2 Day Western Kimberley Experience  

tOUR hIGHLIGHTS

Discover the dramatic gorges, wildlife retreats and ancient cave passages of the rugged western Kimberley. With an overnight stay by the Fitzroy River – in motel rooms, safari cabins or tents – this trip offers a comfortable, adventurous way to experience the grandeur of Windjana and Geikie Gorges and explore Tunnel Creek.
*Includes the 2 hour Darngku Aboriginal Heritage Cruise on Geikie Gorge.

Itinerary

Day 1 Geikie Gorge

Departing Broome at 7:00am, we begin our journey into Kimberley gorge country. Passing boab trees, fascinating termite mounds and roaming cattle, enjoy the local knowledge and interesting stories our guide has to share. Following morning tea at Willare Roadhouse on the mighty Fitzroy River we continue east, pausing at a magnificent boab that is well over a thousand years old, to learn some of the secrets of this unusual tree.

On reaching the historic town of Fitzroy Crossing, we discover the ancient Napier Range, home to the famous Geikie Gorge. Nature carved this spectacular 30m deep gorge between the Geikie and Oscar Ranges during the Devonian geological period. The best way to experience the scenery and abundant wildlife of this natural wonder is to join the 2 hour Aboriginal Heritage Cruise (included). Geikie Gorge floods during the wet season, with the swirling water leaving its bleached mark on the colourful gorge walls. Though the water retreats during the dry season, a flow remains to sustain the wide variety of Kimberley wildlife.

Towards sunset, settle in for an evening under the Kimberley night sky - relax as your guide prepares a traditional campfire barbeque dinner before retiring to your choice* of accommodation: camping, Safari Cabin (with ensuite) or Motel Room.

*This choice is made at the time of booking.

Day 2 Windjana Gorge & Tunnel Creek

After breakfast it is a 4WD route to Tunnel Creek, a 750-metre cave system carved through the Napier Range, a Devonian reef system 350 million years old. Here, we explore stalactites, secret caves and a large variety of wildlife. We also hear of the legend of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the Tunnel as a hideout in the late 1800's. A refreshing swim in an idyllic waterhole is a highlight of the day.

Then it's off to Windjana Gorge for a delicious lunch and to search for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and Indigenous bush tucker in the stunning natural beauty of this oasis of the outback.

Travelling back through Kimberley cattle country, we pause in Derby to see the infamous 'Boab Prison Tree.' This tree, believed to be over 1500 years old and measuring almost 15 metres in girth, is a relic of some culturally sensitivity due to its use as a prison for local Aboriginals during the era of Kimberley pioneers. Relax and enjoy a movie en route back to Broome, where we arrive at approximately 6:30pm.

Further Information

Departures

This trip departs every Thursday and is subject to a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 20 travellers.

Vehicles

This is a 4WD adventure and is operated with a comfortable 21 seat 4WD vehicle. All vehicles have air conditioning, reclinable seats, PA systems and DVD players.

Meals

This tour includes 1 Breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner

Important Notes

Departures are all subject to weather conditions and road closures – this is usually only a concern for April & October / November departures.

Tunnel Creek involves some climbing over rocks and wading through water by torchlight so a reasonable level of mobility is necessary to participate.

Travellers on this trip must bring a pair of shoes/sandals that you don’t mind getting wet and a torch (if you are camping; torches are provided for Tunnel Creek).

If camping, a sleeping bag (note that 10ºC sleeping bags are available for hire at AU$20pp - sheet is recommended)