11 Day Darwin to Broome Kimberley Safari
Tour Price
1st April 2009 - 31st March 2010
Adult: $1915
Single Supplement: $70
Departs
Darwin at 5:00pm
| 2009 Departures | |
|---|---|
| April | 11 |
| May | 4, 27 |
| June | 19 |
| July | 12 |
| August | 4, 27 |
| September | 19 |
| October | 12 |
Finishes
Broome at 6:00pm
Tour Code
CO-SWB11R
Print Friendly Itinerary
Overview
Australia’s North West is one of the last remaining wilderness regions and during this 11 Day Safari we’ll take you on a journey into the heart of this spectacular country - from the magnificent coastal villages with rich red soil to rock formations that must be seen to be believed. With most meals included, unique camping locations and accommodation already sorted, expert guides and plenty of outdoor adventure – this is the perfect travel option that will help you explore the very unique land, people and spirit of Western Australia.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Darwin
Darwin being the capital city of the Northern Territory is the perfect place to commence your Great Western Safari with us. Today you can explore at your own pace. You and your fellow travellers will arrive in Darwin from all corners of the globe today, so there’s no group activity planned. The noticeboard at your accommodation provides many sightseeing and activity options should you arrive early. Why not head to the Territory Wildlife Park* to learn more about Australian Native animals or if you’re feeling energetic head out on the historical city walk - a leisurely discovery of Darwin city, through 17 historically significant sites and buildings within walking distance of the CBD. Included is the British Australian Telegraph house (Lyon's Cottage), the Wharf Precinct, Myilly Point Historical Precinct and the new Parliament House. You’ll also find information about our first group meeting, held this evening at approximately 5pm. Please make every effort to attend this meeting.
Overnight
Value Inn Darwin (Hotel), Darwin
Day 2 - Darwin to Timber Creek
Today the real adventure begins as we head off in our purpose built 4 wheel drive. We’ll be covering some rugged country over the next few days and will needing this extra grunt! Have a refreshing swim at Edith Falls located in the Nitmiluk National Park and then travel on to Katherine - land of the traditional Jawoyn Aboriginal people. This afternoon we head past Gregory National Park and onto the small community of Timber Creek (pop. 300)! Experience the real “Territory” with some “Croc Spotting” tonight by torch! CRICKEY!
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight
Circle F Caravan Park (Camping), Timber Creek NT
Day 3 - Timber Creek to Bungle Bungles
Today we cross the border into Western Australia, but before we’re permitted entry, we will be searched for all sorts of nuts, honey, fruit and vegetables as it’s illegal to carry these from state to state due to quarantine reasons, to protect local produce industries. We visit the massive expanse of water at Lake Argyle (containing 12 times the water volume of Sydney Harbour!). Next stop today is the township of Kununurra situated on the Ord River. With year-round warm weather and plentiful water, Kununurra is lush and fertile. After restocking supplies, We test the terrain conquering ability of our rugged 4 wheel drive vehicle. A rough 50km track off the Great Northern Highway leads to the spectacular Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park. Once at the Bungle Bungles, we will settle into our very own permanently established camp at Walardi, where we’ll spend two nights and get to view outback sunsets in style.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight
Walardi (Camping), Bungle Bungles
Day 4 - Bungle Bungle National Park
A day to explore the amazing striped rock domes that comprise the Bungle Bungles. Over the last 20 million years erosion and river movements have formed huge black and orange striped domes. As unbelievable as it seems, this area was kept a secret by locals until 1982, and was made a national park in 1987. Specifically, we will visit the very impressive Cathedral Gorge, Echidna Chasm and the unique Frog Hole. Today you’ll have the option to take a scenic flight* over this spectacular region – it’s an absolute must!! Then it’s back to camp to review the days’ activities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight
Walardi (Camping), Bungle Bungles
Day 5 - Bungle Bungles to El Questro
We make tracks to the tiny settlement of Turkey Creek, where we once again do some more 4 wheel driving and head out to further examples of stunning outback scenery at El Questro Wilderness Reserve immersed in the Cockburn Ranges**. Spanning 1 million acres in size, this is the world’s last unspoilt frontier. It is not rare to feel the sense of discovery that you are the first to arrive here. On arrival, a chance for an afternoon swim or a drink with locals at the El Questro outback bar.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight
El Questro Wilderness Reserve (Camping), Kununurra
Day 6 - El Questro
This morning we’ll explore Zebedee Springs which is a short walk off the graded road through dense Livingstonia Palms to a series of thermal pools, a fabulous place to soak and relax. Later you've got more time to explore this amazing area – horse riding, river cruising, or scenic helicopter flights are all available*. There’s plenty to see and do at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
El Questro Wilderness Reserve (Camping)
Day 7 - El Questro to the Gibb River Road
This morning you have the opportunity to explore some of the many gorges (El Questro or Amalia) before we head back on the road again. We cross the Penticost River which signals the start of our challenging drive along the Gibb River Road. Tonight we’ll experience a bush camp deep within the Kimberleys.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight
Gibb River Road (Bush Camp)
Day 8 - Kimberleys / Gibb River Road & Gorges
The challenge of exploring the Gibb River Road continues today. It dissects some of the most rugged country on earth and gives access to spectacular wildlife and rugged scenery. We will visit one of the most outstanding Gorges in the region, with probably the best known and most striking being Manning and Galvins Gorges.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight
Gibb River Road (Bush Camp)
Day 9 - Kimerleys / Gibb River Road to Windjana Gorge
Our journey this morning takes us deep in the heart of the Kimberley – one of the world’s great wilderness areas. It has fewer people per square kilometre than almost any other place on earth! As we trek further west the beautiful King Leopold Ranges present themselves offering Bells Creek Gorge. A refreshing swim in the Lower Plunge Pool is a must before we head to our night spot Windjana Gorge. This is an area where sheer cliffs tower above white sands and freshwater crocodiles are often seen sunning themselves in the afternoon sun.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight
Windjana Gorge (Camping)
Day 10 - Windjana Gorge to Broome via Tunnel Creek
Tunnel Creek is our next attraction, so make sure you have your torch as our 750 metre underground discovery walk is dark, wet and fascinating!! We travel via the regional township of Derby and visit the infamous Boab Prison Tree, once used as a temporary prison for the local Aborigines. We continue on to cosmopolitan Broome. From its rough and tumble, romantic pearling history to the cosmopolitan character of Chinatown, to the turquoise waters, red sandstone cliffs and the endless expanse of white....the colours and moods of Broome will blow you away. Tonight you're free to explore this colourful town and recharge your batteries after a big day.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight
Roebuck Bay Caravan Park (Camping), Broome
Day 11 - Broome
First up this morning we show you some key highlights, including a visit to the historic Japanese Cemetery, Gantheaume Point, and nearby pearling house’s before you have the day to relax and recharge the batteries. Enjoy the range of water sports* at awesome Cable Beach, explore some of the many other activities* available or just chill out, Broome style! The local shopping precinct is full of shops and cafes, so it is also a good time to restock. Take a camel ride* on the longest and most photographed camel train in the Kimberley. This is where your journey with us comes to an end therefore you are free to depart at any time, keeping in mind that there are still some touring options available with us this day.
Meals: Breakfast
Further Information
Notes
Our experienced guides will tailor all of the activities based on seasonal & cultural conditions throughout the year, to maximise your experience and enjoyment. Any deviation from this itinerary will be made with serious consideration and your best interests and safety our priority.
Due to the remote regions explored on tour, passengers must have good health and fitness. Furthermore any passengers over the age of 55 must provide a current health certificate authorising travel prior to the commencement of the tour.
