Exquisite Kimberley Adventure 2024
Snapshot
- 15 nights / 16 days
- Broome return
- Departs 01 September 2024
From
$12,725*
per person, twin share
BOOK NOW
Overview
About The Kimberley
To be immersed in the Kimberley is like touching the spiritual heart of our extraordinary country. Those who’ve explored this region with Outback Spirit talk of a deep sense of fulfillment at having ‘done the Kimberley’. The rugged escarpments, the magnificent gorges and pristine waterways; you’ll be blown away at just how spectacular it all is.
Travelling through the Kimberley, it’s hard not to be captivated by its history. The region is rich in Indigenous culture, being home to Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years with their ancient culture recorded through stunning rock art. More recently, from the early explorers to pastoral pioneers, to the defence of our shores during WWII; they’re all fascinating feats of bravery, courage and endurance.
Whichever part of the Kimberley is calling, the adventure of a lifetime awaits with Outback Spirit.
Australia's leading experiential tourism group
Outback Spirit is part of Journey Beyond, a national business focused on bringing Australia’s most unique and iconic experiences to life. Outback Spirit was founded in 1999 and has been showcasing great Australian destinations to travellers to this day.
Supporting Aboriginal Communities
Outback Spirit supports remote Indigenous communities in certain locations across the Kimberley & Arnhem land by way of employment opportunities, community sponsorships and support for Indigenous owned businesses. For example, Outback Spirit sponsors over a dozen football teams in Ramingining and Maningrida, both directly and through local schools.
The company also creates jobs for local interpretive guides, which gives Outback Spirit passengers an authentic insight into the environment and local culture. It also helps to preserve Indigenous culture. Past initiatives have included the provision of teachers and tutors in small communities where no school facilities exist.
*Offer valid until 17 May 2024 and is subject to availability and change. Advertised price based on 1 September 2024 departures, correct as of 4 April 2024.
Inclusions
Inclusions
- Small Group Size - 20
- All meals including all breakfasts, lunches and dinners while on tour
- All attraction, entry and cruise fees
- Travel aboard a 5-star 4WD Mercedes Benz Coach
- 15 nights of exceptional hotel, resort, safari camp and lodge accommodation all with en-suite bathroom facilities
- Escorted by experienced and professional Tour Driver/Guide
- Outback Spirit Explorer Pack featuring handy travel items
- Two spectacular scenic helicopter flights at the Mitchell Falls and Bungle Bungles
Highlights
- Visit the Horizontal Falls by seaplane with exhilarating boat ride
- Discover the Mitchell Plateau and spend 2 nights at our luxury safari camp
- Enjoy a guided walk to Mitchell Falls via rarely seen Gwion Gwion and Wandjina rock art galleries. Includes return scenic helicopter flight
- Discover the Bungle Bungles including Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm
- Cruise Geikie Gorge on the mighty Fitzroy River
- Visit spectacular Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek National Parks
- Enjoy an Ord River adventure cruise and learn about the Irrigation Scheme
- Travel the infamous Gibb River Road and visit Bell and Galvans Gorge
- Exclusive 2-night stay Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary, including 4WD safari
- Discover Kununurra and Wyndham including Five Rivers Lookout
- Spend 3 nights at the iconic El Questro Wilderness Park and discover Chamberlain Gorge, Emma Gorge and Zebedee Springs
Past Passenger Loyalty Rewards
Travelled once - Save $250pp
Travelled 2-3 tours - Save $350pp
Travelled 4+ tours - Save $500pp
Itinerary
Departs April - September 2023
DAY 1 - Broome - Derby
Today you will be greeted by our friendly and professional Tour Director at the time and location specified. We depart Broome this afternoon and trek towards Derby. Visit the Boab Prison Tree and Myalls Bore & Cattle Trough before
checking in to the 4 star Spinifex Hotel. Meals: (L,D)
DAY 2 - Gibb River Road - Bell Gorge - Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary
Today we begin our journey along the infamous Gibb River Road. Pass through the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges (formerly the King Leopold Ranges) before arriving at Bell Gorge, one of the most spectacular gorges in the Kimberley. Enjoy a guided walk, have a swim and admire the stunning views before continuing on to Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary, deep in the heart of the Kimberley on the upper Fitzroy River. Once a dominant cattle station, Mornington is owned and operated by Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC). It's one of the largest non-government protected areas in Australia, encompassing a range of ecosystems across its vast 800,000 acres. It's also a vital refuge for wildlife and protects over 200 species of birds, 104 species of reptiles, 43 mammals and 22 amphibians. For the next two nights we stay in unique safari tents overlooking Annie Creek. Enjoy a few drinks around the
campfire before dinner. Meals: (B,L,D)
DAY 3 - Exploring Mornington
Combined with the neighbouring Marion Downs, Charnley River/Artesian Range and Tableland Sanctuaries, AWC owns and/or manages a staggering 2.6 million acres in the Kimberley, giving threatened species like the iconic
Northern Quoll and Gouldian Finch a fighting chance of survival. This morning we enjoy an informative ecology tour and discover why AWC is at the forefront of protecting threatened species in the Kimberley. Then, head off and explore Mornington's vast wilderness in specially built open back safari trucks for a true appreciation of its stunning natural landscapes. Your guides will provide commentary on AWC's conservation programs, all whilst travelling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Kimberley. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Cadjeput waterhole on the upper Fitzroy River where you’ll also have the
opportunity for a swim. This afternoon we return to the wilderness camp where
the remainder of the day can be spent at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy an outdoor slide show highlighting how AWC is tackling some of the most significant ecological challenges in the Kimberley. Meals: (B,L,D)
DAY 4 - Galvans Gorge - Gibb River Road - Drysdale
This morning we make our way back to the Gibb River Road before stopping to explore Galvans Gorge. After a swim we'll continue along the Gibb, heading past Mount Barnett and on to the Kalumburu Road where we begin heading
north. Later this afternoon we arrive at Drysdale River Station, which runs 9,000 head of cattle across more than 1 million acres. We spend the night in comfortable station cabins with private ensuite bathroom facilities. Meals: (B,L,D)
DAY 5 - King Edward River - Mitchell Plateau
Today our journey takes us further north along the Kalumburu Road before turning off to the Mitchell Plateau. After fording the King Edward River we'll visit some spectacular Wandjina rock art galleries. We then pass through ancient Livistona palm forests on our way to the Mitchell Plateau, arriving at our very own Ngauwudu Safari Camp for a relaxing afternoon or maybe a swim in the
camp's pristine waterhole before getting ready for dinner. A true piece of outback luxury, Ngauwudu Safari Camp features deluxe Safari Suites with ensuite bathrooms and quality furnishings. Built in 2011 at a cost of $4 million, it is the most luxurious and substantial tented safari camp in the entire Kimberley. Enjoy two nights here as we discover the Mitchell Plateau and Mitchell Falls. Meals: (B,L,D)
DAY 6 - Exploring Punamii-Unpuu (Mitchell Falls)
A big walk today, but also a big highlight! After a short drive to the ranger station we set out on a 4km walking tour to the breathtaking Mitchell Falls (good level of fitness and mobility required). With the help of expert local guides from the Kandiwal Community, we'll discover rarely seen Gwion Gwion and Wandjina rock art galleries, with full interpretation. The walk also takes us past Little and Big Mertens Falls before concluding at the sensational 4-tiered
Mitchell Falls. Upon reaching the Mitchell Falls we enjoy our picnic lunch and admire the thunderous falls before returning on a scenic helicopter flight (included). Seeing the falls from the air is an absolute highlight and a great way to finish off the walk. We then return to the camp for a well-earned rest and perhaps a swim in the palm fringed creek. Meals: (B,L,D)
Please Note: For passengers not wishing to do the Mitchell Falls walk there is an option to fly down by helicopter. An Outback Spirit guide will still escort you. The flight cost is $179.00 per person (own expense).
Please note: Weight limits apply to all scenic flights
DAY 7 - Durack and Pentecost Rivers - El Questro
Today we retreat from the Mitchell Plateau and follow the Kalumburu Road back to the Gibb River Road. From here we head east and ford the Durack River before arriving at the foothills of the Cockburn Range. Admire the stunning vista in the soft late afternoon light before crossing the mighty Pentecost and heading on to Emma Gorge Resort, part of the renowned El Questro Wilderness Park. Here we spend three nights in unique tented safari cabins dotted through the bush. Meals: (B,L,D)
DAY 8 - Chamberlain Gorge Cruise - Zebedee Thermal Springs - Station Township
After breakfast we'll drive deeper into this iconic Kimberley wilderness park to Chamberlain Gorge, a beautiful threekilometre-long fresh waterhole bound by towering escarpment. Enjoy a 90 minute gorge cruise and feed some of the cheeky Archerfish before visiting Zebedee Thermal Springs for a swim in the crystal clear water. Nestled against a rocky range and surrounded by palms, the Springs are one of the highlights of any visit to El Questro. Enjoy some relaxing time here before visiting the station township, the hub of El Questro.
This afternoon we return to Emma Gorge Resort for some free time before dinner in the unique alfresco restaurant. Meals: (B,L,D)
DAY 9 - Wyndham - Five Rivers Lookout - Parry Lagoons - Emma Gorge Walk
This morning we enjoy a visit to Wyndham and Five Rivers Lookout, boasting dramatic views out of Cambridge Gulf. En route we'll also visit Parry Lagoons, home to a vast array of birdlife. Upon returning to Emma Gorge Resort, you can
either relax in the surrounds of the resort or set off on a guided walk up to the stunning Emma Gorge waterfall (three hours return - a good level of fitness required, but well worth it). A swim here is a highlight of any visit to El Questro, so be sure to bring your swimming attire! After returning from the walk, the rest of the day can be spent at your leisure. Meals: (B,L,D)
DAY 10 - Kununurra - Lake Argyle - Ord River
This morning we depart El Questro and head to Kununurra, a town originally established to service the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. After some free time in the town centre we'll continue up towards Lake Argyle, with a visit to the Argyle Homestead Museum en route to the dam wall. This afternoon enjoy a sensational three hour cruise down the Ord River with expert commentary about the Ord Irrigation Scheme and local environment. We arrive back in Kununurra at sunset and make our way to the Kununurra Country Club Resort for our overnight stay. Meals: (B,L,D)
DAY 11 - Head to the Bungle Bungles
Before departing Kununurra we'll take a tour of the surrounding farming country. Drive through parts of the massive Ord River Irrigation Scheme on Ivanhoe Plains where melons, mangoes, sandalwood and other crops are grown. After a visit to the award winning Sandalwood Factory, we begin our trek south to the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles), arriving late afternoon. We'll spend the next two nights at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, owned by Outback Spirit in partnership with Aviair/Helispirit. The lodge features comfortable cabins with ensuite bathrooms and is the only lodge in the
park with a swimming pool. Meals: (B,L,D)
DAY 12 - Exploring Purnululu
Today we explore the wonders of Purnululu, including its unique orange and black beehive shaped domes. First up, enjoy a breathtaking 18-minute scenic helicopter flight over the park with a bird's eye view of its astounding natural features. Afterwards, enjoy a walk along Piccaninny Creek to the mind boggling natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge and then follow the 'dome trail' for a
closer inspection of the park's unique geological formations. This afternoon we'll head to the northern region of the Bungle Bungles to visit Echidna Chasm before returning to the lodge. Meals: (B,L,D)
*Please note: Weight limits apply to all scenic flights
DAY 13 - Geikie Gorge and the Fitzroy River
After farewelling the Bungle Bungles we pass through Halls Creek and on to Fitzroy Crossing. Nature and geology lovers will delight as we head into Geikie Gorge National Park for a one hour cruise on the Fitzroy River, winding through
ancient limestone where you can still see fossils embedded in the gorge walls. We retire for the night in Fitzroy Crossing at the Fitzroy River Lodge. Meals: (B,L,D)
DAY 14 - Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge
This morning we visit Tunnel Creek National Park for a fascinating underground river walk before moving on to the awe-inspiring Windjana Gorge. Enjoy a guided walk through the towering gorge, which rises more than 100m above the floodplain. We then depart for Broome, arriving late afternoon to check in to the iconic Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa for our two night stay. Meals: (B,L,D)
*We recommend packing water/reef shoes to take part in the Tunnel Creek walk.
DAY 15 - Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures
For the afternoon, we are ending our journey on a high with a sensational half-day adventure to the Horizontal Falls. First, enjoy a 50-minute seaplane flight and land on the calm waters of Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago. Then, we cruise through the falls and surrounding bays and have a bite to eat before returning to Broome. Tonight, we gather for our final dinner together and celebrate our adventure through the Kimberley. Meals: (B,L,D)
Note: Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures have a weight restriction of 120kg.
DAY 16 - Broome
Your tour concludes after breakfast this morning and you will be transferred according to the details specified (To be advised). Bon Voyage! Meals: (B)
*This is a sample itinerary and may be subject to change. We may need to alter or amend itineraries, excursions, accommodation, or sightseeing arrangements from those published, with little or no notice. This may be due to road conditions, weather, cultural considerations, safety factors and other operational considerations or government regulations. Final itineraries are sent to passengers approximately 2-3 weeks before travel.
About Outback Spirit
Australia's leading experiential tourism group
Outback Spirit is part of Journey Beyond, a national business focused on bringing Australia’s most unique and iconic experiences to life. Outback Spirit was founded in 1999 and has been showcasing great Australian destinations to travellers to this day.
To learn more about Journey Beyond and our unique travel experiences, please click the link below
Committed to Conservation
As an eco-certified company, Outback Spirit regularly reviews its potential impact on natural, cultural and historical environments. We strive to be ecologically sustainable and limit our impact on the environment through good practice, innovation and financial support for Australia’s pre-eminent wildlife conservation group, AWC (Australian Wildlife Conservancy).
AWC is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the protection of our most precious wildlife. With 3 million hectares under conservation locations such as the Kimberley, Gulf of Carpentaria, Cape York and Lake Eyre, AWC is making a real difference in the fight against extinction. Since 2008, Outback Spirit has donated over $1 million to AWC and will continue its support well into the future.
To learn more about this fantastic organisation, head to www.australianwildlife.org
Supporting Aboriginal Communities
Outback Spirit supports remote Indigenous communities in certain locations across the Kimberley & Arnhem land by way of employment opportunities, community sponsorships and support for Indigenous owned businesses. For example, Outback Spirit sponsors over a dozen football teams in Ramingining and Maningrida, both directly and through local schools.
The company also creates jobs for local interpretive guides, which gives Outback Spirit passengers an authentic insight into the environment and local culture. It also helps to preserve Indigenous culture. Past initiatives have included the provision of teachers and tutors in small communities where no school facilities exist.
Award Winning Tour Operator
Choosing Outback Spirit means choosing an award-winning tour operator. We’re proud to have been acknowledged for consistently delivering professional and authentic adventures to remote destinations of Australia.
Some of our achievements have been recognised with the following awards:
Operation & Mechanical Bases
The outback can be a challenging environment to operate in, and professional back-up support is vital.
Outback Spirit headquarters are in the regional NSW city of Albury, however we have a dedicated team in Broome and Darwin for mechanical and operational matters. These teams are available 24 hours a day to provide immediate support, should it be required. Other smaller bases are located around the country, guaranteeing you a seamless touring experience.
* Term and conditions apply – please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
Prices subject to change with availability and prevailing exchange rates.
Advertised prices based on per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Offers may be withdrawn at any time.
If travelling on a PHT Escorted Journey or Hosted Cruise, included home to airport transfer is for the Adelaide metropolitan area to the value of $50 per person only.
Surcharges may apply if outside this radius.
Interstate travellers are welcome to participate in PHT Escorted Journeys or Hosted Cruises, however any noted pre-departure function is held in Adelaide only.