Itinerary
13 Day Kimberley Explorer. 4WD Camping Safari.
Day 1- LD)At 7.00 this morning you will be collected from your accommodation for a 13 day 4-Wheel Drive Safari throughout the Kimberley region via the Bungle Bungle, Gibb River Road, Mitchell Plateau and Kalumburu Aboriginal Community.
Depart Darwin and travel south to Katherine via Adelaide River and Pine Creek, we then head west to Gregory / Keep River National Park. All meals will be supplied whilst on tour as will camping gear. A picnic-style lunch will be served en route. Upon arrival at Gregory / Keep River there will be time for hiking and bird-watching before setting up camp. Dinner tonight will be served in camp. Overnight: Camp - Keep River National Park.
Day 2- (BLD) After breakfast we depart Keep River for Kununurra. We have to shop in Kununurra as fresh fruit and produce are not permitted to be carried into Western Australia. Lunch will be served prior to departing Kununurra for the Bungle Bungle (Purnululu National Park), a massif of striped sandstone domes that dot the landscape. This evening watch the sunset among the domes of the Bungles. Dinner tonight will be served in camp. Overnight: Camp - Bungle Bungle.
Day 3- (BLD)Breakfast will be served in camp this morning. A full day is spent in the Bungles. Visit Cathedral Gorge and Mini Palms. Optional scenic helicopter flights are available today. Cost approximately AUD $280.00 per person. Dinner tonight will be served in camp. Overnight: Camp - Bungle Bungle.
Day 4 - (BLD) After breakfast depart for Kununurra, Emma Gorge and El Questro. Walk / hike into the pristine pool that is 'Emma Gorge', a 30-45 minute walk that is considered moderate to difficult. Your guide will assist. Depart Emma Gorge for El Questro Station Resort. Dinner tonight will be served in camp. Overnight: Camp - El Questro.
Day 5 - (BLD)After breakfast travel to Zebedee Springs. Zebedee Springs are small thermal pools situated in a pocket of lush and tropical Livistonia and Pandanus Palms. 15.00 This afternoon join the Chamberlain Gorge Cruise. Your local guide will point out Aboriginal Art, flora and fauna.Dinner tonight will be cooked on the BBQ or over an open fire.Overnight: Camp - El Questro.
Day 6- (BLD) This morning we depart camp for the King Edward River area. The King Edward River and Mitchell Plateau areas are of extreme importance from a biological viewpoint with ancient endemic Livistonia Palms dotting the landscape. Both regions are home to Windjana and Bradshaw Art Sites. Dinner tonight will be cooked on the BBQ or over an open fire. Overnight: Camp - King Edward River.
Day 7- (BLD)Spend the whole day exploring the Mitchell Plateau / Falls. At 08:00hrs we travel to the falls via scenic heli chopper flight. Depart the falls late afternoon, a 3km walk, via Merten's Falls to the car park. Drive back to camp. Dinner tonight will be cooked on the BBQ or over an open fire.Overnight: Camp - King Edward River.
Day 8 - (BLD) Depart camp for the Kalumburu Aboriginal Community. Kalumburu has a rich history - in 1932 it became a mission station after the failure of nearby Pago, played a significant role during World War II, and the land was being taken for sheep and cattle stations and the cultivation of crops. Today, the local Aboriginal people who operate an extensive cattle cooperation and cater for visitors to the area run the Community. Surrounded by giant mango trees and coconut palms, close to King Edward River and Gorge, Kalumburu is well worth a visit and will be a great part of your Kimberley Dreams safari. Dinner tonight will be cooked on the BBQ or over an open fire. Overnight: Camp - Kalumburu.
Day 9 - (BLD)This morning our local Aboriginal guide will take you on a rock art tour and a bush tucker walk. Visit World War II wrecks, several art sites and Old Pago Mission Ruins.Return to the Kalumburu Community where you will have the opportunity to meet with members of the Community. You may wish to purchase authentic Aboriginal art direct from the artists and visit the Parish Museum and Church.Dinner tonight will be cooked on the BBQ or over an open fire.Overnight: Camp - Kalumburu.
Day 10 - (BLD)This morning depart Kalumburu and travel south back out to the Gibb River Road to Manning Gorge. Upon arrival, set up camp and relax with a swim in the lower end of Manning Gorge. Dinner tonight will be cooked on the BBQ or over an open fire.Overnight: Camp - Maning Gorge.
Day 11 - (BLD) After breakfast hike into Manning Gorge. Manning Gorge is an approximate 60 minute hike from the camp ground. Swim in delightful waterfalls and pools, also a great spot for bird watching. Your guide will also point out Aboriginal art in the region. Continue west along the Gibb River Road, stop for another swim in the water hole at Galvans Gorge before heading to Bell Gorge. Bell Gorge is situated in the King Leopold Range National Park. Dinner tonight will be cooked on the BBQ or over an open fire.Overnight: Camp -Bell Gorge (Silent Grove).
Day 12 - (BLD) This morning is spent exploring Bell Gorge, (off Silent Gorge Station). Bell is known as one of the most spectacular gorges in the whole of the Kimberley. The 45 minute walk in to Bell Gorge is well worth it. Continue to Windjana Gorge. Windjana Gorge is a National Park, regarded by geologists as one of the classic examples of world geology. The gorge is a picturesque narrow canyon cut by the Lennard River through the Napier Range, which was once a coral reef. Trees in the gorge are mostly cadjeputs (tropical paperbarks) and river gums. Also common are native figs and fresh water mangrove. Dinner tonight will be cooked on the BBQ or over an open fire. After dinner head down to the gorge for some night croc spotting, the gorge is home to over 100 fresh water crocs. Overnight: Camp - Windjana Gorge National Park.
Day 13 - (BL) This morning we spend time exploring the Windjana Gorge area before departing for Broome. Lunch will be served en route to Broome. Mid afternoon arrival into Broome. You will be dropped off at your accommodation for check-in. END ITINERARY
Inclusions:
4WD GXL Landcruiser or similar with professional driver guide
Purpose built trailer for luggage, food and equipment
Quality camping equipment - tents, swags, sleeping bags, sheets and pillows
Meals as stated B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, NM = no meals supplied
El Questro Wilderness Pass
Chamberlain Gorge Cruise
All entry and camping fees
Scenic flight over Mitchell Plateau
Kalumburu permits
Aboriginal Guide at Kalumburu
Mission, Old Pago Ruins & Church Tour at Kalumburu
Costs:
13 Day Darwin to Broome - cost based on a minimum of 4 passengers is:
Adult: AUD $4,270.00 per person
Children : AUD $3,750.00 per child (aged 8 - 12 years)
Not included:
Pre/post tour accommodation
Bungle Bungle Heliflights (approximately AUD $280.00)
The above is valid until 30 Nov 2009, subject to availability and includes GST.
Departure Dates 2009
MONDAY 11 MAY 2009
MONDAY 25 MAY 2009
MONDAY 01 JUNE 2009
MONDAY 22 JUNE 2009
MONDAY 29 JUNE 2009
MONDAY 13 JULY 2009
MONDAY 27 JULY 2009
MONDAY 10 AUGUST 2009
MONDAY 24 AUGUST 2009
MONDAY 31 AUGUST 2009
MONDAY 07 SEPTEMBER 2009
MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2009
MONDAY 05 OCTOBER 2009
MONDAY 26 OCTOBER 2009
MONDAY 02 NOVEMBER 2009
