12 Day Gibb, Plateau, Bungles & Geike: Broome return

An adventure into the heart of the Kimberley, this tour travels from Broome to Broome via the Gibb River road visiting Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Galvans and Manning Gorge with time to swim in waterfalls. The tour includes the Mitchell Plateau, ancient Aboriginal art, a working cattle station, El Questro, the Bungle Bungles and Geikie Gorge.

This morning we head east from Broome along the Great Northern Highway, crossing the massive Fitzroy River. After stopping at the Boab Prison Tree, we branch off along dirt roads and explore by torchlight Tunnel Creek, hideout of the outlaw Pigeon, and then through to our camp at Windjana Gorge looking for some freshwater crocodiles.

DAY 2 - CP

Today we start our trek along the famous Gibb River Road, travelling through the King Leopold Ranges, with our first stop for a refreshing swim at Galvans Gorge before arriving at our camp at Manning Gorge.

DAY 3 - BC

Leaving the Gibb, we travel via the Kalumburu Road, heading for the remote Mitchell Plateau. Tonight we camp on the banks of the King Edward River where we can swim in the refreshing pools and wash off the dust. Later we can look for "eyes" in the river.

DAY 4 - NP

Passing through forests of Livistonia Palms and some of the best views that money can't buy, a full day is set aside to explore this spectacular area at leisure. A trek to Mertens Falls and then on to the famous Mitchell Falls will take you to one of the most remote places in the country. Plenty of time to swim, photograph and just absorb some priceless memories, as the Mitchell River cascades down, forming a massive 4-tiered waterfall. An optional helicopter flight is also available. We camp here this evening.

DAY 5 - CP

This morning we reluctantly leave Mitchell Falls stopping to view Aboriginal rock art, including Wandjina art and the mysterious Bradshaw paintings, before arriving at the King Edward River in time for a swim and lunch.  We trek on to Drysdale River station, with time for a cold beer at a traditional Kimberley cattle station. Camp tonight by the Drysdale river.

DAY 6 - CP

This morning we can relax for a while or try our hand at fishing, before rejoining the Gibb River Rd (one of the roughest roads in the world), navigating through the stunning Pentecost Ranges, while crossing the mighty rivers of both the Durack and Pentecost, en-route to the award winning El Questro station.

DAY 7 - CP

We start the day with a walk through, and a soak in, the palm-fringed Zebedee Hot Springs. Our next visit is to the magnificent El Questro gorge, where we can hike through to the halfway point for a refreshing swim; or, for the more energetic, a trek to the end for the pristine waterfall. This afternoon we head to Kununurra, ending our trek on the Gibb River Rd.
 

DAY 8 - CP

A free day in Kununurra to explore this unique Kimberley town, with many optional tours available - early this morning we can take an optional plane flight over Lake Argyle, the diamond mine and the Bungle Bungle ranges, and later you can spend time fishing, canoeing or relaxing around the pool.

DAY 9 - NP

Our first stop after Kununurra is at a secluded swimming hole, before visiting the renowned Warmun Art Centre to view artwork from leading Aboriginal artists in residence. We continue our journey to Purnululu (Bungle Bungle National Park), driving for several hours via rugged 4WD-only access tracks. After setting up camp, we experience a magnificent Bungle Bungle sunset.

DAY 10 - NP

There is a lot more to the Bungles than the 400 metre high beehive-shaped domes, and today we will discover the delights of this wilderness paradise at Mini-Palms Gorge and Echidna Chasm. We walk through the tiger-striped sandstone domes at Picanniny Creek to the spacious cavern of Cathedral Gorge, with an optional helicopter flight also available.

DAY 11 - CP

After a bumpy start to the day along 4WD tracks, we hit the bitumen again and stop at the old goldmining town of Hall's Creek en route to Fitzroy Crossing, camping on the banks of the Fitzroy River. Optional boat trip this afternoon past the colourful cliffs of Geikie Gorge, part of the Devonian reef system, with the chance to view some of the local wildlife.

DAY 12

Today we head for the pearl town of Broome, stopping for photos at one of the many stands of boab trees that dominate the landscape. We arrive in Broome early afternoon, where your tour guide will drop you off at your accommodation, sadly ending a memorable adventure.

KEY:
CP = Camping Park, full facilities
NP = National Park, limited facilities
BC = Bush Camp, no facilities