8 Day Kimberley Tours Accommodated

Your Kimberley experience begins this morning as we pick you up from your accommodation. Hitting the road, we soon leave the coastal vegetation behind us and enter the remote inland Kimberley. The region is as rich in history and cultural stories as it is in natural beauty, so enjoy the drive and learn about some of the local legends before arriving at the small township of Fitzroy Crossing. After our first healthy tour lunch, embark on a cruise of Geikie Gorge. The gorge really is stunning and a photographer’s delight. Navigate along the tranquil waters observing the unique, sheer black and white gorge walls and spot an abundance of wildlife. After our cruise we check into tonight’s comfortable accommodation, perhaps ending the day with a swim in the pool or a cool drink from the bar.

This morning we head for the heart of the Kimberley and the Great Kimberley Devonian Reef. We turn onto the Fairfield Leopold Downs Road, soon starting to admire characteristic Kimberley landscapes with their unique Boab trees, then limestone escarpments as we approach Tunnel Creek. The Napier Range abruptly rises from the Western Pindan plains to expose a 350 Million Year old Devonian reef system. The reef system and surrounding plains provide cultural and geological insights spanning millennia. Our first walk today leads us through a 750m long cave system at Tunnel Creek, inhabited not only by small fish and crustaceans but also freshwater crocodiles and flying foxes. Learn about the local Bunuba legend of Jundamarra, an indigenous resistance fighter who used the local caves as hideout. Later on, our Kimberley experience deepens as we explore Windjana Gorge. Windjana Gorge is a special place of cultural significance with a unique local habitat and abundance of wildlife. While at Windjana Gorge we reveal some more of the local Bunuba Indigenous heritage, important cultural stories and historic events. Spot the local fresh water crocodile population while strolling along the banks of the gorge and admiring the ancient, exposed reef. This afternoon we start our drive along the Gibb River Road and head further east over the King Leopold Ranges and into the Central Kimberley Plateau. We check in at out remote Wilderness Lodge accommodation for the night- enjoy a delicious three course dinner before settling into your first tranquil Kimberley evening.

Our Kimberley experience continues this morning after a leisurely breakfast with our first waterfall expedition at Bell Gorge. Nestled in the rugged sandstone of the King Leopold Conservation Zone, our hike into the gorge reveals one of the most popular Kimberley waterfalls along the Gibb River Road. We have time for a refreshing swim and exploration of Bell Falls. After some relaxation we head further east to Galvan’s Gorge and waterfall for another swim and to view some Aboriginal Rock Art. Galvan’s Gorge is accessible via a short walk and one of the most secluded and picturesque gorges along the Gibb! After taking in the atmosphere, we continue on to our accommodation at Mt Elizabeth Station, an authentic remote Kimberley cattle station. Enjoy the secluded atmosphere while your hosts prepare a delicious dinner spread.

This morning we have some more time to enjoy the station before continuing further eastward. We visit Ellenbrae Station, another of the Kimberley’s working cattle stations, where we have the opportunity to try the delicious home made scones the station is now famous for. We spend some time relaxing in the homestead’s lush gardens and witnessing true Outback lifestyles, then head for our day’s final destination, Home Valley Station. Home Valley is owned and operated by the Indigenous Land Corporation, and is one of the emerging Kimberley Indigenous outback experiences. Nestled in the mighty Durack Ranges, Home Valley signals our arrival to the East Kimberley. Time permitting we stop in to have a look at Bindoola Falls, before checking into our accommodation for the night. We immediately prepare for our sunset safari either to the crest of the Pentecost Range or the river camp where we enjoy the East Kimberley’s notorious views at the best time of day. The dominant Cockburn Range exhibits the most striking panoramic perspective of this classic East Kimberley Durack country at sunset.

This morning we visit one of the most well known Kimberley attractions- Elquestro Station. We can either have a swim and relaxation time at Zebedee Spring or, for the fit and active, we take a hike up Emma Gorge. This rocky walk requires good balance and agility with some rock hopping along the way- at the end of the track stunning steep gorge walls and Emma Falls will be revealed. Enjoy a swim in the very refreshing plunge pool before our return hike. We now drive the remainder of the Gibb and continue on to Lake Argyle for our sunset cruise. Lake Argyle is Australia’s second largest water reserve, measuring eleven times the size of Sydney Harbour! The best way to appreciate the vastness of the lake and it’s ninety islands is to spend time on the water with one of the lake’s most knowledgeable residents and guides. A late afternoon cruise on Lake Argyle incorporating a stunning sunset with complimentary drinks and snacks, and a chance for a swim, is one of the Kimberley’s most amazing and memorable experiences.

This morning early birds can enjoy the sunrise over the lake from Lake Argyle Village or have a morning dip in the famed infinity pool. After breakfast we have the opportunity to stop in at the homestead museum, exhibiting a multitude of historical artefacts and displays not only of interest to history buffs. Learn the fascinating story of the pioneering Durack family and the way the cattle industry has influenced the Kimberley over time. Next we continue to the small town of Kununurra, the hub of the East Kimberley and the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. After a quick supply stop we turn south along the Great Northern Highway. This afternoon’s drive is through a narrow corridor between the Carr Boyd Ranges on the eastern side, and the Saw Ranges in the West. This is classic Durack Country and one of the most picturesque routes in the Kimberley. After our easy and relaxing afternoon drive, we arrive at Mabel Downs Station and our overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, we turn onto the Mabel Downs Station track to tackle the raw rugged terrain of the Osmond Range and surrounding Bungle Bungle landscape. As we continue through Mabel Downs Cattle Station towards Purnululu National Park, crossing several creeks and rivers, we stop at some lookout points to admire this uniquely striking landscape while giving you time to capture it all through the lens. We spend the morning hiking around and through the famous World Heritage acclaimed beehive formations of the Bungle Bungle Range. We also trek Piccinnini Creek, the main drainage channel of the park, and admire Cathedral Gorge and other outstanding features of this unique semi-arid Kimberley zone. After our morning hiking expedition we head to the northern section of the Bungle Bungle Range. The drive to the North of the park is approximately 45min and skirts the Bungles the whole distance, providing more opportunities to admire the changing aspects of this natural masterpiece. The experience in the park’s North is very different, therefore we take the time and the remainder of the day to explore the changing habitats in and around Echidna Chasm before heading to one of the park’s great vantage points to catch the last rays of the day and the changing colours of the Bungle Bungles. After sunset we check into another great Kimberley Wilderness Lodge.

This morning we have an opportunity for a helicopter flight over the surrounding Bungle Bungle landscape to gain a true aerial perspective of its grandeur and magnitude. A flight over the Bungle Bungle Range in an open-door chopper is an exhilarating experience and definitely the best way to appreciate this incredible land form. After yesterday’s exploration on foot, the aerial perspective nicely rounds up our Purnululu experience before we leave the park. Heading back along the Mable Downs track, we arrive at the highway and soon stop at Warmun for lunch and to visit the local art centre. The Warmun Art Centre is owned and governed by Gija people, and all income is returned to the community. The centre was established in 1998 to support, maintain and promote Gija art, language and culture and now exhibits an amazing collection of locally produced art work. Take your time browsing the gallery before we start making our way to Kununurra. Time permitting, we stop at another small local waterfall and pool before arriving in Kununurrra where we drop you off at your accommodation and leave you to reflect on your Kimberley experience.