Kimberley Broome to Broome Mitchell Falls Lake Argyle 12 Day Tour

Kimberley Broome to Broome Mitchell Falls Lake Argyle 12 Day Tour via Mitchell Plateau, Mitchell Falls, and Rock Art, Bungle Bungles, El Questro plus Fitzroy Crossing with Geikie Gorge cruise on Fitzroy River, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Imitji, King Leopold Ranges, Galvans Gorge, Manning Gorge, Mt Barnett, Mt Elizabeth Station, Drysdale Station, Mitchell Falls, King Edward River rock art, El Questro, Zebedee Hot Springs, Bungle Bungles walks & optional heli flight. Opportunity to meet Aboriginal elders and artists, visit Wandjina and Bradshaw rock  art sites, swim in pristine waterholes on this Gibb River Road tour. Fully accommodated (extra cost) or camping rate shown. Tour CodeKBB12 (Broome to Broome) or Broome Darwin, Darwin Broome options.

Wrap up the Top End – Combine spectacular Kimberley scenery with Top End treats. Experience incredible rock art galleries – learn about Aboriginal culture, lore, men and women’s business, spirituality, bush medicines and food, language and history, ceremony, song and dance.

Consider arriving with us from Alice Springs via the Tanami Track, Wolfe Creek Crater and Aboriginal art communities.

Day 1 – Depart Broome 7 am to travel via the vast savannah grasslands, majestic Boab trees and powerful mountains of the Western Kimberley crossing the Fitzroy River near Willare, Day 1 – Depart from Broome travelling through vast Savannah grasslands to Willare on the Fitzroy River before we visit the infamous prison Boab tree with its insights into past and more recent history and cultural significance. We then commence our journey on the Gibb River Road for mystical Windjana Gorge and a walk through the gorge at this special creation “waterhole”. Here is  abundant wildlife and  numerous freshwater crocodiles in this eerie, ancient seabed environment. After lunch we follow the Devonian Reef /Napier Range to Tunnel Creek National Park with its many boab trees and picturesque complex shapes to Tunnel Creek. Here we don torches and shorts to wade through this incredible underground river system full of active stalagmites and stalactites and even an underground spring. This is where the Aboriginal freedom fighter Jandamarra and the Bunuba Resistance was centred in the 1890s, depicted in 2 novels and a recent stage production. After our walk in the shady and refreshing underground system, we follow the boab clad ranges and then cross through them again, to travel through sweeping Kimberley grasslands and cattle country to cross the flood plains of the Fitzroy River. Check in at our accommodation at Fitzroy Crossing before a relaxing night and tasty evening meal, with a chance to meet some of the locals. L

Day 2 – After breakfast enjoy a relaxing Darngku Geike Gorge river cruise on the vast Fitzroy River, and marvel at the high cliffs, annual flood records, stunning wildlife and river tales from our knowledgeable local guide. There is time to check out the local Aboriginal Art Centre and take a look around Fitzroy Crossing which is an education and supply centre for surrounding cattle stations and Aboriginal communities. After a morning cuppa, our journey continues via Mesa & mountain country and we take a photo stop at the scenic  Ngumban Cliffs, where the grey limestone Devonian Reef meets the red sandstone and latertite layers of the Canning Basin. We take a lunch break at the scenic and bird lovers Marys Pool on the Mary River. Halls Creek is next with its gold mining history including the tale of Russian Jack, before the local Aboriginal Art Centre (time permitting). Travel on to Mabel Downs Cattle Station and to the Bungles Bungles Safari Park for overnight. BLD

Day 3 – Today we drive amongst the domes as we enter the Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park to marvel at this high energy amazing orange and black striped beehive landscape formed by giant river systems. Walk the spectacular Cathedral Gorge and Piccaninny Creek. After lunch a walk in Echidna Gorge. Optional scenic helicopter flights also available approx $280 for 18 minutes – fantastic. Please ask – pre-booking recommended. Overnight at Bungle Bungles Safari Camp. BLD

Day 4 – We farewell the Bungle Bungles today and stop at Turkey Creek and the Warmun Aboriginal Art Centre – where Rover Thomas and numerous other famous Aboriginal artists emerged.  Here you can view the latest works, meet the artists and find some bargain art. After Turkey Creek, we travel through spectacular rugged granite mountain ranges past the Argyle Diamond Mine for then relax with a sunset cruise on Lake Argyle and optional swim. Overnight at Lake Argyle Village Resort. BLD

Day 5 – Depart for Kununurra, a prosperous productive centre of mining, agriculture, tourism and Aboriginal art. Kununurra highlights including the Ord River Scheme and Sandalwood factory) We stock up here and check out the local Aboriginal art galleries before heading to Five Rivers Lookout overlooking the spectacular Cambridge Gulf and Wyndham. We also visit Parry’s Lagoon for the rich wetlands bird life including Jabirus and Brolgas. We then join the Gibb River Rd, to arrive at El Questro resort for a late afternoon relax at the resort. El Questro is a million acres of spectacular Kimberley scenery, mountains, rivers and gorges. Dinner at ELQ restaurant own expense. BL Overnight at El Questro

Day 6 – El Questro is a million acres of spectacular Kimberley scenery, rivers and gorges. Here is where the movie Australia was filmed, nestled under the Cockburn Ranges. This morning soak up the relaxing Zebedee hot springs, enjoy a walk in spectacular Emma Gorge or alternative El Questro or Amelia Gorge, before a cruise on the Chamberlain River Gorge and viewing from Pigeon Lookout over the Pentecost River. Overnight at El Questro. BLD.

Day 7 – Today we journey the scenic and spectacular Gibb River Road via Cockburn Range, to cross the mighty Pentecost River and view this ancient sweeping river and landscape from a high vantage point. Enjoy the Durack River, and another river crossing. View Aboriginal rock art including Wandjina and Bradshaw’s (Gwion Gwion). We take a right turn off the Gibb River Road onto the Kalumburu Road for a another water crossing of the Gibb River before we stop at the famous working cattle station, Drysdale River Station for fuel and supplies.  We continue our travel north through spectacular vegetation including cycads, pandanas palms and rainforests and ford the King Edward River before our overnight on Mitchell Plateau. Here we enjoy the waterfalls, swim and visit two vast galleries of Aboriginal rock art including Wandjina & Bradshaw / Gwion Gwion rock art.  BLD Overnight on Mitchell Plateau

Day 8 – Today we traverse the Mitchell Plateau to Mitchell Falls and do the easy 2 hour downhill walk via spectacular swimming pools and waterfalls.View several large galleries and rock art sites with Wandjina and Bradshaw / Gwion Gwion rock art sites (including Thylacine / Tasmanian Tiger rock art ) and swim in these beautiful clear fresh waters.  This is one of the most remote areas of Australia. At Mitchell Falls base we have a couple of hours to relax and swim in these pristine, energised waters. We take the easy way out with the thrill of a spectacular helicopter flight over the Mitchell Falls & Merton Falls for a once in a lifetime view of this vast landscape and coastline. Walk out is also an option. Options also available for extended flights to coastal areas (need to pre book with Spirit Safaris). Overnight on Mitchell Plateau at our King Edward River base.  BLD

Day 9 – Heading south we Drysdale River then take a break at the Drysdale River Station, before we cross the Gibb River.  We settle in at the Mt Elizabeth Station and with nearby Aboriginal community and grassy campground for comfortable camping or station style accommodation is available. BLD

Day 10 – This morning some special rock art sites are visited which include majestic Bradshaw / Gwion and powerful Wandjina Aboriginal rock art sites. We return to the Gibb River Rd, and head south, crossing the Hann and Barnett Rivers, to Mt Barnett Roadhouse, then Manning Gorge waterhole. This is one of the gems of the Kimberley, for a swim and play and relax, or take the 3 hour return hike to spectacular Manning Gorge Falls with more rock art and a swim at the falls. BLD

Day 11 –  Enjoy picturesque Galvans Gorge with more Wandjina rock art, great scenery and good swimming and photos too!  We travel through spectacular Kimberley woodlands and river crossings to Bell Gorge for a walk and swim by the falls. Overnight at Bell Gorge / Silent Grove / Imitji Safari Camp. BLD

Day 12 – After breakfast enjoy a visit to the Imitji store and Aboriginal community and art centre before the scenic drive through spectacular Kimberley range and cattle country. We drive through the King Leopold Conservation Park (great views at lookouts) via Inglis Gap then through unique geology and the Napier Range at Queen Victoria Pass. We cross the Lennard River, and traverse the King Leopold Ranges & Conservation Park (great views at lookouts) via Inglis Gap.  We arrive Derby and visit the the new Mowanjum Aboriginal Art Centre (opportunity to meet artists, learn and buy from source) at Mowanjum Aboriginal Community and then Derby highlights including the Derby wharf (30 ft. tides!) on King Sound. Depart Derby for Broome to arrive late afternoon to enjoy sunset at Cable Beach over the Indian Ocean. Tour completes in Broome. This nights accommodation own arrangements – please ask. BL

Next Day Options – A day to celebrate your journey. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and the many sights or activities Broome has to offer. Options include a trip to Horizontal Falls, or simply shop or relax in Broome’s balmy climate. Home Flights available or consider travelling with us to Alice Springs or Pilbara Karijini National Park.

Inclusions

• Bungle Bungles tour and walk in to Cathedral & Piccaninny Creek + Echidna Chasm
• Mitchell Falls walks and helicopter scenic ride close and over the falls.
• Cruise Lake Argyle, Chamberlain River Gorge at El Questro & Geike Gorge at Fitzroy Crossing
• Exceptional Aboriginal rock art – Wandjina, Bradshaw, Gwion Gwion
• Professional and experienced driver / guide
• Long established relationships with local Aboriginal people enriches experiences
• Access to remote areas and rock art sites unreachable by most tour vehicles
• Delicious meals as shown, including vegetarian options.
• Accommodated sleeping or comfy camping – Your choice. Camp gear is modern and easy to use.
• Optional Accommodation upgrades available if pre booked .
• All World Heritage and National Park entry and accommodation fees
• Aboriginal Art community visits for “direct from artist” purchases
• Contributions of tour price supports Outback Kids and nature care programs.
• You – and Your involvement in a creation much bigger than most can imagine

Exclusions

• 2 dinners own purchase in restaurants, Alcohol
• Accommodation upgrades if required. Available most nights if pre booked
• Flights to and from departure points