Jun 14, 2011 - A comprehensive circular 4WD journey through Western Australia's remote ... this remarkable tree was once
AUSTRALIAN WALKING HOLIDAYS 2017
KIMBERLEY & NORTH WEST AUSTRALIA
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
15-days / 14-nights small group guided walking in some of Australia’s most remote and beautiful regions
A comprehensive circular 4WD journey through Western Australia’s remote Kimberley region, departing from Broome. Designed to appeal to experienced walkers, the tour is fully supported with expert guides and includes remote and extreme day walks to discover the many highlights and hidden secrets of this fascinating wilderness. Highlights:
Discover Geikie, Windjana, Bell, Manning, Emma Gorges and the Gibb River Road Guided day walks with expert guides through wilderness scenery Visit Cable Beach in Broome and the Boab Prison Tree near Derby Explore Purnululu National Park and the unique Bungle Bungle Range Stay in exclusive Wilderness Lodges in the heart of this remote region
Cost:
From $9695 per person twin-share
Departs:
7th, 30th May, 14th June, 11th, 29th August, 2017
Grade:
Walking up to 6 hours per day in remote country with plenty of ascents and descents and across uneven and sometimes rocky ground - a good level of fitness is required. Hikes include Bell Gorge: 3 hours (4km); Manning Gorge Waterfall: 4 hours (7km); El Questro Wilderness Park walks: up to 6 hours (up to 6km); Piccaninny Gorge: 6 hours (10km return). Walks are moderate to challenging over steep, hilly terrain with some rock hopping and scrambling, following thick vegetation, along creek beds and on rocky surfaces.
Includes:
Travel by custom-designed 4WD, twin share / double accommodation with private bathroom facilities as shown in resorts and lodges, meals as indicated, a full program of sightseeing maximum 20 travellers in the group – with an expert Kimberley driver/guide, park and excursion fees, transfers to and from the airport in Broome, additional guides on selected walks.
Call OUTDOOR TRAVEL on 1800 331 582 for details or reservations
Suggested itinerary: Day 1. Arrive in Broome Arrive in Broome with time to explore some of the remarkable sites in this historic pearl diving town. Make your way to Cable Beach to see one of Australia’s best sunsets. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner before your fascinating journey into the Kimberley commences. Accommodation overnight is at the Broome Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa. D (Dinner) Day 2. Gibb River Road, Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge After breakfast we drive to Derby and visit the fascinating Boab Prison Tree. Believed to be more than 1500 years old and measuring 14 metres in diameter, this remarkable tree was once used by early police patrols as a standing point for prisoners as they were walked to Derby. Today, the hollow tree is a registered Aboriginal site of great cultural significance. We continue along the Gibb River Road into the wild heart of the Kimberley, passing awe-inspiring landscapes of intensely coloured ranges, dramatic gorges, deep rock pools and spectacular waterfalls. We visit Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above white sands and ancient marine fossils are embedded in the gorge walls. Keep an eye on the banks for a glimpse of the freshwater crocodiles that laze on the shores of the Lennard River. We continue to Tunnel Creek, a remarkable 750-metre-long natural tunnel carved through the Napier Range. With torch in hand, wade through the cool waters that fill the tunnel and emerge on the other side to the sight of a tranquil and stunning oasis. We finish our day at Fitzroy Crossing. Accommodation: Fitzroy River Lodge. BLD (Breakfast Lunch Dinner) Day 3. Geikie Gorge, Halls Creek, Purnululu National Park Travel to Geikie Gorge National Park and explore magnificent Darngku Geikie Gorge. Flooding of the river has bleached the walls white over time - an intriguing sight that makes it popular with photographers. We cruise through the gorge and learn more about the beautiful flora and fauna of this spectacular region. We visit Halls Creek, before travelling to Purnululu National Park, one of Australia’s most stunning natural landscapes. Experience the first of three exclusive wilderness lodges as we settle into the tranquil Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, located in the heart of this stunning national park. Dinner tonight is a delicious, open-air affair, with your fellow travellers in the newly renovated dining area. Accommodation: 2 nights, Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge. BLD Day 4. Piccaninny Gorge Hike Difficulty: Hard, Distance: 10km, Duration: 6 Hours Purnululu National Park is home to the famed black and orange striped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range, ascending to 578 metres above sea level. Standing over a grass-covered plain, steep cliffs form the western face. Created by the constant erosion of river movements over a staggering 20 million years, the range has both geological and Indigenous cultural significance. It is an imposing sight and one that you are sure to remember forever. Today we explore this magical place. We walk along Piccaninny Creek, a winding gorge within the high walls of the Bungle Bungle domes, then through the natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge, a spacious cavern where the acoustics are astounding. We exit Piccaninny Gorge and return via the Piccaninny Creek lookout, allowing for wonderful views over the domes. Later in the evening, back at the Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, enjoy sunset drinks as the sun goes down on the Bungle Bungle massif. BLD
Call OUTDOOR TRAVEL on 1800 331 582 for details or reservations
Day 5. Echidna Chasm, Kununurra There is time for a short hike along a Livistona palm-fringed trail into Echidna Chasm, a spectacular natural cleft in the rock. We farewell the Bungle Bungle Range and travel along the Spring Creek Track through glorious rugged red landscapes to Kununurra, the gateway to the eastern Kimberley and the home of the Ord River Scheme, one of Australia’s greatest feats of engineering. Accommodation: 2 Nights, Kununurra Country Club Resort. BLD Day 6. Lake Argyle, Ord River, Kununurra We visit Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the Southern Hemisphere, and cruise, looking for wildlife on the mighty Ord River. A fascinating ecological system has developed from the damming of the Ord River at two locations and the area is rich in wildlife, flora and undeniable beauty. Over 270 species of birds have been spotted here, including kites, ospreys, rock pigeons and the rare purple-crowned fairy wren, and of course we should keep our eyes open for freshwater crocodiles and, on the shores of the lake, wallabies. Later in the day we enjoy a sunset cruise on tranquil Lake Kununurra. We stay a second night at Kununurra Country Club Resort and there is some time at leisure this evening. BLD Day 7. Gibb River Road, El Questro Difficulty: Medium-Hard, Distance: up to 6km, Duration: 6 Hours We leave Kununurra and re-join the Gibb River Road, heading for El Questro Wilderness Park. This iconic Kimberley location covers a staggering one million acres. Depending on seasonal conditions, we will hike to one of the following spectacular locations within the park: El Questro Gorge; Amalia Gorge; Moonshine Gorge; or Champagne Springs. All options are unique and inspiring walks in one of the Kimberley’s most awe-inspiring wilderness parks. The terrain may be challenging over up to six kilometres. Later this afternoon, travel to Emma Gorge Resort within the park and absorb the serene surroundings before dinner with your fellow travellers. Accommodation: Emma Gorge Resort, El Questro Wilderness Park. BLD Day 8. Emma Gorge After a hearty breakfast, continue exploring the remarkable El Questro Wilderness Park. Hike to the picturesque Emma Gorge where there may be a chance for a refreshing swim. Afterwards, we cross the Pentecost River into Home Valley Station, an immense cattle property which has a striking backdrop in the Cockburn Range and was one of the film locations for Baz Luhrmann’s movie ‘Australia’. We indulge in sunset drinks at a viewing area with expansive panoramas of the property and the Cockburn Range, which change colour from orange to deep red and purple as the sun sets. Accommodation: Home Valley Station. BLD Day 9. Gibb River Road, Mitchell Plateau Back on the Gibb River Road, we ford the Durack River, then turn off and travel north on the Kalumburu Road towards the isolated Mitchell Plateau. Here, enter a remote world of Livistona palm forests, beautiful lookouts, magnificent waterfalls and isolated swimming holes. For the next two nights, experience Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge, with its brand new Ungolan Pavilion, where you can relax in the lounge, treat yourself to a drink or read up on the local culture. In the heart of the Mitchell Plateau, our accommodation is perfectly positioned beside the Pandanus palm-fringed Camp Creek, suitable for swimming. A selection of craft-brewed beers from Matso’s Brewery in Broome are available here. Accommodation: 2 nights, Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge. BLD Day 10. Mitchell Falls A full day to discover the beauty of Mitchell Falls, with its magnificent waterfalls and Indigenous art. When available, local Aboriginal guides will join us, sharing their knowledge of the area and aspects of their culture. We hike to Little Mertens Falls to view rarely seen Aboriginal art, then continue to Big Mertens Falls and Mitchell Falls. You may like to have a swim in the pools above the falls, and spot the region’s abundant wildlife. We have also included a helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls and the surrounding wilderness back to the vehicle or, if you prefer, hike back with your guide. Longer helicopter flights over this captivating and remote coastline are available at additional expense. Then, return to your wilderness lodge to relax. BLD Day 11. Bradshaw Art Gwion Gwion, King Edward River, Drysdale River Station The Kimberley’s rock art is arguably some of the world’s oldest, with evidence suggesting the earliest occupation in the region dates back 50,000 to 60,000 years ago. Visit Wandjina and Bradshaw Art Gwion Gwion galleries and swim in the clear waters at King Edward River. Cross the beautiful Drysdale River and arrive at Drysdale River Station, where you will enjoy a unique stay at this historic cattle property, including a delicious dinner. Accommodation: Drysdale River Station. BLD
Day 12. Manning Gorge Difficulty: Hard, Distance: 7km, Duration: 4 Hours Our hike starts with a river crossing. You can either swim or cross in a boat operated by a manual pulley system. The walk is challenging and finishes over rocky and uneven terrain, with some ascent. However it is well worth the effort: we end at one of the most powerful waterfalls of the Kimberley. We have lunch here before a swim, and, time permitting, explore the gorge seeking Indigenous rock art. We continue to Galvans Gorge, where a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole where boab trees cling to the escarpment above. Accommodation: 2 nights, Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge, BLD Day 13. Bell Gorge Hike Difficulty: Medium, Distance: 4km, Duration: 3 Hours Today’s walk takes you to the famous Bell Gorge. The King Leopold Range Conservation Park off the Gibb River Road covers more than 900,000 acres and features seven rugged ranges. Bell Gorge is the most spectacular of its gorges. We walk to the top of the falls, down an uneven path and through a creek bed with river rocks, then down the far wall of the gorge, with some rock hopping and scrambling down boulders. There is time for a swim or to stand under the cascading waterfall before returning to the lodge for dinner. BLD Day 14. King Leopold Range, Derby, Broome We return via the Gibb River Road through the King Leopold Range Conservation Park to Derby and visit the Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre. We continue on to Broome for our farewell dinner tonight. Accommodation: Broome, Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa. BLD Day 15. Depart Broome Breakfast, then enjoy the facilities of the Cable Beach Resort before a transfer to Broome Airport. B
Outdoor Travel offer a range of guided walking experiences in Australia and New Zealand including the Great Ocean Walk in Victoria, the Flinders Ranges in South Australia and Freycinet Walk in Tasmania. In New Zealand try the Milford Sound Track (guided or freedom walk), Routeburn Walk, Grand Traverse, Abel Tasman, Akaroa or Queen Charlotte Walk, and in the North Island the fabled Tongariro Crossing. We also offer a wide selection of guided or self-guided walks in most destinations in Europe and the United Kingdom Contact Outdoor Travel direct for more details, travel brochures and reservations: * Call Toll free 1800 331 582 or (03) 57551743 or Fax (03) 57501020 * Email:
[email protected] * Web: http://www.outdoortravel.com.au * Mail: Outdoor Travel Pty Ltd, PO Box 286, Bright, VIC 3741, Australia
