14 Day Kimberley Trail Tour KWE14DKT

Itinerary

• First Day – Flights to arrive the day before.
• Last Day – Flights are recommended to depart the day after the final travel day

• 1 Day 1 Tunnel Creek (LD)

  As we travel through the remote and beautiful Kimberley landscape, our guide shares stories of local history, people and the environment. Enjoy a morning tea break by the Fitzroy River and visit the Derby ‘Boab Prison Tree’ before we hit the Gibb River Road. Visit the fascinating Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Cultural Centre for an insight into the culture of the Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunumbal tribes and their supreme spirit being, the Wandjina. The Napier Range is over 350 million years old and home to Tunnel Creek, a 750-metre cave system in which we discover stalactites, secret caves and a large variety of wildlife. It is here we also learn the legend of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hide-out in the late 1800’s. In the afternoon we visit the geological wonder of Windjana Gorge, searching for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and indigenous bush tucker beneath the gorge walls that rise 90m. That night we settle into our first night under the Kimberley night sky.

• 2 Days 2-3 West Kimberley Gorges (BLD)

  In the morning we head off to Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), a hidden highlight of the West Kimberley. This idyllic retreat, considered amongst the most beautiful in the area, boasts cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools formed over millions of years – an easy place to while away a few hours! Spend the day swimming in paradise: further up the Gibb River Road, we discover the cool waters of water lily-laden Galvans Gorge and stunning Adcock Gorge. Amid the rugged beauty of Manning Falls we swim in deep clear pools, relax, explore wandering streams, uncover local wildlife and take a dip in the waterfall pools. Overnight we camp by a billabong on Mt Barnett Cattle Station.

• 3 Days 4-5 Mitchell Plateau (BLD)

  It is a very early start to kick off our two-day diversion to the majestic Mitchell Plateau: a highlight of the trip. The long drive through real 4WD country takes us up the rugged Kalumburu Road then onto the Mitchell Plateau Track – totally worth it! After crossing rivers and passing through ancient Livistonia palm forests, we emerge from the savannah and onto the Mitchell Plateau. With two nights camping in the National Park, we trek to Little and Big Merten Falls, take a dip in pristine plunge pools and view Bradshaw rock art. A return scenic helicopter flight offers a bird’s eye view of this extraordinary landscape.

• 4 Day 6 Drysdale Station (BL)

  Drysdale River Station is an oasis in the outback. This million-acre, family owned and operated cattle station, runs approximately 10,000 head of cattle and lies in the North Kimberley on the Gibb River Road. Hanging out in the true-blue Australian outback means you have all the magical scenery and feeling of isolation you could ask for. On arrival you may wish to explore the nearby surroundings or sit back and enjoy a cold drink in the beer garden, warm yourself around the log fire in the cool night air.

• 5 Days 7-8 El Questro Wilderness Park (BLD/BL)

  Our journey up the Gibb River Road continues to the iconic El Questro Wilderness Park. Two nights in our private campsite allows free time to join one or more of the many activities on offer. We include a refreshing dip in the Zebedee Springs and walk into Emma Gorge while a cruise on Chamberlain Gorge, bush tucker walk or bird watching tour are amongst the many optional activities. You may choose to simply explore this beautiful wilderness park at your own leisure.

• 6 Days 9-10 Kununurra & Lake Argyle (BD/BL)

  Emerge from the Gibb River Road for a few hours free time in Kununurra: sample locally-made rum at the Hoochery and pick up some local sandalwood inspired beauty, health and lifestyle products at the Sandalwood Factory. After lunch, travel on to the shores of the expansive Lake Argyle, the heart of the Ord River Irrigation System which has transformed this dry region into a lush agricultural oasis. Enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim in the Infinity Pool, with a magnificent view across the lake. In the morning, take up one of the many optional activities on offer such as scenic flights and kayak hire. Alternatively, join our guide to visit the historic Durack Homestead Museum or take on one of the many bush trails to explore the area. A sunset boat cruise on the lake is highly recommended (approx AU$110pp, own expense).

• 7 Days 11-12 Purnululu National Park: Bungle Bungles (BLD)

  Journey south down the Great Northern Highway to Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungles. Two nights here, staying in our private Bungle Bungle Safari Camp in the heart of the park, allows a full day to explore the highlights of this extraordinary National Park, the most famous of which, are the Bungle Bungle domes. Rivers created this landscape of unique orange and black striped ‘beehive’ geological formations over a period of 20 million years. Unbelievably, only the locals knew it existed until the early 1980’s; once discovered by others, the area was made a national park in 1987. We explore Echidna Chasm (2km), known for its towering Livistonia Palm trees, and take a short walk (2-3km) into stunning Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks create a natural amphitheatre. There is time in the afternoon to take an optional scenic helicopter flight and enjoy a birds-eye view of the beehive domes (approx $450pp, own expense) to put it all into perspective. .

• 8 Day 13 China Wall & Fitzroy Crossing (BLD)

  Enroute to Fitzroy Crossing, we break the long journey with a visit to the gold rush town of Halls Creek to see the remarkable China Wall. We also enjoy lunch at Marys Pool and visit the remote Laarri Aboriginal Art Gallery, before an evening by the Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing.

• 9 Day 14 Danggu Geikie Gorge (BL)

  A morning cruise through the majestic Danggu (Geikie Gorge) is a great start to the day. Nature carved this wonder through the Geikie and Oscar Ranges during the Devonian geological period. Learn of the fascinating geology of this natural wonder and discover the huge array of wildlife including freshwater crocodiles, birds and fish. Enjoy lunch by the river en route back to Broome.

• Max 15kg in Soft Bag/Backpack & Day Bag (No Suitcases)

Additional Information

Australia’s north including the Kimberley and the Top End – has a tropical climate with a Wet Season (November to March/April) and a Dry Season (April/May to October). All of our tours in the north operate during ‘the Dry’, when it can get surprisingly cold overnight, depending on where you are — in Broome it can get down to 12ºC, while in the Bungle Bungles, it can fall as low as 5ºC! During the day, in Broome and Darwin we usually enjoy a lovely 28 to 30ºC.

Travel insurance is essential for all trips, even if you are an Australian. As we are travelling in a remote area, you should ensure you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation at a minimum. We recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Finally, to ensure you are covered in the event of unseasonal weather and conditions that may cause road and national park closures, please make sure your policy considers costs incurred by any unforseeable tour cancellations. Recieve a free no obligation quote online or talk to our staff.

Tours are ‘Participatory’ which means the groups rally together and assist the guide – our program is designed to foster a ’group of friends’ dynamic as everyone works together to make it all happen, alongside the leadership of an experienced Tour Guide. This not only makes for a fun adventure shared with like-minded travellers, but also enables us to provide affordable travel options in the Kimberley. On those nights where we are not staying in one of our fantastic private permanent campsites, it is important that travellers participate in setting up camp. The tour guides will always appreciate the assistance of one or two group members in preparing/clearing meals. It is essential that all our groups leave the camps they stay in as they found them for the next travellers – the Kimberley is a pristine wilderness and it is our responsibility to ensure it stays this way.

On all tours we recommend you bring…

• A broad-brimmed sun hat
• Good walking boots or sturdy shoes for hiking over rocky terrain
• Fitted shoes for walking in water
• Torch (a head torch is ideal)
• Swimmers & towel
• Personal water bottle (1 Litre recommended)
• Sunscreen

On short breaks and extended adventures we recommend you also bring…

• Long-sleeved cotton shirt (sun protection)
• Loose-fitting pants (warmth and insect protection for evenings)
• Towels – shower and swimming
• Personal toiletries* & medication
• Insect Repellent*
• Ear Plugs – you never know when you might need these!
• Sleeping bag 10 degrees celcius (if required, check your tour notes)

*Please choose environmentally-friendly toiletries so as to minimise chemical residue in waterways! We carry a range of travel-size environmentally-friendly toiletries including Shampoo, Body Wash, and Laundry Wash in our Broome office.

Please Note: While our vehicles are custom built and equipped with adequate storage areas, please keep your luggage to a minimum — usually a maximum 15kg, in a small soft bag. Suitcases are not suitable.

Tours are for reasonably fit and mobile travellers – age is irrelevant. Itineraries often involve some very early starts and long days. We are exploring a range of remote wilderness environments and activities involve some clambering over rocks, wading in water by torchlight, walking on rocky creek beds and ascending/descending into gorges. A reasonable level of fitness and being sure on your feet is necessary to participate. Overnight on some nights we are sleeping in traditional Aussie ‘swags’ , which are comfortable foam mattresses with linen. Refer to the Fitness Level rating (explained below) in The Facts for each itinerary to help determine how suitable the trip is for you. Feel free to ask our staff for any further details if you have any concerns.

Note that due to the remote location and challenging nature of our extended tours it is essential for our travellers who are 70 years and beyond, to review and sign a Medical Form to ensure you can participate fully in the itinerary.

The style and standard of accommodation varies throughout our Extended Tour itineraries, ranging from outback station stays and ‘billion star’ camping to private wilderness camps and safari tents. On Kimberley Expeditions, we offer the choice of comfortable Camping or Camping Plus, on which we assist you to make the most of basic upgrades where available.

DAY TOURS: If you cancel your booking, cancellation fees will apply. A cancellation will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation. If you cancel a trip:

• between 15 and 30 days prior to departure, we will retain the deposit;
• between 4 and 14 days prior to departure, we will retain 50% of the total booking cost;
• 72 hours or less prior to departure, we will retain 100% paid by you in connection with the booking

SHORT BREAKS & EXTENDED TOURS: If you cancel your booking, cancellation fees will apply. A cancellation will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation. If you cancel a trip:

• more than 91 days prior to departure, your deposit will be retained as a credit for future use within 24 months;
• between 56 and 90 days prior to departure, we will retain the deposit;
• between 31 and 55 days prior to departure, we will retain 50% of the total booking cost;
• 30 days or less prior to departure, we will retain 100% paid by you in connection with the booking.

You are strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking which will cover cancellation fees. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. The above cancellation fees are in addition to fees which may be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents or third party tour and transport operator fees. Recieve a free no obligation quote online or talk to our staff.

Travel Insurance
As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase discounted travel insurance. It is HIGHLY recommended that passengers take out travel insurance. As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to get a free no-obligation quote from Cover-More Travel Insurance.

Credit Card Payments
Credit Card Customer Payment Link enter this link into your browser: pay.travelpay.com.au/AUSTC

If paying via the Customer Payment Link, please ensure you complete all fields and ensure you enter the correct Trip Reference Number, so we can identify your payment.

Credit card surcharges will apply when paying by credit card. We accept all credit cards and relevant credit card fee is applied when processing: Mastercard – 1.30%, Visa – 1.50%, American Express – 2.20%, Diners Card – 2.75%, International Credit Cards – 3.25%

Direct Deposit
Direct Deposit payments take up to 3 business days to process. Please notify your consultant of your payment once it has been processed.

Commonwealth Bank: Australian Tours and Cruises
Reference: Your Trip Number
BSB: 062-504 Account: 1066 1268
Branch Address: Shop 1/80-84 William St, Bathurst NSW 2795
In Bank Payment of Cash Or Cheque: Add $5 for bank fees
International Direct Deposit: Add $25 for bank fees
SWIFT or BIC CODE: CTBAAU2S

FAQs

• Are there concession discounts?
  Pensioners (Australia or New Zealand) and Seniors Card holders (Australia) save with our concession discounts on selected tours. Ask our friendly team which tours you can get a discount on.
• Are your tours suitable for pensioners aged 76 and 84 ?

  Yes, Kimberley Tours have a wide range of passengers from children to adult who are 90 years of age. You need to read the itinerary and review the fitness levels required prior to deciding if the tours is suitable. Each tour is different.

• Do you have any tours on offer during November, December, January or February?

  The Kimberley region offer tours from May through to September generally, but there are always unique offerings outside of these dates. However you can visit different locations such as Perth, Central Australia or the Wildflowers and Margaret River at different times of the year. As one of our help Travel Advisors to help you find something that suits your interests, budget and the dates you would like to travel.

• Is accommodation the night after the tour ends included in the price ?

  No, this accommodation will be an cost extra, but we can assist you to book this at great rates and we will ensure you are staying at either the same accommodation of somewhere near by.

• Is accommodation the night prior to the tour departure included in the price ?
  No, accommodation at the start of end of your tour is an additional costs unless specifically listed in the itinerary.
• Where is the meeting point for the start of tours ?
  Generally, tours will start at the hotel listed as the pre tour accommodation options. This will be listed in yore final travel documents.
• Do I need to arrive before Day 1 of my tour ?

  Please refer to your specific tour, in most cases you will need to arrive the night before your tour departs. Please check flight details listed for each individual tour. If this is the case we can arrange pre tour accommodation on your behalf, this will be an extra cost.

  Day tours or Short Breaks may start later in the day on Day 1 so you can arrive that morning which will avoid the extra nights accommodation cost. We can help you plan some extra activities pre or post tour to extend you holiday and make the most of your trip.

• How do you calculate the number of days for Kimberley tours ?
  If you are doing a 4 day tour commencing on April 8th, the first day of the tour is and includes the 8th, plus 9th, plus 10th plus 11th and the tour ends on April 11. This would be 3 nights and 4 days on tour.
• Do your tours operate over Christmas and New Year?
  There are generally not as many extended tours in the Top End or Broome Region due to the weather at this time of the year. There may be day trips or short breaks for the holiday season. Explore Perth or Central Australia. Tasmania or a Murray River Cruise are popular in the Australian Summer months.
• Are airfares from my home town included in the cost of the tours ?
  Airfares to and from Northern Territory or Western Australia at the start and finish of your tours are extra.
• Payment Options

  Credit Card Payments
  Credit Card Customer Payment Link copy and paste this link into your browser: pay.travelpay.com.au/AUSTC

  If paying via the Customer Payment Link, please ensure you complete all fields and ensure you enter the correct Trip Reference Number, so we can identify your payment.

  Credit card surcharges will apply when paying by credit card. We accept all credit cards and relevant credit card fee is applied when processing: Mastercard – 1.30%, Visa – 1.50%, American Express – 2.20%, Diners Card – 2.75%, International Credit Cards – 3.25%

  Direct Deposit
  Direct Deposit payments take up to 3 business days to process. Please notify your consultant of your payment once it has been processed.

  Commonwealth Bank: Australian Tours and Cruises
  Reference: Your Trip Number
  BSB: 062-504 Account: 1066 1268
  Branch Address: Shop 1/80-84 William St, Bathurst NSW 2795
  In Bank Payment of Cash Or Cheque: Add $5 for bank fees
  International Direct Deposit: Add $25 for bank fees
  SWIFT or BIC CODE: CTBAAU2S

• Should I buy travel insurance?
  Travel Insurance

   It is HIGHLY recommended that passengers take out travel insurance. As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase discounted travel insurance.  Travel Insurance Quote with CoverMore.