The Kimberley Complete
A 4x4 safari through one of the world’s greatest remaining wilderness regions
Join award-winning APT on this small-group 4x4 tour of the remote and rugged Kimberley, staying at exclusive camps and lodges. Discover the gorges of the Gibb River Road, the Kimberley’s famous Outback highway. Take a helicopter flight over mighty Mitchell Falls. Hike through the spectacular Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park. Swim in the waters of the King Edward River. Decipher the stories in Aboriginal rock art. Cruise the Ord River, Lake Kununurra and Geikie.
2 nights Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge • 1 night Drysdale River Station • 2 nights Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge • 2 nights El Questro Homestead • 2 nights Kununurra Country Club Resort • 2 nights Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge • 1 night Fitzroy River Lodge
Day 1: Gibb River Road
Starting in Broome, begin with a visit to the Boab Prison Tree, thought to be more than 1,500 years old. Then start your journey along the Gibb River Road, a remote Outback highway that cuts through the heart of the magnificent Kimberley.
See ancient marine fossils embedded in the walls of Windjana Gorge and keep an eye out for freshwater crocodiles basking on the banks of the Lennard River. Then continue to Tunnel Creek where, torch in hand, you can wade through the water to reach the oasis beyond.
Stay: Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge (LD)
Day 2: Bell Gorge
A number of hiking options are available today at beautiful Bell Gorge, where rugged cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. The lower pool is fed by a waterfall and makes a wonderful place for a spot of wild swimming.
Stay: Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge (BLD)
Day 3: Galvans Gorge & Barnett River Gorge
Gorge yourself on gorges today in the heart of the Kimberley’s cattle country. The art on the walls of Galvans Gorge is particularly interesting, while the shady gum trees of Barnett River Gorge make an ideal spot for a picnic.
Turning off the Gibb River Road, you’ll then travel north on the Kalumburu Road towards the isolated Mitchell Plateau.
Stay: Drysdale River Station (BLD)
Day 4: Mitchell Plateau
Explore the Wandjina and Gwion (Bradshaw) art galleries and swim in the clear waters of King Edward River before settling in to Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge beside palm-fringed Camp Creek.
Stay: Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge (BLD)
Day 5: Mitchell Falls
Begin a day of discovery around Mitchell Falls with a guided hike to Little Mertens Falls to view rarely seen Aboriginal art. From there the waterfalls increase steadily in size and scope as you visit Big Mertens Falls and Mitchell Falls itself, where you can swim in the pools above.
To truly appreciate the scale of your surroundings you really need to be in the air, so we’ve included a helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls back to the vehicle, though hiking back can also be arranged.
Stay: Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge (BLD)
Day 6: Mitchell Plateau
View more Aboriginal art before saying goodbye to the awe-inspiring scenery of the Mitchell Plateau.
Stay: Drysdale River Station or El Questro Homestead (depending on the season) (BLD)
Day 7: El Questro Wilderness Park
Rejoin the Gibb River Road, fording rivers as you make your way into El Questro Wilderness Park, one million acres of pristine Kimberley wilderness. A hike to Emma Gorge is rewarded by a relaxing dinner at Emma Gorge Resort.
Stay: El Questro Homestead (BLD)
Day 8: Wyndham & Parry’s Lagoon
Shake off the jolts from those Outback roads with a soothing dip in the Zebedee hot springs before heading to Wyndham and spectacular views of the Cambridge Gulf. Tuck in to lunch at an iconic Outback pub and visit Parry’s Lagoon, a bird watcher’s paradise, before continuing to Kununurra.
Stay: Kununurra Country Club Resort (BLD)
Day 9: Lake Argyle, Ord River & Lake Kununurra
Explore Kununurra before travelling on to Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the southern hemisphere. In the afternoon and evening, enjoy cruises on the Ord River and Lake Kununurra.
Stay: Kununurra Country Club Resort (B)
Day 10: Purnululu National Park
Hike into Echidna Chasm, a spectacular cleft in a rock massif and one of the many highlights of this World Heritage-listed national park.
Stay: Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge (BLD)
Day 11: Bungle Bungle Range
Of all the many wonders of Purnululu National Park, none are quite as astonishing as the striped beehive domes of the Bungle Bungles. Having hiked into Piccaninny Creek and Cathedral Gorge, your guide will walk you through the domes shedding light on their fascinating history. You’ll also learn about the region’s importance to the local Aborigines, and of traditional bush tucker and natural medicines.
There’s time too for a helicopter flight if you wish (for an additional charge) and sunset drinks in the geological wonderland.
Stay: Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge (BLD)
Day 12: Halls Creek & Fitzroy Crossing
Visit Halls Creek and an unusual quartz formation known as the China Wall before heading for Fitzroy Crossing.
Stay: Fitzroy River Lodge (BLD)
Day 13: Geikie Gorge & Broome
Cruise past the bleached limestone walls of Geikie Gorge before completing the circuit and arriving back in Broome. (BL)
The Kimberley Complete itinerary map
Pricing information
13-day 4x4 safari
Prices from: £5,860 to £7,225 per person
Valid for travel: 16 April to 23 December 2012
Package includes: International flights, 4x4 transport, tours as stated & 12 nights accommodation with meals as indicated.
B = breakfast • L = lunch • D = dinner
Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
To book, call 0845 643 6548
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX102568.
Back to the top
