12 DAY Gibb, Gorges & The Bungle Bungle: Broome to Kununurra

Departs Broome 2012	Cost 2012
Apr 27,30;  May 2,4,6,7,9,11,12,14,15,16,18,20,21,22,23,25,26,27,28,29,30;  Jun 1,3,4,6,8,9,13,15,17,19,20,22,24,25,27,28,29;  Jul 1,2,4,5*,6,10,11,12,13,15,16,18,20,21*,25,26,28,29;  Aug 1,3,6,8,10,11,13,15,17,19,20,23,25,27,29,31;  Sep 3,5,9,11,12,14,17,19,21,24,26,28;  Oct 3,5,9.	$7,195pp twin share  OR  $8,810 solo traveller

Seniors Card & Aust/NZ Pensioners deduct $50pp.

Beginning in stunning Broome, this tour focuses on showing you the most scenic landscapes of the Kimberley.  Discover Aboriginal art, culture and magnificent wilderness on the Mitchell Plateau, swim in the crystal-clear waters of some of the most spectacular gorges in the region and discover the awe-inspiring Bungle Bungle domes at World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park.

GKC12 Itinerary

Day 1. Broome, Boab Prison Tree, Gibb River Road, Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge
This morning begin your exploration of the awe-inspiring Kimberley region. Visit the Boab Prison Tree, believed to be more than 1,500 years old. Then begin the journey on the Gibb River Road, a remote outback highway that accesses some of the Kimberley's best scenery. At Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above white sands, see the ancient marine fossils embedded in the gorge walls. You may see freshwater crocodiles lazing on the banks of the Lennard River, which runs through the gorge. Continue to remarkable Tunnel Creek, a 750 metre-long natural tunnel carved through the Napier Range. With torch in hand, wade through the cool waters to view the oasis.  
Two Night Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge, with private ensuites, Gibb River Road. (L/D)

Day 2. Bell Gorge, Hiking and Swimming
Back on the Gibb River Road, travel to Bell Gorge, where rugged cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. Take a swim below the waterfall which feeds the lower pool or go bird-watching. The energetic can choose from a number of hiking opportunities. (B/L/D)

Day 3. Galvans Gorge, Barnett River Gorge, Drysdale River
Today, travel through the heart of Kimberley cattle country to discover some of the region's most secluded gorges. At Galvans Gorge, a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole. Inspect the rock art on the gorge walls and take a leisurely swim. Continue to beautiful Barnett River Gorge, where you can enjoy lunch in a setting of shady gum trees. Look out for the birdlife that inhabits the area, or enjoy a swim. Turning off the Gibb River Road, travel north on the Kalumburu Road, heading towards the isolated Mitchell Plateau. Ford the Drysdale River and, late this afternoon arrive at our overnight accommodation near the banks of the King Edward River. 
Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Marunbabidi Wilderness Camp or Drysdale River Station, Kalumburu Rd.
(B/L/D)

Day 4. Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River, Aboriginal Art
Ascending the Mitchell Plateau, explore Wandjina and Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art galleries and swim in the clear waters at King Edward River Crossing. For the next two nights, stay at our unique permanent wilderness accommodation beside pandanus palm-fringed Camp Creek, where you may like to enjoy a swim. Enjoy this unique location at the top of the plateau. For wildlife watchers, the region's birdlife includes brolgas, herons, kites and sea eagles.
Two Night Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Stay in tented cabins with private ensuite bathrooms at Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge.
(B/L/D)

Day 5. Mitchell Falls, Gwion (Bradshaw) Art, Helicopter Flight over the Falls
Enjoy a full day to discover the beauty of Mitchell Falls, with a magnificent waterfalls and Aboriginal art. When available, local Aboriginal guides will join us for the adventure. 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, where you can swim in the pools above the falls and learn of local flora and fauna. We have included a helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls back to the vehicle (or, if you prefer, hike back with your guide).  Longer helicopter flights over the coastline are available at additional expense. (B/L/D)

Day 6. Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River, Aboriginal Rock Art
Travelling through Livistona palm forests, view galleries of ancient Aboriginal art before saying goodbye to the awe-inspiring scenery of the Mitchell Plateau. Lunch is at a majestic spot alongside the cool waters of the King Edward River, with time for a swim before continuing to our accommodation.
Stay: Marunbabidi Wilderness Camp or Drysdale River Station, Kalumburu Road. (B/L/D)

Day 7. Gibb River Road, El Questro Wilderness Park
Rejoining the famous Gibb River Road, ford the Durack River, named after the region's most famous pioneering family. Then cross the Pentecost River into El Questro Wilderness Park - one million acres in the Kimberley wilderness. Enjoy a delicious dinner at Emma Gorge Resort.
Stay: Tented cabins with spacious ensuites at Emma Gorge Resort, El Questro. (B/L/D)

Day 8. El Questro, Wyndham, Kununurra
Hike into Emma Gorge.  Then enjoy time explore El Questro.  Soak in the hot pools of Zebedee Springs and visit the station township.  Head to Wyndham and take in spectacular views of the Cambridge Gulf from Five Rivers Lookout. Continue to Kununurra.
Two Night Stay: Kununurra Country Club Resort, Kununurra. (B/L/D)

Day 9. Ord River and Lake Kununurra Cruise
This morning you have some free time to explore Kununurra, the gateway to the east Kimberley region.  Then travel to Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the Southern Hemisphere.  This afternoon, join a spectacular wildlife cruise on the mighty Ord River. Witness the sunset while cruising Lake Kununurra.
Bx1

Day 10. Echidna Chasm, Purnululu National Park 
Travel to Purnululu National Park and explore this wilderness region that was awarded World Heritage status in 2003. Hike into Echidna Chasm, a spectacular cleft in the rock massif. 
Two Night Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Stay in tented cabins with hot showers and toilets at Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, Purnululu National Park. (B/L/D)

Day 11. Cathedral Gorge, Beehive Domes
Hike into Piccaninny Creek and spectacular Cathedral Gorge. Walk among the unique beehive domes, as your guide brings the natural history of the range to life. Learn about bush tucker, bush medicine and the area's significance to local Aboriginals. There's also time for an optional helicopter flight (own expense).  Enjoy drinks and watch the sun set over the range. (B/L/D)

Day 12. Scenic Flight to Kununurra
Enjoy breakfast, then a scenic flight to Kununurra, where your tour concludes at approximately 9am.  (B)

Highlights:

• Journey on the famed Gibb River Road
• Discover Windjana, Bell, Galvans and Barnett River gorges
• Wade through Tunnel Creek
• See ancient Gwion (Bradshaw) Art
• Take a helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls
• Enjoy tranquil Emma Gorge Resort
• Soak in the thermal pools of Zebedee Springs at El Questro Wilderness Park
• Cruise the mighty Ord River
• Hike into the spectacular Echidna Chasm
• Visit Cathedral Gorge and Piccaninny Creek