The Kimberley &
Top End

Gibb River Road – Bell Gorge – Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary

Today we begin our journey along the remote Gibb River Road and traverse through the King Leopold Ranges. Later this morning we turn off the Gibb and into the King Leopold Conservation Reserve, passing through Silent Grove on our way to one of the Kimberley’s most stunning and dramatic gorges - Bell. Enjoy the walk down to the gorge where you can swim in the pools at the top of the waterfall. The view down the gorge is simply stunning. Those with a good level of fitness may want to walk down to the bottom of the falls (difficult terrain). Either way you will be awe-inspired by this sensational Kimberley landscape.

After wandering back up to the car park we enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back out to the Gibb River Road. We then head east before taking the Tablelands Track into Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary.

Once a dominant cattle station of the Kimberley, Mornington is now owned and operated by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and is one of the largest non-government protected areas in Australia. The sanctuary covers over 800,000 acres in the upper Fitzroy catchment and protects a range of ecosystems.

We arrive at Mornington late this afternoon and spend the next 2 nights in unique safari tents overlooking Annie Creek. Enjoy a few drinks around the campfire before dinner in the open air restaurant.

Ecology Tour – Exploring Mornington

The AWC is truly at the forefront of protecting threatened species in the Kimberley. This morning we enjoy a fascinating ecology tour with an AWC guide, learning about conservation programs being implemented to save our precious wildlife. Combined with the neighboring Marion Downs Station, AWC owns a staggering 1.5 million acres, giving iconic threatened species like the Northern Quall and Gouldian Finch a fighting chance.

Later this morning we'll take a drive to Cadjeput waterhole on the upper Fitzroy River. Enjoy a swim and a look around this beautiful part of the Kimberley before returning to the camp for lunch. This afternoon is free for you to relax - enjoy a walk along Annie Creek, go for a swim or relax in your safari cabin.

After dinner we enjoy a slide show presentation on a large outdoor projector. The slide show highlights just some of the ecological challenges that exist in the Kimberley at the moment and what the AWC are doing to combat these issues.

Galvans Gorge – Gibb River Road – Kalumburu Road – Drysdale

After breakfast we depart Mornington and head back out to the Gibb River Road. We continue heading northeast and stop off at Galvans Gorge. Enjoy a swim and some morning tea before heading on past Mount Barnett, crossing the Hann and Barnett Rivers as we continue to traverse the infamous Gibb. Early this afternoon we arrive at the 'Y junction' where the Kalumburu Road starts. We travel north along the road for about an hour to arrive at Drysdale River Station, a working cattle station covering over a million acres and running 9,000 head of cattle. We stay the night in top quality station cabins with ensuite bathroom facilities.

Kalumburu Road– Mitchell Plateau

Departing Drysdale this morning we continue trekking north up the Kalumburu Road. We pass by Doongan Station before turning off onto a track that leads us to the Mitchell Plateau. A short distance along this track we arrive at the King Edward River, an often difficult watercourse to navigate across. Once on the other side we visit some exceptional Indigenous rock art galleries featuring Gwion and Wandjina art.

Later this morning we continue heading west and ascend the Mitchell Plateau. Drive through stunning Livistona palm forests that make this area so unique before arriving at our very own Ngauwudu Safari Camp, the most luxurious and substantial accommodation on the Mitchell Plateau. Here we'll spend the next 2 nights in deluxe safari suites which feature beautiful furnishings and ensuite bathrooms. The camp features just 14 of these suites, and was built in 2011 at a cost of $4 million.

Upon our arrival at the camp we enjoy some lunch and then check in to our unique safari suites. This afternoon can be spent at your leisure. Perhaps enjoy a swim in the camp’s pristine waterhole before getting ready for dinner.

Exploring the Mitchell Falls

The Mitchell Falls are undoubtedly one of the most sensational attractions in the Kimberley. Today we travel a short distance to the Mitchell River National Park to begin a 4km moderate walk that will take us past Little Merten’s Falls, Big Merten’s Falls and finally the 3 tiered Mitchell Falls. Along the way your guides will take you to rarely seen Gwion Gwion and Wandjina rock art sites, with full interpretation. We will also have an indigenous guide to escort us from the local Kandiwal Community (if available). Upon reaching the Mitchell Falls we enjoy a picnic lunch and admire the thunderous falls before taking a scenic helicopter flight back to the start of the walk. (Helicopter flight included.) We then return to the camp for our second night on the Mitchell Plateau.

Mitchell Plateau – El Questro Wilderness Park

This morning we bid farewell to the Mitchell Plateau and head back to the Kalumburu Road.  We head south to join back up with the Gibb River Road at the 'Y junction' and then travel east, crossing the Durack and Pentecost Rivers. Enjoy a break at the Pentecost and watch as the sun sets over the Cockburn Range. From here it's just a short drive on to Emma Gorge Resort, part of the world renowned El Questro Wilderness Park. This sensational resort features unique tented safari cabins at the foot of the Cockburn Range. We enjoy a 2 night stay here to discover all the gems of this fascinating and iconic property.

Chamberlain Gorge – Zebedee Thermal Springs – Emma Gorge

This morning we head down to Chamberlain Gorge for a leisurely 1-hour cruise down a 3km long fresh waterhole bound by towering escarpments. Afterwards we visit the magical Zebedee Thermal Springs for a swim in the crystal clear 30 degree (C) water. We then return to the resort for lunch in the restaurant.

This afternoon is free for you to do as you wish. Relax by the pool, enjoy a drink at the bar or take the walk up to the Emma Gorge waterfall. Either way, you are sure to appreciate some time to yourself in this magnificent Kimberley setting.

El Questro – Kununurra

This morning we depart El Questro and head into Wyndham for a visit to 5 Rivers Lookout, featuring spectacular views of Cambridge Gulf. After a cup of tea we head to Kununurra and up to Lake Argyle, visiting the Durack Homestead Museum along the way. Upon our arrival at the dam wall we enjoy some lunch before starting our exhilarating 3-hour cruise down the Ord River, undoubtedly one of the best cruises in the Kimberley. Enjoy expert commentary along the way, learning about the rivers ecology and the Ord Irrigation Scheme. We arrive into Kununurra at sunset and are transferred to the Kununurra Country Club Hotel for our overnight stay. Enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Kununurra – Bungle Bungles

After breakfast this morning we take a leisurely tour around some of the surrounding countryside, including Ivanhoe Plains which are part of the massive Ord River Irrigation Scheme. Also enjoy some free time in the centre of Kununurra. We then depart for the Bungle Bungles, travelling south down the Great Northern Highway to the park turnoff at Mabel Downs. Continue through Mabel Downs station before entering the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles). We arrive at Bellburn Safari Lodge late afternoon and spend the next 2 nights in ensuited safari cabins (upgraded for 2013).

Bungle Bungles – Cathedral Gorge – Echidna Chasm

An optional scenic helicopter flight over the Bungle Bungles can be taken this morning. Flights must be pre-booked with our office and start at approximately $200 per person.

Purnululu National Park is home to the unique orange and black beehive shaped dome formations for which the park is famous. The park was World Heritage Listed in 2003 and is a highlight of your Kimberley adventure. Today we enjoy a leisurely walk through these spectacular domes, following the Piccaninny Creek up to Cathedral Gorge. Later this afternoon we enjoy a visit to Echidna Chasm in the north of the park before returning to the camp for our final night in the Bungle Bungles.

Bungle Bungles – Halls Creek – Fitzroy Crossing

This morning we depart the Bungle Bungles and travel via Halls Creek to Fitzroy Crossing. This afternoon travel out to Geikie Gorge National Park for a 1 hour cruise on the Fitzroy River. The river has carved its way through an ancient limestone barrier reef, exposing age old fossils on the walls of the gorge. We return to Fitzroy crossing late afternoon for our overnight stay at the Fitzroy River Lodge.

Fitzroy Crossing – Windjana Gorge – Broome

Departing Fitzroy Crossing early, our first attraction today is Tunnel Creek National Park, where you will have the opportunity to walk through the 750m underground river. Next up is a visit to Windjana Gorge, one of the Kimberley's most stunning attractions. In places the walls of the gorge stand up to 100m above the floodplain. Your experienced guide will take you for a leisurely informative walk through the gorge - look out for a few freshwater crocodiles! After lunch we continue on to Broome arriving late afternoon. We spend the final 2 nights of the tour at the luxurious Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa.

Broome Sightseeing

Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of Broome, including Gantheaume Point, Chinatown and the Pearl Luggers Museum. Enjoy free time in the CBD before returning to the resort for lunch overlooking Cable Beach. This afternoon can be spent at your leisure. Tonight we enjoy our farewell dinner at the resort and look back upon an unforgettable adventure through the Kimberley.

Broome – Home Ports

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight. Alternatively if you are staying on in Broome you will be transferred to your accommodation. Bon Voyage!