Kimberley Darwin (or Kununurra) to Broome Lake Argyle Mitchell Falls Accommodated 8 Day Tour

Kimberley Darwin (or Kununurra) to Broome Lake Argyle Mitchell Falls 8 Day Tour

Option to meet tour departing from Kununurra from Darwin by air or coach

Overnights Kununurra x 1, Lake Argyle, El Questro, Bungles Bungles x 2 Fitzroy Crossing, 7 nights then Broome 1N

Day 1 – From Darwin we From Darwin travel via the Stuart Highway through Adelaide River and Pine Creek with its gold mining history and railway history. Continuing south to Katherine (NTs 3rd largest town) we check out the hot springs in the Katherine River and take a break here. From Katherine we head west on the Victoria Highway through the spectacular Victoria River escarpment country, following the river for some distance. Then to the remote town and Aboriginal community of Timber Creek. Travelling on passing by awesome rocky outcrops we cross the NT / WA border and gain an hour a half to arrive in Kununurra this evening for overnight in a local motel. We check you into your hotel for the evening and enjoy a meal in local restaurant.

Day 2 – Kununurra (airport or town pickup for 1030 flight arrival from Darwin is available). Kununurra is a prosperous centre of mining, agriculture, tourism and Aboriginal art. We take a short tour through the Ord River Scheme of irrigated crop lands, to the Sandalwood Factory. Here we learn of sandalwood types and production, and can sample some of the sandalwood products. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake side before a short walk in Mirima National Park also known as Hidden Valley National Park. We check out the Zebra Rock and local Aboriginal art galleries, and complete essential shopping at the Argyle (pink) Diamond gallery.

Around midday we leave Kununurra for Lake Argyle Resort, where we have lucnh, before an afteroon sunset cruise on Lake Argyle. Your Lake Argyle Sunset Cruise will take you through ‘the Heads’ to Pintpot Bay and out to the largest of more than 70 islands on the Lake, Hagan Island. After stopping for a refreshing swim in the tranquil waters of the Bay of Islands as the sun sets, enjoy some nibbles with a complimentary beer and wine. Remember to take your bathers and towel as you are able to have a swim as part of your tour on Lake Argyle. After your Lake Argyle cruise relax at the Lake Argyle resort for the night, on the cliff top overlooking Lake Argyle. Overnight at Lake Argyle Resort. BLD

Day 3 – Enjoy an optional early swim at the resorts iconic “infinity pool” overlooking Lake Argyle. Depart Lake Argyle Resort, with an optional visit to the historic Durack Homestead Museum which is the original Durack homestead rebuilt after flooding of Lake Argyle. We head off on 40 km of sealed Gibb River Road, under the Cockburn Range to explore El Questro treats including lunch by Jackaroos waterhole by a giant boab before we cross the Pentecost River at El Questro and join an afternoon cruise on the Chamberlain River Gorge.  El Questro is a million acres of spectacular Kimberley scenery, rivers and gorges. Its here that the movie Australia was filmed, nestled under the Cockburn Ranges. After the cruise enjoy a spectacular sunset from Pigeon Lookout over the rugged Savannah landscape and the Pentecost River.Dinner at El Questro’s award winning outdoor restaurant overlooking the Pentecost River. Restaurant dinner own expense. Overnight at El Questro resort. BL

Day 4 – Zebedee hot springs are waiting for us this morning for a warm and relaxing soak in these natural springs among the Livingstonia Palms under the 1.8 Billion year old mountain ranges. An optional gorge walk to Emma Gorge sacred waterhole is available with a swim at the end in the refreshing waters under the waterfall. Alternatively relax in the comfort of the resorts shady garden and fine coffee.

Now we head to Wyndham and local history and highlights, before lunch at Five Rivers Lookout overlooking the spectacular Cambridge Gulf – where 5 of the main Kimberley rivers flow into the Timor Sea. After lunch its the Ramsar listed Parry’s Lagoon (Marglu Billabong) for the rich wetlands bird life including Jabirus and Brolgas, Whistling Ducks, Magpie Geese, waders and more and some quiet time in the Bird Hide.  We now Leaving the lagoon we view old Telegraph Station that played a key role in WWI before joining the Savannah Way / Great Northern Highway for the Bungle Bungles. Our route takes us through Turkey Creek and Warmun Aboriginal Community (famous artists from here include Rover Thomas) and through spectacular rugged granite mountain ranges past the Argyle Diamond Mine and vast cattle stations to our overnight stop at Bungle Bungles Safari Park. BLD

Day 5 – Experience the extraordinary Bungles Bungles in Purnululu National Park by 4WD and marvel at this high energy amazing orange and black striped beehive landscape formed by giant river systems. Enjoy an easy walk to the spectacular Cathedral Gorge, amongst the Beehive Domes and Picaninny Creek and after lunch an optional walk in Echidna Chasm or to a nearby Osmand Lookout. Optional scenic helicopter flights available – 18 mins approx $300) Overnight Bungle Bungles Safari Park. BLD

Day 6 – After breakfast Halls Creek is next with its gold mining history including the tale of Russian Jack, before the local Aboriginal Art Centre. This is Mesa country with impressive views over the vast grassland plains,  we pass the Tanami Track to Wolfe Creek crater and the “shortcut” to Alice Springs. Take a break at the scenic and bird lovers Marys Pool on the Mary River.  We continue westward on the Savannah Way then lunch at the picturesque Ngumban Cliffs.

An optional 2 hour Aboriginal guided cultural experience at Mimbi Caves (subject to availability) can be included if pre-booked – requires rocky walk in dark cave. Heading west we arrive at Fitzroy Crossing which is an education and supply centre for surrounding cattle stations and Aboriginal communities.  Our afternoon is topped off with a relaxing Darngku Geike Gorge sunset river cruise on the vast Fitzroy River, where we marvel at the high cliffs, annual flood records, stunning wildlife and river tales from our knowledgeable local guide. Overnight Fitzroy River Lodge BLD

Day 7 – After breakfast we then follow the boabs and the Devonian Reef / Napier Range to Tunnel Creek, well hidden in the fascinating geology of this limestone reef with its many boab trees and picturesque complex shapes. This is where the Aboriginal freedom fighter Jandamarra and the Bunuba Resistance was centred in the 1890s, depicted in 2 novels and a recent stage production. Here we can don torches and shorts to wade through this incredible underground river system full of stalagmites and stalactites and even an under ground spring. Alternatively, take a short walk in the shady and refreshing surrounding area by the creek that feeds the underground water system.

Travelling on by the Napier Range we arrive for lunch and a short walk in Windjana Gorge National Park with abundant wildlife and numerous freshwater crocodiles in this eerie, ancient seabed environment – where the mega fauna roamed. There are plenty of fresh water crocodiles here and abundant bird and lush plant life.

Leaving Windjana Gorge we travel the Gibb River Road to the Mowanjum Aboriginal Art Centre and Derby township, and view King Sound where Australia’s biggest tides of 10m or 30 ft occur. We visit the culturally significant Prison Boab Tree. 

Depart for Broome to arrive late afternoon, time permitting to enjoy sunset at Cable Beach over the Indian Ocean. Enjoy tasty tapas like treats from the Cable Beach Club Sunset Bar for dinner and drinks by the beach at sunset. Dinner own expense this evening.  BL

Day 8 - Mitchell Falls walk and swim, Helicopter scenic over falls, Aboriginal rock art, flight from/return to Broome - You will be collected this morning for transfer to airport and returned after tour completion.

Duration: Full Day Tour (approx. 12 hours) Flight Time: 5.6 Hours - Departure options: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday

What to Bring: Swimwear, Towel, Hat, Sunscreen, Hiking shoes, Sunglasses, Camera

•  Departing  Broome,  we  track  North  across  King  Sound,  home  to  Australia's  largest  tides,  fly  over  Walcott Inlet,  the  rarely seen Harding  Range,  and  the  Prince  Regent  River,  before  landing  at  Mitchell  Plateau airstrip.
•     On arrival,  you  will  be  met  by  your tour  guide from Kingfisher Tours.  After a quick meet and greet,  experience driving  along  one  of  the  most  remote  Kimberley  tracks  in  your  comfortably  airconditioned  4WD  through  the  vast  ancient Livistona Palm  forest  to  the  Mertens  campground  (Ranger Base)  and  the  start  of  the  4.5km  Punamii-unpuu  Hiking  Trail.
•     Guided  by  your  tour  guide,  enjoy  a  4km  cultural  walk  travelling  past  majestic  waterfalls,  spell-binding gorges,  Aboriginal rock art and  sites  of  cultural  significance  to  the  Wunambal  people  with  swimming opportunities.
•     Admire  the  unforgettable  view  of  Mitchell  Falls  whilst  you  enjoy  a packed  lunch, rest and rejuvenate.
•     After  exploring  the  falls,  a  refreshing  swim  and  many  photo  opportunities,  enjoy  an  exhilarating helicopter  scenic  flight  with HeliSpirit  over  the  majestic  Mitchell  Falls  and  Mertens  Gorge  and  be transferred  back  to  the  Range Base for the drive back to Mitchell Plateau airstrip.
•     After  arriving  back  at  the  airfield,  enjoy  some  well-earned  refreshments  before  the  homeward  flight.
•     On  the  homeward flight,  we  track  the  coastline  past  Kuri  Bay,  home  to  the  Paspaley  Pearl  Farm  and  the beautiful Montgomery Reef.
•     Fly  over  Horizontal  Waterfalls  described  by  Sir David  Attenborough  as  the  8th  Natural  Wonder  of  the  World.
•     Marvel  at  the  stunning  Buccaneer  Archipelago  and  it's  1,000  islands  and  the  stunning  northern  tip  of  the Dampier Peninsula, Cape  Leveque.
•     Coastal  return  flight  along  the  bays  and  beaches  of  the  Dampier  Peninsula  with  views  of  Beagle  Bay, James  Price  Point, Willie Creek  Pearl  Farm  and  world-famous  Cable  Beach  as  the  sun  sets  over  the Indian  Ocean.

PLEASE NOTE: The  4km  walk  from  Punamii-unpuu camp  site  to  the  Mitchell  Falls  will  be  the  highlight  of  your  visit,  we  allow  2 hours  to  complete  the  hike.  The  terrain  on  this  walking  trail  can  be  difficult  and requires  a  high  level  of  fitness.  Care  should  be taken  due  to  uneven  surfaces,  water  crossings,  cliffs  and  gorges.  Please also note that should the Mitchell Falls cease to flow we may suspend the remainder of the Mitchell Falls tour season schedule. The  Horizontal  Waterfalls  is  a  natural  phenomenon  which  is tide dependant  with variable  flow.  We  cannot  guarantee  the  amount  or  level  of  water  flowing  through  the  Horizontal  Waterfalls when  overflying due to the structured tour schedule.

NOTE - Accommodation this evening in Broome is own arrangements or book an extra night with us at the checkout or take flights home, or ask re other options..

Next day or add more - You can choose to just relax for the day or 2 or there is plenty to do in Broome. Optionally celebrate with a morning swim and/ or breakfast at Cable Beach - Broome options include a scenic flight to the awesome Horizontal Waterfalls or visit the Willie Creek Pearl Farm, or simply shop or relax in Broome's balmy climate.  Home Flights depart from Broome or consider travelling with us to Cape Leveque or Alice Springs via the Tanami Track, Wolfe Creek Crater and art centres or down the west coast of Western Australia on a Pilbara Karijini National Park Tour, with Burrup Rock Art on Dampier Peninsula and more. 

Kimberley Kununurra to Broome Lake Argyle Mitchell Falls 8 Day Tour

Inclusions

• Darwin or Kununurra to Broome via Halls Creek includes 4WD drive in to Bungle Bungles
• Mitchell Falls flight with  walk to Merton & Mitchell Falls
• Cruises on Lake Argyle & Chamberlain River plus Geike Gorge on Fitzroy River
• Bungle Bungles Domes walk to Cathedral Gorge and Piccanniny Creek
• El Questro walks & swims, Zebedee Hot Springs, Emma Gorge, Jackaroos waterhole, Cockburn Range
  
• Cattle Stations of El Questro, Mabel Downs and many more
• Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek – Jandamarra story, Fitzroy Crossing
• Accommodation in high quality local venues
• All fees, meals except 1, 7 nights fully accommodated

Exclusions for Kimberley Kununurra to Broome Lake Argyle Mitchell Falls 8 Day Tour

• 1 dinner own purchase in restaurant. Alcohol
• Flights to and from departure points
• Last nights accommodation in Broome