12 DAY KIMBERLEY SCENIC: Broome to Kununurra

Departs	Cost 2009
Broome 2009: Apr 27,29; May 1,4,6,8,10,11,13,15,17,18,19,20,21,22,25,26,27,28,29,31; Jun 1,2,3,5,6,8,9,10,12,14,15,17,21,22,23,24,26,27,28,29; Jul 1,3,4,5,6,7,8,11,13,15,17,19,20,22,25,27,29,31; Aug 2,3,5,7,10,12,14,16,17,19,23,24,27,29,31; Sep 2,4,7,9,12,14,16,18,21,23,28,30; Oct 5,7.	Twin $5795 OR Single share $6850

 *Italicised dates deduct $400 per couple, $200 per person. Seniors Card & Aust/NZ Pensioners deduct $50pp.Similar dates for 2010.

This is the most thorough one-way journey into the Kimberley, travelling from Broome's Cable Beach to the eastern gateway of Kununurra and covering all the scenic and cultural highlights. Discover the Gibb River Road Mitchell Plateau and the unique Bungle Bungle Range.

GKC12 Itinerary

Day 1. Broome, Prison Tree, Gibb River Road, Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge
Depart Broome at 7.00 a.m. to begin your exploration of the awe-inspiring Kimberley region. At Derby, we visit the Boab Prison Tree, believed to be more than 1000 years old. This hollowed tree was used as a prison cell during the region's early days. We begin our journey on the Gibb River Road, a remote Outback highway that accesses some of the Kimberley's best scenery. We travel to remarkable Tunnel Creek, a 750 metre-long natural tunnel carved through the Napier Range. With torch in hand, we wade through the cool waters to view the wonderful oasis that awaits us on the other side. At Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above white sands, see the ancient marine fossils embedded in the gorge walls. You may also see freshwater crocodiles lazing on the banks of the Lennard River, which runs through the gorge. Continue to our exclusive camp, in the heart of Ngarinyin country.
Two Night Stay: Imintji Wilderness Camp. Stay in the comfort of our exclusive permanent campsite.
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Day 2. Bell Gorge, Hiking and Swimming
Back on the Gibb River Road, we travel through Outback landscapes to Bell Gorge, where rugged cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. The afternoon is yours to explore the spectacular scenery. Take a swim below the waterfall which feeds the lower pool or go birdwatching. The energetic can choose from a number of hiking opportunities. This is the perfect place to simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. Head back to camp and relax before dinner.
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Day 3. Galvans Gorge, Barnett River Gorge, Drysdale River, Marunbabidi Wilderness Camp
Today we travel through the heart of Kimberley cattle country to discover some of the region's most secluded gorges. At Galvans Gorge, a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole, with Boab trees clinging to the escarpment above. Inspect the rock art on the gorge walls and take a leisurely swim. We stop at the Mt Barnett Roadhouse before travelling to beautiful Barnett River Gorge, where we enjoy lunch in a setting of shady paperbark trees. Look out for the birdlife that inhabits the area and enjoy another dip. Turning off the Gibb River Road, we travel north on the Kalumburu Road, heading towards the isolated Mitchell Plateau. We ford the Drysdale River and, late this afternoon, arrive at our exclusive overnight wilderness camp on the banks of the upper King Edward River. This area is the traditional home of the Ngarinyin Aboriginal people.
Stay: King Edward River, Marunbabidi Wilderness Camp. Relax in this tranquil bush setting.
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Day 4. Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River, Ungolan Wilderness Camp
Ascending the Mitchell Plateau, we enter a remote world of Livistona palm forests, beautiful lookouts, ancient Aboriginal art, magnificent waterfalls and isolated swimming holes. Today, explore amazing Wandjina and Gwion (Bradshaw) art galleries and swim in the crystal-clear waters at King Edward River Crossing. For the next two nights, we stay at our unique permanent wilderness camp beside Pandanus palm-fringed Camp Creek. Enjoy this unique location, at the top of the plateau. For wildlife watchers, the region's prolific birdlife includes brolgas, herons, kites and sea eagles, as well as some rainforest birds. You may be lucky enough to see the Monjon, a rock wallaby that is unique to the Kimberley region. At night and early in the morning, look out for the Northern Quoll, a native cat that is often spotted near popular camps.
Two Night Stay: Ungolan Wilderness Camp. The Wunambal people welcome you.
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Day 5. Mitchell Falls, Gwion (Bradshaw) Art, NEW! Included Scenic Helicopter Flight
Today we have a full day to discover the beauty of Mitchell Falls, with a magnificent system of waterfalls and Aboriginal art. When available, local Aboriginal guides will join us for the adventure, imparting their knowledge of the area and sharing their cultural beliefs, which are closely linked to this stunning environment. Begin with a guided hike to Little Merten Falls to view rarely seen Aboriginal art. Continue on to view Gwion (Bradshaw) art and Big Merten Falls before arriving at Mitchell Falls. With superb scenery and rich culture, you can swim in the pools above the falls, learn of local history and look for the region's stunning flora and fauna. We have included a special helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls back to the vehicle (or, if you prefer, hike back with your guide). Longer scenic helicopter flights over the remote coastline are available at an additional charge.
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Day 6. Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River
Travelling through Livistona palm forests, we view galleries of ancient Aboriginal art before saying goodbye to the awe-inspiring scenery of the Mitchell Plateau. Lunch is at a majestic spot alongside the cool waters of the King Edward River, with time for a swim before continuing to our comfortable wilderness camp.
Stay: Marunbabidi Wilderness Camp.
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Day 7. El Questro Station, Emma Gorge
Rejoining the famous Gibb River Road, we ford the mighty Durack River, named after the region's most famous pioneering family. Then, we cross the Pentecost River into El Questro - one million acres in the Kimberley wilderness. Once settled into Emma Gorge Resort, take a hike into the gorge and indulge in a refreshing swim over to the waterfall.
Accommodation: El Questro, Emma Gorge Resort, tented safari cabins in the heart of the Kimberley wilderness.
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Day 8. El Questro, Wyndham, Kununurra
Enjoy time to explore El Questro. Warm up in the hot pools of Zebedee Springs and visit the station. Farewelling the Gibb River Road, we head to Wyndham and take in spectacular views of the Cambridge Gulf from Five Rivers Lookout. Arrive in Kununurra, the Kimberley's eastern gateway.
Two Night Stay: Kununurra, Mercure Hotel.
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Day 9. Cruise Ord River and Lake Kununurra
This morning you have some free time to explore Kununurra. Then we travel to Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the southern hemisphere with 18 times the capacity of Sydney Harbour. This afternoon, we join a guided cruise on the Ord River. Admire spectacular scenery and look for local wildlife. Witness a sunset while cruising Lake Kununurra.
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Day 10. Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park, Echidna Chasm
Departing Kununurra, we travel to Purnululu National Park. A spectacular wilderness region and home to the unique Bungle Bungle Range, the park was awarded World Heritage status in 2003. Today we explore the northern part of the park. Hike into Echidna Chasm, a mysterious cleft in the rock massif. Enjoy the unique wilderness experience of staying within the national park without having to 'rough it'.
Two Night Stay: Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge. Award-winning accommodation with exclusive private en suites
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Day 11. Bungle Bungle Range
Hike into Piccaninny Creek and spectacular Cathedral Gorge. Walk among the unique beehive domes, as your guide brings the natural history of the range to life. Learn about bushtucker, bush medicine and the area's significance to local Aborigines. There is time for an optional helicopter flight (own expense). Enjoy drinks and watch the sun set over the domes.
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Day 12. Scenic Flight to Kununurra
Enjoy breakfast before boarding your scenic flight to Kununurra at approximately 7:15am to readily connect with onward flights.
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