This adventure commences in the tropical Top End, taking in the highlights of Kakadu and Katherine before crossing the border into Western Australia. Journey the rugged Gibb River Road, discovering El Questro Station, Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle) and the Mitchell Plateau en route to Broome.
Day 1. Darwin, Ubirr Rock Art, Guluyambi Cruise
Depart Darwin this morning and travel across the Marakai Plains to Kakadu National Park and on to Ubirr Rock to explore galleries of ancient Aborginal art. Then enjoy a cruise along the East Alligator River on the Guluyambi cruise. Your Aboriginal guide will explain the culture, history, and wildlife of the region.
Day 2. Arnhem Land, Aboriginal Art, Cannon Hill, Hawk Dreaming
Accompanied by a local guide, cross the East Alligator River into Arnhem Land. This morning you will experience the art and natural beauty of a region that is inaccessible to most travellers. This afternoon return to Kakadu and enjoy the art and billabongs of Cannon Hill and Hawk Dreaming. This evening enjoy sunset drinks.
Day 3. Nourlangie Rock Art, Yellow Water, Katherine
This morning travel to Nourlangie Rock to view ancient Aboriginal Rock Art before boarding a guided cruise along Kakadu's Yellow Water Billabong. For a truly iconic Kakadu experience keep an eye out for estuarine crocodiles and extensive birdlife. Then say goodbye to Kakadu National Park and travel south to Katherine.
Day 4. Dawn Break Breakfast Cruise, Kununurra, Ord River Scheme
Journey into beautiful Nitmiluk National Park and join a dawn breakfast cruise through spectacular Katherine Gorge. Depart Katherine this morning and travel into Western Australia to Kununurra, the eastern gateway to the Kimberley.
Day 5. Kununurra, Purnululu National Park, Spring Creek Track, Echidna Chasm
Depart Kununurra and travel to iconic Purnululu National Park, home to the famous Bungle Bungle Range. Journey the 4-wheel drive Spring Creek Track into the heart of this World Heritage-listed national park. This afternoon, walk into Echdina Chasm along a Livistonia palm-fringed trail on a hike regarded as one of the best in Australia.
Day 6. Purnululu National Park, Piccaninny Creek, Cathedral Gorge, Sunset Drinks
This morning perhaps enjoy an optional helicopter flight over the national park (own expense). Enjoy a hike among the famous Bungle Bungle domes along Piccaninny Creek and into Cathedral Gorge, a spacious cavern rising high into the sky where you can test the natural acoustics. Before sitting down to dinner, enjoy sunset drinks overlooking the Bungle Bungle Range.
Day 7. Purnululu National Park, Gibb River Road, El Questro
Farewell the Bungle Bungle Range this morning and join the famous Gibb River Road as we make our way to El Questro station, a million acre cattle station in the heart of the Kimberley frontier.
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. You’ll also view rarely seen Wandjina Aboriginal rock art at the gorge. 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. El Questro, Gibb River Road, Mitchell Plateau, Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge
Departing El Questro this morning, journey the rugged Gibb River Road. Ford the Pentecost River where saltwater crocodiles inhabit the deceptively calm waters. Then ford the Durack River, named after the region’s most famous pioneering family. Climb the Mitchell Plateau among a forest of Livistona Palms to arrive at our exclusive Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge, beside Camp Creek and at the top of the plateau.
Day 10. Mitchell Falls, Gwion (Bradshaw) Art, Scenic Helicopter Flight over the Falls
Today we have a full day to discover the beauty of Mitchell Falls, with a magnificent system of waterfalls and Aboriginal art. When available, local Aboriginal guides will join us for the adventure, imparting their knowledge of the area and sharing their cultural beliefs, which are closely linked to this stunning environment. 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. You can swim in the pools above the falls, learn of local history and look for the region’s stunning flora and fauna. We have included a special helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls back to the vehicle (or, if you prefer, hike back with your guide). Longer scenic helicopter flights over the remote coastline are available at
an additional charge.
Day 11. Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River
Today view the Kimberley’s unique Gwion (Bradshaw) art at a rarely seen gallery on the banks of the upper King Edward River. After viewing a Wandjina rock art gallery enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters at King Edward River Crossing.
Day 12. Barnett River Gorge, Galvans Gorge
We rejoin the Gibb River Road today, stopping at Barnett River Gorge for a swim. Enjoy lunch in the shade of local paperbark trees before travelling to Galvans Gorge where a short walk leads to a stunning waterhole. Admire the Boab trees above the waterfall and view the gorge’s Aboriginal art.
Day 13. Bell Gorge, Hiking and Swimming
Back on the Gibb River Road, we travel through Outback landscapes to Bell Gorge, where rugged cliffs surround a series of tiered waterfalls. The afternoon is yours to explore the spectacular scenery. Take a swim below the waterfall which feeds the lower pool or go birdwatching. The energetic can choose from a number of hiking opportunities. This is the perfect place to simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. Head back to the wilderness lodge and relax before dinner.
Day 14. Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek National Park, Fitzroy Crossing
This morning journey to Windjana Gorge where a short walk leads in to the gorge. See ancient marine fossils embedded in the gorge walls. Look out for freshwater crocodiles lazing on the banks of the Lennard River which runs through the gorge. At Tunnel Creek National Park wade through the 750-metre long tunnel which is carved through the Napier Range.
Day 15. Geikie Gorge Cruise, Broome
Join a local guide for a cruise through the striking coloured walls of Geikie Gorge. The stunning waterway is hemmed by limestone walls which have been bleached by annual flooding. This afternoon travel along the Great Northern Highway and arrive in the township of Broome.
