8 Day kimberley loop: Broome return ALONG THE GIBB

Departs 2009	Cost 2009
Broome:  Every Second Monday from Apr-Oct 2009	Adult $1695pp Child (4-12yrs) $1545pp Concession $1665pp

HIGHLIGHTS:  This all-encompassing 8 day 4WD adventure explores the Kimberley highlights you have always wanted to experience - encountering wildlife in Windjana Gorge, the adventure of Tunnel Creek, a journey along the famous Gibb River Road, magnificent El Questro Wilderness Park, the World-Heritage protected Bungle Bungles and dramatic Geikie Gorge. This trip has it all.

Day 1: Windjana Gorge & Tunnel Creek             
Departing Broome at 7:00am, travel through the remote and beautiful landscape, as the guide shares stories of local history, people and the environment. Enjoy a morning tea break by the Fitzroy River and visit the Derby 'Boab Prison Tree'. Before long we hit the Gibb River Road, and travel towards the Napier Range. 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 bush tucker. 
After a picnic lunch, the afternoon is spent exploring Tunnel Creek, a 750-metre cave system carved through the Napier Range, 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. A refreshing swim in an idyllic waterhole is a highlight of the day. 
Return to Windjana Gorge that evening to camp.

Day 2: Bell Gorge & Mt Barnett Station     
The morning is devoted to exploring Bell Gorge, a hidden highlight of the West Kimberleys. This idyllic retreat, considered amongst the most beautiful in the area, boasts cascading waterfalls and crystal clear pools formed over millions of years - an easy place to while away a few hours! Further up the Gibb River Road we reach Mt Barnett Cattle Station. An afternoon trek into Manning Falls offers the chance to swim in deep clear pools amid a stunning natural landscape. Relax, explore wandering streams, uncover local wildlife and take a dip in the waterfall pools. That night, we camp by a billabong on Mt Barnett Station.                

Days 3-4: El Questro Wilderness Park        
We continue our journey up the Gibb River Road to the iconic El Questro Wilderness Park. Two nights here allows free time join one or more of the many activities on offer. This could include a refreshing dip in the Zebedee Springs, a cruise on Chamberlain Gorge, a bush tucker walk or a bird watching tour. Or simply explore this beautiful wilderness park at your own leisure.

Days 5-6: Bungle Bungles   
Leaving the Gibb River Road behind, we travel to Kununurra for lunch. After lunch, we head south down the Great Northern Highway to Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungles. Two nights here allows a full day to explore 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 $265pp, own expense) to put it all into perspective. 

Day 7: China Wall & Fitzroy Crossing
Enroute to Fitzroy Crossing, we break the long journey with a visit the gold rush town of Halls Creek to see the remarkable China Wall. We also enjoy lunch at Marys Pool and visit the remote Laarri Aboriginal Art Gallery, before an evening by the Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing.  

Day 8: Geikie Gorge & Broome        
A morning cruise through the majestic Geikie Gorge is a great start to our last day. Nature carved this wonder through 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. Explore Old Fitzroy Crossing and enjoy lunch by the river before we return to Broome, arriving at approximately 6.00pm  

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 May-Aug), personal water bottle and personal toiletries, first aid (with any personal medication required) 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).