9 Day Kimberley Adventure Challenge Tour

Kimberley Overview

The Kimberley Region could be described as one of the last areas where adventure minded travellers can still go to experience the true Australian wilderness.

The rugged Kimberley Region can be divided into 3 main geographical districts: The North Kimberley includes Mitchell Falls which is one of the most scenic and biologically important areas in Western Australia. The West Kimberley includes nearly all of the other gorges that we visit heading along the Gibb River road and wildlife here is generally found concentrated around densely vegetated waterholes. The South-East Kimberley includes the area south of Kununurra and its most famous landmark is the Bungle Bungles.

To see the Kimberley region properly, passengers should be prepared to endure a few hardships and can sometimes expect to spend 4 - 5 hours travelling between destinations due to poor road conditions. The vehicles carry a maximum of 9 passengers with side facing seats in the rear. Unlike a bus, these are great social vehicles as our group all face each other. This means that driving time can be spent enjoyably socializing, playing games and having fun (instead of sleeping).

Itinerary

Day 1 - Keep River National Park

Pick up from your accommodation starts at 6:00am and our day finally finishes when we reach Keep River National Park. A short walk to the lookout here provides you with an ideal location for watching a beautiful sunset. The evening is open to wildlife spotting, playing didgeridoo, stargazing or just relaxing - the choice is yours. (Lunch, Dinner)

Walking: 1km
Overnight: Camping at Bush Camp

Day 2 - Bungle Bungles & Hidden Valley National Park

This morning we continue travelling into Kununurra where passengers are given the option of taking a 1.5 to 2 hour scenic flight over the famous Bungle Bungles. When seen from the air, the 400 metre high striped domes of the Bungle Bungles are an awesome sight. Get spectacular views over Kununurra while walking amongst domes similar to the Bungle Bungles as we take a hike in Hidden Valley National Park before making our way up to Wyndham where the view from 5 Rivers Lookout is absolutely stunning. Tonight we camp in the Cockburn Ranges at Diggers Rest. This 20,000 acre working cattle station is full of typical Kimberley character and even has its own prison tree. Optional Bungle Bungles scenic flight not included in price. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Walking: 2km
Overnight: Diggers Rest

Day 3 - El Questro Gorge

What better way to start the day than by a scenic drive along the Cockburn ranges on our way to El Questro Station. Some of the magnificent gorges on El Questro station are Emma Gorge, Zebedee Springs and El Questro Gorge. Take some time exploring the area where you can enjoy swimming in crystal clear pools. Tonight we will camp by the Pentecost River and you will get the chance to play the didgeridoo. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Walking: 6km
Overnight: Camping at Pentecost River

Day 4 - Gibb River Road

Setting off again along the Gibb River Road we travel through the Gibb Ranges before heading north on our way to Mitchell Falls. After a refreshing swim in the King Edward river we will take you to see some fantastic Aboriginal art sites where you can view the mystical Wandjina and Bradshaw art styles. Tonight you will be able to enjoy a candlelit dinner in the heart of the Kimberley. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Walking: 2km
Overnight: Camping at King Edward River

Day 5 - Mitchell Plateau & Mertens Falls

Today will be a day that you won't forget as we spend a full day hiking and exploring around the Mitchell Plateau. This area is truly a naturalists delight. Our hike will take us via Mertens Falls before reaching a great viewing area overlooking the spectacular Mitchell Falls. Aboriginal rock art is also plentiful in this area and your guide will be keen to inform you about the Aboriginal lifestyle and culture of this region. Take some time to relax and swim at Mitchell Falls before making our way back to the King Edward River camping area after a day full of awesome scenery, Aboriginal art sites, bird watching and adventure. Optional helicopter scenic flights available not included in price. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Walking: 10km
Overnight: Camping at King Edward River

Day 6 - Barnett River Gorge

Making our way back to the Gibb River road our highlight of the day is a visit to Barnett River gorge. Enjoy hiking and exploring around this beautiful gorge with its rugged red sandstone rock formations then cool off in the deep clear water. We stay overnight in the campground here and after dinner we head off on a night walk to try and spot some local wildlife.

Walking: 4km
Overnight: Camping at Barnett River Gorge

Day 7 - Manning Gorge

Spending several hours hiking around Manning Gorge is very enjoyable and swimming in the huge pool and waterfall of the upper gorge is quite delightful. A short drive takes us to Galvans Gorge which offers us a peaceful location with enjoyable scenery and great swimming. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Walking: 7km
Overnight: Camping at Bush camp

Day 8 - Bell Gorge & King Leopold Ranges

This morning we will make our way to Bell Gorge which could arguably be considered as one of the nicest gorges in the Kimberley. From the cliff edges you will get some awe inspiring views of the gorge and waterfalls. Travelling from here, we pass through the King Leopold Ranges on our way to Lennard River Gorge. This narrow, deep gorge has spectacular settings and is also a great swimming spot until the end of August. We do not visit Lennard River after August due to declining water quality. We will make our camp tonight at a scenic lookout where you can enjoy your last evening in the unspoilt Kimberley wilderness. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Walking: 8km
Overnight: Camping at Bush camp

Day 9 - Windjana Gorge & Tunnel Creek

Go bird watching and croc spotting amongst some great scenery as we hike along the rivers edge of Windjana Gorge. Then it's time to do a bit of caving as we take a walk through Tunnel Creek. This 750 metre long cave system requires you to wear bathers and carry torches if you wish to fully explore the area and the water inside can sometimes be icy cold. From here we at last say goodbye to the Gibb River Road and enjoy the smooth ride via a sealed highway into Broome. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Walking: 4km

Further Information

Notes

• Pre-trip meetings are held at 10am the day prior to departure.
• Pick-ups are available from Katherine and Kununurra on our Darwin to Broome Safaris.
• All of our vehicles are equipped with satellite phones in the event of an emergency.
• During April/May and October/November the Bungle Bungles may be substituted at the guides discretion for the Mitchell Plateau due to seasonal conditions.

Important Information

If travelling in the Kimberley region please read the attached Fitness and Advisory information page.

Camping Equipment

The vehicles on this tour all tow trailers with the necessary equipment to make your camping safari as comfortable as possible. We provide swags (April Nov), sleeping mats, easy-to-erect tents, camp chairs, tables, 12 volt fluorescent lights, communal torches and eskies (ice boxes to keep the food fresh and the drinks cold).

Food

Fresh fruit and vegetables are available every day. Breakfasts consist of cereals, toast with spreads, tea and coffee. Lunch is usually a selection of cold meats and salad or sandwiches. Dinner will be cooked on the campfire by your guide, who is also a skilled open fire cook, with menus to suit all tastes. Wine is included with some evening meals. We can easily cater for vegetarians please inform us when you book.

What To Bring

Tour ticket, hat, torch (if you have one), camera and film, sleeping bag (hire fee $10), closed walking shoes (essential), open footwear (optional), sunscreen, mosquito repellent, toiletries, towel, swimming gear, water bottle (1.5 litre), alcohol (cheaper from town), long-sleeved shirt and a small bag only maximum 10kg luggage on tour. Don't wear good clothes.

What's Included

All meals and camping equipment, camping fees, snorkelling equipment, boat cruises and canoe hire.

What's Not Included

This tours do not include Bungle Bungles scenic flight, sleeping bags (hire fee $20) or freight costs to forward excess personal luggage to Broome or Darwin.

Passenger Fitness Level

Our tours have been designed to suit fit, active people mainly ranging in age from 1835 years. Tours are not available to any children under the age of 13 and passengers who are over 45 must ensure they are extremely fit if they wish to participate in any of our tours. If you have any doubts regarding your level of fitness, please contact us.