4 Day Broome to the Bungles: Broome return

Day 1: Windjana Gorge & Tunnel Creek
6:30AM We ease into our adventure as we travel to the Gibb River Road, via the Derby 'Prison Tree', and on through the picturesque Napier Ranges. Once a Devonian reef, these mountains are over 350 million years old and home to a diverse array of animals and plants. The perfect place to experience the stunning natural beauty of an outback oasis is the 3.5km geological wonder of Windjana Gorge. Beneath gorge walls rising 90m, we search for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and Indigenous bushtucker. After a picnic lunch, the afternoon is spent exploring Tunnel Creek, a 750-metre cave system in which we discover stalactites, secret caves and a large variety of wildlife. It is here we also learn the legend of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hide-out in the late 1800's. Freshen up with a swim in the idyllic waterhole at the end of the tunnel. As dusk settles, we break our journey with a comfortable night camping by the river at the Fitzroy River Lodge, in the remote town of Fitzroy Crossing.

Day 2: Bungle Bungles
Leaving Fitzroy Crossing early in the morning allows us to arrive in Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungles, in the afternoon. On the way, we visit the gold rush town of Halls Creek to see the remarkable China Wall. On arrival in Purnululu, there is time to orient ourselves, explore the surrounds and settle into our basic, yet comfortable, permanent tented accommodation at the Walardi Wilderness Camp. After enjoying a bush sunset with a glass of wine, relax as we retire for a delicious meal and evening under the stars.

Day 3: Bungle Bungles
Spend the next day exploring the highlights of this extraordinary National Park, the most famous of which, are the Bungle Bungle domes. Rivers created this landscape of unique orange and black striped 'beehive' geological formations over a period of 20 million years. Unbelievably, only the locals knew it existed until the early 1980's; once discovered by others, the area was made a national park in 1987. We explore Echidna Chasm (2km), known for its towering Livistonia Palm trees, and take a short walk (2-3km) into stunning Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks create a natural amphitheatre. There is time in the afternoon to take an optional scenic flight and enjoy a birds-eye view of the beehive domes (approx $250pp, own expense) to put it all into perspective. This evening is again spent at Walardi Wilderness Camp.

Day 4: Geikie Gorge to Broome

Another early morning start sees us return westward, reaching the banks of the Fitzroy River once again, for a picnic lunch in Geikie Gorge. It is a long day so relax, watch the Kimberley plains drift by or enjoy a movie. In the afternoon, join a local National Park Ranger on a guided cruise through the majestic gorge, that nature carved between the Geikie and Oscar Ranges during the Devonian geological period. Learn of the fascinating geology of this natural wonder and discover the huge array of wildlife including freshwater crocodiles, birds and fish. We later arrive back in Broome at approximately 6:45pm.

NOTE: Travellers on this trip must bring a pair of shoes/sandals that they don't mind getting wet and a torch. Other recommendations include: a broad-brimmed hat with sun visor for all round protection, swimming costume and towel, walking shoes, a long-sleeved cotton shirt (sun protection), 1 pair of loose-fitting pants, a warm jumper (particularly if travelling in July & August), personal water bottle, personal toiletries, first aid (with any personal medication required), a day pack for everyday use and a sleeping bag (10ºC sleeping bags are available for hire at $20pp - must be requested with our office prior to travel; an inner sheet is recommended).