13 Day Kimberley Explorer

The Dampier Peninsula is an extraordinary blend of pristine beaches and dramatic coastlines, rich in traditional Aboriginal culture. Travelling north, learn about the region’s fascinating history from our guided commentary. Our first stop is the Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community, home of the Beagle Bay Church with its glimmering pearl shell altar, for morning tea. Soon we arrive at the One Arm Point Community, perched on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, to visit the Community’s aquaculture hatchery, complete with barramundi, pearl and trochus shell. After a picnic lunch we head for the remote Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. In 1946 Dean Brown skippered a rickety wooden lugger into an unknown frontier to discover this hidden paradise: his descendants continue to operate what is now the oldest Pearl Farm in Australia. Embark on an extraordinary cruise through the Islands of the Giant Tides to experience the remarkable tidal flows of King Sound. In the evening we relax round a fire in our own private camp. (LD)

This morning a knowledgeable local guide will demonstrate a pearl harvest, providing a glimpse into this fully operational pearl farm. Discover how they cultivate some of the most sought after and beautiful pearls in the world and enjoy an in-depth pearl grading and appreciation session that will leave you feeling like a pearl expert! Mid morning we depart for beautiful Kooljaman at Cape Leveque. You may like to head off for a swim, or take one of the lovely walks in the area to explore the rugged red coastline for which Cape Leveque is famous. Driving back through the dusk, keep an eye out for wildlife before arriving in Broome at approximately 6.30pm. (BL)

As we travel through the remote and beautiful Kimberley landscape, our 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 we hit the Gibb River Road. Visit the fascinating Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Cultural Centre for an insight into the culture of the Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunumbal tribes and their supreme spirit being, the Wandjina. The afternoon is devoted to exploring Tunnel Creek, with our local Bunuba guide. In this 750-metre cave system carved through the Napier Range, 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. Don’t miss a refreshing swim in an idyllic waterhole. That night we settle into our first night under the Kimberley night sky. (LD)

The Napier Range is over 350 million years old and home to the geological wonder of Windjana Gorge. Beneath gorge walls rising 90m, we spend the morning searching for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and indigenous bush tucker. Mid morning we head off to Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), a hidden highlight of the West Kimberley. 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! Spend the next day swimming in paradise: discover the cool waters of water lily-laden Galvans Gorge and stunning Adcock Gorge. Amid the rugged beauty of Manning Falls we swim in deep clear pools, relax, explore wandering streams, uncover local wildlife and take a dip in the waterfall pools. Overnight we camp by a billabong on Mt Barnett Cattle Station. (BLD/BLD)

Our journey up the Gibb River Road continues to the iconic El Questro Wilderness Park. Two nights in our private campsite allows free time to join one or more of the many activities on offer. We include a refreshing dip in the Zebedee Springs and walk into Emma Gorge while a cruise on Chamberlain Gorge, bush tucker walk or bird watching tour are amongst the many optional activities. You may choose to simply explore this beautiful wilderness park at your own leisure. (BLD/BL)

Emerge from the Gibb River Road for a few hours free time in Kununurra: sample locally-made rum at the Hoochery and pick up some local sandalwood inspired beauty, health and lifestyle products at the Sandalwood Factory. After lunch, travel on to the shores of the expansive Lake Argyle, the heart of the Ord River Irrigation System which has transformed this dry region into a lush agricultural oasis. Two nights allows time to enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim in the Infinity Pool, with a magnificent view across the lake, and take up one of the many optional activities on offer such as scenic flights and kayak hire. You may like to join our guide to visit the historic Durack Homestead Museum or take on one of the many bush trails to explore the area. A sunset boat cruise on the lake is highly recommended (approx AU$100pp, own expense). (BD/BL)

Journey south down the Great Northern Highway to Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungles. Two nights here, staying in our private Bungle Bungle Safari Camp in the heart of the park, 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 helicopter flight and enjoy a birds-eye view of the beehive domes (approx $450pp, own expense) to put it all into perspective. (BLD/BLD)

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 an Aboriginal Art Gallery, before an evening by the Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing. (BLD)

A morning cruise through the majestic Danggu (Geikie Gorge) is a great start to the day. Nature carved this wonder through 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. Enjoy lunch by the river en route back to Broome. (BL)