15 Days Small Group 4WD Safari, Includes 2 nights on the Mitchell Plateau

This adventure commences in the tropical Top End, taking in the highlight of Kakadu and Katherine before crossing the border into Western Australia. Journey the rugged Gibb River Road, discovering El Questro Station, Purnululu National Park and the Mitchell Plateau en route to Broome.

Day 1. Darwin, Kakadu National Park.From Darwin, cross the Marrakai Plains to Kakadu NationalPark. Visit the Bowali Visitors Centre and learn about theregion 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 Aboriginalrock art at one major rock art gallery and 36 smaller sites.

Two Night Stay: Kakadu National Park,Gagudju Lodge Cooinda.

Day 2. Nourlangie Rock, Nanguluwur Art Site, Warradjan Cultural Centre,Yellow Water Cruise. We travel to Nourlangie Rock to view Aboriginal art. As well as X-ray style paintings, there are also Mimi paintings (depictions of delicate spiritfigures), believed to be older than the X-ray style. An easy hike from Nourlangie leads you to Nanguluwur art site. Then visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre and gain an insight into the cultural and historical significance the park holds for its traditional owners. Join a guided cruise on Kakadu’s Yellow Water billabong as your guide provides commentary on the region’s natural history, abundant flora and wildlife. Keep an eye out for fearsome saltwater crocodiles

Day 3. Gunlom Falls, Katherine. Enjoy a relaxing swim in the waterhole of Gunlom Falls before travelling to Katherine.

Stay: Katherine, All Seasons Hotel.

Day 4. Katherine Gorge Breakfast Cruise, Kununurra. Journey into beautiful Nitmiluk National Park and cruise Katherine Gorge.

As you glide 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.

12 Day (GKDK) passengers join the tour in Kununurra.

Stay: Kununurra, All Seasons Hotel.

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! APT’s award-winning Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge in the heart of Purnululu. Tented cabins with private ensuites.

 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. Test out the acoustics of the gorge’s amphitheatre.

Day 7. Purnululu National Park, El Questro. Farewell the Bungle Bungle Range this morning and travel to El Questro Station and Wilderness Park.
Two Night Stay: El Questro Station, Emma Gorge Resort. Tented cabins with private ensuites.
   
Day 8. Chamberlain Gorge, Zebedee Springs, Emma Gorge. Today discover the wonders of El Questro. Take a ranger-guided cruise on Chamberlain Gorge, a fresh waterway fringed by tropical vegetation and rugged escarpments. 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.

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 and dramatic coastline are available at an additional charge.

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.

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.
Two Night Stay: Imintji Wilderness Camp.

Day 13. Bell Gorge, Hiking and Swimming. Back on the Gibb River Road, you 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 unwind and enjoy the surroundings. Head back to camp and relax before dinner.

Day 14. Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, 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. With torch in hand, wade through the cool waters to view the wonderful oasis that awaits you on the other side.
Stay: Fitzroy Crossing, Fitzroy River Lodge.

Day 15. 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. You then continue our travels along the Great Northern Highway, arriving in Broome where our tour concludes.

2008 Departures
GKD15 – 15 Day tour: May 15*, 24*; Jun. 2, 9, 19*, 30*; Jul. 7, 19, 24*, 31*; Aug. 9*, 11, 18, 26*, 27; Sept. 4*, 11*, 13, 22, 29.
*Operates in reverse direction from Broome to Darwin (GKB15).

2009 Depatures
GKDK – 12 Day tour: May 15*, 24*; Jun. 5, 12, 19*, 30*; Jul. 10, 22, 24*, 31*; Aug. 9*, 14, 21, 26*, 30; Sept. 4*, 11*, 16, 25; Oct. 2.
*Operates in reverse direction from Broome to Kununurra (GKBK).

Prices Include all sightseeing, park fees, meals as specified, permits and accommodation.
Seniors Card Holders and Aust./NZ Pensioners deduct $30 per person.

Finest Dining – Includes 37 Meals 14 breakfasts (B), 11 lunches (L) & 12 dinners (D)
Underlined Date Savings Save $200 per couple, $100 per person.

Key

B: Breakfast Included
L: Lunch Included
D: Dinner Included