8 day gibb river / plateau: broome to darwin or reverse

Itinerary

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 - NP

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 - BC

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

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 end our trek along the Gibb River Road, heading to Kununurra, where you can spend time fishing, canoeing or just relaxing around the pool.

DAY 8

Departing Kununurra for Darwin, you have the option of taking a 1hr flight, (depending on availability) or travelling in a luxury coach north along the Victoria Highway. While the stunning Red Valley Gorge serves as our backdrop, the drive through the Gregory National Park is quite spectacular; on both sides there are escarpment ranges, unique Boab trees and the mighty Victoria River that runs into deep valleys and gorges.

NB. Those taking the Coach option depart Kununurra at 7.15am to arrive Darwin at approximately 10.00 pm local time. Passengers wishing to take the 1 hour flight have several options, depending on availability.

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