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Essence of the Kimberley

4.5/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Adventure Small Group 4WD Scenic
Our Price From 5,628 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,567 Per Person
 Trip Length
9 Days
 Trip Starts
Broome
 Trip Finishes
Broome
9 Day Essence of the Kimberley Itinerary (APT)
Countries Explored: Australia
Trip Operator
Trip Style
4WD Adventure
Departures
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
22
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
GKBR9R

Overview

Read 2 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 9 Day Essence of the Kimberley. This 4WD Land Journey, Broome return, explores the best of the Kimberley from Bell and Cathedral gorges to the Bungle Bungle and Cockburn ranges.

Itinerary

Your day starts with a visit to the fascinating Boab Prison Tree. Believed to be more than 1,500 years old and measuring an incredible 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.

Continue your journey along the iconic Gibb River Road, a remote 660-kilometre outback highway stretching between Broome and Kununurra. The ‘Gibb' traverses the wild heart of the Kimberley, passing spectacular landscapes of intensely coloured ranges, dramatic gorges, deep rock pools and spectacular waterfalls. Turn off the Gibb River Road to the extraordinary Tunnel Creek, a 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.

Continue on to Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above glistening white sands. Admire the ancient marine fossils embedded in the gorge walls and scour the banks for a glimpse of the freshwater crocodiles. Back on the Gibb River Road, travel into the Wunaamin Miliwundi Range National Park, which covers more than 900,000 acres and features seven rugged ranges.

Later, arrive at your lodge for dinner. Stay Two Nights: APT's exclusive Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge (L/D)

Back on the Gibb River Road, travel to Bell Gorge, where stunning cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. Sitting approximately 300 metres above sea level, Bell Gorge is an idyllic natural spot for swimming and photography. Here you can also enjoy a spot of birdwatching. If you are feeling particularly energetic, you can hike to the lower pool of the gorge and take a relaxing dip below the cascading waterfall. (B/L/D)

Travel through the heart of Kimberley cattle country to discover some of the region's most secluded gorges. At Galvans Gorge, a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole where boab trees cling to the escarpment above. Continue to the beautiful Manning Creek, where you'll enjoy lunch in the shade of paperbark trees. Look out for the region's bird life and enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine water.

Later ford the mighty Durack River before arriving at Emma Gorge Resort, located at El Questro, a sprawling wilderness area which covers 700,000 acres. Settle in before enjoying dinner this evening. Stay Two Nights: El Questro, Emma Gorge Resort (B/L/D)

This morning hike to Emma Gorge where you'll be rewarded with a swim beneath a towering droplet waterfall. Enjoy lunch at El Questro Station, before relaxing at Zebedee Springs. Enjoy dinner this evening back at Emma Gorge Resort. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Head to Zebedee Springs, a permanent natural thermal spring tucked away in a secluded pocket of rainforest. Relax as you soak in the hot springs and leave feeling revitalised.

After a hearty breakfast, travel to Kununurra, the gateway to the eastern Kimberley and home of the Ord River Scheme, and the majestic Lake Argyle, the largest constructed lake in the Southern Hemisphere. Join a spectacular wildlife cruise on the mighty Ord River. From modern shaded vessels, discover a fascinating ecological system that has developed from the damming of the Ord River at two locations to create an area rich in wildlife, flora and undeniable beauty. Enjoy a mesmerising sunset while cruising on the tranquil Lake Kununurra. Stay: Kununurra Country Club Resort (B/L/D)

Depart Kununurra and journey to Purnululu National Park, one of Australia's most stunning natural landscapes. The 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. Join a hike along a Livistona palm-fringed trail into Echidna Chasm, a spectacular natural cleft in the rock. Settle into the tranquil ambience of the Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, located in the heart of this stunning national park. Enjoy a delicious dinner and share your adventures with your fellow travellers. Stay Two Nights: APT's exclusive Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge (B/L/D)

Explore the magic of Purnululu for yourself and discover the depth of the Bungle Bungle Range. Walk along Piccaninny Creek, a winding gorge within the Bungle Bungle domes. Your next stop is the natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge, a spacious cavern where the acoustics are astounding. Marvel at the majestic beehive domes as your guide brings the natural history of the range to life. You may like to experience an optional scenic helicopter flight over the domes (own expense). (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Enjoy drinks as you take in a sensational sunset over the striking Bungle Bungle massif.

Head to Halls Creek and admire the unusual China Wall. A natural quartz formation that runs six kilometres along the landscape, the wall is an echo of the Great Wall of China, after which it was named.

Continue on towards Fitzroy Crossing, a small settlement situated on the Fitzroy River. Stay: Fitzroy Crossing, Fitzroy River Lodge (B/L/D)

Travel to Yiyili for an Insider Experience, then return to Broome where your tour concludes. (B/L)

Signature Experiences:
  • Treasure a special visit to the Yiyili community, admiring Indigenous art at the Laari Gallery before immersing yourself into Gooniyandi culture with a language class.

Trip Inclusions

  • Toast the day with a glass of bubbly as the sun sets over the Bungle Bungle Range
  • Soak in the thermal pools of Zebedee Springs, tucked away in a secluded pocket of rainforest
  • Cruise the iconic Ord River, spotting countless freshwater crocodiles before a sunset over the Carr Boyd Range

  • Experiences in 13 destinations
  • The services of an expert APT Driver-Guide
  • Price includes airport transfers and park fees

  • 25 included meals over the course of your trip.

  • Stay at APT's exclusive network of Wilderness Lodges

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land only. Flights not included unless specified

Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Essence of the Kimberley' Reviews

4.5
AVG. RATING 4.5 / 5
2 Reviews
5 Star
50%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Great way to see the Kimberley 0 , VIC, Australia, May 2022
Despite being incredibly disappointed with APT's booking errors meaning we missed out on staying at El Questro and visiting Emma Gorge, our APT tour of the Kimberley was an amazing experience. Our tour guide Taimi was knowledgeable, organised and fun and we can't speak highly enough of her and our tour "truck" was comfortable and a great way to see ...read more this region. The glamping tents, meals and the APT lodges were fabulous but the accommodation booked to replace El Questro was in a building site - great new rooms and good food but not what we expected for such an expensive tour. If our itinerary had followed the itinerary we paid for, we would have easily given this tour a 5 star rating.
Amazing tour of The Kimberley   3 , NSW, Australia, May 2019
The Kimberley is amazing. Although I have seen pictures of the Bungle Bungles, being there seeing all these formations of millions of years is breathtaking!

We travelled with APT. The driver guide was very good in her commentary of the area, the accommodations were of good standard, the four wheel drive truck was comfortable and the other people ...read more in the group were all very nice. We would strongly recommend this 9 day tour with APT.

Booking of this tour with Global Journeys was smooth and efficient.
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Brochure

Kimberley & Outback Wilderness Adventures

APT Kimberley & Outback Wilderness Adventures (2024)

Australia’s vast Kimberley region is one of the world’s last true wilderness frontiers. Uncover 420,000 square kilometres of ancient landscapes and boab-studded plains. In the outback, your senses are heightened as you enter a boundless landscape alive with Indigenous culture and powerful echoes of an ancient history. Its stark beauty is majestic to...more behold. Queensland boasts a coastline defined by magnificent islands and reefs, as well as a fascinating and rugged interior. Whether you want to journey to the ends of the land or find yourself within its spiritual centre, APT offer a wide range of remote journey.

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Sunday 05 May 2024
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Monday 06 May 2024
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Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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