10 Day Kimberley Tours
Darwin-Broome

After waking to the early morning sounds of the bush and starting the day with a good healthy breakfast (with real coffee!) we cross the NT/WA border, immediately enter the East Kimberley and stop in Kununurra for some supplies. Kununurra was originally constructed as a support base for the Ord River Irrigation Scheme, but today is a thriving East Kimberley community filling a vital role in supporting the surrounding local economy. From Kununurra we continue our Kimberley experience and turn south onto the Great Northern Highway. The drive along the Great Northern Highway 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.

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 in the early morning light. 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 extra) to view the surrounding Bungle Bungle landscape and get a true perspective of its grandeur and magnitude. An 18-30 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.

After breakfast we break camp and head north to the Gibb River Road. Our first stop along the Gibb is Elquestro Station. Upon arrival at Elquestro 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 and picnic lunch 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 is owned and operated by the Indigenous Land Corporation, and is one of the emerging Kimberley indigenous outback experiences. Home Valley is nestled in the mighty Durack Ranges, signalling our arrival into the Kimberley central plateau. Upon arrival at Home Valley, we set up camp and enjoy a great vantage point at the best time of day. The dominant Cockburn Range exhibits the most striking panoramic perspective of this classic east Kimberley Durack country at sunset.

After breakfast we break camp and head further west along the Gibb, before turning north onto the Kalumburu road bound for the King Edward River and Mitchell Plateau. Just a short distance north, we stop at Drysdale River Station, a working cattle station and major supply point for northern Kimberley expeditions. While at Drysdale River Station, we have some lunch before departing and continuing north on the Kalumburu road. As we ascend to the far northern and more remote area of the Kimberley, there is a distinct change in the vegetation and we begin to encounter the thick palm forests that dominate the northern landscapes. After negotiating the depths of the King Edward River we arrive in a lush tropical environment adjacent to the river. This area is rich with native foods, and as such supported large populations in a past era. While at the King Edward River, we make time to explore the many cultural and rock art sites in the area. We finish today with a refreshing swim in the clean cool and croc free waters of the King Edward River before kicking back around the camp fire while dinner is prepared. Our resting place for the night is one of the most beautiful camps in the Kimberley.

After an early rise and 4WD trek to the Mitchell Plateau, we spend most of the day hiking, swimming and exploring the natural and cultural values of this remote Kimberley destination. Striking landscapes, stunning water features and ancient intricate rock art make this complete expedition worth the travel. Today we also have another opportunity for an aerial adventure (optional extra) around and over the Mitchell Falls area. After our Mitchell Plateau expedition we return to our King Edward River camp to enjoy sunset over the river with a final refreshing swim for the day.

This morning we say goodbye to the far north Kimberley and return to the Gibb River Road. We travel to Manning Gorge and the West Kimberley, en route again passing Drysdale River Station and the infamous Gibb River, with an opportunity to view some very different rock art. This afternoon we visit Galvan’s Gorge for a refreshing swim after our travel, while Wandjina figures watch over us and keep us safe. Galvan’s Gorge is a small plunge pool and amphitheatre, nestled in a soft lush environment, quite different to all the other gorges along the Gibb River Road- the perfect place to chill out before heading to our camp for the night.

This morning 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.

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.

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 belived to have been once 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 pre-booked accommodation, as we conclude our Kimberley tour and say our farewells.