Kimberley Tours

Day 1 Kununurra is located on the eastern edge of the Kimberley and home to plantations of sandalwood, mangoes, citrus, chia and melons. Upon arrival we visit the local Sandalwood Factory, a great place to learn, smell and buy some terrific gifts for family and friends. Then we head to the Hoochery Distillery, the makers of the finest Rum in the West. Taste the award winning rum, whiskey or coffee liqueur and enjoy the fabulous hospitality. We make our way to the Freshwater Apartments, our residence for the next four nights. There is time for a walk to the close by Lily Lagoon which is surrounded by beautiful boab trees and home to an array of birds. Enjoy a fantastic sunset BBQ dinner cruise on Lake Kununurra.

 

Day 2 Get up early and join for a sunrise walk in the Mirima National Park, also known as Hidden Valley National Park or the Mini Bungle Bungles with its 350 million year old rock formations. Have breakfast back at the hotel and get ready for a fabulous day ahead. 

We start with a 70 kilometre informative coach tour to Lake Argyle along one of Australia’s most scenic drives. At Lake Argyle we will drop by the historic Durack Homestead Museum before visiting the Lake Argyle Resort and Infinity Pool. After a brief comfort stop we will board the Kimberley Durack, for our awe inspiring 3 hour Lake Argyle Luncheon cruise including a swim in the pristine waters. We return by a spectacular boat cruise down the Ord River through Carlton Gorge and Lake Kununurra, where we will enjoy stunning scenery and an array of wildlife, including crocodiles, flying foxes and birdlife.

4.5 Star Freshwater Apartments Kununurra, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 This morning we board our plane to this incredible and world heritage listed National Park. The flight path takes us over the Bungle Bungle Range, Lake Argyle, the Argyle Diamond Mine and the Ord River Irrigation Area. We will also see the stunning Carr Boyd Ranges, Osmond Ranges, the Ord River and Bow River before landing at the remote Bellburn Airstrip. From here we take a short drive and have time to explore various parts of this unique National Park. The highest peaks reach 578 metres above sea level and the famous sandstone domes are unusual and visually striking with their striping in alternating orange and grey bands. Walk to Cathedral Gorge a large natural amphitheatre. Sit on the rock ledges, listen to the acoustics and absorb the atmosphere. In addition good walkers have time to walk to the Piccaninny Lookout along the dry creek bed.There are also alternative shorter walks available for the less active travellers and seniors. Take in the sheer magnitude of Purnululu National Park with an optional 18 minute scenic helicopter flight over the breath-taking Bungle Bungle Range and the spectacular Piccaninny Gorge. We return to Bellburn Airstrip and depart this World Heritage Area of the Kimberley by plane to Kununurra. Our day in the Bungle Bungles is sure to be one of the many highlights on our Kimberley Tours.

4.5 Star Freshwater Apartments Kununurra, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 5 The Mitchell Plateau and the Mitchell Falls are iconic landmarks of the Kimberley and we travel in comfort and style to witness this incredible area. Fly over the beautifully patterned mud flats near Wyndham, the magnificent King River, Berkeley River Gorge, King George Falls, and Kalumburu to the remote Mitchell Plateau Airstrip. Here we will disembark and take a short helicopter transfer to the beginning of the walk into the Mitchell Falls. This beautiful 4.5-kilometer hike can be challenging at points, with uneven tracks and river crossings, so there is an option to take a helicopter transfer straight from the airstrip to the falls. Once we arrive at the Mitchell Falls, we will have time to marvel at their beauty and also take a swim in the Mitchell River above the Falls. Admire the fascinating flora and fauna of this area and enjoy a fresh picnic-style lunch. Enjoy a short helicopter flight from the top of the Falls back to the Mitchell Plateau airstrip. Pass over El Questro and the Cockburn Range on our return flight path before touching down in Kununurra.

4.5 Star Freshwater Apartments Kununurra, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Today we travel through open grasslands and vast floodplains towards Fitzroy Crossing. On route we stop in Halls Creek at one of the best information centres in the area. Finally we make our way to Fitzroy River Lodge, check in and join back for a delicious group dinner.

Fitzroy River Lodge En-suited Safari Tents , Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Just on the outskirts of Derby we find the famous Boab Prison Tree, which is believed to be over 1,500 years old. Not far from here, you can see the historic water trough which could water 500 bullocks at a time without running dry. The Mowanjum Indigenous Art and Culture Centre is well worth a visit. It features authentic Aboriginal Art from the Mowanjum Community and out-stations. 

Back in town we head to the Wharfinger's House Museum and the Norval Art Gallery. This gallery is run by the Kimberley artists Mark and Mary. You will find amazing art work here including a wonderful and unique collection of carved boab tree nuts. Now it is time to head to the Derby jetty. Derby is located on the edge of the King Sound with the highest tides of any Australian port. The beaches are not golden silky sand but mudflats, mangrove’s and swamps. We will set up our deck chairs and click away at the rush of the tidal water coming in.

Day 9 A fabulous day ahead of us today. Step on board a turbo prop seaplane and enjoy a morning flight directly to the Horizontal Falls. Experience the thrill of riding through the falls on the fastest boat in the Kimberley. With our heart rate back to normal we cruise through the spectacular untouched surrounding bays and creeks. We have lunch on board a fixed luxury vessel, followed by a swim in the croc and shark free cage. We will discover that time really does slow down in the Kimberley. 

After lunch we will head back out to see the tidal changes at the Horizontal Falls. With cameras ready for stunning photographs we take a low level scenic flight over the Buccaneer Archipelago and King Sound as we return to Derby. Enjoy some down time in Derby, do a little shopping or how about writing some traditional postcards.

Derby Lodge, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 We leave Derby and travel to Broome. The Kimberley region is home to some amazing pearls and we learn about the history and pearl production during the Pearl Lugger Tour in town. You will also find a great display of pearls and gifts in the showroom. Our Kimberley Tour has almost come to an end, but not before a delicious final group lunch at Zanders located at Cable Beach. After lunch you will be dropped off at your chosen hotel. Breakfast and Lunch