LE ER Y W B I M L I D K
2021 Trip Notes 13 DAY KIMBERLEY EXPLORER
system carved through the Napier Range, Days 9-10 Purnululu National Itinerary we discover stalactites, secret caves and Park: Bungle Bungles Day 1 Beagle Bay, One Arm Point a large variety of wildlife. It is here we also After a leisurely morning, head south & the Buccaneer Archipelago learn the legend of Jandamarra, an down the Great Northern Highway to Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the The Dampier Peninsula is an extraordinary Purnululu National Park, home of the tunnel as a hide-out in the late 1800’s. blend of pristine beaches and dramatic magnificent Bungle Bungles. Two nights Don’t miss a refreshing swim in an idyllic coastlines, rich in traditional Aboriginal here, staying in our private Bungle Bungle waterhole. That night we settle into our first culture. Travelling up the red 4WD track, Safari Camp in the heart of the Park, night under the Kimberley night sky. (BLD) learn about the region’s fascinating history allows a full day to explore the from our guided commentary. Our first Days 4-5 West Kimberley Gorges highlights of this extraordinary National stop is the Beagle Bay Aboriginal Commu- The Napier Range is over 350 million years Park, the most famous of which, are the nity, home of the Beagle Bay Church with old and home to the geological wonder of Bungle Bungle domes. Rivers created this its glimmering pearl shell altar, for morning Windjana Gorge. Beneath gorge walls landscape of unique orange and black tea. Soon we arrive at the One Arm Point rising 90m, we spend the morning striped ‘beehive’ geological formations Community, perched on the tip of the searching for freshwater crocodiles, local over a period of 20 million years. Dampier Peninsula, to visit the birdlife and indigenous bush tucker. In the Unbelievably, only the locals knew it Community’s aquaculture hatchery, afternoon we head off for Bell Gorge, a existed until the early 1980’s; once complete with barramundi, pearl and hidden highlight of the West Kimberley. discovered by others, the area was made trochus shell. After a picnic lunch we head This idyllic retreat, considered amongst a national park in 1987. We explore for the remote Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. the most beautiful in the area, boasts Echidna Chasm (2km), known for its In 1946 Dean Brown skippered a rickety cascading waterfalls and crystal clear towering Livistonia Palm trees, and take a wooden lugger into an unknown frontier pools formed over millions of years – an short walk (2-3km) into stunning Cathedral to discover this hidden paradise: his easy place to while away a few hours! Gorge, where towering rocks create a descendants continue to operate what is Spend the next day swimming in paradise: natural amphitheatre. There is time in the now the oldest Pearl Farm in Australia. further up the Gibb River Road, we afternoon to take an optional scenic Embark an extraordinary cruise through discover the cool waters of water lilie- helicopter flight and enjoy a birds-eye the Islands of the Giant Tides to laden Galvans Gorge and stunning Adcock view of the beehive domes (approx experience the remarkable tidal flows of Gorge. Amid the rugged beauty of $450pp, own expense) to put it all into King Sound. In the evening we relax round Manning Falls we swim in deep clear perspective. (BLD/BLD) a fire in our own private camp. waters, relax, explore wandering streams, Day 11 China Wall & Fitzroy Day 2 Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, encounter local wildlife and take a dip in Crossing Kooljaman & Cape Leveque the waterfall pools. Overnight we camp by Enroute to Fitzroy Crossing, we break the a billabong on Mt Barnett Cattle Station. This morning a knowledgeable local guide long journey with a visit to the gold rush (BLD/BLD) will demonstrate a pearl harvest, providing town of Halls Creek to see the remarkable a glimpse into this fully operational pearl Days 6-7 El Questro Wilderness China Wall. We also enjoy lunch at Marys farm. Discover how they cultivate some of Park Pool and visit the remote Laarri Aboriginal the most sought after and beautiful pearls Our journey up the Gibb River Road Art Gallery, before an evening by the in the world and enjoy an in-depth pearl continues to the iconic El Questro Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing. (BLD) grading and appreciation session that will Wilderness Park. Two nights in our private Day 12 Geikie Gorge leave you feeling like a pearl expert! Mid campsite here allows free time join one or A morning cruise through the majestic morning we depart for beautiful Kooljaman more of the many activities on offer. We Geikie Gorge is a great start to our last at Cape Leveque. You may like to head include a refreshing dip in the Zebedee day. Nature carved this wonder through off for a swim, or take one of the lovely Springs and walk into Emma Gorge while a the Geikie and Oscar Ranges during the walks in the area to explore the rugged cruise on Chamberlain Gorge, bush tucker Devonian geological period. Learn of the red coastline for which Cape Leveque is walk or bird watching tour are amongst the fascinating geology of this natural wonder famous. Driving back through the dusk, many optional activities. You may choose and discover the huge array of wildlife keep an eye out for wildlife before arriving to simply explore this beautiful wilderness including freshwater crocodiles, birds in Broome at approximately 6.30pm. (BLD) park at your own leisure. (BLD/BL) and fish. Explore Old Fitzroy Crossing and Day 3 Tunnel Creek Day 8 Kununurra & Lake Argyle enjoy lunch by the river before we return As we travel through the remote and We emerge from the Gibb River Road to Broome, hopefully in time to enjoy the beautiful Kimberley landscape, our guide for a few hours free time in Kununurra. In sunset on Cable Beach. (BLD) shares stories of local history, people and the afternoon, travel on to the shores of Day 13 Broome the environment. Enjoy a morning tea the expansive Lake Argyle, the heart of As the adventure draws to an end, it is break by the Fitzroy River and visit the the Ord River Irrigation System which has time to bid farewell to the Kimberley. Derby ‘Boab Prison Tree’ before we hit transformed this dry region into a lush Alternatively, you may have booked into the Gibb River Road. Visit the fascinating agricultural oasis. There is free time to join one of Broome’s many resorts for a little Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Cultural Centre a sunset boat cruise on the lake (approx luxury following your intrepid experience for an insight into the culture of the AU$100pp), visit the historic Durack in the Kimberley wilderness – there is Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunumbal tribes Homestead Museum or take on one of the plenty more of Broome to explore! and their supreme spirit being, the many bush trails to explore the area. (B) Wandjina. The afternoon is devoted to exploring Tunnel Creek, with our local Bunuba guide. In this 750-metre cave www.kimberleywild.com.au 1300 73 88 70 LE ER Y W B I M L I D K
2021 Trip Notes 13 DAY KIMBERLEY EXPLORER
Day 6 Mt Barnett to El Questro Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day Highlights: Itinerary Facts Stay Overnight: Gibb River Road & the Pentecost River Bungle Bungles Safari Camp (All Travellers) Please note that this is an indication Crossing only. All details are subject to change Distance Travelled: Day 11 The Bungle Bungles to according to local conditions, itinerary Approximately 400km / 5 Hours Driving Fitzroy Crossing updates and other circumstances Meals Included: Day Highlights: beyond our control. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner China Wall Day 1 Broome to Cygnet Bay Stay Overnight: Distance Travelled: Kimberley Wild Private Camp, El Questro Approximately 450km / 6 Hours Driving Day Highlights: (Camping Travellers) OR El Questro Station Meals Included: Beagle Bay, One Arm Point, Bardi Tents (Camping Plus Travellers) Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Indigenous Experience & the Giant Tides Stay Overnight: Cruise (or Kimberley Island Explorer, Day 7 El Questro Wilderness Park Fitzroy River Lodge Campground (Camping depending on the tides) Day Highlights: Travellers) OR Fitzroy River Lodge Safari Distance Travelled: Zebedee Springs & Emma Gorge Cabins (Camping Plus Travellers) Approximately 250km / 3 Hours Driving Distance Travelled: Meals Included: Approximately 40km / 1 Hour Driving Day 12 Fitzroy Crossing to Broome Lunch & Dinner Meals Included: Day Highlights: Stay Overnight: Breakfast & Lunch Geikie Gorge Cruise Kimberley Wild Private Camp, Cygnet Bay Stay Overnight: Distance Travelled: (All Travellers) Kimberley Wild Private Camp, El Questro Approximately 400km / 5 Hours Driving Day 2 Cygnet Bay to Broome (Camping Travellers), El Questro Station Meals Included: Tents (Camping Plus Travellers) Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day Highlights: Stay Overnight: Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Tour, Kooljaman Day 8 El Questro to Lake Argyle The Kimberley Travellers Lodge Twin Rooms, & Cape Leveque Day Highlights: - shared facilities (All Travellers) *Broome Stay Distance Travelled: Kununurra & Lake Argyle Upgrade available. Approximately 250km / 3 Hours Driving Distance Travelled: Meals Included: Approximately 110km / 2.5 Hours Driving Day 13 Broome Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Meals Included: Day Highlights: Stay Overnight: Breakfast & Lunch Clean Clothes! The Kimberley Travellers Lodge Twin Stay Overnight: Distance Travelled: Rooms - shared facilities (All Travellers) Lake Argyle Resort Campground (Camping 0km *Broome Stay Upgrade available. Travellers) OR Lake Argyle Resort Cabins Meals Included: Day 3 Broome To Tunnel Creek (Camping Plus Travellers) Breakfast Stay Overnight: Day Highlights: Day 9 Lake Argyle to the Bungle You are welcome to book additional Boab Prison Tree & Tunnel Creek Bungles accommodation at the Kimberley Travellers Distance Travelled: Day Highlights: Lodge. Alternatively you are free to depart at Approximately 400km / 4.5 Hours Durack Ranges & Bungle Bungles Sunset any time today. Check out time is at 10am. Meals Included: Distance Travelled: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Approximately 400km / 6 Hours Driving Stay Overnight: Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Windjana Gorge National Park (All Travellers) BROOME STAY UPGRADE OPTION Day 4 Tunnel Creek To Mt Barnett Stay Overnight: Bungle Bungles Safari Camp (All Travellers) If you would prefer more comfort while Day Highlights: Windjana Gorge in Broome, you can add the Broome Stay Windjana Gorge & Bell Gorge Day 10 The Bungle Bungles Upgrade to your Kimberley experience Distance Travelled: Day Highlights: and enjoy nights 2 & 12 at The Oaks Approximately 250km / 3 Hours Driving Echidna Chasm,Geik Cathedralie Gorge Gorg & the e Broome. (Note: Breakfast here not Meals Included: Bungles Domes included) Book online or ask our Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Distance Travelled: Reservations team for more detail. Stay Overnight: Approximately 60km / 2 Hours Driving Kimberley Wild Private Camp, Mt Barnett (All Travellers) Day 5 Exploring Gorges Kununurra Day Highlights: Cape El Questro Manning Gorge, Adcock Gorge & Leveque Mt Barne Lake Galvans Gorge Silent Distance Travelled: Grove Argyle Approximately 40km / 1 Hour Driving Purnululu N.P. Meals Included: Windjana (Bungle Bungle) Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Broome Gorge Stay Overnight: Kimberley Wild Private Camp, Mt Barnett Fitzroy Crossing (All Travellers) Tunnel Creek Halls Creek
Fitzroy Crossing www.kimberleywild.com.au 1300 73 88 70 LE ER Y W B I M L I D K
2021 Trip Notes 13 DAY KIMBERLEY EXPLORER
Nights 4 & 5 Mount Barnett Nights 9 & 10 Bungle Bungles Accommodation Enjoy two nights in the comfort of our own In the heart of Purnululu National Park, our On the 13 Day Kimberley Explorer, we offer private camp at Manning Gorge. The camp travellers will love our eco safari tents at the the choice of comfortable Camping or features tourer-style tents on raised Bungle Bungles Safari Camp which boasts Camping Plus, on which we assist you to platforms with twin stretcher beds, and our views of the Bungles Massif from your door. make the most of basic upgrades where own sheltered kitchen area. Nearby shared The camp features modern facilities, a available: on nights 6, 7, 8 & 11 (look for ablutions have hot showers and flush toilets. covered dining deck with panoramic views the symbol) as follows: and an open air campfire around which you Night 1 Cygnet Bay can relax beneath a sparkling Kimberley night sky: chatting, star-gazing and sharing the All travellers will enjoy a night in our own adventure with like-minded travellers. Cygnet Bay Safari Camp, exclusive to Kimberley Wild travellers. Shared on site ablutions have hot showers and toilets.
Nights 6 & 7 El Questro Station Travellers on our Camping option will enjoy our private camp on the grounds of El Questro, which also features large tourer-style tents on raised platforms with stretcher beds. On site ablutions have hot showers and flush toilets. Night 11 Fitzroy Crossing Nights 2 & 12 Broome Our Campers will set up the dome tents & swags in the grassy grounds of the Fitzroy The Kimberley Traveller’s Lodge is a budget River Lodge. On site ablutions have hot adventure property, close to town and showers and flush toilets. features double or twinshare rooms with shared amenities, a beer garden and a pool. If you are a single traveller, you will share a room with a fellow traveller of the same gender unless you pay a Single Supplement. Those who have chosen Camping Plus will retreat to the permanent Safari Tents (below), which offer an affordable upgrade option nearby. With twin beds, lighting and a quality ablutions block nearby, these tents ensure you have a comfortable nights sleep while still enjoying the outback essence of Kimberley camping. Those on Camping Plus will settle into the Safari Cabins at the Fitzroy River Lodge, This traditional Kimberley-style accommodation is a great upgrade option for travellers looking BROOME STAY UPGRADE OPTION for a little extra comfort. Similar to a regular If you would prefer more comfort while in motel room, they feature beds with pillows Broome, you can add the Broome Stay and linen, fans, power and private ensuite. Upgrade to your Kimberley experience and Relax on the porch and enjoy the bush enjoy these nights 2 & 12 at The Oaks Broome. ambiance. Night 8 Lake Argyle Camping on the grounds of Lake Argyle involves dome tents (single/twinshare), swags with fitted sheets & pillows with pillow cases. On site ablutions have hot showers and flush toilets. There is also a fabulous infinity pool overlooking the lake! Night 3 Windjana Gorge Those who have chosen Camping Plus will Camping in the Windjana Gorge National enjoy the comfort of the Standard Rooms Park involves dome tents (single/twinshare), (below) at Lake Argyle Resort each have a Important Notes! swags with fitted sheets & pillows with pillow queen & single bed, private ensuite • Single travellers who do not pay the optional cases. On site ablutions have hot showers bathroom, a small fridge, tea/coffee Single Supplement, will be twin-shared with and flush toilets. making facilities. airconditioning and a private another of the same gender. verandah to enjoy the beautiful surrounds. * The optional Single Supplement does not include private camps such as Mount Barnett, Bungle Bungles and Cygnet Bay; due to capacity constraints single travellers may have to twinshare with another traveller of the same gender – this is a rare occurrence. • You will need a Sleeping Bag - bring your own or we can provide for $45pp if requested prior to travel. www.kimberleywild.com.au 1300 73 88 70 LE ER Y W B I M L I D K
2021 Trip Notes 13 DAY KIMBERLEY EXPLORER
Important Information FREE Hotel Pick Up Kimberley Wild offers free pick up from selected hotels in Broome and Itinerary Updates Darwin, 6.30am - 7.30am. Please advise where you are staying and let us know if there are any changes. We appreciate your patience if we are There are no recent itinerary updates to this trip. running a little late. You being there on time will help make sure we are! Have your mobile phone turned on in the morning in case we need to Meals reach you. Call 1300 73 88 70 if you are concerned you have missed This tour includes: 11 x Breakfasts, 11 x Lunches, 10 x Dinners pickup. Our healthy meals feature fresh ingredients, gourmet salads Tour Style and local Kimberley flavours. We cater for necessary dietary requirements This is a Kimberley Expedition: perfect for those seeking to experience where possible, so please discuss with us when booking. Meals NOT the real Kimberley in depth - either with comfortable Camping or making the most of basic upgrades where available on the Camping Plus option. included are: dinner at El Questro (1nt), lunch in Kununurra & dinner at Lake Argyle – allow approximately AU$180pp. Important Notes! 1. It is essential that you call the Kimberley Wild office on 9193 7778, the day prior to departure to confirm pick up, and provide a mobile number Inclusions for any late notifications. • Two Tour Hosts – including an Experienced Kimberley Tour Guide and Tour 2. Departures are all subject to regional weather conditions and road Assistant (on all tours with 8+ travellers) closures – usually only a concern in Apr & Oct / Nov. • Meals as specified 3. Space in a 4WD is limited so please keep luggage light – bring only es- • Camping Accommodation (Upgrade Options available) sentials in a small soft bag, MAXIMUM 15kg. Suitcases are NOT suitable. • Community Entry Permits & National Park Entry Fees Excess luggage must be left in Broome or sent to a forward destination. • Cygnet Bay Sea Safari, valued at $190pp 4. Due to distances covered, this trip involves early departures on some • Bardi-Jawi Cultural Experience morning and frequent stops between destinations. • Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Tour 5. Kimberley Wild reserves the right to assess the fitness capability of • Guided tour of One Arm Point Aquaculture Hatchery passengers prior to tour departure. • Indigenous guided Tunnel Creek experience 6. It is your responsibility to advise Kimberley Wild if you have any dietary • 1 Hour Ranger Guided Geikie Gorge Boat Cruise requirements or medical conditions (including allergies). • Zebedee Springs Permit 7. It is important that travellers participate in setting up camp each night, • Bungle Bungles Safari Camp Stay (2nts) though the guide can assist where necessary. Kimberley Wild guides also appreciate the assistance or one or two group members in prepar- Optional Activities ing/clearing meals. It is essential that all our groups leave the camps they stay in as they found them for the next travellers - the Kimberley is a • Chamberlain Gorge Cruise - approx $60 pristine wilderness and it is our responsibility to ensure it stays this way. • Lake Argyle Sunset Cruise - approx $100 Vehicles • Bungle Bungles Scenic Helicopter Flight - approx $450 4WD tours are operated in custom-built, 21 seat 4WD trucks with a PA system and built-in storage (no risky trailers!). These comfortable, strong What to Bring: Checklist remote area vehicles allow our small groups extra space (including □ A pair of shoes/sandals that you don’t mind getting wet - and we mean standing room), are fully air-conditioned and fitted with adjustable fully immersed in water. Ideally, wet shoes or sandals. air-vents, reclinable seats, map pockets and footrests. It is important □ A torch (ideally a head torch) that when booking a 4WD outback adventure in the Kimberley, you □ A broad-brimmed hat with sun visor for all round protection understand that the roads we travel on can be heavily corrugated. Rest □ Swimming costume and towel assured, these are the conditions for which our 4WD trucks are designed. □ Bath towel Power & Phone Reception □ Walking/trekking shoes Telstra users will get phone reception in most towns and the occasional □ Personal water bottle (ideally 1.5L capacity) remote hot spot. There will be long stretches where we are out of phone □ Small day pack range. Power points will be accessible on most nights for recharging □ Personal toiletries cameras and other electronic equipment. □ Insect repellent & sunscreen Travel Insurance □ Long-sleeved cotton shirt (sun protection) and loose-fitting pants It is essential that you have travel insurance that covers medical expens- (warmth and insect protection for evenings) es, including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the □ Warm jumper (particularly in May-Aug) policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of □ luggage and personal effects. □□□ Sleeping Bag *Note: 10ºC sleeping bags are available for sale at $45pp - must be requested prior to travel and can be kept following your trip or donat- Alcohol ed to indigenous communities. Alcohol is not provided. Travellers may bring a personal supply from Broome if desired – preferably no glass bottles cask wine cannot be Note: Maximum bag weight limit is 15kg - no suitcases purchased in Broome. Enroute, alcohol can be purchased in some loca- tions. Note: alcohol restrictions are in place throughout the Kimberley. Itinerary Notes Fitness Level: Moderate-Advanced Climate This itinerary involves some clambering over rocks, wading in water by The Kimberley has a Wet Season (DEC to MAR) and a Dry Season (APR torchlight, walking on rocky creek beds that are unstable underfoot and to NOV). During ‘the Wet’ most 4WD roads and National Parks are closed. ascending/descending into gorges. The ability to swim and a reasonable Our tours operate during ‘the Dry’, when it can get surprisingly cold level of fitness and being sure on your feet is required to participate. overnight, depending on where you are – in Broome it can get down Western Australia is a big state, so travelling significant distances is to 12ºC, while in Purnululu, it can fall as low as 5ºC! During the day, we necessary to fully experience the highlights. You will soon discover that usually enjoy 28 to 30ºC. Note: in September and October, as ‘the Wet’ they are well worth the journey. approaches, temperatures increase accordingly and it can be very hot during the day. It is essential that you are prepared for this – ask our office for advice prior to booking.
www.kimberleywild.com.au 1300 73 88 70