Road, en route we stop off to view a Boab tree estimated to be around 1500 years old, and once used as a prison tree during the Colonial/Aboriginal conflict period of the late 19th Century. This afternoon after driving our first stretch of the Gibb River Road, our Kimberley experience deepens as we explore Tunnel Creek at a leisurely pace. On approach, the Napier Range abruptly rises from the western plains (Pindan Country) to expose a 350 Million Year old Devonian Reef system. The reef system and surrounding plains provide cultural and geological insights spanning millennia. While at Tunnel Creek, we take time to experience this unique formation and micro habitat. As we trek through the tunnel, we reveal some of the local Bunuba Indigenous heritage, important cultural stories and historic events. In the late afternoon we return to Windjana Gorge just in time to enjoy our first Kimberley sunset. Tonight’s camp will be the first of many under the Kimberley sky, so sit back and enjoy the camp fire while we cook up a feast.

Day 2- Gibb River Road, Bell Gorge

This morning, enjoy your first healthy camp breakfast with Charter North, including freshly brewed Espresso coffee. After packing up camp, we leave the “Pindan country” of the West Kimberley and make our way back to the Gibb River Road. We travel deeper into the Kimberley towards the King Leopold Ranges, where you will witness how time and immense geological forces have shaped this landscape over billions of years. Our first stop is Bell Gorge, nestled in the rugged sandstone of the King Leopold Conservation Zone. Our hike into the gorge reveals one of the most popular Kimberley waterfalls along the Gibb River Road. After a refreshing swim and some relaxation time, we head further east along the Gibb towards tonight’s camp. Along the way, we enjoy a short walk and late afternoon swim at Galvan’s Gorge, one of the Gibb’s most accessible and secluded gorges, before heading to camp. Tonight’s camp is in close proximity to tomorrow’s hiking expedition at Manning Gorge. We arrive just in time for sunset and another healthy dinner under the stars.

Day 3- Manning Gorge, Barnett River Gorge

After breakfast we prepare for our hike and paddle across the Manning Creek to begin our hike into Manning Gorge and waterfalls. We spend the whole morning exploring this rugged remote gorge while hiking, swimming and viewing obscure rock art. We swim in the crystal clear creek and large waterfall plunge pool, before snacking and hiking back, again crossing Manning Creek with a final refreshing swim. After lunch we take a short drive to Barnett River Gorge where we spend the late afternoon enjoying the sunset from a great vantage point on the edge of the gorge. As the sun drops behind the Kimberley plateau, we witness the changing colours of the Barnett Range in the distance before a short walk and drive to our camp.

Day 4- Gibb River, Durack River, Home Valley Station

This morning we break camp and continue eastward on route to Home Valley Station. While en-route today, we stop at either the Gibb or Durack River for lunch, and perhaps a midday swim just to break the journey and take in some more Kimberley pioneering history. Home Valley Station is a fully operative cattle station, owned and operated by the Indigenous Land Corporation. This station combines their beef enterprise with tourism, and provides some great training and employment opportunities for young indigenous people. As we enter the Home Valley property we crest the Pentecost Range and are confronted with the stunning Cockburn Ranges and Pentecost River panorama. With views to the North and East over the Durack Ranges and surrounding river environments, this is one of the most photographed scenes of the Kimberley Region. After spending some time admiring this stunning landscape, we descend the Pentecost Range and continue on to tonight’s camp.

Day 5- Elquestro, Bungle Bungles

This morning as we depart Home Valley Station, we immediately cross the tidal section of the mighty Pentecost River, watching for crocodiles as we negotiate this tricky crossing. Upon arrival at Elquestro Station, we prepare for a hike into Emma Gorge. The Emma Gorge hike leads us through towering sandstone escarpments and along the rocky creek bed, to eventually arrive at a tall waterfall in a lush tropical paradise. Upon arrival at the huge cool plunge pool at the bottom of Emma Falls, we have time for a very refreshing swim and some snacks before making our way back to our vehicle for this afternoon’s drive to the Bungles (Purnululu National Park). This afternoon we travel the remainder of the Gibb River Road before turning south onto the Great Northern Highway. This drive is through a narrow corridor between the Carr Boyd Ranges on the eastern side, and the Durack Ranges in the West. This is classic Durack Country and one of the most picturesque routes in the Kimberley. After our easy drive along the highway we turn onto the Mabel Downs Station track to tackle the raw rough and rugged terrain of the Osmond Range and surrounding Bungle Bungle landscapes. As we continue through Mabel Downs Cattle Station towards Purnululu National Park, we cross several creeks and rivers on this challenging 4WD route, before arriving at one of the park’s great vantage points to view the Bungle Bungle Range as the sun sets behind us.

Day 6- Bungle Bungles Expedition

After an early breakfast, we spend the whole morning hiking around and through the famous World Heritage acclaimed beehive formations of the Bungle Bungle Range. The early morning light is perfect for photography. We trek Piccinnini Creek, the main drainage channel of the park, and admire Cathedral Gorge and other outstanding features of this unique semi-arid Kimberley zone. After our morning hiking expedition we have an opportunity for a helicopter flight (optional) to view the surrounding Bungle Bungle landscape and get a true perspective of its grandeur and magnitude. An 18-45 minute flight over the Bungle Bungle Range in an open door chopper is an exhilarating experience and definitely the best way to view this incredible land form, particularly after our hiking expedition. After lunch we drive to the northern section of the Bungle Bungle Range for more hiking. The drive to the North of the park is approx. 45 minutes and skirts the Bungles the whole distance, providing more opportunities to admire the changing aspects of this natural masterpiece. The experience in the park’s North is very different to this morning, therefore we take some time to explore the changing habitats in and around Echidna Chasm. After an active day we leave the Bungles behind and head to our east Kimberley camp for the night.

Day 7- Kununurra, Lake Argyle (sunset cruise)

After another healthy breakfast and fresh coffee, we head directly into Kununurra for a quick resupply. Kununurra was originally constructed as a support base for the Ord River Irrigation Scheme and today is a thriving East Kimberley community filling a vital role in supporting the surrounding local economy. You will have time for a look around and maybe a mid morning coffee at one of the town’s modern cafes, before we continue our journey to Lake Argyle. The drive to Lake Argyle leads us through more stunning East Kimberley country. Witness once again how time has folded and uplifted the Carr Boyd Ranges, and further how this landscape has been transformed by the damming of the Ord River to create a massive water reserve. Lake Argyle is not only the largest man made fresh water reserve in the Southern hemisphere, it contains a myriad of islands and is open to a variety of leisure activities, including boating, fishing, swimming and canoeing. Before boarding for our sunset cruise on the lake we have time for a look around the impressive Lake Argyle damn structure and another wholesome lunch. Once on board, Lake Argyle Cruises will take you on an amazing journey that is both educational and relaxing. Learn about the history of the lake and watch the abundant local wildlife going about their daily business- including wallabies, freshwater crocodiles, and plenty of bird life. You will also have time for a sunset swim, while enjoying some drinks and snacks. After the cruise, we head straight to tonight’s camp.

(Optional overnight remote island experience, or accommodation at Lake Argyle Village)

Day 8- Northern Territory, Victoria River, Katherine

This morning we head for the Northern Territory. We cross the NT/WA border and continue east along the Victoria River Highway. Witness the changing landscapes as we drive through Judbarra (Gregory National Park) in the Victoria River District. This region of the Northern Territory displays some of the most dramatic sandstone escarpment country in Australia, and is one of Australia’s best kept secrets. As we continue further east, we stop for lunch in the heart of the VRD, then say goodbye to the Kimberley boab trees and are welcomed by the “Top End’s” tropical environments. We pass through the remote NT town of Katherine and continue on to our camp in the Edith Falls area. Tonight we get to enjoy our first Northern Territory sunset.

Day 9- Edith Falls, Darwin

After waking to our first sunrise in the Northern Territory and having a good breakfast with more freshly brewed coffee, we visit the gorgeous Edith Falls (Leliyn). Part of the expansive Nitmiluk National Park, Edith Falls is one of the favourite Top End water playgrounds. With its three tiered waterfall and scenic beauty, this is a fitting way to close our adventure with one last hike and swim before heading to Darwin. After another picnic lunch we depart Edith Falls and head further north up the Stuart Highway to our final destination, Darwin. Upon arrival in Darwin we transport you to your accommodation and leave you to reflect on your Kimberley Experience with us.

At Charter North 4WD Safaris, we know how important a healthy, balanced diet is for your well-being, and just because our tours are remote that does not mean that you will have to compromise your diet for the duration of your trip. Many of our tour guests still attribute camping to sausages and bread, but thankfully these days are over. At Charter North, we provide freshly prepared meals incorporating all food groups at breakfast, lunch & dinner. In between meals, there will be plenty of healthy snacks to top up energy levels during our activity packed tour days. Ample cool storage space in our tour trailers allows us to carry lots of fresh vegetables & fruits along with all other ingredients for our wholesome meals. All of our guides are great camp fire cooks and you will be surprised at the variety of meals they prepare for you. We cater for a range of diets (vegetarian, gluten free etc.). Read more.

What our tour guests say about our food:

“The day was always started with a fresh cup of percolated coffee and a spread of cereals, breads, fresh fruit and when time permitted damper, eggs and bacon, often with an open fire. We were all surprised at the quality and variety of food prepared; Fresh, organic, delicious and plenty thereof, always thinking of the environment in our use of the camping area, roads and bush.”

“We fully expected 3 nights of BBQ sausage in rolls so it was fantastic to get a really delicious home-cooked meal every evening, from stir fries to homemade pasta sauces. Plenty of snacks and a hearty breakfast (and espresso coffee… no international roast here!) set us up for the day.”

“I was expecting 8 nights of BBQ’ed sausages, but we ended up with everything from stir fries to tacos to pasta, all cooked on an open fire. So the dinners were great, and it would be remiss of me not to mention Alina’s muesli and GT’s coffee, which got the mornings off to a great start.”

“The food was great & all meals other than lunch were cooked over the fire. We enjoyed freshly brewed coffee and cooked breakfasts (eggs and bacon; jaffles); bread cooked in the camp oven (including damper; multigrain and a banana bread); Bbqs, curries, pasta and stir fries for dinner and plenty of chocolate and marshmallows for toasting over the fire while star gazing.”

(Quotes from our 2017/18 TripAdvisor reviews)

At Charter North 4WD Safaris, our guests’ safety, comfort and well-being always comes first. Through a number of mechanism, we ensure that you are well looked after, well informed and getting the most out of your valuable holiday at all times. After all, a holiday should be relaxing and enjoyable, and you are in the right hands with Charter North.

Our Tour Guides

All of our tour guides have many years of experience and comprehensive knowledge of our tour destinations. They are personable, responsible and approachable and will ensure that you truly experience and learn about your chosen destination, not just see it. Our guides are accredited, trained in remote first aid and most importantly passionate about their work, people and the environment.

Our tour vehicles & trailers

Charter North’s tour vehicles and trailers are suited to the sometimes rough and often challenging conditions characteristic of our tour destinations, and are equipped with the latest safety features and emergency communications. Our modern luxury 4wds are the most comfortable available in the market, and fitted with upgraded suspension to “smoothen out the ride” even further. They are fitted with air-conditioning and curtain airbags throughout, and designed for quiet acoustics allowing you to converse freely. All vehicles and trailers are serviced and maintained to the highest standards and beyond recommended service intervals to minimise any risk of mechanical issues on tour.

Our camping equipment

Charter North’s camping equipment is chosen with care to provide the most suitable and comfortable options available. We test and approve any equipment we use, with an emphasis on products that are easy to manage, fast to set up, light weight and of course comfortable. On our camping programs, we use dome tents that are easy to set up and cool through warmer nights. Our swags are fitted with high density foam mattresses, sheets & pillows. For even greater camping comfort, we have created our camper trailer product, available for all private tours and unique in the Top End.

For further tour information, please visit our FAQs.