11 Day Ancient Kimberley & Top End: Broome to Darwin

Itinerary

Day 1: Sat. Broome, Cable Beach.
Welcome to Broome, a relaxed coastal settlement in Australia's north west. Spend some leisure time absorbing the beautiful turquoise waters and white sands as you stroll along magnificent Cable Beach or lay back and relax in the luxury of the Cable Beach Club Resort. For the more energetic, head into Broome and explore the pearl showrooms that line the streets of Chinatown.Two Night Stay: Broome, Cable Beach Club Resort, right opposite famous Cable Beach.

Day 2: Sun. Broome, Freedom of Choice Touring, Cable Beach Sunset, Dine Around Dinner.
Discover Broome today with Freedom of Choice - it's all included in your tour price. Tour the popular Pearl Lugger museum. Alternatively, take a thrilling hovercraft flight over Roebuck Bay's mudflats, or choose the classic Cable Beach experience - a camel ride along the golden sands at sunset. Enjoy a delicious Dine Around Dinner this evening - many of the dishes in Broome are a tasty blend of Asian and Australian cuisine. Bx1 Dx1

Day 3: Mon. Derby, Boab Prison Tree, Windjana Gorge, Fitzroy Crossing.
This morning takes you to Derby to see the massive Boab Prison Tree. Aboriginals used these giant trees as shelter, food and medicine. From here journey through truly majestic country to Windjana Gorge which is three and a half kilometres long and cuts through the limestone of the Napier Range. Explore the gorge, look for freshwater crocodiles lazing on the riverbank and admire the towering limestone cliffs that were once a coral reef in the Devonian age, some 400 million years ago.
Stay: Fitzroy Crossing, Fitzroy River Lodge. Bx1 Dx1

Day 4: Tue. Geikie Gorge Cruise with Ranger, China Wall, Halls Creek.
Join the local ranger for a guided cruise through Geikie Gorge, with its bleached limestone walls the result of seasonal flooding. This is one of Australia's most spectacular waterways and home to an abundance of wildlife, including crocodiles, fruit bats, wallabies, dingoes and many species of bird. Look out for stingrays that have adapted to this freshwater environment. Continuing east, stop at China Wall and enjoy views of the unusual vein of natural quartz that stretches some tens of kilometres. Explore Halls Creek tonight, an old goldmining town and the centre of the region's cattle industry.
Stay: Halls Creek, Kimberley Hotel. Bx1 Dx1

Day 5: Wed. Lirrgarn Argyle Diamond Mine, El Questro.
Take a guided tour through the renowned Lirrgarn Argyle Diamond Mine, one of the largest in the world, with its exquisite coloured diamonds, particularly the rare and coveted pink diamond. This afternoon arrive at one of the world's most unique holiday destinations, El Questro Station and Wilderness Park. Lying in the heart of the Kimberley and one of the last unspoilt frontiers, El Questro encompasses 405,000 hectares. Much of this spectacular region has still not been explored and has never been settled, yet it is home to four river systems, from freshwater rivers to saltwater estuaries. Take time to discover scenic rivers and gorges and explore this huge working cattle station. APT UPGRADE! - El Questro Homestead. Upgrade your two night stay to the luxurious El Questro Homestead, an exclusive retreat overlooking the Chamberlain River. Featuring exceptional service, gourmet meals, drinks and most activities included. (Replaces accommodation at Emma Gorge). Additional Charge
Two Night Stay: El Questro, Emma Gorge Resort, tented cabins with private ensuites. Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 6: Thur. El Questro, Freedom of Choice Touring, Zebedee Springs, Emma Gorge.
Discover El Questro with our Freedom of Choice Touring options - cruise Chamberlain Gorge, learn about bush tucker or tour the station on horseback. Upon your return, join a guided walk to lush Zebedee Springs and soak in the small thermal pools situated in a pocket of tropical Livistonia and Pandanus palms. Later, the energetic may walk to Emma Gorge to view the stunning droplet waterfall. Tonight relax with a drink in hand and watch the sun set over the dramatic Cockburn Range. Bx1 Dx1

Day 7: Fri. Wyndham, Kununurra.
Rise early for a self-guided bird watching walk before heading to Wyndham, Western Australia's most northerly port. Visit Five Rivers Lookout for panoramic views over the Cambridge Gulf. Continue south to Kununurra.
Two Night Stay: Kununurra, All Seasons Hotel. Bx1 Dx1

Day 8: Sat. Kununurra.
With striking red soil, wide open blue skies and rugged bush scenery, Kununurra will enliven your senses. Spend the morning at leisure before taking a guided tour to learn about the towns' history. SPECIAL OFFER! Bungle Bungle Full Day 4WD and Walking Tour Replace your Day 8 touring with APT's Bungle Bungle adventure. Join a scenic flight into World Heritage Purnululu National Park and go on a 4WD and walking tour. See the stunning Cathedral Gorge, a huge natural amphitheatre and enjoy a picnic lunch. Afterwards, go on a rewarding trek among the beehive domes along Piccaninny's dry creek bed. Learn about the mysterious Bungle Bungle beehive domes and let your guide illustrate the history of this sacred World Heritage site. Later return to Kununurra on your scenic flight out of Purnululu National Park. Seats are limited and must be pre-booked. Additional charge. (includes picnic lunch). Bx1 Dx1

Day 9: Sun. Ord River Wildlife Cruise, Katherine.
Take what is reputed to be one of Australia's most scenic and fascinating cruises along the majestic Ord River, with its peculiar Boab trees and wide variety of birdlife. The river runs for 320 km and was named in honour of Harry Ord, former Governor of Western Australia. Drive the Victoria Highway and cross over the border into the Northern Territory. Journey on to Katherine, the hub of the beef cattle industry and well-known goldmining district. Stay: Katherine, Knotts Crossing Resort. Bx1 Dx1

Day 10: Mon. Katherine Gorge Guided Breakfast Cruise, Adelaide River, Farewell Dinner.
Visit beautiful Nitmiluk National Park, renowned for its 13 spectacular sandstone gorges. Then take a unique breakfast cruise along magnificent Katherine Gorge with commentary on Aboriginal art, local plants and a wide range of wildlife. Later, travel to the township of Adelaide River and visit the only war cemetery on Australian soil. There are 432 servicemen and 63 civilians buried here, all of whom died as a result of Japanese bombing raids. Travel into the city of Darwin for a delicious Farewell Dinner with new found friends. Stay: Darwin, Novotel Atrium Hotel. Bx1 Dx1 

Day 11: Tue. Darwin.
Enjoy a morning tour of the city. Transfer to the airport in the afternoon. Bx1