Experience Overview
One of the best ways to experience the magnificent landscape of the Kimberley is on two legs. Lace up your hiking boots and get up close and personal to the gorges, swimming holes, waterfalls and vistas that make this such an iconic Australian destination. On this 13-day trip, you’ll combine guided walks with the region’s major highlights, including the Gibb River Road and its gorges, El Questro Wilderness Park and Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles). Settle in and chill out in a custom-built 4WD coach as you explore the Kimberley region with an expert leader on this camping adventure.
Highlights
- Watch a fiery sunset light up the Bungle Bungle Ranges in Purnululu National Park – one of Australia’s most iconic landscapes, where the changing light creates one highlight after another.
- Spend two days exploring the untamed natural beauty of El Questro Station. Go swimming near tumbling waterfalls, hike through gorges and soak up the scenery your way.
- Follow the footsteps of an expert local leader who knows the area inside-out, meaning all you have to do is enjoy the journey.
- Escape the everyday, get active and take the time to reconnect with nature in one of Australia’s (and the world’s) most scenic and diverse regions.
- Enjoy the great outdoors with camping equipment provided by us, like stretcher beds with a mattress, shared 190-cm-high tents and comfortable camping chairs.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2294
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private 4WD vehicle
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Walking & Trekking
Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: PJXM
Starts: Broome, Australia
Finishes: Broome, Australia
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Demanding
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (12), Lunch (12), Dinner (9)Accommodation: Campsites (10 nights), Motel (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4952 ($381 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Broome! Or Rubibi, in the language of the Yawuru people, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Broome is now located. Get an early start on your adventure this morning as you travel through the remote Kimberley landscape. After crossing the Fitzroy River, visit the 1500-year-old Boab Prison Tree in Derby, then continue along the Gibb River Road to Windjana Gorge, found within the Napier Range. Over 350 million years old, this natural landscape boasts towering gorge walls, freshwater crocodiles and plenty of local birdlife. Tonight, settle into camp near Windjana Gorge and watch as the stars come alive, away from the city lights.
Included Activities:
- West Kimberley Gorges - Windjana Gorge Walk
- Derby - Boab Prison Tree
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) at Windjana Gorge (Number of Nights: 1)
The morning, after the campsite is packed up, is devoted to exploring Tunnel Creek. Spend time exploring the 750-m cave system, learning about the legend of Jandamarra, searching for stalactites and looking out for the cave’s resident freshwater crocodiles. In the afternoon, depart for Bell Gorge (Dalmanyi), a largely unknown highlight of the West Kimberleys, which boasts waterfalls and clear-water pools formed millions of years ago. Hike to the falls and enjoy a few hours of rest and relaxation by the water before setting off to tonight’s campsite at Silent Grove.
Included Activities:
- West Kimberley Gorges - Bell Gorge (Dalmanyi) Hike
- West Kimberley Gorges - Exploration of Tunnel Creek (Dimalurru)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) at Silent Grove (Number of Nights: 1)
Today’s adventure starts with a swim at Adcock Gorge. After a short walk to the pools, spend time cooling off in the waterfall, lounging on the rock ledges or going in search of the nearby waterlilies. Your afternoon will be spent visiting another of the West Kimberley’s gorges – Galvans Gorge. After a short bushwalk, dive into the cool waters and sit underneath the falls for a natural back massage. Then, explore the rock walls beside the main pool, where you’ll find Wandjina rock art. Tonight, arrive at Mt Barnett Station campground, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.
Included Activities:
- West Kimberley Gorges - Galvans Gorge Walk
- West Kimberley Gorges - Adcock Gorge
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) at Mt Barnett Station (Number of Nights: 1)
It’s an early start today to make the most of the walking trail to Manning Gorge and Falls. There’s plenty of time for swimming, relaxing and soaking up the sights and sounds of the Kimberleys, while you enjoy morning tea prepared by your leader. Return for lunch back at camp, then enjoy an afternoon of free time. You might like to find a nice spot to read and relax or enjoy the nearby creek for another swim before another camp dinner.
Included Activities:
- West Kimberley Gorges - Manning Falls Hike
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) at Mt Barnett Station (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to the West Kimberley gorges as you journey through the centre of the Kimberleys to El Questro Wilderness Park. Prepare for a long day of driving over 600km through the rough terrain of the Kimberleys via the Gibb River Road. It’s a bit of a travel day, so have your favourite book, podcast or music on hand. Or, simply sit back and enjoy the vast remote stretches of the Outback. Today’s drive will be broken up with plenty of stops to stretch your legs, get lunch and see local sights like the Pentecost River Lookout. After a river crossing or two, arrive at tonight’s accommodation where you have the option to have dinner at the El Questro restaurant and a drink at the Swinging Arm Bar.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with shared facilities) at El Questro (Number of Nights: 1)
Over the next few days, you’ll explore the many gorges and hikes of the El Questro Station. Today’s adventure includes two hikes to nearby gorges. The first, Emma Gorge, involves a bit of careful rock hopping through the bush with the payoff being a droplet waterfall and watering hole, surrounded by greenery-lined rock walls. The next destination, the El Questro Gorge, offers a short and a long walk. The short walk takes you through the Livistona palms rainforest, across the creek to the halfway pool, where you’ll be able to swim. From here, the longer trail begins, becoming more challenging but well worth the effort as you reach the cool Mac Micking pool and falls for a swim. Finish off the day with a soak at the Zebedee Thermal Springs, surrounded by an ancient forest of palm trees and gentle waterfalls.
Included Activities:
- El Questro - Zebedee Springs Visit
- El Questro - El Questro Gorge
- El Questro - Emma Gorge Hike
Accommodation:
- Camping (with shared facilities) at El Questro (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, set off for another scenic hike in the El Questro Park. Wander along the Amalia Gorge Trail, where you’ll rock scramble across sandstone slabs and creek beds to reach the pools. Bring your swimsuit to enjoy a well-earned dip in the water, then continue your hike and return to camp. After, you have several ways to spend your last afternoon at El Questro. Choose to either relax at the resort, enjoy time exploring the park or take up one of the optional activities, including a cruise at Chamberlain Gorge, a bush tucker walk or a bird watching tour.
Included Activities:
- El Questro - Amalia Gorge Hike
Optional Activities:
- El Questro - Injid Marlabu Calls Us (150 AUD)
- El Questro - Chamberlain Gorge Afternoon Cruise (104 AUD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with shared facilities) at El Questro (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll pack up and head to the town of Kununurra, with a stop at the Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve to see hundreds of waterbirds, including herons, spoonbills and magpie geese. This afternoon, you’ll have time to get some washing done or relax with a book while your crew buy plenty of fresh food for the next section of the trip. Tonight, you’re free to enjoy a drink at the pub or drop into a local restaurant for dinner.
Accommodation:
- Motel in Kununurra (Number of Nights: 1)
Known as the ‘Mini Bungles’, Mirima National Park is your first stop today with plenty of time to stop and appreciate the colourful layered rock formations created more than 300 million years ago. Lunch is at your own expense today and this afternoon there is the option to join a river cruise down the Ord River to the Dam Wall.
Included Activities:
- Mirima National Park - Gerliwany-gerring Banan Trail
- Kununurra - Triple J Discoverer Sunset Cruise
Accommodation:
- Motel in Kununurra (Number of Nights: 1)
Hit the road for Purnululu National Park – one of three natural UNESCO World Heritage sites in Western Australia – and get set for a drive along outback tracks with creek crossings, wash aways and rough, slow sections. After setting up camp, there’s time for a stroll before your leader takes you to the perfect spot to watch the sunset against the red rocks of the Bungle Bungles Range. Grab a drink and enjoy one of the state’s most famous sights as the rocks change colour.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) in the Bungle Bungles (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you could take an optional helicopter flight for a birds-eye view over the beehive domes. Later, you’ll explore Echidna Chasm, known for its towering Livistonia palm trees. Set off on the Echidna Chasm Walk, following the steep-sided gorge walls with shades of oranges and reds that glow when the sun hits them. Next up is the Mini Palms Gorge walk. After, you’ll spend the night at camp and rest those weary legs.
Included Activities:
- Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) - Mini Palms
- Bungle Bungles - Echidna Chasm
Optional Activities:
- Bungle Bungles - Helicopter Flight (from) (349 AUD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) in the Bungle Bungles (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you'll be welcomed to Country by a local Aboriginal guide. Then, head off on a walk through the domes as you learn about bush tucker and bush medicine. Continuing into Cathedral Gorge, your guide will tell tales of how Countrymen would walk the country you’re walking. As you enter the gorge, your guide will share the space with you in their cultural way, whether that be through drawing, singing or storytelling. Then, it’s time to pack up and drive to Larrawa Station for the last night of your Kimberleys adventure. Tonight, join your group and celebrate the trip with a drink and dinner at Larrawa Station campground.
Included Activities:
- Bungle Bungles - Cathedral Gorge
- Bungle Bungles - Welcome to Country
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) at Larrawa Station (Number of Nights: 1)
Break camp after breakfast and drive to Fitzroy Crossing. Take a walk down to the banks of the Fitzroy River before continuing the drive to Broome, where your trip will come to an end upon arrival at approximately 4 pm. It’s recommended that you book another night in Broome before flying out, as delays may occur. Once in Broome, your leader will drop you at your nominated accommodation or back at the default starting location.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Ben - Traveled, April 2024
Took the tour hosted by Robert & Frederico. Robert was always full of energy when he spoke and he had lots of stories. Whenever we saw animals on the outback roads he stopped and allowed us to have a look and photograph them. He did this with camels. He found a dead snake on the side of the road and then pulled it into our van for us all to have a look at it. He found a thorny devil on the side of the road and pulled it into the van for all of us to look at it. He was very knowledgeable with explaining the story of the Southern Cross star constellation. I liked that the tour guides allowed us to swap seats in the van and sit up the front with Robert. I liked the number of stops we had including Erldunda at the geographic centre of Australia and the many photo opportunities on the side of the road. It was fabulous to see Uluru and I was amazed at the height and size of it. We saw the sunset over Uluru which changed the colour of the rock which was sensational. We also saw the sunrise over Uluru and I enjoyed visiting the Aboriginal cultural centre. Aboriginal art is stunning and the people are friendly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/01/2024
Tatyana - Traveled, April 2024
Tatyana· April 29th, 2024 Hi, The trip was very relaxing and recharging for me. I enjoyed it very much. It was great opportunity to meet people from different parts of Australia and from overseas in the group on the tour. I had such a great time exploring Western Australia and trying out new things. The weather was perfect in April, and we did some bushwalking and swimming as well. The travel was comfortable and entertaining. The accommodation was good, aging at some locations but clean. Very interesting tours to vineries for tasting local wines, chocolates. If we had more time on the last two days, I would prefer spending it exploring Freemantle with the Guide. And I think more than one day needed to spend on Rottnest Island. And I wish we had more time allocated to spend in Basselton. Our guide Sean provided great care managing our all-ladies group and we always were on time at different points of our destination. The chosen location for having meals were good and the food was excellent. My diet restriction options (gluten free, vegetarian) were always met. I'm grateful to Sean for sharing his knowledge about Australian history of this region and Aboriginal culture. I'm impressed that he was able answering all our questions. It was very interesting journey into Ngilgi Cave and meeting with Aboriginal guide, who happily presented stories about life of his people. I highly recommend this tour for people, who are interested in active, relaxing and informative vocation. Thank you!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/29/2024
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