Kimberley Trail Broome to Darwin

You can arrive in Broome at any time today. An airport transfer is included if you advise us of your flight arrival. 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 Strait 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 5pm. Please look for a notice in reception. Afterwards, head out for dinner and a drink before we set off tomorrow.

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 Strait Islander Bunuba guide, who will share ancient rock art and reveal the legend of his ancestor, Jandamarra, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait 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.

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!

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. Plenty of gorges to take 4WD tours out too or simply take a stroll nearby.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Emerge from the Gibb River Road for a few hours free time in Kununurra. In the afternoon, travel onto 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.

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.

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.

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!