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Trek Notes - AustraliaColours of the Kimberley 14 days
This epic adventure covers the best of north-western Australia following the Gibb River Road through the Kimberley. Starting in the historic pearling town of Broome, we travel along this colourful part of the island continent and discover spectacular gorges carved into ancient river beds on an ancient land. We visit outback sheep and cattle stations and spend time in remote Aboriginal communities, where we experience first-hand their unique way of life. There will be time to swim in pristine clear gorges and waterholes along the way. After relaxing on the world-famous El Questro property we explore the amazing Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park and before completing our journey in Kununurra.
Itinerary Day 1: Broome Your trip starts in the historic pearling town of Broome, in Western Australia. Today is just an arrival day, so no activities are planned. Please make your own way to our centrally-located joining hotel (details are in your travel documents). In the evening we meet our tour leader and our fellow travelling companions at a Welcome Meeting (this is usually at 6pm, but you will be advised as to the exact time and place on message on a noticeboard located near the reception of our hotel), where our leader will give us a briefing on what lies ahead on our tour. Dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant around 7:30pm. Day 2: Windjana Gorge We depart Broome early in the morning and journey to Windjana Gorge. We travel on the open plains and, along the way, pass several baobab trees (also known in Australia as boab trees) including the famous Prison Tree near Derby. We also visit the aboriginal community of Mowanjum and enjoy viewing their unique art display. The work of this community's artists became renowned after the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, when much of their art was show in performances at the Opening Ceremony. Upon arrival at Windjana we explore the gorge, which cuts a swath through the Napier Range and is recognised by geologists as a classic example of the Devonian Reef. Within the gorge there is time to explore and look out for wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles and numerous species of birds. Tonight we enjoy our first night of camping - a great way of absorbing the ambience of the outback. Days 3-4: Mornington Station We leave Windjana Gorge and travel to the site of Lillimilura Station - a great place to discover about the Aboriginal heritage in the area. We drive along the Gibb River Road and pass through the Napier and King Leopold Ranges on our way to Mornington Station. On the way we explore the wonders of the wilderness at the Mornington Sanctuary, a 3000 square kilometre area full of spectacular gorges and open savannahs that are home to two endangered species of bird species - the gouldian finch and the purple crowned fairy wren. We spend two nights camping at Mornington Station. A visit here would not be complete indulging in some canoeing (optional and at extra cost) or enjoying a swim in the Fitzroy River. Day 5: Manning Creek We return to the Gibb River Road and head towards Manning Creek. On the way we stop at Galvins Gorge - a lovely place to explore hidden waterholes in the Phillips Range. After arriving at Manning Creek, we have plenty of time to set up camp in this magnificent oasis before enjoying a swim or exploring its surroundings. Day 6: King Edward River We make our way up to King Edward River. The highlight of today's drive is experiencing several creek crossings on our journey; the best known of these is crossing the Gibb River. We stop by at the remote Drysdale River Station for fuel and ice before continuing on to our picturesque campsite located by King Edward River. Day 7: Mitchell Falls This morning we spend some time having a look at the Wandjina and Bradshaw (Gwion) aboriginal rock art sights, which can be found at the King Edward River crossing area before just before we head to the campsite at Mitchell Falls. We get to explore the spectacular falls area in the afternoon. One optional activity that can be enjoyed here is to book on one of the several helicopter flights that over the falls and the surrounding Mitchell Plateau and beyond. These are seasonal and may not always be available - please ask your tour leader for more details. Day 8: Mitchell Falls - Drysdale Station Today is an early start as we enjoy a three kilometre walk to the falls. This is a genuine wilderness area that has a lot to offer in terms of spectacular scenery and walking opportunities, as well as the chance to view aboriginal art and observe wildlife. We have plenty of time at the falls to fully enjoy the various experiences there, as well a cool off in the crystal-clear waters in this incredibly remote and tranquil place. Early in the afternoon we trek back to our campsite. It may be possible for those not wishing to walk back to hire a helicopter for a short scenic flight (at extra costs and subject to availability). After packing up the rest of our gear, we leave Mitchell Plateau and drive back towards Drysdale Station. Day 9: El Questro Station We head down Kalumburu Road and back on to the Gibb River Road on our way to El Questro Station. Along the way we cross Durack River and pass the site of the old Durack River Homestead, which was destroyed by flood in 2002. A spirit of adventure is essential for this journey as the roads can be rough with a mixture of steep rises and rough corrugations. Our reward is that we are surrounded by spectacular scenery that includes the Pentecost River and the Cockburn Range. Day 10: El Questro Station An early morning departure as we set off for a hike up Emma Gorge, where we are rewarded at the top with a swim in the cool waters of a pool at the bottom of a waterfall. Heading back to the station we call into Zebedee Springs, where we enjoy a dip in the thermal spring. In the afternoon there is an opportunity participate in an optional afternoon boat ride (at extra cost) in Chamberlain Gorge, which is full of interesting wildlife, evocative aboriginal rock art and beautiful scenery. Days 11-12: Bungle Bungle Range (Purnululu National Park) We leave El Questro Station and El Questro Wilderness Park and head south on the Great Northern Highway. Our destination is one of Australia's most distinctive natural attractions - the sandstone area of the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park. These unusual 'beehive' domes are very striking with alternating grey and orange horizontal bands. The area is also rich in Aboriginal cultural heritage and in 2003 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. We spend time here exploring the natural wonders the park including Echidna Chasm, Mini Palms Gorge, Piccanniny Creek and Cathedral Gorge. There is also time during our stay for an optional helicopter flight (at additional cost) over the Bungle Bungle Range. This is highly recommended as it showcases the intricacies of this stunning area and enables you to appreciate it from another perspective. Day 13: Kununurra This morning we leave the national park and make our final journey to Kununurra, where we in the mid to late afternoon. Kununurra is a town of 6000 inhabitants that was founded in the 1960s to administer the Ord River irrigation project. Located nearby is stunning Mirima National Park, with its own unique rock formations. After checking into our hotel and freshening up, we have to opportunity to go out for a final group dinner (optional and at extra cost) and farewell our crew who have looked after us since Broome. Day 14: Kununurra Our trip ends in the morning after breakfast in Kununurra. From Kununurra you can find flights to Broome and Darwin, connecting on to the rest of Australia. There are also long distance bus services to Darwin and Perth.
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