15 DAY TOP END AND KIMBERLEY DISCOVERY: Darwin to Broome or rev

Departs 2009 Darwin	Departs 2009 Broome	Cost 2009
May 30; Jun 8; Jul 6,18,27; Aug 10,26; Sep 5,12,21,28;	May 14,23; Jun 18, 29; Jul 8,23; Aug 8, 20,25; Sep 3, 10	Twin $6745 OR Single share $7835

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

Offering the complete Kimberley and Top End experience, this tour starts in Broome and journeys the rugged Gibb River Road, visiting highlights including the Mitchell Plateau and Purnululu. It then crosses into the Northern Territory, journeying to Kakadu National Park.

GKD15 Itinerary

Day 1. Darwin, Kakadu National Park

We cross the Marakai Plains to Kakadu National Park. Visit the Bowali Visitor Centre and learn about the region and its wildlife. Accompanied by Aboriginal guides, explore the East Alligator River on the Guluyambi cruise. We travel to Ubirr, to see the superbly preserved Aboriginal rock art. Ubirr features one major rock art gallery and some 36 smaller sites.
Two Night Stay: Kakadu National Park, Gagudju Cooinda Lodge.
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Day 2. Yellow Water Cruise, Warradjan Cultural Centre, Nourlangie Rock, Rock Art
Join a guided cruise on Kakadu's Yellow Water billabong. A guide will provide commentary on the region's natural history, abundant flora and wildlife. Keep an eye out for fearsome saltwater crocodiles. Then visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre and gain an insight into the cultural and historical significance the park holds for its traditional owners. We travel to Nourlangie Rock to view Aboriginal art. The Aboriginal art in Kakadu is remarkably different to what you will discover in the Kimberley. As well as X-ray style paintings, there are also Mimi paintings (depictions of delicate spirit figures). An easy hike leads you to aguluwur art site.
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Day 3. Gunlom Falls, Katherine
Enjoy a relaxing swim in the waterhole of Gunlom Falls before travelling to Katherine.
Stay: Katherine, All Seasons Hotel.
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Day 4. Katherine Gorge Breakfast Cruise, Kununurra
Journey into beautiful Nitmiluk National Park and cruise Katherine Gorge. As you cruise between the towering cliffs your guide will detail the region's rich flora and fauna, and explain the significance of the gorge's Aboriginal art. Depart Katherine and continue to Kununurra, the eastern gateway to the Kimberley. See the Ord River Scheme, established to harness the wild, tropical rivers of Western Australia so that the water could be used for irrigation and electricity production. See how the scheme has allowed the region to produce a range of tropical fruits.
Stay: Kununurra, All Seasons Hotel.
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Day 5. Kununurra, Purnululu National Park, Spring Creek Track, Sunset Drinks
Depart Kununurra and travel to Purnululu National Park, home to the famous Bungle Bungle Range. Journey the 4-wheel drive Spring Creek Track into the heart of this World Heritage-listed national park. Sit back and relax while enjoying sunset drinks overlooking the Bungle Bungle and experience the Outback serenity.
Two Night Stay: EXCLUSIVE! KWA's award-winning Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge in the heart of Purnululu. Tented cabins with private en suites.
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Day 6. Purnululu National Park, Echidna Chasm, Piccaninny Creek, Cathedral Gorge
Journey into Echidna Chasm along a Livistona palm-fringed trail on a hike regarded as one of the best in Australia. Explore this cleft in the rock massif which is known for being a photographer's paradise. After lunch, enjoy a hike among the famous Bungle Bungle domes along Piccaninny Creek and into Cathedral Gorge. Admire the towering sandstone walls and test out the acoustics of the gorge's natural amphitheatre.
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Day 7. Purnululu National Park, El Questro
Farewell the Bungle Bungle Range this morning and travel to El Questro station, a million acre cattle station in the heart of the Kimberley frontier.
Two Night Stay: El Questro Station, Emma Gorge Resort. Tented cabins with private en suites.
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Day 8. Chamberlain Gorge, Aboriginal Art, Zebedee Thermal Pools, Emma Gorge
Today discover the wonders of El Questro. Cruise Chamberlain Gorge, a fresh waterway fringed by tropical vegetation and rugged escarpments, with a ranger. You'll also view rarely seen Wandjina Aboriginal rock art at the gorge. This afternoon walk to beautiful Zebedee Springs to soak in the natural thermal pools, surrounded by lush ferns and palms. After a leisurely soak, hike to Emma Gorge and indulge in a refreshing swim over to the towering droplet waterfall.
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Day 9. El Questro, Gibb River Road, Mitchell Plateau, Ungolan Wilderness Camp
Departing El Questro this morning, journey the rugged Gibb River Road. Ford the Pentecost River where saltwater crocodiles inhabit the deceptively calm waters. Then ford the Durack River, named after the region's most famous pioneering family. Climb the Mitchell Plateau among a forest of Livistona Palms to arrive at our exclusive Ungolan Wilderness Camp, beside Camp Creek and at the top of the plateau.
Two Night Stay: Ungolan Wilderness Camp.
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Day 10. Mitchell Falls, Gwion (Bradshaw) Art, Scenic Helicopter Flight over the Falls
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. 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 11. Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River
Today view the Kimberley's unique Gwion (Bradshaw) art at a rarely seen gallery on the banks of the upper King Edward River. After viewing a Wandjina rock art gallery enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters at King Edward River Crossing. Continue to our overnight wilderness camp on the banks of the King Edward River, an area which is the traditional home of the Ngarinyin Aboriginal people.
Stay: EXCLUSIVE! King Edward River, Marunbabidi Wilderness Camp. Relax in this tranquil bush setting.
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Day 12. Barnett River Gorge, Galvans Gorge
We rejoin the Gibb River Road today, stopping at Barnett River Gorge for a swim. Enjoy lunch in the shade of local paperbark trees before travelling to Galvans Gorge where a short walk leads to a stunning waterhole. Admire the Boab trees above the waterfall and view the gorge's Aboriginal art.
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Day 13. 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 waterfalls. 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 14. Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek National Park, Fitzroy Crossing
This morning journey to Windjana Gorge where a short walk leads in to the gorge. See ancient marine fossils embedded in the gorge walls. Look out for freshwater crocodiles lazing on the banks of the Lennard River which runs through the gorge. At Tunnel Creek National Park wade through the 750-metre long tunnel which is carved through the Napier Range.
Stay: Fitzroy Crossing, Fitzroy River Lodge.
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Day 15. Boab Prison Tree, Derby, Geikie Gorge Cruise, Broome
Join a traditional Bunuba landowner for an Aboriginal guided cruise through the striking coloured walls of Geikie Gorge. The stunning waterway is hemmed by sandstone walls which have been bleached by annual flooding. View the Boab Prison Tree at Derby before arriving in the coastal township of Broome.
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