14 Day Kimberley Tour including Mitchell Plateau

Welcome to Broome! Or Rubibi, in the language of the Yawuru people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Broome is now located. Start your adventure straight away, setting off early this morning as you travel through the remote and beautiful Kimberley landscape as your local leader will share stories of local history and the environment. Enjoy a morning tea break by the Fitzroy River and visit the Derby ‘Boab Prison Tree’ before you hit the Gibb River Road. The Napier Range is over 350 million years old and home to Tunnel Creek, a 750-m cave system in which we discover stalactites, secret caves and a large variety of wildlife. Here, you’ll learn the legend of Jandamarra – an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hide-out in the late 1800s. In the afternoon, visit Windjana Gorge, searching for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and Indigenous bush tucker beneath the gorge walls that rise 90 m. Tonight, settle into your first night under the Kimberley night sky.

In the morning we head off to Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), a hidden highlight of the West Kimberley. This idyllic retreat, considered amongst the most beautiful in the area, boasts cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools formed over millions of years – an easy place to while away a few hours! Spend the day swimming in paradise: further up the Gibb River Road, we discover the cool waters of water lily-laden Galvans Gorge and stunning Adcock Gorge. Amid the rugged beauty of Manning Falls we swim in deep clear pools, relax, explore wandering streams, uncover local wildlife and take a dip in the waterfall pools. Overnight we camp by a billabong on Mt Barnett Cattle Station.

Accommodation

It’s a very early start this morning to kick off a two-day diversion to the Mitchell Plateau. The long drive through 4WD country takes you up the rugged Kalumburu Road, then onto the Mitchell Plateau Track. After crossing rivers and passing through ancient Livistonia palm forests, you’ll emerge from the savannah and onto the Mitchell Plateau. With two nights camping in the National Park, you’ll trek to Little and Big Merten Falls, take a dip in clear plunge pools and view Bradshaw rock art. A return scenic helicopter flight offers a bird’s eye view of this extraordinary landscape!

Drysdale River Station is an oasis in the outback. This million-acre, family owned and operated cattle station runs approximately 10,000 head of cattle and lies in the North Kimberley on the Gibb River Road. Hanging out in the true-blue Australian outback means you have all the magical scenery and feeling of isolation perfect for switching off. When you arrive, you might wish to explore the nearby surroundings or sit back and enjoy a cold drink in the beer garden, warm yourself around the log fire in the cool night air.

Your journey up the Gibb River Road continues to the iconic El Questro Wilderness Park. Two nights in your private campsite allows free time to join one or more of the many activities on offer. Maybe take a refreshing dip in the Zebedee Springs and walk into Emma Gorge, perhaps take a cruise on Chamberlain Gorge, go on a bush tucker walk or sign up for a bird watching tour. You may choose to simply explore this beautiful wilderness park at your own leisure.

Emerge from the Gibb River Road for a few hours free time in Kununurra – here, you can sample locally-made rum at the Hoochery and pick up some local sandalwood inspired beauty, health and lifestyle products at the Sandalwood Factory. After lunch, travel on to the shores of the expansive Lake Argyle, the heart of the Ord River Irrigation System which has transformed this dry region into a lush agricultural oasis. Enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim in the Infinity Pool, with a magnificent view across the lake. In the morning, take up one of the many optional activities on offer, like a scenic flight and or kayak hire. Alternatively, join your guide to visit the historic Durack Homestead Museum or take on one of the many bush trails to explore the area. A sunset boat cruise on the lake is highly recommended, too!

Journey south down the Great Northern Highway to Purnululu National Park – home of the magnificent Bungle Bungles. Spend the next two nights here in your private safari camp in the heart of the park. This prime location allows a full day to explore the highlights of the park, the most famous of which are the Bungle Bungle domes. Rivers created this landscape of unique orange and black striped ‘beehive’ geological formations over a period of 20 million years. Unbelievably, only the locals knew it existed until the early 1980s! Once discovered by others, the area was made a national park in 1987. Explore Echidna Chasm, known for its towering Livistonia Palm trees, and take a short walk into stunning Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks create a natural amphitheatre.

Today you’ll say goodbye to the Bungle Bungles and make your way to Fitzroy Crossing, breaking the long journey with a visit the gold rush town of Halls Creek. Here, you’ll see the remarkable China Wall and take the chance for lunch at Marys Pool. After lunch, visit the remote Laarri Aboriginal Art Gallery, before an evening by the Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing.

This morning, join a Darlgunya Cultural Walk where a local Indigenous guide will greet you with a Smoking Ceremony and billy tea. Then, head out on a walk led by your guide through the remnants of the old postal settlement. Learn about the wild Fitzroy River – including its plants, wildlife and significance to local culture. After, you’ll return to Broome in the afternoon, where your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Broome, just reach out to your booking agent.