Kimberley Complete 4WD Tour

Duration: 17

Highlights:
- Soar over Broome to Horizontal Falls in a turbo prop jet seaplane
- Take a heart-thumping cage swim surrounded by sharks
- Cruise the waters of Geikie Gorge with an Indigenous guide
- Cool off in the plunging cool water holes of a Kimberley gorge
- Relax and rejuvenate in the Zebedee Thermal Springs
- Study ancient Indigenous rock art at Mitchell Falls

Immerse yourself in one of the world’s most pristine and remote wilderness areas, the Kimberley of Western Australia, with spectacular gorges, rugged ranges, cascading waterfalls, red rock bluffs and pristine coastlines. Get lost in the landscape on this thrilling off-road adventure tour. Not for the faint of heart.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Broome

On arrival in Broome, you will be met by your Akorn representative and transferred to your accommodation.

Meet the Willie Creek Pearls representative in the resort lobby and depart on your private half day sightseeing tour of Broome.  See ancient rocky outcrops, rugged landscapes and pristine coastline as well as some of Broome's most iconic landmarks. Hear fascinating stories of Broome's colourful past that have shaped the multi-cultural community it is today. 

Stroll along part of the well-known 22km stretch of beautiful white sand and amazing blue waters of Cable Beach. Drive past the Sun Pictures studio, the oldest operating outdoor theatre in the world. At Gantheaume Point, marvel at Anastasia's Pool, this almost perfectly round pool that was hand built by a former lighthouse keeper for his arthritic wife, Anastasia. See the Japanese Cemetery which is a tribute to the contribution that the Japanese made to Broome and its pearling industry and also a sentimental reminder of the dangers of the early days of pearl diving.

Your tour includes a Pearling Masters High Tea, incorporating the historical and cultural influences of Broome and the Kimberley. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or cider on arrival followed by some delectable sweet and savoury treats served with a choice of Camellia certified organic tea.

It is often said that Broome's pearling industry is as rich in culture as it is in pearls. Be captivated by 150 years of history as you discover how Broome's unique maritime and pearling heritage unfolded amongst the mangroves on the foreshore of Dampier Creek. View some of the last remaining pearling luggers in Broome. See, touch and hold some of Broome's most valuable pearls and diving artefacts. You will also have the opportunity to taste the subtle flavour of pearl meat from the Pinctada Maxima oyster, a true Broome delicacy, which is revered and sought after the world over.

Your tour concludes at your accommodation, where the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Tonight enjoy a traditional Kimberley BBQ Welcome dinner with your fellow travellers.

Overnight: Cable Beach Resort & Spa

Meal Plan: D

Day 2: Broome - Horizontal Falls - Broome

Meet your Horizontal Falls Seaplane representative in the lobby and depart on your scheduled/shared six hour tour from Broome. You will be transferred from your accommodation to Broome Airport to board a 14 seat turbo prop jet seaplane and fly directly from Broome to Horizontal Falls. Be amazed at how spectacular the views are when you fly at a lower level. Enjoy an exhilarating water landing in Talbot Bay.

Here, board a 900hp fast boat and experience an exhilarating thrill ride through the Horizontal Falls with a highly experienced skipper. Then sit back and relax as you cruise through the spectacular untouched bays surrounding bays and creeks. 

You will have the opportunity to experience the thrill of swimming and snorkelling in a huge cage, protected from sharks and crocodiles (equipment provided), as well as feeding the friendly fish.

Enjoy a cooked breakfast on board the vessel as you take in the breathtaking scenery. Then, have your camera ready as you take off from Talbot Bay, flying low across the Buccaneer Archipelago, Cape Leveque, Lombadina, Beagle Bay, Willie Creek Pearl Farm, Cable Beach and Broome township prior to landing. 

On your return you will be transferred back to your accommodation by scheduled/shared bus, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Cable Beach Resort & Spa

Meal Plan: B

Day 3: Broome - Derby - Windjana Gorge - Tunnel Creek - Fitzroy River

Meet your Akorn driver/guide in the resort lobby and depart Broome to Derby.  Stop at the iconic Derby Prison Tree before heading east along the Gibb River Road to the Windjana Gorge National Park, the best place in Australia to see freshwater crocodiles in the wild. Walk around Windjana Gorge, carved out of the Napier Range by the Lennard River. From Windjana, we make your way to Tunnel Creek, once used as a hideout by the Aboriginal leader Jandamarra. Follow the creek through a 750-metre tunnel to the other side of the Napier Range. Take your flashlight and camera to capture many species of bats and limestone reefs at least 350 million years old. Afterwards, continue to Fitzroy Crossing and your overnight accommodation.  A picnic lunch is included today.

Dine at your choice of restaurants, cool of in the swimming pool or enjoy a hit on the tennis court.

Overnight: Fitzroy River Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 4: Fitzroy River - Geike Gorge - Halls Creek

Just 20km northeast of Fitzroy Crossing lies Geikie Gorge National Park.

Today let the Bunuba traditional owners take you on a scheduled/shared cultural tour of the majestic Geikie Gorge (Danguu). With your Aboriginal guides, you will cruise the placid waters of Geikie Gorge, climb Bunburra Lookout, hear the story of Mangunambi, and look for bush foods on the Larruwan walk. After a leisurely lunch beside the river a cruise back to the dock completes the tour.

Morning tea, a cool drink and lunch are provided.

Re-join your coach and return to Fitzroy Crossing before heading further east to Halls Creek. Just east of Halls Creek lie the ruins of the first town site, marking the spot where the first gold rush hit Western Australia, following the discovery of gold in 1885. A touching tribute to one of the early pioneers stands cast in bronze on the town's main street - it depicts local legend Russian Jack who pushed his sick friend over 300 miles in a wheelbarrow to Halls Creek to seek medical attention. 

On arrival, visit the Yarliyil Art Centre and walk up to the Moola Bulla Lookout for spectacular views over the town. 

This evening enjoy dinner in Gabi’s with pool and garden views.

Overnight: Kimberley Hotel

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 5: Halls Creek - Purnululu National Park

Today, after breakfast meet your Akorn driver/guide in the hotel lobby and travel from Halls Creek along Spring Creek Track through Mabel Downs Station; a journey of between 2-3 hours.

Upon arrival in the Purnululu National Park, you will be met by a local guide, who will lead you on a tour of the famous orange and black banded domes through to Cathedral Gorge. Relax with a picnic lunch in the shade of the towering cliffs and experience the amazing natural acoustics of the Gorge. After a day of exploring, check into the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge and relax in your cabin, by the pool or take in a beautiful East Kimberley sunset.

Dinner is served this evening under the stars in an alfresco dining area around the campfire.

Overnight: Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 6: Bungle Bungle

After breakfast, you will be driven to the northern end of Purnululu National Park to spend the day exploring Echidna Chasm and the nearby trails with your guide. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the magnificent scenery of the National Park.

This evening return to Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge to relax after a day of amazing adventures.

Overnight: Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 7: Bungle Bungle - Kununurra

Meet your Akorn driver/guide after breakfast to commence your journey along the Spring Creek Track to Kununurra.

Upon arrival at the Kimberly Grand Resort, enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Finish the day with a taste  of the Kimberley’s at the resort’s ‘Australian homestead style’ restaurant.

Overnight: Kimberley Grande Resort

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 8: Kununurra

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

Please collect your gourmet packed lunch from reception prior to 11:25am. Meet your Triple J representative in the lobby for your scheduled/shared Ord River Discoverer with Sunset Tour.  Travel by coach through Durack country to Lake Argyle; a journey of approximately 70km.  As you near Lake Argyle, take a short break at the historic Durack Homestead Museum. This Museum was constructed as a replica of the original family Homestead and uses the original Homestead stone.

Re-boarding the coach, travel the short distance to the Lake Argyle Resort before viewing the enormous Lake Argyle from a scenic look-out. Crossing the Ord Top Dam wall, you’ll see the Ord Hydro-Power Station before boarding the boat for a scenic 55km journey back to Kununurra. Marvel at the spectacular scenery, wildlife, flora and fauna found along the way, including the elusive freshwater crocodile! Enjoy afternoon tea at the riverside camp before heading back to Kununurra. Take in a colourful East Kimberley sunset before docking back at the Marina and re-boarding your coach for your accommodation drop-off at around 6.00pm.

Tonight dinner is included at the Resort.

Overnight: Kimberley Grande Resort

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 9: Kununurra, Wyndham, El Questro Wilderness Park

After breakfast visit Parry’s Lagoon, home to an array of birdlife. Next, it's on to Wyndham where you'll soak up the views of the Cambridge Gulf from the Five Rivers Lookout. Relax with a picnic lunch before re-boarding your coach for the drive to El Questro, a sprawling wilderness area which covers 700,000 acres.

Afterwards, continue to Emma Gorge Resort, located in the heart of El Questro. You will have a chance to settle in before sitting down to dinner at the Resort.

Overnight: Emma Gorge Resort 

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 10: El Questro Wilderness Park

Start the day with a challenging, partially shaded, guided one hour walk of Emma Gorge. Renowned as one of the most spectacular gorges of The Kimberley, it is characterised by massive scree slopes and cliff face escarpments reaching up to 120m on both sides of the trail.  At the end you will be rewarded with a swim in the waterhole at the base of a towering 65 metre chasm graced by a droplet waterfall. After morning tea, visit Zebedee Thermal Springs - a short walk into a natural oasis through tropical vegetation where rock thermal pools await. At the base of sheer cliff faces and set amongst lush Livistona Palms – it is a magical place to relax and rejuvenate in the warm water.

Return to the Station for lunch. This afternoon cruise the Chamberlain Gorge. Only accessible by boat, this 3 km fresh waterhole is bound by the Kimberley’s diverse flora and fauna and eclipsed by a towering escarpment. While taking in the breathtaking scenery you’ll enjoy sparkling wine and fresh fruit from the local Ord valley. While you’re out on the water, ask your Ranger about the cheeky, spitting Archer fish and large, swirling Barramundi who’ll be sure to swim near the boat.

Dinner will be served back at the resort later this evening.

Overnight: Emma Gorge Resort 

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 11: El Questro Wilderness Park - Mitchell Falls Plateau

After breakfast, meet your Akorn driver/guide for the drive to the Mitchell Falls Plateau. Along the way a picnic lunch is included.

Afterwards, enter a remote world of Livistona palm forests, beautiful lookouts, magnificent waterfalls and isolated swimming holes.

Overnight: APT Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 12: Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge

Today you have a full day to discover the beauty of Mitchell Falls, with its tiered waterfalls and Indigenous rock art. A highlight of the day will be the opportunity to soar over the incredible Mitchell Falls on an included helicopter flight.

Overnight: APT Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 13: Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge

After breakfast depart Mitchell Falls and visit Wandjina and Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) rock art galleries. Then, cool off with a swim in the clear waters at King Edward River. Enjoy a picnic lunch before crossing Drysdale River to reach Drysdale River Station.

Overnight: Drysdale River Station

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 14: Drysdale River Station - Manning Gorge - Bell Gorge

At Manning Gorge, enjoy lunch in the shade of boab trees. Look out for the region’s bird life and paddle your feet or take a dip in the pristine water under the paperbarks. Continue to Galvans Gorge, where a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole, the ideal spot for a refreshing swim.

Overnight: APT's Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 15: Drysdale River Station - Manning Gorge - Bell Gorge

Back on the Gibb River Road, travel to Bell Gorge, where spectacular cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. Should you be feeling particularly energetic, you may take the opportunity to hike to the lower pool of the gorge and enjoy a relaxing dip below the cascading waterfall.

Overnight: APT's Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 16: Bell Gorge - Derby - Broome

This morning meet your Akorn driver/guide and travel through the Wunaamin Miliwundi Range Conservation Park to Derby. Here you will have the chance to visit the fascinating Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre, before continuing on to Broome.  A packed lunch is included today.

Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow adventurers and new friends.

Overnight: Cable Beach Resort & Spa

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 17: Depart Broome

Enjoy your last relaxing quintessential breakfast at Cable Beach Resort and unwind at leisure before transferring to the airport for your flight home.

Meal Plan: B