Kimberley Wilderness Adventures - APT
13 Day Kimberley Complete: Broome to Broome
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Departs Broome 2012 |
Cost 2012 |
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| * = Tour operates in reverse direction. Code GKC13R. (see itinerary at end of the page) |
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Companion Fly Free* in 2012 |
Book selected APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventure itineraries before 31 March 2012 & Companion will FLY FREE*, saving up to $1075 per couple! Available on the 13 Day Kimberley Complete, 15 Day Top End & Kimberley Discovery and 15 Day Kimberley, Kakadu & Arnhem Land Explorer. For new bookings only from the 9th January 2012. Promotion code: MKT9327.*Conditions apply. Prices are per person, twin share, land only. Companion Fly Free offer available on our 13 and 15 day itineraries. Limited seats available. Book by 31 March 2012. Flights based on Qantas N class. If class unavailable a surcharge will apply. Air must be booked by APT. Both passengers must be travelling on the same itinerary. Offer includes air taxes up to $155. A $1,500 deposit per person is due within 7 days to confirm booking. Offers can be withdrawn at any time and are for new bookings only. Please refer to APT's Kimberley 2012 brochure for full terms and conditions. All prices and savings are in Australian currency. |
As the name implies, the Kimberley Complete offers a thorough exploration of the Region. Discover the gorges of the Gibb River Road, the vibrant Aboriginal culture of the Mitchell Plateau, and the spectacular Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park. Explore Mitchell Falls up close, cruise through Geikie Gorge and tour Kununurra and the Ord River. Our most popular tour, it's no wonder we call this highly successful tour the Kimberley Complete.
gkc13 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 also see freshwater crocodiles lazing on the banks of the Lennard River, which runs through the gorge. Continue to remarkable Tunnel Creek and 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, we 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 birdwatching. 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 we enjoy lunch in a setting of shady gum trees. Look out for the birdlife that inhabits the aream, or enjoy a swim. Turning off the Gibb River Road, travel north on the Kalumburu Road, heading towards the isolated Mitchell Plateau. Ford the King Edward River and late this afternoon, break your trip north by arriving at our overnight accommodation.
Stay: Marunbabidi Wilderness Camp or Drysdale River Station, Kalumburu Road. (B/L/D)
Day 4. Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River, Aboriginal Art
Ascending the Mitchell Plateau, explore Wandjina and Gwion (Bradshaw) 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 can enjoy a refreshing dip. 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 its 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 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 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 to 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, the Kimberley's eastern gateway.
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. Then travel to Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the 
Southern Hemisphere. This afternoon, we a spectacular wildlife cruise on the mighty Ord River. Witness the sunset while cruising Lake Kununurra. (B)
Day 10. Echidna Chasm, Purnululu National Park
Explore this spectacular 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 beehive domes, as your guide brings the natural history of the range to life. Learn about bushtucker, bush medicine and the area's significance to local Aborigines. There's also time for an optional helicopter flight (own expense). Enjoy drinks and watch the sun set over the Bungle Bungle Range. (B/L/D)
Day 12. Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing
Farewell the Bungle Bungle and visit Halls Creek. See unusual China Wall, a natural quartz formation, before heading to Fitzroy Crossing.
Stay: Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing. (B/L/D) 
Day 13. Geikie Gorge Cruise, Broome
Enjoy the morning exploring Geikie Gorge, where annual flooding has created a bleached effect on the limestone walls. Board a unique cruise along this stunning gorge and learn more about its surrounding flora and fauna. After lunch, travel to Broome, where the tour concludes. (B/L)
Please note all timing for the above program is approximate and subject to the remoteness of the Kimberley region.
Book early to avoid disappointment!
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gkc13R Itinerary - Kimberley revealed
Day 1. Broome, Geikie Gorge Cruise.
Departing Broome, travel along the Great Northern Highway on the way to Fitzroy Crossing. This afternoon, cruise Geikie Gorge, and learn more about the flora and fauna surrounding this stunning waterway, hemmed by limestone walls bleached by annual flooding.
Stay: Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing. (L/D)
Day 2. Halls Creek, Purnululu National Park.
Departing Fitzroy Crossing, head for Halls Creek, where you'll view the China Wall. Continue to World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, home of the Bungle Bungle Range. Tonight enjoy the wilderness experience of staying in the national park at our award-winning wilderness lodge.
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 3: Cathedral Gorge, Beehive Domes.
Explore this wilderness region that was awarded World Heritage status in 2003. Hike into Piccaninny Creek and spectacular Cathedral Gorge. Walk among the beehive domes, as your guide brings the natural history of the range to life. Learn about bushtucker, bush medicine and the area's significance to local Aborigines. There's also time for an optional helicopter flight (own expense). Enjoy drinks and watch the sun set over the Bungle Bungle Range. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Echindna Chasm, Kununurra.
Hike into Echidna Chasm, a spectacular cleft in the rock massif, before leaving the national park and continuing to Kununurra.
Two night stay: Kununurra Country Club Resort, Kununurra. (B/L/D)
Day 5: Ord River Cruise, Lake Kununurra.
This morning enjoy free time to explore Kununurra. Then travle to Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the Southern Hemisphere. This afternoon join a wildlife cruise on the mighty Ord River. Watch the sunset while cruising Lake Kununurra (B)
Day 6: Five Rivers Lookout, Wyndham, El Questro Wilderness Park.
Departing Kununurra, travel along the Victoria Highway to Wyndham and view the Cambridge Gulf from Five Rivers Lookout. Then begin the journey along the Gibb River Road to El Questro Wilderness Park, enjoy tim at leisure on arrival.
Two night stay: tented cabins with spacious ensuites at Emma Gorge Resort, El Questro (B/L/D).
Day 7: El Questro Wilderness Park, Chamberlain Gorge Cruise.
This morning, travel the short distance to Zebedee Springs and enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural thermal pools. A highlight of any trip to El Questro is a cruise along Chamberlain Gorge. On arrival back at Emma Gorge Resort you may like to hike into Emma Gorge and enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool billabong at the base of the raindrop waterfall (B/L/D)
Day 8: Kalumburu Road, Mitchell Plateau
Departing El Questro this morning, journey along the rugged Gibb River Road. Ford the Pentecost and Durack Rivers before climbing the Mitchell Plateau to arrive at your exclusive Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge accommodation. Perhaps take a refreshing swim in the waterhole nearby or relax in the tranquil surrounds.
Two night stay: EXCLUSIVE! Stay in tented cabins with private ensuite bathrooms at Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 9: Mitchell Falls, Gwion (Bradshaw) Art, Helicopter Flight over the Falls.
Enjoy a full day discovering the beauty of Mitchell Falls and it's magnificent Aboriginal art. When available, local Aboriginal guides will join us for the adventure, imparting their knowledge of the area and sharing their cultural beliefs, closely linked to this stunning environment. Begin with a guided hike to Little Mertens Falls to view rarely seen Aboriginal art. Continue to view Gwion (Bradshaw) art and Big Mertens Falls before arriving at Mitchell Falls. You can swim in the pools above the falls, learn of local history and admire the region's stunning flora and fauna. Later, join your special 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 an additional charge. (B/L/D)
Day 10: Mitchell Plateau, Aboriginal Art, King Edward River.
View the Kimberley's Gwion (Bradshaw) art at a rarely seen gallery on the banks of the upper King Edward River. Later, see a Wandjina rock art gallery followed by a swim in the clear waters at King Edward River Crossing.
Stay: Marunbabidi Wilderness Camp or Drysdale River Station, Kalumburu Road. (B/L/D)
Day 11: Barnett River Gorge, Galvans Gorge
Rejoin the Gibb River Road today and travel south, stopping at Barnett River Gorge, after a short walk from the carpark for a relaxing swim in the fresh waters. Enjoy lunch in the shade of local gum trees before travelling to Galvans Gorge where a short walk leads to a stunning waterhole. Admire the Boab trees above the waterfall, view the gorge's Aboriginal art and perhaps even take a relaxing swim in the calm waters to cool off. We then continue along the Gibb River Road arriving at our private exclusive accommodation of Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge.
Two night stay: EXCLUSIVE! Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge, with private ensuites, Gibb River Road. (B/L/D)
Day 12: Bell Gorge, Hiking and Swimming
Back on the Gibb River Road, travel through outback landscapes to Bell Gorge, where rugged cliffs surround a series of tiered waterfalls. Following a comfortable hike into Bell Gorge, the afternoon is yours to explore the spectacular scenery. Take a swim below the waterfall which feeds the lower pool or perhaps go bird-watching. The energetic can choose from a number of hiking opportunities. This is the perfect place to simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. (B/L/D)
Day 13: Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek National Park, Broome.
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, then visit the Boab Prison Tree, believed to be more than 1,500 years old. This afternoon travel along the Great Northern Highway and arrive in the township of Broome where your tour concludes. (B/L)
Please note all timing for the above program is approximate and subject to the remoteness of the Kimberley region.
