13 Day Kimberley Explorer
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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.