Lords Kakadu & Arnhemland Safaris-

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11 Day Broome to Darwin

11 Day
Kimberley Adventure
Camping or Accommodated

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Day One:

After breakfast we will pick you up & then head onto the (Bungle Bungles). In the Purnululu National Park the beehive-like domes of the Bungle Bungles rise out of the landscape producing an extraordinary sight. Coloured red, orange and black they are truly spectacular; the sunsets that are reflected on their walls will have you reaching for your camera again and again. The Bungle Bungles is one of the most fascinating geological landmarks in Western Australia...encased in a skin of silica and algae, they are clearly visible as you approach from the south. Further into the ranges you will find palm-lined rock pools which are perfect for a cooling swim. Walk in the shadows of the deep chasms where your voice will echo against the walls. This spectacular wilderness area was awarded World Heritage status in 2003; with its renowned striking sandstone domes striped with orange and grey bands. We will enjoy this unique wildness by exploring some of the gorges within the park. Echidna Chasm which is in the northern part of the park, the 2km return walk which is easy to moderate takes about 2 hours.
Overnight: Bungle Bungle: (B, L, D)

Day Two:

Today we will explore this astonishing park both from the ground and the air. Our first stop is a hike into Piccaninny Gorge Creek and Cathedral Gorge, this is a 3km easy to moderate walk which takes us to a tranquil pool reflects the soaring sandstone domes that form the walls of this natural amphitheatre . Also your guide will shows you the unique beehive domes. In the afternoon we will take a scenic 30 Min Helicopter flights over the Bungle Bungle, this gives you a better understand of the uniqueness of this new park.
Overnight: Bungle Bungle: (B, L, D)

Day Three:

This morning we head north to visit the award winning El Questro Wilderness Park is considered to be one of the world’s most unique holiday destinations. A million acres in size, El Questro is located in Western Australia’s untamed Kimberley, and extends for approximately 80 kilometers into the heart of the region. El Questro Wilderness Park offers unrivalled access to the far reaches of the Kimberley. It offers a luxury homestead or camping on the banks of the Pentecostal River. Emma Gorge Hidden within the fiery red of El Questro's Cockburn Ranges lays the spectacular Emma Gorge Resort. There are many gorges located on the station which has unique vegetation to crystal clear pools and waterfalls. A walks into some of these waterfalls and gorges is always rewarded by a refreshing swim.
Overnight: El Questro Wilderness Park. (B, L, D)

Day Four:

After breakfast we will visit the thermal pools of Zebedee Springs, access to the pools is via a short walk through tropical Livingstonia and Pandanus palms. Here we will explore some of the many and amazing Gorges which has made this place unique holiday destination. (Moonshine Gorge, EL Questro Gorge, etc,) After a relaxing time here we will then enjoy a three hour Chamberlain Gorge cruise. This cruise is one of most scenic in the Kimberley and local rangers will show you examples of Windjana and Bradshaw rock art along the way.
Overnight: El Questro Wilderness Park. (B, L, D)

Day Five:

Next we head North West to King Edward River. We head to the junction of the Gibb River Road and the Kalumburu Road. First stop is Drysdale River Station; the station is located 60km north of the junction. It is the last service point for vehicles on their way up the Mitchell Plateau and Kalumburu. On the way we will visit Miners Pool for a swim, we then head for the Mitchell Plateau.

We then turn of the Kalumburu Road on to the Port Warrender Road to the Mitchell Plateau. The entire area is forested by endemic Livistonia Palms and spectacular vistas off the edge of this ancient land formation. Cross the King Edward River, a beautiful river crossing surrounded by Pandanus and Weeping Melaluca... After arriving at King Edward River there is a chance of cooling swim before dinner.
Overnight: King Edward River. (B, L, D)

Day Six:

This morning we travel from base camp up to the Mitchell River National Park which is one of the Kimberley's two newest national parks. The park of 115,300 hectares lies in a remote part of the Kimberley and contains some of the region's scenic jewels. The Mitchell River, flowing northwards, drains into Walmsley Bay and Admiralty Gulf, carving gorges and waterfalls into the underlying sandstone, particularly along the margins of the Mitchell Plateau. The Mitchell Plateau is one of the most scenic and biologically important areas of the State. Small patches of rainforest grow around the margins of the plateau, where they are protected from fire and receive additional moisture. Open woodlands of grey box, white gum and other trees and shrubs grow around the valleys and creeks. Pandanus and paper bark line the watercourses. Up to 50 mammal species, 220 bird species and 86 kinds of reptiles and amphibians may occur in the area, including the saltwater crocodile, death adder, king brown etc. The track to Mitchell Falls ends at Mertens Creek. From here a walk of about half hour takes us to Little Merten Falls and allows time to explore and swim. We allow four hours to Mitchell Falls so that time can be spent at the fall. Viewing art sites or relaxing at Little Mertens Falls where a natural spa falls from the escarpment above. Rocky ledges, fern covered walls and natural spring waters are all features of the area, on route to the falls we will view ancient Aboriginal rock art. After exploring Mitchell Plateau with its magnificent system of waterfalls and superb scenery you will be able to swim in any number of water ways above falls (Safe Swimming) you then will return to the car park by a scenic helicopter flight which is an excellent way to finish off a spectacular day.
Overnight: King Edward River. (B, L, D)

Day Seven:

After an early breakfast we leave this area and head onto Barnett River Gorge. From here there is a walk up the gorge with some magnificent views and swimming opportunities. From here we head to Mt Barnett Roadhouse which is the gateway to Manning Gorge. The crystal waters of Manning Gorge are divided into two gorges – upper and lower. The walk to upper Manning Gorge takes around three hour’s return. The lower part is near the camping ground. There are great opportunities for bird watching, photography and safe swimming in this remote area.
Overnight: Manning Gorge (B, L, D)

Day Eight:

We then head on to Bell Gorge, Bell Gorge is situated 29km along a 4wd road is reputed to be one of the most picturesque gorges in the Kimberley, Water flowing west from the King Leopold Range has cut down through the ancient rock to form spectacular gorges such as Bell and Lennard Gorges. Bell Gorge, about 300 metres above sea level is the beginning of a series of waterfalls which descend through the Isdell Range to Walcott Inlet.

Bell Gorge is a spectacular spot for swimming, photography and enjoying what nature has to offer. The falls are reached by a one kilometer walk from the car park. Once we have come to the top of the waterfall we will walk over the top of the hill and through the spinifex to the bottom pool. Here is an excellent swimming hole and a magnificent view of the waterfall and the gorge to the west our hike takes us across a variety of terrain and affords many magnificent views from above and within the gorge. With its cascading waterfalls there is opportunity to safely swim while soaking up the rugged scenery of the Kimberley’s.
Overnight: Beverley Springs Station (B, L, D)

Day Nine:

On this remote cattle station we have a day tour exploring the many gorges and water ways that this places has to offer. Situated 300 kilometers east of Derby along picturesque Gibb River Road in the heart of the magnificent Kimberley Region of Western Australia you will find an oasis - Beverley Springs Station. The Station is the gateway to the Walcott Inlet. The station is situated 43km off the Gibb River Road. Beverley Springs Station is a working cattle Station with a small tourist operation. The homestead is situated in a mini rain forest with a billabong. There is an abundance of wildlife and many different species of birds. There are several very attractive gorges nearby and bushwalks to be made.

Visitors to the station enjoy Mother Nature at her best. Imagine being surrounded by a rainforest and waking up to the call of the birds. There are scenic gorges to explore such as Grevillia with its famous Aboriginal rock art and Dillie gorge. Enjoy a cool dip in one of the many swimming holes. For a taste of life in the Kimberley outback Beverley Springs Station is where it happens.
Overnight: Beverley Springs Station (B, L, D)

Day Ten:

We depart Beverley Springs Station for Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge. Tunnel Creek is situated 36km east of Windjana Gorge, its takes its name from the 750 metre long tunnel carved out of the limestone range by flowing water. We need torches and your shoes will get wet. Near the centre of the cave the roof collapsed and is an excellent place to observe the colony of fruit bats. After exploring this area we head back to Windjana Gorge, it is a scenic gorge carved by the Lennard River, through the Napier Range. The area war once part of the Western Australian Devonian “Great Barrier Reef”. It is 3.5km through the Napier Range and the isolated pools support large numbers of Freshwater Crocs.
Overnight: Windjana Gorge (B, L, D)

Day Eleven:

After a relaxing start to the day we head to Derby the town of Derby is located on the tidal mud flats on the edge of the King Sound. It has the highest tidal range of any port in Australia. The boab tree is a major feature of Derby. It has been used as a street tree and many of the larger growing natural specimens have been preserved. The famous Boab Prison Tree is located 7 kilometres from the town. The town has a population of some 4,500 people. Half of the population is Aboriginal Australians, with three different Aboriginal languages. A high proportion of the population is employed in State and Commonwealth Departments or Instrumentalities such as Main Roads W.A. Health Services and the Water Authority, and in providing services to outlying Aboriginal Communities. The remainders are small business people employed in servicing the mining, pastoral and tourism industries. We then head off for our last stop Broome.
Own arrangements. (B, L)

Included:

(Camping)
  • Luxury Toyota Air Conditioned GXL for Eleven days with experienced local guide
  • 2 Nights Bungle Bungle
  • 30 Min Helicopter flights over the Bungle Bungle
  • 2 Nights El Questro Wilderness Park
  • Chamberlain Gorge cruise
  • 2 Nights King Edward River
  • Scenic helicopter flight
  • 1 Night Manning Gorge
  • 2 Nights Beverley Springs Station
  • 1 Night Windjana Gorge
  • All Meals (B, L, D)
  • All camping fees
  • All camping equipment

Not included:

  • Personal requirements
  • Alcoholic Beverages

What to bring on Safari...

Luggage is restricted to 10 kilos per person. We recommend you include:
  • Good walking shoes or boots
  • Suntan lotion
  • Insect repellent
  • A hat
  • Swimming costume and a towel
  • Light, comfortable clothing
  • Camera gear and video
  • A jacket (Mainly for June July and August nights)
  • Medications and other personal requirements
  • Binoculars

Testimonials

"It is really easy to say you had a great holiday, but very hard to say that you have had a holiday experience which has ignited a spirit within. We were seven, five Australians living in Shanghai and my parents from Sydney - ages from 4 1/2 years to 73. The Kakadu Arnhemland experience was everything we anticipated, beautiful weather, temperature and the wild north. The difference was living it with Lords Safaris.

The Cole Family, Shanghai and Australia, June 2006

"Thank you for an adventure we will always remember, we loved everything - it has been the highlight of our holiday. We enjoyed learning about Australia, Kakadu and nature and getting to know you. You are a great guide."

Peter Zelas, Australia

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