1
Broome
Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa
On arrival in Broome, your 15-day Jewels of the Kimberley and Faraway Bay tour commences. Today you will be greeted by our friendly and professional Tour Director before checking in to the iconic Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa where you will stay for the next two nights. The remainder of the day is free to spend at your leisure, before viewing a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset from the resort prior to your welcome dinner. (D)
2
Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventure
Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa
Start your afternoon with a sensational half day adventure to 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, we cruise through the falls and surrounding bays and creeks before heading back to Broome.
Later today, join us for a town tour or relax at the resort until dinner. Tonight, we gather for dinner again at the Sunset Bar & Grill. (B,L,D)
Please note: Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures have a weight restriction of 120kg.
3
Broome, Derby and Fitzroy Crossing
Fitzroy River Lodge
Today we depart Broome and head for Derby. Enjoy a look around town and visit the Boab Prison Tree before joining the start of the Gibb River Road.
We visit an Art gallery before visiting Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek), where water has carved a large tunnel through the limestone Napier Ranges. At 750m long and up to 20m in height in places, this was formed 350 million years ago as part of an ocean reef system.
Later today we continue to Fitzroy Crossing, arriving late-afternoon to check in to the Fitzroy River Lodge. (B,L,D)
Please note: We recommend packing water/reef shoes to take part in the Tunnel Creek walk.
4
Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek and Bungle Bungles
Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge
This morning we depart Fitzroy Crossing and continue along the Great Northern Highway to Halls Creek. On arrival in town, we divert out to old Halls Creek to view the site of the original township where the goldrush was located, along with the famous China Wall.
We travel back to Halls Creek for lunch. This afternoon we continue east and turnoff to the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles). Enjoy 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. (B,L,D)
5
Exploring the Bungle Bungles
Bungle Bungle Savannah 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. 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. (B,L,D)
Please note: Weight limits apply to all scenic flights.
6
North to Wyndham and Kununurra
Kununurra Country Club
Today we farewell the Bungle Bungles and travel north to Wyndham. Enjoy a visit to the spectacular Five Rivers Lookout, with dramatic views over Cambridge Gulf. After a picnic lunch we make our way to Kununurra and check in to the centrally located Kununurra Country Club for our overnight stay. The rest of the afternoon can be spent at your leisure. (B,L,D)
7
Ord River Cruise and El Questro
Emma Gorge Resort
This morning we head to the banks of Lake Kununurra to board our sensational 3-hour cruise up the Ord River. Enjoy the mesmerising scenery and diverse wildlife as your skipper takes you upstream to Lake Argyle, with expert commentary along the way. Once we reach the dam wall, we board our coach and return to Kununurra by road, stopping off at the Argyle Homestead Museum along the way. Located at the base of the Cockburn Range, our home for the next two nights is Emma Gorge Resort, where we stay in unique tented cabins. (B,L,D)
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Exploring El Questro
Emma Gorge Resort
This morning we head deeper into this iconic Kimberley wilderness park to Chamberlain Gorge, a beautiful three-kilometre-long fresh waterhole bound by towering escarpment. Enjoy a 90-minute gorge cruise and feed some of the cheeky Archerfish before returning to Emma Gorge Resort via the Station township.
After lunch, enjoy a guided walk up to the stunning Emma Gorge waterfall (2.5 hours return – a good level of fitness required, but well worth it). Enjoy a swim in the large rock pool at the base of the falls and marvel at the beauty of the gorge, one of the best in the Kimberley. Upon returning to the resort, the rest of the afternoon can be spent at your leisure before re-grouping for dinner. (B,L,D)
9
Zebedee Springs, Gibb River Road and Drysdale
Drysdale River Station
You'd be hard pressed to find a better way to start the day than a swim in the warm, crystal clear waters of Zebedee Thermal Springs. We'll spend a relaxing morning here before resuming our journey west along the Gibb River Road.
Cross the mighty Pentecost River and continue past Ellenbrae Station to the 'Y' junction. From here we follow the Kalumburu Road to Drysdale River Station, which runs 9,000 head of cattle across more than 1 million acres. We spend the night here in comfortable station cabins with private ensuite bathrooms. (B,L,D)
10
King Edward River and Mitchell Plateau
Ngauwudu Safari Camp
This morning we continue north along the Kalumburu Road before turning onto the Mitchell Plateau track. 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.
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 exclusively for Outback Spirit guests, it's truly a magical spot to spend 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. (B,L,D)
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Exploring Punamii-Unpuu (Mitchell Falls)
Ngauwudu Safari Camp
A big walk today, but also a big highlight. After a short drive to the ranger station, we'll set off on a guided 4km walking tour to the incredible Mitchell Falls (good level of fitness and mobility 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 the 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 well-earned rest and perhaps a swim in the palm fringed creek. (B,L,D)
Please Note: For passengers not wishing to do the Mitchell Falls walk there is an option to fly down by helicopter at an additional cost. An Outback Spirit guide will still escort you.
Please note: Weight limits apply to all scenic flights.
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Mitchell Plateau and Faraway Bay
Faraway Bay
This morning we head to the Mitchell Plateau airstrip for our scenic flight over the Kimberley coast to Faraway Bay. Our aircraft for the morning is Outback Spirit's state-of-the-art Cessna Grand Caravan, featuring a high wing for excellent visibility, air-conditioning and turbine reliability. Viewing the Kimberley coast from the air is a highlight, and this morning’s flight will take us over Admiralty Gulf and Vansittart Bay. We then land at Faraway Bay, the northernmost lodge in Western Australia. Spend the next two nights in rustic yet comfortable cabins featuring ensuite bathrooms and stunning views of the bay.
Faraway Bay is an award-winning coastal lodge nestled on a rocky hilltop overlooking the turquoise Timor Sea. Located 280 kilometres north-west of Kununurra, this far north area of Western Australia is a remote and spellbinding part of the Kimberley. With King George Falls just a short boat trip away, this unique wilderness retreat offers an experience you will never forget.
Later we return to the lodge for sunset drinks before dinner in Eagle Lodge. (B,L,D)
Please note: Twin / Double passengers will need to pack down to 1 bag between 2 passengers weighing 12kg in total. Single passengers will need to re-pack into a smaller bag weighing 6kg. This is due to weight restrictions on the flight to Faraway Bay.
Please note: Weight limits apply to all scenic flights.
13
King George Falls Marine Adventure
Faraway Bay
It’s now time for one of the major highlights of your adventure: King George Falls. After waking up to birdsong and breakfast made with produce from the Ord River region, we’ll head off with the lodge's expert skipper and guides for an unforgettable marine adventure.
The King George River is one of WA’s most magnificent treasures, famous for its enormous twin waterfalls that stand over 70m high and descend into the Timor Sea. From a cultural point of view, the river is highly significant to the Balanggarra people. To them the Falls are the male and female Wunkurr (Rainbow Serpents).
Along the coast to the King George River we travel past Koolama Bay where the merchant vessel ‘Koolama’ was bombed by the Japanese during World War II. Hear about the amazing story of survival and mutiny, and the untimely and unfortunate end to the ‘Koolama’.
When we get to the entrance of the King George River, you can’t help but feel dwarfed by the towering red rocky cliffs rising high above us. From here, we’ll meander upriver to the incredible Falls, and if conditions permit, you’ll be able to take an invigorating waterfall shower as the boat edges to within metres of the rock face.
After some time to soak up the spellbinding Falls, we’ll start heading back to the lodge. Enjoy some fishing on the way and keep an eye out for other marine life including crocodiles, dolphins, dugong, and manta rays to name just a few. (B,L,D)
14
Scenic flight to Darwin
Hilton Garden Inn Darwin
Today we farewell the Kimberley and board our aircraft for the scenic flight to Darwin. See King George Falls from the air before heading east to Joseph Bonaparte Gulf. From here we'll hug the coastline to Darwin, arriving early in the afternoon. We then check in to the Hilton Garden Inn Darwin, where the rest of the afternoon can be spent at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy our final dinner together and celebrate our Kimberley adventure. (B,L,D)
Please note: Weight limits apply to all scenic flights.
15
Board The Ghan Expedition in Darwin
The Ghan Expedition
After an early breakfast at your hotel before checking out and making your way to the lobby of DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, 116 The Esplanade, Darwin ready to check in for your journey on The Ghan Expedition.
Settle into the comforts of The Ghan, relax in your cabin, or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. Enjoy lunch ahead of your Off Train Experience in Katherine. In a region renowned for jaw-dropping natural assets, Katherine boasts one of the Top End’s best – the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge and a cruise is on offer to
showcase the beauty of this spot. Alternatively, the Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the outback home, while the Cutta Cutta Cave system is home to a variety of native wildlife and is rich in Indigenous culture and modern European history. Alternatively, take it all in from the air, with an optional upgrade helicopter flight over Nitmiluk. (B,L,D)
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The Ghan Expedition, Alice Springs
The Ghan Expedition
Your arrival into Alice Springs after breakfast provides you with time to explore this iconic town in the red heart of Australia on an Off Train Experience. There’s an experience to suit everyone, including an off-road e-bike adventure, the Alice Explorer tour that takes in the historic Telegraph Station and Royal Flying Doctor Service, a cultural experience at Standley Chasm, meeting the wildlife at the Desert Park or taking in the astounding beauty of Simpson’s Gap. Alternatively, spot Uluru and Kata Tjuta from the air, with an optional upgrade scenic flight. In the evening, dine under a blanket of stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. (B,L,D)
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The Ghan Expedition, Coober Pedy
The Ghan Expedition
From your morning stop at Manguri, you’ll venture into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Off Train Experiences on offer include exploring the majestic Breakaways, touring the town, learning more about mining history on the Opal Experience, or an optional upgrade with the Painted Hills and Lake Eyre scenic flight.
Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Dinner is served back on the train, where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues. (B,L,D)
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The Ghan Expedition, Adelaide
The Ghan Expedition
This morning, you’ll see a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the Flinders Ranges before arriving into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great rail experiences. (B)