Day 1. Broome, Boab Prison Tree, Gibb River Road, Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge. Depart Broome early to begin your exploration of the awe-inspiring Kimberley region. At Derby, we visit the Boab Prison Tree, believed to be more than 1,000 years old. This hollowed tree was used as a prison cell during the region’s early days. You begin your journey of the Gibb River Road, a remote Outback highway that accesses some of the Kimberley’s best scenery. You travel to remarkable Tunnel Creek, a 750 metre-long natural tunnel 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. At Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above white sands, see ancient marine fossils embedded in the gorge walls. You may also see freshwater crocodiles lazing on the banks of the Lennard River, which runs through the gorge. Continue to our exclusive wilderness camp in Ngarinyin country.

Two Night Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Imintji Wilderness Camp. Stay in the comfort of our permanent campsite.

Day 2. Bell Gorge, Hiking and Swimming. Back on the Gibb River Road, we travel through Outback landscapes to Bell Gorge, where rugged cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. 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. Head back to camp and relax before dinner.

Day 3. Galvans Gorge, Barnett River Gorge, Drysdale River. Today, travel through the heart of Kimberley cattle country to discover some of the region’s most secluded gorges. At Galvans Gorge, a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole, with Boab trees clinging to the escarpment above. Inspect the rock art on the gorge walls and take a leisurely swim. Stop at the Mt Barnett Roadhouse before travelling to beautiful Barnett River Gorge, where you can enjoy lunch in a setting of shady paperbark trees. Look out for the birdlife that inhabits the area and enjoy another dip. Turning off the Gibb River Road, travel north on the Kalumburu Road, heading towards the isolated Mitchell Plateau. Ford the Drysdale River and late this afternoon, arrive at our exclusive wilderness camp on the banks of the upper King Edward River. This area is the traditional home of the Ngarinyin Aboriginal people.
Stay: EXCLUSIVE! King Edward River, Marunbabidi Wilderness Camp. Relax in this tranquil bush setting.

Day 4. Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River, Aboriginal Art. Ascending the Mitchell Plateau, you enter a remote world of Livistona palm forests, beautiful lookouts, ancient Aboriginal art, magnificent waterfalls and isolated swimming holes. Today, explore amazing Wandjina and Gwion (Bradshaw) art galleries and swim in the crystal-clear waters at King Edward River Crossing. For the next two nights, stay at our unique permanent wilderness camp beside pandanus palm-fringed Camp Creek. Enjoy this unique location, at the top of the plateau. For wildlife watchers, the region’s prolific birdlife includes brolgas, herons, kites and sea eagles, as well as some rainforest birds. You may be lucky enough to see the Monjon, a rock wallaby unique to the region. At night and early in the morning, look out for the Northern Quoll, a native cat.
Two Night Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Ungolan Wilderness Camp. The Wunambal people welcome you.
   
Day 5. 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 you 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. With superb scenery and rich culture, you can swim in the pools above the falls, learn of local history and look for the region’s stunning flora and fauna. You 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 coastline are available at an additional charge.

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Day 6. Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River, Aboriginal Rock Art. Travelling through Livistona palm forests, view galleries of ancient Aboriginal rock art before saying goodbye to the awe-inspiring scenery of the Mitchell Plateau. Lunch is at a majestic spot alongside the cool waters of the King Edward River, with time for a swim before continuing to our wilderness camp.

Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Marunbabidi Wilderness Camp.

 

Day 7. Gibb River Road, El Questro Station. Rejoining the Gibb River Road, ford the mighty Durack River, named after the region’s most famous pioneering family. Then, ford the Pentecost River into El Questro Station – one million acres in the Kimberley wilderness. Settle into Emma Gorge Resort.

Stay: El Questro, Emma Gorge Resort, comfortable tented safari cabins with private ensuites in the heart of the unique Kimberley wilderness.

   

Day 8. El Questro, Wyndham, Kununurra. Take a hike into Emma Gorge and be rewarded with a refreshing swim. Then enjoy time to explore El Questro. Soak in the hot pools of Zebedee Springs and visit the station township situated on the Pentecost River. Farewelling the Gibb River Road, head to Wyndham and take in spectacular views of the Cambridge Gulf from Five Rivers Lookout. Continue to Kununurra, home of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme.

Two Night Stay: Kununurra, All Seasons Hotel.

 

Day 9. Cruise Ord River and Lake Kununurra. This morning you have some free time to explore Kununurra. Then travel to Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the southern hemisphere with 18 times the capacity of Sydney Harbour. This afternoon, join a spectacular wildlife cruise on the mighty Ord River. Keep a look out for local wildlife and witness the sunset while cruising Lake Kununurra.

Day 10. Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park, Echidna Chasm. Departing Kununurra, we travel to Purnululu National Park. A spectacular wilderness region and home to the unique Bungle Bungle Range, the park was awarded World Heritage status in 2003. Today explore the northern part of the park. Hike into Echidna Chasm, a spectacular cleft in the rock massif. Enjoy the unique wilderness experience of staying within the national park without having to ‘rough it’.
Two Night Stay: EXCLUSIVE! APT’s award-winning Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge in the heart of Purnululu. Tented cabins with private ensuites.

Day 11. Cathedral Gorge, Beehive Domes. Hike into Piccaninny Creek and spectacular Cathedral Gorge. Walk among the beehive domes as your guide brings the natural history of the range to life. Learn about bushtucker, bush medicine and the area’s significance to local Aboriginals. There’s time for an optional helicopter flight (own expense). Enjoy drinks and watch the sun set over the domes.

Day 12. Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing. Farewell the Bungle Bungle Range and visit Halls Creek. See unusual China Wall, a natural quartz formation, before heading to Fitzroy Crossing.
Stay: Fitzroy Crossing, Fitzroy River Lodge, on the banks of the mighty Fitzroy River.

Day 13. Geikie Gorge Cruise, Broome. Enjoy an active morning exploring Geikie Gorge, where annual flooding has created a bleached effect on the sandstone walls. Our unique cruise is guided by a traditional Bunuba landowner. After lunch, we travel to Broome, where the tour concludes.  

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2008 Departures
Apr. 28, 30; May 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 18, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30; Jun. 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 30; Jul. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 27, 28, 30; Aug. 3, 4, 5, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 25, 30; Sept. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29; Oct. 1, 6, 8.

2009 Departures
Apr. 27, 29; May 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 17, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29, 31; Jun. 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29; Jul. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 26, 27, 29; Aug. 2, 3, 4, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 24, 29, 30; Sept. 2, 7, 9, 14, 21, 28; Oct. 5, 7.