15 Day Kimberley Camping Tour
Departing Broome we make our way to Derby, visiting the Norval Art Gallery, so you can peruse the exquisite pieces and learn about the traditional art history of this area.
Tunnel Creek is our next destination, which flows through a water worn tunnel beneath the limestone of the Napier Range. Tunnel Creek is part of the 350-375 million year old Devonian Reef, formed when most of the Kimberley was covered by the sea and gradually exposed as the sea level fell to its present level. Tunnel Creek was the hideout for Jandamarra (Pigeon) who led the Aboriginal resistance against the police and pastoralists until he was tracked down and killed by a police posse in 1897. We will walk 750 meters through the tunnel, wading through several permanent pools to the other side of Napier Range. Our next stop is Windjana Gorge, a stunning gorge cut through the Napier Range. This site holds special significance to the local Aboriginal people. The gorge is 3.5 km long and formed by the Lennard River as it winds its way through the Napier Range. There are primeval life forms fossilised within the gorge walls. Isolated pools in the ‘dry’ season, support an abundance of wildlife including freshwater crocodiles, water birds, corellas, and a colony of fruit bats.
We will take a walk up the gorge, before setting up camp at the Gorge, our evening destination.
Overnight: Windjana Gorge National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After re-joining the Gibb River Rd we continue north to begin our hike of Bell Gorge. Eroded into the King Leopold Range, Bell Gorge is one of the most impressive gorges in the Kimberley. Bell Creek cascades down through a series of falls and pools. There is plenty of time to enjoy a beautiful swim to cool down before we continue onto Mt Barnett, our evening destination.
Overnight: Mt Barnett (Manning Gorge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A relaxing day with a hike out to Manning Falls for a swim, returning around lunch time. Following lunch, we take a a short drive to Galvans Gorge, where we enjoy a short walk (1km) and a swim. Returning to Mt Barnett, where we soak in the amazing atmosphere before relaxing around the campfire.
Overnight: Mt Barnett (Manning Gorge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, we continue along the infamous Gibb River Road before turning up the Kalumburu Road to Drysdale River Station for fuel and refreshments. The last leg of the day takes us onto the start of the Port Warrender Rd where we arrive at camp mid afternoon.
Overnight: Munurru (King Edward River)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s drive along the Port Warrender Road will be slow and steady to the Mitchell Plateau. The roads are a good example of 4WD terrain. Departing the camp for the day, we arrive at the Mertens carpark mid-morning where we embark on a short scenic helicopter flight over the Mitchell Plateau and the incredible Mitchell Falls. The scenery is remarkable, and it gives us a great perspective before seeing it on the ground. After exploring the top of the falls, and enjoying a swim, we hike 3.5km back to the carpark, stopping in at some Aboriginal Rock Art along the way. Once we arrive back at the vehicle, we make our way back to camp late afternoon.
Overnight: Munurru (King Edward River)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we have a leisurely day and explore two magnificent Aboriginal Rock art sites (co-guided with local Aboriginal Rangers) before returning to our camp, Munurru (King Edward River) where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the river and relax around the campfire.
Overnight: Munurru (King Edward River)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is one of our biggest drive days (due to limited overnight options). We make our way back to re-join the Gibb River Road. One of our scheduled stops is to Ellenbrae Station to meet the wonderful hosts and indulge in afternoon tea. Along the way we will be presented with fabulous views of the Kimberley and Cockburn Range. Our journey continues along the Gibb River Road to our evening destination, El Questro Wilderness Park.
Overnight: El Questro Wilderness Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we experience the beauty of El Questro Wilderness Park, firstly with a swim in the magnificent Thermal Pools of Zebedee Springs, followed by a 1.2km hike into Emma Gorge, in the heart of the Cockburn Ranges. Following the hike, we enjoy lunch before making our way to sunset drinks and appetizers.
Overnight: El Questro Wilderness Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a leisurely start to the day, the group will hike into another of El Questro’s gorges. If members of the group wish to relax at camp, there is the option for that too. Following lunch, the group will have the afternoon to relax, join an optional Chamberlain Gorge cruise (must be booked at time of booking to avoid disappointment) and catch up on washing.
Overnight: El Questro Wilderness Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, we make our way into Kununurra (100km), before joining a ¾ day boat cruise of the Ord River. The tour starts with a scenic coach tour through ‘Durack Country’ to Lake Argyle before it navigates 55km of river between Kununurra and Lake Argyle. You will see an ecological system that has developed from the damming of the Ord River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Kununurra (Kimberley Land)
Our drive today takes us into the magnificent World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles). The Bungle Bungle Range is renowned for its striking orange and grey horizontal banded domes. The distinctive beehive-shaped landforms have been produced by uplift and erosion over the last 20 million years.
In the evening we will watch the sunset behind the Bungle Bungle Ranges, while enjoying a glass of Champagne before returning to our evening campsite.
Overnight: Purnululu (Bungle Bungles)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we spend the day walking and exploring the magnificent beehive formations of this World Heritage Listed region. This will include a co guided experience with Traditional Owners into Cathedral Gorge and Piccaninny Creek (Southern Half of Purnululu). Up until 1982 the region was largely ‘undiscovered’. Prior to 1982 only local Aboriginal people and a handful of stockmen knew of the area and in 1987 it became a National Park.
An unforgettable helicopter flight over the Bungles is highly recommended and available at an extra cost (must be advised at time of booking). Returning to camp mid afternoon, we have time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Overnight: Purnululu (Bungle Bungles)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a leisurely start to the day and breakfast, we explore the northern half of the park, with a hike into Echidna Chasm, Mini Palms and Stonehenge. Our three night stay allows us to explore the park in depth, at a leisurely pace to maximise your experience.
Overnight: Purnululu (Bungle Bungles)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Purnululu we make our way to Halls Creek for morning tea and refreshments. We travel along the Great Northern Highway to Fitzroy Crossing, stopping for lunch and enjoying the views. Our evening destination, the Fitzroy River Lodge, is a beautiful oasis nestled along the banks of the river where you are welcome to take a short evening walk.
Overnight: Fitzroy River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The final day takes you on a boat tour down the Fitzroy River through Geikie Gorge, offering marvellous views and photo opportunities. Please note: A cruise through Geikie Gorge is still to be confirmed for 2024 following the flood damage during the 2023 wet season.
We return to Broome late afternoon and will say farewell after taking you to your pre arranged accommodation.
Overnight: Pre-arranged accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour Package
- Inclusions:
- Two accredited and experienced guides
- Support vehicle to assist camp setup
- Scenic helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls
- All camping equipment (including bedding)
- All meals as per itinerary
- Ord River boat cruise
- Aboriginal co guided walks
- All park and entrance fees
- Departure Dates:
- 2024 15 Day Kimberley Camping Tour Dates: 7/5/24 (operated in reverse), 27/5/24, 16/6/24, 6/7/24, 26/7/24, 15/8/24, 3/9/24
Still got questions or would like to discuss a private tour? Please contact us directly – We’re here to help!
Highlights
Not Included
Alcohol (BYO)
Accommodation pre and post tour
Flights to or from Broome