INTRODUCING
THE KIMBERLEY REGION
The Kimberley Region could be described as one of the last
areas where adventure minded travellers can still go to experience
the true Australian wilderness.
The rugged Kimberley Region can be divided into 3 main geographical
districts: The North Kimberley includes Mitchell Falls which
is one of the most scenic and biologically important areas
in Western Australia. The West Kimberley includes nearly all
of the other gorges that we visit heading along the Gibb River
road and wildlife here is generally found concentrated around
densely vegetated waterholes. The South-East Kimberley includes
the area south of Kununurra and its most famous landmark is
the Bungle Bungles.
To see the Kimberley region properly, passengers should be
prepared to endure a few hardships and can sometimes expect
to spend 4 - 5 hours travelling between destinations due to
poor road conditions. Our vehicles carry a maximum of 9 passengers
with side facing seats in the rear. Unlike a bus, these are
great social vehicles as our group all face each other. This
means that driving time can be spent enjoyably socializing,
playing games and having fun (instead of sleeping).
DAY
1: - Tour Kimberley
Pick up from your accommodation starts at 6:00am before setting
off on our adventure to Darwin. Our first stop for the day
is to take in some great scenery as we hike along the river's
edge of Windjana Gorge. The area is always plentiful with
bird life as well the chance to have a look at some freshwater
crocodiles which are easily found.
Next
it's time to do a bit of caving as we take a walk through
Tunnel Creek. This 750 metre long cave system requires you
to wear bathers and carry a torch if you wish to fully explore
the area. It is an unforgettable experience walking in waist
deep icy cold water, in the dark and with its fair share of
bats flying around. After making camp along the Gibb River
Road, the evening is open to wildlife spotting, playing didgeridoo,
stargazing or just relaxing around the fire.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Camp: Bush Camp
Walking: 3km
DAY
2: - Tour Kimberley
This morning we will make our way to Lennard River Gorge.
This narrow, deep gorge has spectacular settings and is also
a great swimming spot until the end of August after which
time declining water quality prevents us going there.
Travelling from here, we pass through the King Leopold Ranges
on our way to Bell Gorge which is arguably considered one
of the nicest gorges in the Kimberley. From the cliff edges
you will get some awe inspiring views of the gorge and waterfalls.
We make our camp tonight at a scenic lookout where you can
enjoy the evening in the unspoilt Kimberley wilderness.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camp: Bush camp
Walking: 6km
DAY
3: - Tour Kimberley
A short drive this morning takes us to Galvans Gorge which
offers us a peaceful location with enjoyable scenery and great
swimming. Next we spend several hours hiking around Manning
Gorge with plenty of swimming in the huge pool and waterfall
of the upper gorge, a most enjoyable experience.
Our
final highlight of the day is a visit to Barnett River Gorge.
Enjoy hiking and exploring around this beautiful gorge with
its rugged red sandstone rock formations then cool off in
the deep clear water.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camp: Barnett River Gorge
Walking: 8km
DAY
4: - Tour Kimberley
Today we travel through the Gibb Ranges followed with spectacular
views over the Cockburn Ranges on our way to our overnight
campsite at El Questro Station. In the afternoon we take a
hike along Amalia Gorge which takes us to a beautiful waterfall
with a large plunge pool for swimming, another of El Questro
Stations jewels that you are going to love.
El
Questro Station is a 1 million acre working cattle station
that is full of Kimberley character and tonight we camp on
the side of the Pentecoste River in the heart of this region.
The evening is open to wildlife spotting, playing didgeridoo
or just relaxing - the choice is yours.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camp: El Questro Station
Walking: 4km
DAY
5: - Tour Kimberley
This morning we go exploring El Questro Gorge which would
have to be the most beautiful Gorge on El Questro Station
and is a challenging hike to reach the end of the Gorge. Spend
the morning inspired by magnificent scenery as we walk up
the Gorge where you can refresh yourself in crystal clear
rock pools along the way.
Next
we visit Emma Gorge which features great scenery and cool,
clear water. Take some time exploring Emma gorge and enjoy
swimming in the crystal clear pools. Tonight we camp again
at our great campsite on the Pentecoste River and after dinner
we head off on a night walk to try and spot some local wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camp: El Questro Station
Walking: 11km
DAY
6: - Tour Kimberley
What better way to start the day than by relaxing in a series
of thermal pools known as Zebedee Hot Springs. The hot springs
are located in a picturesque surrounding of palms and the
water temperature is perfect to just laze about and enjoy
the scenery around you.
Next
we take you to look at some of the famous Kimberley Rock Art
at Matteo Rock where you can get an insight into the local
Aboriginal lifestyle and culture. From here we make our way
up to Wyndham where the view from 5 Rivers Lookout is absolutely
stunning.
In
the afternoon we head into the Bungle Bungles on a track that
is slow and rough, taking 2 hours to do the 50km stretch.
The Bungle Bungle Ranges consist of 200 - 400 metre high rounded
beehive-shaped domes with horizontal coloured bands of orange,
black and grey. Their distinctive shapes have been produced
over some 350 million years through uplift and erosion and
can only be described as spectacular.
We
go to a lookout near camp and as the sun sets you can watch
the magnificent stripped domes of the Bungles changing color
- totally awesome. Tonight you can enjoy a candlelit dinner
in the heart of the Kimberley then have a go at playing the
didgeridoo. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camp: Bungle Bungles - Walardi Campsite
Walking: 2km
DAY
7: - Tour Kimberley
Today we spend the full day exploring around the Bungle Bungles.
You can start the day with an optional helicopter flight over
the area (own expense) which is very cool. The first stop
is the spectacular "Domes Walk" amongst the colourfully banded
domes as we hike through Piccaninny Creek. Enjoy a magnificent
view from the lookout in this area then take an easy hike
that leads to the huge pool at the base of Cathedral Gorge.
This
afternoon we head over to the northern side of the Bungles
and visit Echidna Chasm, a long narrow gorge with 150 metre
high sheer rock faces which you can walk between for a considerable
distance. Enjoy another magnificent sunset over the Bungles
and this evening you can spend some time stargazing under
the southern skies.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camp: Bungle Bungles - Walardi Campsite
Walking: 7km
DAY
8: - Tour Kimberley
This morning we make the slow 4WD journey out of the Bungles
back to the highway and then head north towards Kununurra.
We stop at Ivanhoe Crossing and then on into Kununurra where
you can have a swim and lunch at the lake. There are a variety
of things to do in Kununurra and you can choose between visiting
the Hoochery (the oldest rum distillery in the southern hemisphere)
or looking at some famous Kimberley art at one of the local
galleries. After crossing the border into the Northern Territory
we visit Gregory National Park where a short walk takes us
to a beautiful scenic lookout. From here we make our way to
Timber Creek for our overnight camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camp: Timber Creek
Walking: 3km
DAY
9: - Tour Kimberley
We stop in at Katherine this morning for a short break on
the way through to Edith Falls . Enjoy a swim in the cool
water here and take a hike to the upper pools as we have about
3 hours exploring this area and having a relaxing lunch. From
here it's a 2.5 hour drive through to Darwin finally arriving
at your accommodation in the early evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking: 4km
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