Tour Details - 8 Day El Questro, Gorges and Purnululu 2012

Day 1. Broome, Boab Prison Tree, Windjana Gorge
This morning begin your exploration of the awe-inspiring Kimberley region. Visit the Boab Prison Tree, believed to be more than 1,500 years old. Measuring an incredible 14 metres in diameter, and with its hollow centre and door cut into its side, the Boab Prison Tree was once used by early police patrols as a staging point for prisoners being walked into Derby. Today, the tree is a registered Aboriginal Site and is of cultural significance to local tribes. After time to admire and learn about the tree, begin your journey on the Gibb River Road, a remote 660 km outback highway stretching between Broome and Kununurra. The Gibb traverses through the wild heart of the Kimberley, through a spectacular landscape of intensely coloured ranges, dramatic gorges and lush rock pools and waterfalls. Travel to remarkable Tunnel Creek and, with torch in hand, wade through the cool waters to view the wonderful oasis. At Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above white sands, see the ancient marine fossils embedded in the gorge walls. You might even see freshwater crocodiles lazing on the banks of the Lennard River, which runs through the gorge.

Day 2. Bell Gorge, Hiking and Swimming
Back on the Gibb River Road this morning, journey into King Leopold Range National Park, covering more than 900,000 acres and featuring seven rugged ranges. It’s also home to Bell Gorge, where stunning cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. Bell Gorge was formed by water flowing west from the King Leopold Range and cutting through the ancient rock of the region. Sitting approximately 300 metres above sea level, Bell Gorge is a spectacular spot for swimming, photography and enjoying what nature has to offer. During your time here, you can take a relaxing swim below the waterfall which feeds the lower pool, or perhaps go bird watching. Those who are feeling energetic can choose from a number of hiking opportunities.

Day 3. Galvans Gorge, Durack River
Today, travel through the heart of Kimberley cattle country to discover one of the region’s most beautiful and most secluded gorges. At Galvans Gorge, a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole where you can inspect the rock art on the gorge walls and perhaps take a leisurely swim in the refreshing waters. Afterwards, rejoin the Gibb River Road and ford the mighty Durack River, which was named after the region’s most famous pioneering family. Then cross the Pentecost River into El Questro Wilderness Park – one million stunning acres in the Kimberley wilderness. Tonight relax with your fellow travellers and enjoy a delicious dinner at Emma Gorge Resort.

Day 4. El Questro, Emma Gorge, Zebedee Springs.
Today you have the whole day to discover the wonders of El Questro for yourself. Starting early this morning, join a hike into Emma Gorge, where you can indulge in a refreshing swim over to the towering droplet waterfall. Then, with a local ranger, cruise Chamberlain Gorge, a fresh waterway fringed by tropical vegetation and rugged escarpments. Later in the afternoon, walk to beautiful Zebedee Springs to soak in the natural thermal pools surrounded by lush ferns and palms. After a rejuvenating soak, return to Emma Gorge Resort for the night.

Day 5. World Heritage Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park
Farewell El Questro this morning and journey to Purnululu National Park, one of Australia’s most fascinating landmarks. World Heritage-listed in 2003, the national park is home to the famed black and orange striped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range. The range rises up to 578 metres above sea level and stands above a woodland and grass covered plain, with steep cliffs on the western plain. Formed by constant erosion and river movements over 20 million years, the range has both geological and Indigenous cultural significance. It’s an imposing sight; and one that you are sure to remember forever. During your time here, you’ll marvel at the domes from afar, then step inside the range to discover the hidden world of gorges, pools and incredible fauna that exists inside. As the sun begins to set over the range, enjoy a complimentary drink and savour a truly magnificent sight.

Day 6. Echidna Chasm, Cathedral Gorge.
Today you will discover the magic of Purnululu for yourself, and learn that it’s not just the Bungle Bungle Range that this incredible region is famous for. Join a gentle hike along a Livistona palm-fringed trail – regarded as one of the best in Australia – into Echidna Chasm, a spectacular cleft in the rock massif. From here, continue on to Piccaninny Creek, a winding gorge within the high walls of the Bungle Bungle domes. Your next stop is the natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge, a spacious cavern rising high into the sky where you can test your vocal chords. As you wander through, marvel at the beehive domes while your guide brings the natural history of the range to life. Learn about bushtucker, bush medicine and the area’s significance to local Aboriginals.

Day 7. Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing.
Farewell the Bungle Bungle and visit Halls Creek. See unusual China Wall, a natural quartz formation which rises from a creek and up over a small hill. The wall looks like a small version of the famous Great Wall of China – hence its name. Continue to Fitzroy Crossing, a small settlement situated on the Fitzroy River.

Day 8. Geikie Gorge Cruise, Broome.
This morning we journey into Geikie Gorge National Park, and enjoy a morning to explore Geikie Gorge, situated at the junction of the Oscar and the Geikie Ranges. This 30 metre deep gorge has been carved over the years by the mighty Fitzroy River. Flooding of the river has bleached the gorge walls white over the years – an intriguing sight which makes Geikie Gorge very popular with photographers. During your time here, board a unique cruise along this stunning gorge and learn more about its surrounding flora and fauna. After lunch, travel to Broome, where your tour concludes.