9 Day Darwin to Broome Adventure

9 Day Darwin to Broome Adventure

Choose this Darwin to Broome Kimberley multi-day tour operating since 1997 and enjoy camping, hiking and swimming across the Kimberley as you explore the best of the Gibb River Road, Bungle Bungles and Lake Argyle. Departing Broome, take the Gibb River Road for the next 4 days as you travel the full length of the Gibb camping at private wilderness camps, swimming in amazing creeks and rivers, exploring gorges, jumping off waterfalls and seeing secret aboriginal art sites containing examples of both Wadjina and Bradshaw art. Experience a private camp on a private island at Lake Argyle, an experience to remember forever.

Itinerary

Day 1: Darwin to Edith Falls

Pass By: Edith Falls, Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine, Northern Territory Australia
The sun rises early in the Kimberley so there’s no point in sleeping in, we’ll pick you up from your Darwin accommodation at 6am and head for the wilderness.

Leaving the comfort of the city behind we head for what many consider to be one of the last great expanses of rugged wilderness areas remaining in the world, the mighty Kimberley Region of Northern Western Australia.

Our first stop on the Darwin to Broome tour is about 2 hours South of Darwin, Edith Falls in Katherine Gorge National Park, a short 3 km walk to the upper pools brings us to the first of many beautiful waterfalls which we will see over the next 9 days.

After lunch we push west towards the Western Australia / Northern Territory state border and our first bush camp. Bush camping is a great experience whether you are an experienced outback drover or first time city slicker, we have been in the Kimberley for such a long time that we have established relationships with the local land holders, both Cattle Stations and Custodians of Aboriginal Land, and we have permission to camp in wild places that are off limits to the public.

These camping spots are normally in pristine wilderness and remote areas, setting up a campfire, cooking up a feast on the fire and then rolling out the swags in these places is a special experience, and our first camp is a cracker! Tents are provided for those a little nervous about the under the stars experience.

Highlights

Depart Darwin

Edith Falls

Katherine Township

Victoria River

Private Wilderness Camp on aboriginal land

Activities:Swimming & Hiking 3km – 5km


Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Bush Camping

Day 2: Edith Falls to Lake Argyle

Pass By: Lake Argyle, Western Australia 6743 Australia
With no roof over our heads the breaking dawn is our new alarm clock and we rise early. The mobile phones get packed up with the camping gear as they become useless and we head off nice and early for our days activities.

Start the day off by meeting Mr. Bill Harney, an aboriginal elder. We will go for a 4wd drive adventure to the back of his property and Bill will show us some rock art, tell stories and sing songs on a personal cultural tour. Learn about his culture and experiences growing up.

Tonight we head to Lake Argyle for what is regularly voted as the highlight of the tour. Lake Argyle is a huge freshwater lake teaming with wildlife, from wallabies in the rocky shores, to freshwater crocodiles to birdlife.

We board a boat where a local guide shows us the lake, there is time to swim before we watch the sunset from the water and then camp on one of the remote islands. This is a great experience, knowing you are the only people on a single island in the middle of one of the most remote lakes in the world is unforgettable.

We have a campfire, the sky is full of stars and the cool water is inviting to those brave souls who want a midnight swim.

Highlights

Aboriginal Culture Tour

Lake Argyle

Camp: Private Wilderness Camp on Island

Activities: Boat Cruise, Swimming & Hiking approx 3km


Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Private island bush camp

Day 3: Lake Argyle to Purnululu National Park

Pass By: Kununurra Visitor Centre, 75 Coolibah Dr, Kununurra, Western Australia 6743 Australia
The sunrise from our island camp is unforgettable.

We pack up camp, re-board the boat and head back to our vehicle. From Lake Argyle we head into Kununurra to replenish supplies. As we approach the town, the mobile phones start beeping and we take the opportunity to catch up on the world with some free time in this classic outback town while your guide replenishes the supplies.

From Kununurra we head to one of the highlights of this Kimberley trip, Purnululu National Park, more commonly known as the Bungle Bungles. Our time in this region is spent hiking and exploring the Gorges and amazing landscapes the area contains.

The long and dusty track into the Bungles is spectacular; it winds its way through valleys, over ranges and through creeks before arriving at what must be one of the world’s most unique landscapes. The day ends with a spectacular sunset from a vantage point at camp.

Highlights

Lake Argyle Island Sunrise

Kununurra

Purnululu National Park

Camp: Bush Camp, National Park Facility

Activities: Early swimming if keen, walking approx 1 – 2km


Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Bush Camping

Day 4: Bungle Bungles

Pass By: Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park, Western Australia 6743 Australia
With an early rise we are able to take advantage of a spectacular Bungle Bungles sunrise, from our vantage point we watch the show with a cup of tea or coffee and breakfast from a remote location.

A short drive from the sunrise area is the trailhead for the Cathedral Gorge hike, a spectacular hike though the beehive formations to Cathedral Gorge. The gorge itself is one of the most impressive geological formations you are likely to see anywhere.

From here there is the opportunity to take a scenic flight over the Bungles, helicopter rides from 18 minutes are available. From the air the bungles take on a completely new perspective and the open chopper is sensational. Scenic flights are at your own expense and organised on the day.

We then head off for Echidna Chasm for a hike into the domes, following a creek to it’s source at a narrow passage buried within the Bungles.

After lunch we depart Purnululu and locate our bush camp, this time on a lovely creek with a sandy beach.

Highlights

Purnululu Sunrise

Cathedral Gorge

Picaninny Creek

Echidna Chasm

Beehive Formations

Optional Helicopter Flight

Camp: Private Wilderness Camp on Station Country

Activities: Hiking approx 5km


Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Bush Camping

Day 5: Bungle Bungles to Emma Gorge

Pass By: El Questro Wilderness Park, 75 Coolibah Dr, Kununurra, Western Australia 6743 Australia
Today we get onto a dirt track, the famous Gibb River Road, a 700km long outback road which runs between Derby and Kununurra, it’s not the easiest route, the track is often rough, there are a number or deep water crossings and a 4WD vehicle is essential. However, it's an amazing travel route as along the length of the Gibb River Road are vast tracts of wilderness and numerous rivers, gorges and waterfalls to explore.

After a short distance we reach El Questro Station, home of many beautiful landscapes, one of which is Emma Falls. A hike through a spectacular gorge takes us to a very high and narrow falls with a deep cool plunge pool where we can swim.

From here it’s back on the “The Gibb” where we continue on our westerly trek. Arriving at the Pentecost River we are presented with an incredible landscape of a wide river surrounded by rugged Cockburn Ranges, a classic Kimberley scene.

Another bush camp and classic Kimberley Sunset awaits at the foot of the Rugged Cockburn Ranges.

Highlights

El Questro

Emma Falls

The Gibb River Road

Pentecost River

Cockburn Ranges

Camp: Private Wilderness Camp on Station Country

Activities: Hiking & Swimming approx 5km


Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Bush Camping

Day 6: Emma Gorge to Manning Gorge

Pass By: Manning Gorge, 4WD) Manning Rd Via Gibb River Road, Western Australia 6728 Australia
From camp our first task is to drive the 4WD though the Pentecost River, driving a vehicle across a 60 metre wide outback river which is occupied by Salt Water Crocodiles is not something you do every day, but it's the only way through so across we go.

Today we push west, there is a variety of great spots to stop and check out, including secluded water holes and Ellenbrae Cattle Station before arriving at Manning Gorge. Camp tonight is either at Manning Gorge, where toilets and showers are available, or back into the bush depending on the preference of your guide.

Highlights

Gibb River Road

Ellenbrae Station

Pentecost River Crossing

Manning Gorge

Barnett River Gorge (if time permits)

Camp: Campground with facilities

Activities: Hiking & Swimming approx 2 – 3km


Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Bush Camping

Day 7: Manning Gorge to Galvins Gorge

Pass By: Manning Gorge, 4WD) Manning Rd Via Gibb River Road, Western Australia 6728 Australia
Another day of adventure awaits. From camp our daily hike, white sandy beaches with a Pandanus tree lined waterway opening into a wide clear waterhole greet us only minutes after starting the walk. We must swim across the river before following a trail leading to the top of the gorge. (or cross the water in a pull along tinny boat if unable to swim well)

The gorge has a waterfall plus a deep wide swimming hole surrounded by granite cliffs & rock outcrops. It is a spectacular setting with hidden examples of Bradshaw Aboriginal Rock Art. The return route from manning Gorge is a little less conventional as we swim and rock hop along the creek before reaching the main waterhole where it started.

Depending on the time available, Galvans Gorge is also visited. On departing Manning we locate our bush camp and set up for another night under the stars.

Highlights

Manning Gorge

Galvan’s Gorge

Camp: Private Wilderness Camp on Station Country

Activities: Hiking & Swimming up to 8km


Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Bush Camping

Day 8: Bell Gorge to Windjana Gorge

Pass By: Bell Gorge, Gibb River Road Kimberley Region, Western Australia Australia
The main stop for the day is Bell Gorge, another day, another amazing waterfall to explore! Such is life in the Kimberley.

After a 15-minute walk we come to a beautiful Creek, which flows through the centre of this impressive gorge and cascades over numerous falls. A deep swimming hole at the base of the main waterfall, surrounded by shady ledges and high cliffs, is an ideal lunch spot.

If time permits we also drop into Adcock Gorge today.

Our last wilderness bush camp for the tour is another cracker offering a classic Kimberley sunset and camping among the boab trees.

Highlights

Adcock Gorge

Bell Gorge

Camp: Private Wilderness Camp on Station Country

Activities: Hiking & Swimming approx 4km


Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Bush Camping

Day 9: Windjana Gorge to Broome

Pass By: Tunnel Creek National Park, Leopold Downs Road King Leopold Ranges, Broome, Western Australia 6728 Australia
By now we are experts to getting up early and on our way, our final watering spot for the tour is Tunnel Creek.

Tunnel Creek is an amazing natural phenomenon and holds great significance to the local Aboriginal people, and getting there early normally guarantees we have the place for ourselves. It is a 750 metre long stretch of creek, which runs underground through one of the oldest cave systems in Western Australia.

Aboriginal rock paintings are present in the cave and it was a hideout of the Aboriginal warrior, Jandamarra in 1897.

Next we head to Windjana Gorge, a huge gorge cut into the ranges over millennium to reveal beautiful scenery of high vertical cliffs, sandy beaches and meandering creek. We head off on a hike at Windjana of 2- 4km and always see freshwater crocodiles swimming in the clear waterholes.

From Windjana Gorge we check out the Boab Prison Tree near Derby and then make our way into Broome. We normally arrive into Broome at around 6pm and head for Cable beach to soak up the last amazing sunset of the tour, your guide will then drop you at your accommodation.

Highlights

Tunnel Creek

Windjana Gorge

Boab Prison Tree Derby

Broome

Cable Beach Sunset

Activities:Caving & Hiking, approx 4km


Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Drop off at your Broome Accommodation