Join a 15 day exploration of the Kimberley and Top End, travelling by 4WD and staying in key locations and wilderness camps. Highlights include searching for crocodiles at Windjana Gorge, swimming in Emma Gorge at El Questro Cattle Station and learning the history and culture of Aboriginal Rock Art in Kakadu National Park.
Day 1. Depart Broome, Geikie Gorge Cruise
Departing Broome, travel along the Great Northern Highway on the way to Fitzroy Crossing. At Geikie Gorge discover a stunning waterway hemmed by limestone walls that have been bleached by annual flooding. Cruise the gorge with our local guide.
Day 2. Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge
Our first stop is Tunnel Creek, a 750 metre-long natural tunnel carved through the Napier Range. With torch in hand, you can wade through the cool waters under the mountain range to view the oasis that awaits on the other side. At Windjana Gorge, sheer cliffs tower above white sands and ancient marine fossils are embedded in the gorge walls. Look out for freshwater crocodiles lazing on the banks of the Lennard River which runs through the gorge. Then we begin our journey on the famous Outback highway, the Gibb River Road, continuing on to our exclusive camp, in the heart of Ngarinyin country.
Day 3. Bell Gorge, Hiking and Swimming
Back on the Gibb River Road we travel to Bell Gorge, where rugged cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. The afternoon is yours to explore. Enjoy a swim below the waterfall, go birdwatching or choose from a number of hiking opportunities. This is the perfect place to simply relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Day 4. Galvans Gorge, Barnett River Gorge
Travel through Kimberley cattle country, discovering secluded gorges. At Galvans Gorge, a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole. Inspect the gorge’s rock art and take a swim. At Barnett River Gorge enjoy lunch under the local gum trees. Look out for birdlife and take another dip. We then head towards the isolated Mitchell Plateau. This area is the traditional home of the Ngarinyin Aboriginal people.
Day 5. King Edward River, Mitchell Plateau
Ascending the Mitchell Plateau, we enter a world of Livistona palm forests, ancient Aboriginal art, magnificent waterfalls and isolated swimming holes. Today, explore Wandjina and Gwion (Bradshaw) art galleries and swim in crystal-clear waters at King Edward River Crossing. Relax at our exclusive Wilderness Lodge beside Camp Creek at the top of the plateau.
Day 6. Mitchell Falls, Scenic Flight over Falls
Today discover the beauty of Mitchell Falls. When available, local Aboriginal guides will join us, imparting their knowledge of the area. Begin with a guided hike to Little Merten Falls to view rarely seen Aboriginal art. Continue on to view Gwion (Bradshaw) art and Big Merten Falls before arriving at Mitchell Falls. Here swim in the river above the falls and discover the wildlife. Take a helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls back to the vehicle (or, if you prefer, hike back with your guide). Longer flights over the remote coastline are available at an additional charge.
Day 7. Gibb River Road, El Questro Station
Leaving the magnificent Mitchell Plateau, we rejoin the Gibb River Road and ford the Durack River, named after the region’s most famous pioneering family. Then ford the Pentecost River where saltwater crocodiles inhabit the deceptively calm waters, before arriving at
El Questro Station and Wilderness Park – one million acres in the Kimberley wilderness.
Day 8. Chamberlain Gorge, Aboriginal Art, Zebedee Thermal Pools, Emma Gorge
Today discover the wonders of El Questro. Cruise Chamberlain Gorge, a fresh waterway fringed by tropical vegetation and rugged escarpments, with a ranger. This afternoon walk to beautiful Zebedee Springs to soak in the natural thermal pools, surrounded by lush ferns and palms. After a leisurely soak, hike to Emma Gorge and indulge in a refreshing swim over to the towering droplet waterfall.
Day 9. World Heritage Purnululu National Park
Farewell El Questro and journey to World Heritage Purnululu National Park, a spectacular wilderness region. We travel the rugged Spring Creek Track into the heart of the park. Enjoy a drink while the sun sets over the Bungle Bungle.
Day 10. Echidna Chasm, Cathedral Gorge
Discover the magic of Purnululu for yourself. Virtually unknown to white Australians until 1982, the park’s remoteness is equalled only by its untouched, mysterious beauty. Hike into Echidna Chasm, a spectacular cleft in the rock massif. Continue on to Piccaninny Creek and the natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge. Walk among the beehive domes as 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 11. Kununurra, Ord River Scheme
Travel to Kununurra and tour the Ord River Scheme, which was constructed on the river in 1963. The scheme was established to harness the wild, tropical rivers of Western Australia so that the water could be used for irrigation and electricity production.
Day 12. Northern Territory, Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine Gorge Dinner Cruise
Departing Kununurra we cross the border into the Northern Territory. Pass the tiny town of Timber Creek en route to Nitmiluk National Park. The traditional home of the Jawoyn people, Nitmiluk’s 13 stunning gorges were carved from red sandstone over the course of 20 million years. Experience a memorable sunset cultural dinner cruise through the towering cliffs of Katherine Gorge. Your guide will detail the region’s rich flora and fauna, and explain the significance of the gorge’s Aboriginal art.
Day 13. World Heritage Kakadu National Park
Travel into World Heritage-listed Kakadu, the Northern Territory’s best known national park. Rich in flora, wildlife and beautiful scenery, it’s home to more than 5000 rock art sites and up to one-third of all Australian bird species. For these reasons, the park is one of the few World Heritage sites that is listed for both its cultural values and natural features. Board a guided cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong. Travel to Nourlangie Rock to view Aboriginal rock art.
Day 14. Arnhem Land, Hawk Dreaming, Cannon Hill
Accompanied by a local guide, cross the East Alligator river into Arnhem Land. This afternoon return to Kakadu and enjoy the art and billabongs of Cannon Hill and Hawk Dreaming.
Day 15. East Alligator River, Guluyambi Cruise, Ubirr Rock Art, Darwin
Cruise the East Alligator River on the Guluyambi cruise. We travel to Ubirr, to see the superbly preserved Aboriginal rock art. Ubirr features one major rock art gallery and some 36 smaller sites. Journey across the Marakai Plains to Darwin.
