5 Day Cape Leveque & Kimberley Gorges

Summary

"A combination Cape Leveque and Kimberley George tour - Tour highlights include Cape Leveque, Bardi Bush tucker Walk, Snorkelling, Beagle Bay Pearl Shell Church Altar, One Arm Point Aquaculture Hatchery, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, and a Geikie Gorge Cruise."

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, a limestone Devonian reef 350 million years old and 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 a river 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, water holes remain 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.

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 secret caves and a variety of unusual 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 bushtucker 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 cultural sensitivity due to its use as a prison for local Aboriginals during the era of Kimberley pioneers. Relax en route back to Broome, where we arrive at approximately 6:30pm to check into the hotel and enjoy a free evening.

Day 3: Kelk Creek & Cape Leveque

The Dampier Peninsula is an extraordinary blend of pristine beaches and dramatic coastlines, rich in traditional Aboriginal culture. Travelling up the red 4WD track, learn about the region's fascinating history from our guided commentary. Our first stop is the Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community, home of the Beagle Bay Church with its glimmering pearl shell altar, for morning tea. Further north, we visit the Kelk Creek Bush Retreat, where our Aboriginal guide and her family introduce us to their traditional Bardi 'saltwater country'. A leisurely guided bushwalk offers an in-depth insight into their indigenous lifestyle and culture while the freshly made damper and billy tea at the end of the walk is well worth the wait! Later, after a delicious lunch, we travel to beautiful Cape Leveque to set up camp right on the edge of the Indian Ocean. A spectacular Kimberley sunset is a great way to end the day before our famous Kimberley BBQ under the stars.

Day 4: Kelk Creek & Cape Leveque

The day at Cape Leveque is yours to enjoy as you please. You may like to join our guide on a snorkelling (included), or take up one of the many optional extras on offer including embarking on an indigenous sea kayaking adventure, hiring a dinghy or splurging on a scenic flight across the archipelago and horizontal falls. Alternatively you may prefer to spend your time simply enjoying the pristine beaches and rugged red coastline for which Cape Leveque is famous. Whether you like swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing or long walks along the beach, Cape Leveque is a great place to relax.

Day 5: One Arm Point & Lombadina

After breakfast we journey to the One Arm Point Community perched on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula. From here we can view the spectacular Buccaneer Archipelago and witness the huge tidal flows of the Kimberley, the second biggest in the world. We visit the Community's aquaculture hatchery, complete with barramundi, pearl and trochus shell. Travelling on, we enjoy lunch in the laid-back Lombadina Community, a beautiful and welcoming community, which is home to a local craft shop and interesting bush timber church. Driving back through the dusk, keep an eye out for wildlife, before arriving back in Broome at approximately 6.30pm.

Further Information

Tour Inclusions

Morning Tea, Afternoon Tea, 4 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 3 Dinners, Park Fees and Permits, Geikie Gorge Cruise, Mimbi Caves .

What to Bring

Wet Weather Shoes, Torch, Broad-brimmed Hat, Swimming Costume, Towel, Walking Shoes, Long-sleeved Shirt, Water bottle, Toiletries, First Aid , Day Pack, Sleeping Bag (or $25 hire) .

Standard Package

3 Nights Camping, 1 Night Hotel .

Deluxe Safari

2 Nights Deluxe Safari Cabin, 1 Night Safari Cabin, 1 Night Hotel .

Note

All departures are subject to weather conditions and road closures., Dinner on Day 4 is not included - allow approximately $40..