Kimberley Circuit In Style

This morning we’ll travel through the remote and beautiful landscape of the Western Kimberley, learning of local history, people and the environment crossing the Fitzroy River. We visit the 1,500 year old infamous Prison Boab Tree with it’s large hollow girth of over 14 metres. It was used in the 1890s as a lockup for indigenous prisoners on their way to Derby for sentencing. We also call into one of the Indigenous art centres in the area where we see the paintings of the culturally significant Wandjina and the Gwion Gwions. Derby is home to some of the highest tidal movement in the world and no trip to the town would be complete with-out a walk on their horseshoe shaped wharf. Our accommodation is in comfortable motel style rooms.

Accommodation: Spinifex Hotel, Derby
Meals: Lunch

This morning we hit the famous cattle track, the Gibb River Road where we travel towards the Napier Range, once a Devonian reef, these escarpments are over 350 million years old and home to a diverse array of animals and plants. The perfect place to experience the stunning natural beauty of an outback oasis is the 3.5km geological wonder of Windjana Gorge and then exploring Tunnel Creek, a 750-metre cave system carved through the Range, in which we discover stalactites, secret caves and a variety of wildlife. It is here we also learn the legend of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hide out in the late 1800’s.

This afternoon we re-join the Gibb and traverse through the scenic King Leopold Ranges prior to an afternoon walk into stunning Bell Gorge where there is the opportunity to swim and enjoy the surrounds prior to arriving at our very comfortable overnight wilderness accommodation.

Accommodation: Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our morning excursion sees visit Adcock Gorge prior to venturing back to the Gibb and driving towards beautiful Bell Gorge. A short walk takes us down to the stunning waterfall and swimming hole. We will have ample time to enjoy the scenery, explore the area, swim in the pristine fresh gorge waters and enjoy our picnic lunch. Late in the afternoon we return to our accommodation at the base of the Precipice Range.

Accommodation: Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we enjoy a swim at the stunning Barnett River prior to continuing our road trip through the Kimberley interior. Leaving the Gibb River Road we venture into the remote Northern Kimberley where a warm welcome awaits our arrival at the characteristic Drysdale River Station.

Completely cut off from the outside world by road in the wet season the working cattle station has been owned and run by the Koeyer family for many years and ticks all the boxes for an out back setting. Don’t be surprised to hear a local strumming on a guitar singing one of your favourites around the fire as we settle into the outdoor bar for the evening – you may even like to join in.

Accommodation: Drysdale River Station
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we hit the rough & ready Pt Warrender Road as we head into the inspiring country of the Wununbal people – the traditional owners of the region north of the King Edward River. We will explore incredible rock art sites, have the opportunity to swim and be awed by the stunning beauty of the natural environment. After a picnic lunch on the banks of the pristine river, shaded by giant paperbarks we continue our journey through livistonia forests arriving at our spectacular wilderness accommodation, replete with it’s own swimming hole.

Accommodation: Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you have a full day to discover the beauty of Mitchell Falls, with its magnificent waterfalls and Indigenous art. Begin with a guided hike to Little Mertens Falls to view rarely seen Aboriginal art. Continue on to Big Mertens Falls before arriving at Mitchell Falls. With superb scenery and rich culture, you can swim in the pools above the falls and spot the region’s abundant wildlife. We have also included a helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls and the surrounding wilderness back to the vehicle (Hike & flight may operate in reverse order). Longer helicopter flights over this captivating and remote coastline are available at additional expense. Then, it’s time to meander back to our wilderness lodge to relax around the fire, knowing you have just experienced a day most people can only dream of.

Accommodation: Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Retracing our way along the Kalumbaru Road we once again join the Gibb, where we enter Durack country, cattle pioneers of this tough country. Travelling East we get an appreciation of the harsh, but inspiring, country that these early cattle men and their families set through in the hope of improving their lives. Many came and went, some perished, however others were the backbone of opening up Northern Australia and their legacy lives on. A surprise awaits as we call into an outback oasis for a ‘devonshire tea’ break. This afternoon we arrive at Home Valley Station where the modern out back facilities are eagerly appreciated.

Accommodation: Home Valley Station
Meals: Breakfast

Our adventure continues today as we cross the mighty Pentecoste River and journey through the iconic El Questro Wilderness Park, where you may recognise the landscape from the Baz Luhmann movie ‘Australia’. The most famous station and tourism resort along the Gibb River Road will not disappoint. The spectacular landscape, dotted with boab trees and spectacular gorges is the perfect environment to appreciate the captivating beauty of this remote region. We have ample time to traverse the gorges and enjoy a refreshing dip in the warm spring waters of Zebedee Springs prior to arriving at stunning Emma Gorge Resort, your home for the evening. The afternoon is the perfect time to tackle the challenging Emma Gorge walk prior to enjoying a cocktail and a delicious meal under the evening sky.

Accommodation: El Questro
Meals: Breakfast

Departing El Questro and the Gibb River Road, we arrive at the vibrant outback town of Kununurra before travelling to Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the Southern Hemisphere. Join a spectacular wildlife cruise down the Ord River. From a modern shaded vessel, discover a fascinating ecological system that has developed from the damming of the river at two locations to create an area rich in wildlife, flora and undeniable scenic beauty. Enjoy a mesmerising sunset as you return to Kununurra.

Accommodation: Kununurra Country Club
Meals: Breakfast

Today we journey deep into what is sure to be a highlight of our journey, the World Heritage protected Purnululu National Park, a spectacular wilderness region that is home to some of the country’s most striking geological formations. Travel the Spring Creek Track and discover the magnitude of Purnululu as we hike to Echidna Chasm, a spectacular natural cleft in the rock. Narrow in width, with walls reaching 100-metres high, the chasm is a must-see in the Kimberley as the afternoon light sees it at it’s most glorious. This evening we arrive at the private Bungle Bungles Lodge, our home for the next 2 nights.

Accommodation: Bungle Bungle Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

We have a full day to continue our exploration of this extraordinary natural wonder, including the famous Bungle Bungle domes. Rivers created this landscape of unique orange and black striped ‘beehive’ geological formations over a period of 20 million years. Unbelievably, only the locals knew it existed until the early 1980’s; once discovered by others, the area was made a national park in 1987. We take a short walk (2-3km) into stunning Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks create a natural amphitheatre and will have time in the afternoon to take a highly recommended optional helicopter flight that puts the whole area into a spectacular perspective. (Approximate cost $399pp – own expense). This evening view another glorious sunset once again enjoying drinks & nibbles.

Accommodation: Bungle Bungle Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Head to the outback town of Halls Creek and admire the unusual China Wall. A natural quartz formation that runs six kilometres along the landscape, the wall is an echo of that for which it was named – the Great Wall of China. Continuing towards Fitzroy Crossing we may call into a remote Aboriginal community art centre, where local artists showcase their country (note: visits subject to opening times). This evening our comfortable accommodation is situated on the banks of the mighty Fitzroy River.

Accommodation: Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing
Meals: Breakfast

At Geikie Gorge National Park we explore the magnificent Darngku on a guided boat tour. Flooding of the river has bleached the walls white over time – an intriguing sight that makes it popular with photographers. Departing Fitzroy crossing we traverse the West Kimberley, crossing the Fitzroy River once again prior to arriving in Broome in the late afternoon where our tour concludes.

Accommodation: Broome
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch