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Peregrine Travel Centre

Kimberley Trail Broome to Darwin

Kimberley Trail Broome to Darwin

From $ 5,055 AUD

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Description

Experience the beautiful rugged Kimberley on this true Australian adventure from Broome to Darwin. Uncover some of the country’s most incredible, untouched territory on an all-terrain journey down the Gibb River Road, taking in hidden caves and indigenous history at Tunnel Creek, the unbelievably picturesque oases of the Bell, Galvans, Adcock gorges, and the vast waterfalls of the Mitchell Plateau. Soak up the idyllic isolation of remote stations like El Questro and head out to discover secret palm-shaded waterholes. Squeeze through the narrow rock passages of the striped Bungle Bungles, sail across the vast waters of Lake Argyle, and learn the customs of the traditional land-owners while cruising through the gorges of Nitmiluk. Come face-to-face with vast horizons and immense wilderness with this unforgettable taste of Australia at its most untamed.

Trip Name
Kimberley Trail Broome to Darwin
Last Updated
2021-08-21
Days
15
Capacity
20
Highlights
  • Tunnell Creek has a rich Aboriginal and bushranger history. Walk through the underground passage learning about the culture and traditions of the first Australians
  • Discover a hidden highlight of the West Kimberley with a stop in the idyllic retreat of Bell Gorge
  • Test the 4WD as you take on the rugged terrain of the Mitchell Plateau. This extraordinary area is home to the huge, four-tiered Mitchell Falls – a stunning testament to the power and scale of nature
  • Enjoy plenty of time to discover the untamed natural beauty of El Questro Station. Paddle around in waterfalls, hike through gorges and access remote parts of this huge park on adventurous 4WD expeditions
  • The red domes of the Bungle Bungle Ranges in Purnululu National Park form one of the most iconic Australian landscapes in existence. You'll have two nights and a whole day to explore the gorges and valleys of the park, not to mention soak up a few fiery sunsets
  • Climb aboard a Nitnit Dreaming Cultural Cruise through the inspiring natural wonder of the Nitmiluk Gorge – made up of 13 different chasms carved by the Katherine River – and acquire an understanding of Jawoyn customs

Itinerary

During ‘the Wet’ most 4WD roads and National Parks in the Kimberley are closed, including the Gibb River Road which in the wet season turns into a fully flowing river. Due to the region being mostly inaccessible, we only operate these trips through the dry months, usually April until October. Departures during the shoulder season (usually April/early May and October) are at some risk of road and National Park closures. In most cases we will try and operate an amended itinerary, depending on the extent of the closures. We reserve the right to amend itineraries at short notice, during any time of the year. ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITIES Due to cultural sensitivities, entry to particular parts of local First Nations communities may be unavailable. Where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guides are unavailable in the Red Centre an Intrepid leader will lead the interpretive cultural walk. Top End cultural experiences are only available during the dry season (May-Oct) as sites are subject to flooding. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guides may be absent due to cultural commitments with minimal prior notification and Intrepid reserves the right to amend the itinerary in these circumstances with no obligation to refund. The relationship between ATA and Intrepid Australia For over 25 years, Intrepid Travel and Adventure Tours Australia have been leading brands in the adventure travel business. With Intrepid’s global product range and Adventure Tours’ local knowledge, the two brands joined force in 2011 to provide the ultimate range of Australian product with Intrepid running all of it’s local trips under the Adventure Tours Australia name. Today we’re proud to bring Aussie-made trips to the world, both here with Adventure Tours and overseas through the Intrepid brand, so no matter which brand you have booked through, you’re travelling with the best.

Day 1 - Broome
You can arrive in Broome at any time today. Spend the afternoon exploring Broome at your leisure: Broome is one of the most interesting outback towns in Australia. From the age of the dinosaurs and the ancient stories of local Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people to the region’s role in early global exploration and the flourishing south sea pearl industry, this cultural melting pot has many a tale to tell. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6:30pm. Please look for a notice in reception. Afterwards, have dinner with your group and a drink before we set off tomorrow.
Day 2 - Windjana Gorge & Tunnel Creek
Departing Broome at 7:00am, travel through the remote and beautiful landscape, as the guide shares stories of local history, people and the environment. Enjoy a morning tea break by the Fitzroy River and visit the Derby 'Boab Prison Tree'. Before long we hit the Gibb River Road, and travel towards the Napier Range. Once a Devonian reef, these mountains are over 350 million years old and home to a diverse array of animals and plants. The perfect place to experience the stunning natural beauty of an outback oasis is the 3.5km geological wonder of Windjana Gorge. Beneath gorge walls rising 90m, we search for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and traditional bush tucker. After a picnic lunch, the afternoon is spent exploring Tunnel Creek with our local Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Bunuba guide, who will share ancient rock art and reveal the legend of his ancestor, Jandamarra, an Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hide-out in the late 1800's. In this 750-metre cave system carved through the Napier Range, we also discover stalactites, secret caves and a large variety of wildlife. A refreshing swim in an idyllic waterhole is a highlight of the day. Return to Windjana Gorge that evening to camp.
Day 3 - Bell Gorge
The day is devoted to exploring 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 torelax for a few hours!
Day 4 - Galvans Gorge & Mt Elizabeth
En route to the Mt Elizabeth Station Homestead, discover lily-laden Galvans Gorge, and the tranquil retreat of Adcock Gorge, pausing for a refreshing swim. Once arriving at Mt Elizabeth homestead, which has been family operated since 1945 and in recent years has established tourism facilities for all to experience, you will be able to take in the natural beauty and isolation of the property. With creeks, gorges and diverse vegetation, you will be sure to enjoy the view and spend the day well relaxed. Take the opportunity to photograph the scenery, pick a nice spot to drop your fishing line or simply take a dip in the refreshing water.
Day 5-6 - The Mitchell Plateau
Your two day diversion to the majestic Mitchell Plateau is a highlight of the trip. Take on real 4WD country as we travel the rugged Kalumburu Road then turn off onto the Mitchell Plateau Track. After crossing rivers and passing through ancient Livistonia palm forests, we emerge from the savannah and onto the Mitchell Plateau. With two nights camping in the National Park, we trek to Little and Big Merten Falls, take a dip in pristine plunge pools, enjoy a short scenic helicopter flight and view Bradshaw rock art.
Day 7 - Drysdale Station
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 you could ask for. On arrival you may wish to explore the nearby surroundings or sit back and enjoy a delicious dinner and beverage in the beer garden, warm yourself around the log fire in the cool night air and camp riverside at Miners Pool.
Day 8-9 - El Questro Wilderness Park
We continue our journey up the Gibb River Road to the iconic El Questro Wilderness Park. Two nights here allows join one or more of the many activities on offer. This could include a refreshing dip in the Zebedee Springs, a trek into El Questro Gorge, Emma Gorge or a cruise on Chamberlain Gorge (own expense). Or simply explore this beautiful wilderness park at your own leisure.
Day 10-11 - Purnululu National Park: Bungle Bungles
Head south down the Great Northern Highway to Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungles. Two nights camping in the heart of the National Park allows a full day to explore the highlights of this extraordinary National 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 1980's; once discovered by others, the area was made a national park in 1987. We explore Echidna Chasm (2km), known for its towering Livistonia Palm trees, and take a short walk (2-3km) into stunning Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks create a natural amphitheatre. There is time in the afternoon to take an optional scenic flight and enjoy a birds-eye view of the beehive domes (approx $400pp, own expense) to put it all into perspective.
Day 12 - Lake Argyle
Returning north we pause in Kununurra en route 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. Visit the historic Durack Homestead Museum or take on one of the many bush trails to explore the area. A sunset cruise on the lake is a stunning way to end the day. Camping on the grounds of Lake Argyle involves dome tents (single/twin share), 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! Those who have chosen Camping Plus will enjoy the comfort of the Standard Rooms (below) at Lake Argyle Resort each have a queen & single bed, private ensuite bathroom, a small fridge, tea/coffee making facilities. air-conditioning and a private verandah to enjoy the beautiful surrounds.
Day 13 - Katherine
Continue east along the Victoria Highway and cross the border into the Northern Territory as we travel to the outback town of Katherine, home to the spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge.
Day 14 - Nitmiluk Gorge & Edith Falls
A morning cruise through Katherine (Nitmiluk) Gorge is a great start to our last day. Nitmiluk Gorge is an inspiring natural wonder comprising 13 different gorges, carved over a millennia by the Katherine River. On the Nitnit Dreaming Cultural Cruise, we explore two of these gorges, and discover the customs of the traditional land owners, the Jawoyn people. After the cruise, enjoy a dip in Edith Falls then travel into Darwin, arriving at approx 5.00pm.
Day 15 - Darwin
You are free to depart Darwin at any time today. If you have more time we recommend you join another adventure into Litchfield National Park or Kakadu National Park – or both!

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-08-202111-09-2021AUD $ 5,055-

Accommodation

Camping - with basic facilities(6nts),Safari Tent - shared facilities (3nts),Private Room - shared facilities (4nts),Private Room - ensuite (1nt)

Transport

4WD vehicle

Map

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