The Kimberley region
is a tropical haven, containing some of the most alluring scenery in Australia,
including majestic mountains, incredible gorges and chasms, peaceful waterholes
and spectacular mine sites. Combine these features with gorgeous beaches
and a fascinating sightseeing tour is at your fingertips.
Day 1 Tue: Arrive
Darwin
You will be met on
arrival at Darwin Airport and transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive
prior to 2.30pm). This afternoon commence a tour of the city. See the
mixture of old and new building styles including the quaint old Government
House and the new Northern Territory Parliament building. Visit the Museum
and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Drive through the Botanic
Gardens to East Point Reserve where you can view remnants of the World
War II defence of Australia. Enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director
and fellow travellers.
Accommodation:
Rydges Plaza, Darwin. (D)
Day 2 Wed: Katherine
Gorge
Bid farewell to the
Northern Capital and head south along the Stuart Highway towards Katherine.
Stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetery, a site dedicated to the World
War II air raids on Darwin. Continue past the gold mining town of Pine
Creek. In Nitmiluk National Park we cruise the placid waters of the Katherine
River through the towering cliffs of two gorges. See creepers and other
vegetation clinging to damp crevices in the gorge walls.
Accommodation:
Paraway Motel, Katherine. (BD)
Day 3 Thu: Ord
River Cruise
Travel via Timber
Creek and Victoria River across vast cattle stations into Western Australia.
Visit the historic Durack Homestead and learn about this pioneering family.
See Lake Argyle, Australia's largest man-made lake, with a capacity nine
times that of Sydney Harbour. Join an adventure cruise along the Ord River
from Lake Argyle to Kununurra. As we cover this 55km stretch of river
spot wildlife amongst the riverside vegetation.
Accommodation:
Country Club Hotel, Kununurra, 2 nights. (BLD)
Day 4 Fri: Kununurra
Early this morning
you have the option to take the two hour spectacular scenic flight over
Purnululu National Park, home to the Bungle Bungle Mountains. (To avoid
disappointment, we recommend you book and pay prior to departure). After
breakfast tour the Kununurra region. See the results of the Ord River
Irrigation Scheme, Hidden Valley National Park which is often described
as a mini Bungle Bungle. Admire the views of the East Kimberley region
from Kelly's Knob Lookout. (BD)
Day 5 Sat: Wyndham
– 5 Rivers Lookout
This morning travel to Parry Lagoon Nature Reserve. Your Aboriginal
hosts will welcome you to the region in a traditional ceremony. See bird
life and learn about traditional lifestyles. Continue to Wyndham to the
5 Rivers Lookout for sensational views over the Cambridge Gulf. Visit
Warriu Park to see Dreamtime Statues and rock art mural before we continue
along the Gibb River Road to El Questro Wilderness Park.
Accommodation:
Emma Gorge Resort, 2 nights, stay in unique tented cabins, power and linen
provided. (BD)
Day 6 Sun: El Questro
Wilderness Park
Cruise along the Chamberlain
Gorge, a fresh water hole abounded by tropical vegetation. At Emma Gorge
Resort there is time this afternoon to sit by the pool or to hike into
Emma Gorge for a refreshing swim in the water hole. Your Tour Director
will be able to assist you in booking any options. (BD)
Day 7 Mon: Argyle
Diamond Mine
Today visit the Argyle
Diamond Mine which produces one third of the world's diamonds annually.
A local guide will join us for a behind the scenes look at the diamond
mining process. Continue south to Halls Creek, site of Western Australia's
first gold discovery.
Accommodation:
Kimberley Hotel, Halls Creek. (BLD)
Day 8 Tue: Fitzroy
Crossing – Geikie Gorge
Travel through the
Kimberley to the remote township of Fitzroy Crossing. This afternoon cruise
along Geikie Gorge, which has been formed by the waters of the Fitzroy
River, tunnelling its way through the Napier Range.
Look out for crocodiles
and sawfish.
Accommodation:
Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing. (BLD)
Day 9 Wed: Broome
Travel to the port
of Derby and see the famous Boab Prison Tree, before continuing to the
pearling centre of Broome. See Chinatown and Streeters Jetty where pearling
luggers unload their harvest of oysters.
Accommodation:
Cable Beach Club Resort, Broome, 2 nights. (BLD)
Day 10 Thu: Broome
at Leisure
Enjoy your day at
leisure, exploring this tropical hideaway. Directly opposite your hotel
is the magnificent Cable Beach. One of the most stunning beaches in the
world, with 22 kilometres of white sand and clear tropical water. There
are a number of options available and your Tour Director will be able
to help you with suggestions. Perhaps take a spectacular optional scenic
flight over the Buccaneer Archipelago, or ride a camel at sunset on the
beach. Stroll through Chinatown, home to some of the world's finest pearl
showrooms. Alternatively, you may prefer to relax and enjoy the facilities
the hotel has to offer.
Also available today is an optional 4WD tour to Cape Leveque and Lombardina
Aboriginal Community, refer to next column for details. (B)
Day 11 Fri: Depart
Broome
Tour concludes after
breakfast. Your Tour Director will assist withyour transfer arrangements
to your departure point. (B)
Bungle Bungle Adventure
Option
You may choose to
substitute today's touring with an exciting full day Bungle Bungle Adventure.
Enjoy a scenic flight over the East Kimberley region into Purnululu National
Park. Here, you join a local guide for a special journey through this
amazing formation. 4WD touring and lunch is included.
Extra Cost
We recommend that
bookings are made in advance. Conditions apply, subject to minimum numbers.
Cape Leveque and
Lombardina
This optional 4WD
tour combines the beauty of the Dampier Peninsula with the Cultural Heritage
of Lombadina. The Dampier Peninsula is a treasured Aboriginal reserve
– traditionally occupied by the Bardi People. At Lombadina undertake a
tour of the community, view the old mission church and take the opportunity
to purchase locally made artefacts. See how a community is working itself
towards self-sufficiency.
Broome to Darwin
11 Days
CODE:
WCBD*
Join at
Broome and tour through the Kimberley region to Darwin.
Day 1 Wed: Arrive
Broome
You will be transferred
to your hotel. Meet your Tour Director and travelling companions this
evening for a welcome drink.
Accommodation:
Cable Beach Club Resort, Broome, 2 nights. (D)
Day 2 Thu: Broome
at Leisure (B)
Day 3 Fri: Derby
– Fitzroy Crossing
Accommodation:
Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing. (BLD)
Day 4 Sat: Geikie
Gorge Cruise
Accommodation:
Kimberley Hotel, Halls Creek. (BLD)
Day 5 Sun: Argyle
Diamond Mine
Accommodation:
Emma Gorge Resort, El Questro Wilderness Park, 2 nights. (BLD)
Day 6 Mon: Chamberlain
Gorge Cruise. (BD)
Day 7 Tue: Kimberley
Dreamtime Experience
Accommodation:
Country Club Hotel, Kununurra, 2 nights. (BD)
Day 8 Wed: Kununurra
– Bungle Options (BD)
Day 9 Thu: Ord
River Cruise
Accommodation:
Paraway Hotel, Katherine. (BLD)
Day
10 Fri: Katherine
Accommodation:
Rydges Plaza, Darwin. (BD)
Day 11 Sat: Depart
Darwin
You will be transferred
to the airport to connect with flights. (B)
Note: Touring
inclusions remain the same as Darwin to Broome itinerary (Code: WCDB)
at left.