8 Day: El Questro, Gorges & Purnululu: Broome to Broome

Italicised dates deduct $300 per couple, $150 per person. Seniors Card Holders and Aust./NZ Pensioners deduct $30pp.
Prices include all sightseeing, park fees, cruises, meals as specified, permits and accommodation.

This tour offers an in-depth discovery of the icons of the Kimberley region.  Every day you'll discover a new landscape more impressive than the last, and just when you think you've seen it all, you'll arrive at incredible Purnululu National Park, where the striped beehive domes of the Bungle Bungle Range will leave you lost for words.  If you're short of time, this tour will show you many of the Kimberley's highlights in style.

GBR8 Itinerary

Day 1: Broome, Boab Prison Tree, Gibb River Road, Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge.
This morning begin your exploration of teh awe-inspiring Kimberley region.  Visit the Boab Prison Tree, believed to be more than 1,500 years old. Measuring an incredible 14 metres in diameter, and with its hollow centre and door cut into its side, the Boab Prison Tree was once used by early police patrols as a staging poing for prisoners being walked into Derby.  Today, the tree is a registered Aboriginal Site and is of cultural significance to local tribes.  After time to admire and learn about the tree, begin your journey on the Gibb River Road, a remote 660km outback highway stretching between Broome and Kununurra. The Gibb traverses through the wild heart of the Kimberley, through a spectacular landscape of intensley coloured ranges, dramatic gorges and lush rock pools and waterfalls.  Travel to remarkable Tunnel Creek and, with torch in hand, wade through the cool waters to view the wonderful oasis.  At Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above white sands, see the ancient marine fossils embedded in the gorge walls.  You might even see freshwater crocodiles lazing on the banks of the Lennard River, which runs through the gorge.
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 this morning, journey into King Leopold Range National Park, covering more than 900,000 acres and featuring seven rugged ranges.  It's also home to Bell Gorge, where stunning cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes.  Bell Gorge was formed by water flowing west from the King Leopold Range and cutting through the ancient rock of the region.  Sitting approximately 300 metres above sea level, Bell Gorge is a spectacular spot for swimming, photography and enjoying what nature has to offer.  During your time here, you can take a relaxing swim below the waterfall which feeds the lower pool, or perhaps go bird watching.  Those who are feeling energetic can choose from a number of hiking opportunities.  (B/L/D)

Day 3: Galvans Gorge, Durack River.
Today, travel through the heart of Kimberley cattle country to discover one of the region's most beautiful and most secluded gorges.  At Galvans Gorge, a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole where you can inspect the rock art on the gorge walls and perhaps take a leisurely swim in the refreshing waters.  Afterwards, rejoin the Gibb River Road and ford the mighty Durack River, which was named after the region's most famous pioneering family.  Then cross the Pentecost River into El Questro Wilderness Park - one million stunning acres in the Kimberley wilderness.  Tonight relax with your fellow travellers and enjoy a delicious dinner at Emma Gorge Resort.
Two Night Stay: Tented cabins with spacious ensuites at Emma Gorge Resort, El Questro.  (B/L/D)

Day 4: El Questro, Emma Gorge, Zebedee Springs.
Today you have the whole day to discover the wonders of El Questro for yourself.  This morning, walk to beautiful Zebedee Springs and soak in the natural theral pools surrounded by lush ferns and palms.  After a rejuvenating soak, join a local ranger and cruise Chamberlain Gorge, a fresh waterway fringed by tropical vegetation and rugged escarpments.  Later in the afternoon, you may like to join a hike into Emma Gorge, where you can indulge in a refreshing swim over to the towering droplet waterfall.  Then return to Emma Gorge Resort for the night.  (B/L/D)

Day 5: World Heritage Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park.
Farewell El Questro this morning and journey to Purnululu National Park, one of Australia's most fascinating landmarks. World Heritage-listed in 2003, the national park is home to the famed black and orange striped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range. The range rises up to 578 metres above sea level and stands above a woodland and grass covered plain, with steep cliffs on the western plain.  Formed by constant erosion and river movements over 20 million years, the range has both geological and Indigenous cultural significance.  It's an imposing sight; and one that you are sure to remember forever. Join a gentle hike along a Livistona palm-fringed trail, into Echidna Chasm, a spectacular cleft in the rock massif. During your time here, marvel at the domes from afar, then step inside the range to discover a plethora of gorges, pools and fauna.  
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 6: Piccaninny Creek, Cathedral Gorge.
Today you will discover the magic of Purnululu for yourself, and learn that it's not just the Bungle Bungle Range that this incredible region is famous for.  Walk along Piccaninny Creek, a winding gorge within the high walls of the Bungle Bungle domes. Your next stop is the natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge, a spacious cavern rising high into the sky where you can test your vocal chords.  As you wander through, marvel at the beehive domes while your guide brings the natural history of the range to life.  You may like to take the opportunity to enjoy an optional scenic helicopter flight over the domes (own expense). As the sun begins to set over the range, enjoy a complimentary drink and savour a truly magnificent sight.  (B/L/D).

Day 7: Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing.
Farewell the Bungle Bungle Range and visit Halls Creek.  See unusual China Wall, a natural quartz formation which rises from a creek and up over a small hill.  The wall looks like a small version of the famous Great Wall of China - hence its name.  Continue to Fitzroy Crossing, a small settlement situated on the Fitzroy River. 
Stay: Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing.  (B/L/D)

Day 8: Geikie Gorge Cruise, Broome.
This morning journey into Geikie Gorge National Park, and enjoy a morning to explore Geikie Gorge, situated at the junction of the Oscar and Geikie Ranges.  This 30 metre-deep gorge has been carved over the years by the mighty Fitzroy River.  Flooding of the river has bleached the gorge walls white over the years - an intriguing sight which makes Geikie Gorge very popular with photographers. During your time here, board a unique cruise along this stunning gorge and learn more about its surrounding flora and fauna.  After lunch, return to the old pearling town of Broome, where your tour concludes.  (B/L).

Highlights:

• Journey on the famed Gibb River Road, a remote outback highway
• Discover Tunnel Creek, Windjana, Bell and Galvans gorges
• Soak in the thermal pools of Zebedee Springs within El Questro Wilderness Park
• Cruise along Chamberlain Gorge
• Explore the World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park
• Discover Echidna Chasm
• Hike along Piccaninny Creek and into spectacular Cathedral Gorge
• See the unusual China Wall, a natural quartz formation
• Cruise the ancient Geikie Gorge