1
Your Adventure Begins in Broome
Kooljaman Cape Leveque
Today you’ll be met at Broome airport by your Outback Spirit Tour Driver (Please book flights to arrive by 12pm. Alternative pickup locations available). The adventure begins as we head up the Dampier Peninsula and arrive at Cape Leveque late this afternoon. Home for the next two nights will be Kooljaman Cape Leveque in ocean view safari tents with ensuite bathrooms. This evening, get to know your travelling companions over dinner in the lodge restaurant. Meals: D
*Please book flights to arrive by 12pm. Alternative pickup locations available.
2
Precious Pearls
Kooljaman Cape Leveque
We’re off exploring! First, head to Ardyaloon and visit the Trochus Hatchery and Aquaculture Centre to meet some of the incredible marine life of the Dampier Peninsula. Then, it’s on to Australia’s oldest continuously operating pearl farm at Cygnet Bay. Enjoy a tour of the pearl farm, followed by a highspeed adventure cruise showcasing the amazing Kimberley Coast. This afternoon we return to Kooljaman and enjoy a magical sunset over Western Beach. Meals: B.L.D
3
Beagle Bay – Derby
Spinifex Hotel
Today the pace is a little more relaxed. Head back down the Dampier Peninsula and stop off at Beagle Bay, established in 1895 by Trappist monks. Take in the stunning Mother of Pearl altar at the Sacred Heart Church before continuing on to Derby. After a visit to the Boab Prison Tree and Myall’s Bore & Cattle Trough we’ll check in to the 4-star Spinifex Hotel. Meals: B.L.D
4
Gibb River Road – Bell Gorge – Mornington
Mornington Wilderness Camp
This morning we begin our journey along the infamous Gibb River Road. Passing through the King Leopold Ranges, we arrive at spectacular Bell Gorge for a guided walk and swim. Then, it’s on to Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary, deep in the heart of the Kimberley on the upper Fitzroy River.
Once a dominant cattle station, Mornington is owned and operated by Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC). It’s one of the largest non-government protected areas in Australia, encompassing a range of ecosystems across its vast 800,000 acres. It’s also a vital refuge for wildlife and protects over 200 species of birds, 88 species of reptiles and nearly 40 mammals.
For the next 2 nights we stay in unique safari tents overlooking Annie Creek. Enjoy a few drinks around the campfire before dinner. Meals: B.L.D
5
Exploring Mornington
Mornington Wilderness Camp
Combined with the neighbouring Marion Downs, Charnley River/Artesian Range and Tableland Sanctuaries, AWC owns and/or manages a staggering 2.6 million acres in the Kimberley, giving threatened species like the iconic Northern Quoll and Gouldian Finch a fighting chance for survival.
This morning we enjoy an informative ecology tour and discover why AWC is at the forefront of protecting threatened species in the Kimberley. Then, head off and explore Mornington’s vast wilderness in specially built open back safari vehicles for a true appreciation of its stunning natural landscapes. Your guides will provide commentary on AWC’s conservation programs, all whilst travelling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Kimberley! Enjoy a picnic lunch at Cadjeput waterhole on the upper Fitzroy River, where you’ll also have the opportunity for a swim.
This afternoon we return to the wilderness camp where the remainder of the day can be spent at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy an outdoor slide show highlighting how AWC is tackling some of the most significant ecological challenges in the Kimberley. Meals: B.L.D
6
Galvans Gorge – Gibb River Road – Drysdale
Drysdale River Station
This morning we return to the Gibb River Road before stopping to explore Galvans Gorge.
After a swim we’ll continue along the Gibb, heading past Mount Barnett & on to the Kalumburu Road where we begin heading north. Later this afternoon we arrive at Drysdale River Station, which runs 9000 head of cattle across more than 1 million acres. We spend the night in top quality station cabins with private ensuite bathrooms. Meals: B.L.D
7
King Edward River - Mitchell Plateau
Ngauwudu Safari Camp
Continue north this morning along the Kalumburu Road before turning off to the Mitchell Plateau. After fording the King Edward River we’ll visit a series of spectacular Wandjina rock art galleries, known as some of the best in the Kimberley. After a picnic lunch we drive through an ancient Livistona Palm forest before arriving on the Mitchell Plateau mid-afternoon. We then check-in to our very own Ngauwudu Safari Camp, perfectly positioned amongst the palms beside a tranquil creek.
Featuring deluxe Safari Suites with ensuite bathrooms, quality furnishings and large balconies, Outback Spirit’s Ngauwudu Safari Camp is the most luxurious and spacious accommodation on the Mitchell Plateau. Built in 2011 exclusively for Outback Spirit guests, it’s truly a magical spot for the next two nights of our adventure and the ideal base from which to discover the Mitchell Plateau and Mitchell Falls.
This afternoon, take a dip in the camp’s private palm fringed waterhole or simply relax in your safari suite. Enjoy a drink around the campfire at sunset before retreating to the restaurant for dinner. Meals: B.L.D
8
Exploring the Mitchell Falls
Ngauwudu Safari Camp
A big walk today, but a big highlight! After a short drive to the ranger station we’ll set off on a guided 4km walking tour to the incredible 4-tiered Mitchell Falls (Good level of fitness and mobility is required). Along the way we’ll discover rarely seen Gwion Gwion and Wandjina rock art galleries, accompanied by a local expert guide from Kandiwal Community. The walk also takes us past Mertens Falls before arriving at the top of Mitchell Falls, one of the most awe-inspiring wonders of the Kimberley.
After a picnic lunch and enough time to admire the falls we’ll take to the skies for a spectacular helicopter flight (included) back to where the walk started. Viewing the falls and surrounding landscape from the air is an absolute highlight, and a great way to finish off the experience! Once we’re on the ground at the ranger station, we return to the camp for a swim and well-earned rest. Meals: B.L.D
Note: If you do not wish to tackle the walk, there is the option to fly down by helicopter with an Outback Spirit escort (cost $160).
9
Durack And Pentecost Rivers – El Questro
Emma Gorge Resort
Today we retreat from the Mitchell Plateau and follow the Kalumburu Road back to the Gibb. From here we head east and ford the Durack River before arriving at the foothills of the Cockburn Range. Admire the stunning vista in the soft late afternoon light before crossing the mighty Pentecost River en route to Emma Gorge Resort, part of El Questro Wilderness Park. Here we spend the next three nights in unique tented safari cabins dotted through the bush. Meals: B.L.D
10
Chamberlain Gorge Cruise – Zebedee Thermal Springs
Emma Gorge Resort
This morning we head deeper into El Questro Wilderness Park to Chamberlain Gorge, a beautiful three-kilometre-long fresh waterhole bound by towering escarpment. Enjoy a tranquil 90-minute cruise and feed some of the cheeky Archerfish before heading to Zebedee Thermal Springs. Take a dip in the warm, crystal clear water surrounded by towering palms before lunch at the station township, the hub of El Questro. We then return to Emma Gorge Resort, where the rest of the afternoon can be spent at your leisure. Meals: B.L.D
11
Wyndham – Five Rivers Lookout – Parry Lagoons – Emma Gorge Walk
Emma Gorge Resort
After breakfast we head to Wyndham for a visit to Five Rivers Lookout. At 330 metres high, the views over Cambridge Gulf are extraordinary and not to be missed! En route we’ll also visit Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve, an important breeding area for a vast array of birdlife. We then return to El Questro for lunch, followed by a guided walk to Emma Gorge (optional – good fitness level required). Cool off in the serene waterhole beneath a droplet waterfall before returning to the resort late afternoon. Meals: B.L.D
12
Kununurra – Lake Argyle – Ord River
Kununurra Country Club Resort
This morning we depart El Questro and head to Kununurra, a town originally established to service the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. After some free time in the town centre we’ll continue up towards Lake Argyle, with a visit to the Durack Homestead Museum en route to the dam wall. This afternoon, enjoy a sensational 3-hour cruise down the Ord River with expert commentary about the Ord Irrigation Scheme and local environment. We arrive back in Kununurra at sunset and make our way to the Kununurra Country Club Resort for our overnight stay. Meals: B.L.D
13
Head to the Bungle Bungles
Bellburn Safari Lodge
This morning we take a tour of Kununurra’s surrounding farming country. Drive through parts of the massive Ord River Irrigation Scheme on Ivanhoe Plains, where melons, mangoes, sandalwood and other crops are grown. After a visit to the award winning Sandalwood Factory we begin our trek south to the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park, arriving late afternoon. We’ll spend the next two nights at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, owned by Outback Spirit in partnership with Aviair/HeliSpirit. The lodge features comfortable cabins with ensuite bathrooms and is the only lodge in the park with a swimming pool! Meals: B.L.D
14
Exploring Purnululu
Bellburn Safari Lodge
Today we explore the wonders of Purnululu, including its unique orange and black beehive shaped domes. First up, enjoy a breathtaking 18-minute scenic helicopter flight over the park with a bird’s eye view of its astounding natural features. This flight is valued at $299 and is now included in the tour fare for 2019! Afterwards, enjoy a walk along Piccaninny Creek to the mind boggling natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge. Then, follow the ‘dome trail’ for a closer inspection of the Park’s unique geological formations.
This afternoon we’ll head to the northern region of the Bungle Bungles to visit Echidna Chasm before returning to the lodge. Meals: B.L.D
Please Note: If you’d prefer not to take the included scenic helicopter flight, you can remove it from your itinerary and will receive a $299 price reduction on the tour fare.
15
Geikie Gorge and the Fitzroy River
Fitzroy River Lodge
Departing the Bungle Bungles, we pass through Halls Creek and onto Fitzroy Crossing. Nature and geology lovers will delight as we head into Geikie Gorge National Park for a 1-hour cruise on the Fitzroy River, winding through ancient limestone where fossils are embedded in the walls of the gorge. Retire for the night in Fitzroy Crossing at the Fitzroy River Lodge. Meals: B.L.D
16
Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge
Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa
This morning we visit Tunnel Creek National Park for a fascinating underground river walk, before moving on to the awe-inspiring Windjana Gorge. Enjoy a guided walk through the towering gorge, which rises more than 100 metres above the floodplain. We then depart for Broome, arriving late afternoon to check in to the iconic Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa for our two-night stay. Meals: B.L.D
17
Horizontal Falls Seaplane and Boat Adventure
Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa
Our journey is ending on a high with a sensational half day adventure to the Horizontal Falls. Described by Sir David Attenborough as ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world’, the falls are created when the 2nd largest tides in the world hurtle through two narrow coastal gorges.
First, enjoy a 50-minute seaplane flight and land on the calm waters of Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago. Then, board the fastest boat in the Kimberley, ‘Jet-Stream’ for an exhilarating ride through the Horizontal Falls. You’ll be awestruck at the power of the Kimberley tides as your expert skipper gives you an experience you’ll never forget. We’ll also cruise some of the surrounding bays and creeks and have a bite to eat on a commercial houseboat before returning to Broome.
This afternoon, join us for a town tour of Broome or relax and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Tonight, we gather for our final dinner together and celebrate our adventure through the Kimberley. Meals: B.L.D
Note: Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures operate tours in the morning and afternoon. AM passengers will be served breakfast. PM passengers will be served lunch. Conditions including a weight restriction of 120kg apply.
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Ending Where It All Began
Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely morning at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa. We’ll then transfer you to Broome airport for your flight home, or wherever you need to go in Broome. Bon Voyage!
Meals: B