Kimberley Kununurra to Broome Lake Argyle Mitchell Falls 7 Day Tour
Option to meet tour departing from Kununurra from Darwin by air or coach
Itinerary Kununurra to Broome 7 days – shorter options available by joining on day 3 or 4.
Overnights Kununurra x 1, Lake Argyle, El Questro, Bungles Bungles x 2, Fitzroy Crossing, 6 nights then Broome
Day 1 - From Kununurra - Two options today - Option A - Depart on a 6am flight for Mitchell Falls including majestic waterfalls, cattle stations, wilderness reserves and incredible coastal views will keep you enthralled all day. View the Ord Irrigation area, Cockburn Range, King George Falls, Berkeley River, Cambridge Gulf, Mitchell Falls and Wyndham mud flats. Land and hike 4.5km to the Mitchell Falls and enjoy two thrilling helicopter flights. A Helicopter Transfer is an alternative to the 4.5 km walk - as this is a difficult and uneven track with river crossings, which can be slippery with strong currents, there is an option of taking a helicopter transfer instead of walking. This is an additional $160 per person. There is a limited time for the walk, therefore if you are unsure of your walking capabilities, please book the helicopter transfer. Additional cost for Mitchell Falls flight day is $1685 + $180 if the helicopter transfer option chosen.
Option B - From Kununurra (airport or town pickup for 1030 flight arrival from Darwin), we take a short tour which includes the Ord River Scheme. Kununurra is a prosperous centre of mining, agriculture, tourism, and Aboriginal art. We take a short tour through the Ord River Scheme of irrigated crop lands, to the Sandalwood Factory. Here we learn of sandalwood types and production and can sample some of the sandalwood products. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake side before a short walk in Mirima National Park also known as Hidden Valley National Park. We check out the Zebra Rock and local Aboriginal art galleries, and complete essential shopping at the Argyle (pink) Diamond gallery. We check you into your hotel for the evening and enjoy a meal in local restaurant.
There may be an option to travel to Victoria River National Park & Aboriginal rock art - depending on demand of other travellers and current border conditions. If so, we travel by 4WD and cross the border into the NT and visit extensive rock art sites many 1000's of years old. A relaxing day with approximately 3 km easy walk.
Return to Kununurra for overnight, and an evening meal and great stories from the days adventure. BLD.
Day 2 – Depart Kununurra 9am for Ord River Cruise and Lake Argyle Sunset Cruise. Cruising this spectacular waterway, you will marvel at the spectacular scenery, wildlife, flora and fauna found along the way, including the elusive freshwater crocodile! Stopping at a Riverside Camp for a sumptuous buffet lunch we will then have you cruising up to the Ord Top Dam – an imposing sight when finding yourselves at its water line base on the Lake Kununurra side! Board a coach for a drive across the Ord Top Dam before joining your Lake Argyle Sunset Cruise.
Your Lake Argyle Sunset Cruise will take you through ‘the Heads’ to Pintpot Bay and out to the largest of more than 70 islands on the Lake, Hagan Island. After stopping for a refreshing swim in the tranquil waters of the Bay of Islands as the sun sets, enjoy some nibbles with a complimentary beer and wine. Remember to take your bathers and towel as you are able to have a swim as part of your tour on Lake Argyle. After your Lake Argyle cruise relax at the Lake Argyle resort for the night, on the cliff top overlooking Lake Argyle. Overnight at Lake Argyle Resort. BLD
Day 3 – Enjoy an optional early swim at the resorts iconic “infinity pool” overlooking Lake Argyle. Depart Lake Argyle Resort, with an optional visit to the historic Durack Homestead Museum which is the original Durack homestead rebuilt after flooding of Lake Argyle. We head off on 40 km of sealed Gibb River Road, under the Cockburn Range to explore El Questro treats including lunch by Jackaroos waterhole by a giant boab before we cross the Pentecost River at El Questro and join an afternoon cruise on the Chamberlain River Gorge. El Questro is a million acres of spectacular Kimberley scenery, rivers and gorges. Its here that the movie Australia was filmed, nestled under the Cockburn Ranges. After the cruise enjoy a spectacular sunset from Pigeon Lookout over the rugged Savannah landscape and the Pentecost River.Dinner at El Questro’s award winning outdoor restaurant overlooking the Pentecost River. Restaurant dinner own expense. Overnight at El Questro resort. BL
Day 4 – Zebedee hot springs are waiting for us this morning for a warm and relaxing soak in these natural springs among the Livingstonia Palms under the 1.8 Billion year old mountain ranges. An optional gorge walk to Emma Gorge sacred waterhole is available (or an alternative gorge) with a swim at the end in the refreshing waters under the waterfall. Alternatively relax in the comfort of the resorts shady garden and fine coffee.
Now we head to Wyndham and local history and highlights, before lunch at Five Rivers Lookout overlooking the spectacular Cambridge Gulf – where 5 of the main Kimberley rivers flow into the Timor Sea. After lunch its the Ramsar listed Parry’s Lagoon (Marglu Billabong) for the rich wetlands bird life including Jabirus and Brolgas, Whistling Ducks, Magpie Geese, waders and more and some quiet time in the Bird Hide. Leaving the lagoon we join the Savannah Way / Great Northern Highway for the Bungle Bungles. Our route takes us through Turkey Creek and Warmun Aboriginal Community (famous artists from here include Rover Thomas) and through spectacular rugged mountain ranges past the Argyle Diamond Mine and vast cattle stations to our overnight stop at Bungle Bungles Safari Park. BLD
Day 5 – Experience the extraordinary Bungles Bungles in Purnululu National Park by 4WD and marvel at this high energy amazing orange and black striped beehive landscape formed by giant river systems. Enjoy an easy walk to the spectacular Cathedral Gorge, amongst the Beehive Domes and Picaninny Creek and after lunch an optional walk in Echidna Chasm or to a nearby Osmand Lookout. Optional scenic helicopter flights available – 18 mins approx $300) Overnight Bungle Bungles Safari Park. BLD
Day 6 – After breakfast Halls Creek is next with its gold mining history including the tale of Russian Jack, before the local Aboriginal Art Centre. This is Mesa country with impressive views over the vast grassland plains, we pass the Tanami Track to Wolffe Creek crater and the “shortcut” to Alice Springs. Take a break at the scenic and bird lovers Marys Pool on the Mary River. We continue westward on the Savannah Way then lunch at the picturesque Ngumban Cliffs.
An optional 2 hour Aboriginal guided cultural experience at Mimbi Caves (subject to availability) can be included if pre-arranged – requires rocky walk in dark cave. Heading west we arrive at Fitzroy Crossing which is an education and supply centre for surrounding cattle stations and Aboriginal communities. Our afternoon is topped off with a relaxing Darngku Geike Gorge sunset river cruise on the vast Fitzroy River, where we marvel at the high cliffs, annual flood records, stunning wildlife and river tales from our knowledgeable local guide. Overnight Fitzroy River Lodge BLDay 7 – After breakfast, we then follow the boabs and the Devonian Reef / Napier Range to Tunnel Creek, well hidden in the fascinating geology of this limestone reef with its many boab trees and picturesque complex shapes. This is where the Aboriginal freedom fighter Jandamarra and the Bunuba Resistance was centred in the 1890s, depicted in 2 novels and recent stage production. Here we can don torches and shorts to wade through this incredible underground river system full of stalagmites and stalactites and even an under ground spring. Alternatively, take a short walk in the shady and refreshing surrounding area by the creek that feeds the underground water system.
Travelling on by the Napier Range we arrive for lunch and a short walk in Windjana Gorge National Park with abundant wildlife and numerous freshwater crocodiles in this eerie, ancient seabed environment – where the mega fauna roamed. There are plenty of fresh water crocodiles here and abundant bird and lush plant life.Leaving Windjana Gorge we travel the Gibb River Road to the Mowanjum Aboriginal Art Centre and Derby township, and view King Sound where Australia’s biggest tides of 10m or 30 ft occur. We visit the culturally significant Prison Boab Tree. We arrive Broome and time permitting enjoy Cable Beach in time for the spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean. Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant before overnight in Broome. BL Tour completes this at approximately 6 pm. Accommodation own arrangements or we can arrange accommodation for you.Kimberley Kununurra to Broome Lake Argyle Mitchell Falls 8 Day Tour
Inclusions
- Kununurra to Broome via Halls Creek includes 4WD tour to Cathedral Gorge & Echidna Chasm in Bungle Bungles
- Mitchell Falls flight option (extra cost) with an add on day at start and optional walk to Merton & Mitchell Falls
- Cruises on Lake Argyle & Chamberlain River plus Geike Gorge on Fitzroy River
- Bungle Bungles Domes walk to Cathedral Gorge and Piccanniny Creek
- El Questro walks & swims, Zebedee Hot Springs, Emma Gorge, Jackaroos waterhole,
- Cockburn Range, Parry Lagoon, Wyndham, Five Rivers Lookout
- Cattle Stations of El Questro, Mabel Downs, and many more
- Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek – Jandamarra story, Fitzroy Crossing
- Fully Accommodated in motels / cabins / eco tents or Camping option (reduces price - please ask)
- All National Park fees
Exclusions for Kimberley Kununurra to Broome Lake Argyle Mitchell Falls 7 Day Tour
- 2 dinners own purchase in restaurant. Alcohol
- Accommodation upgrades if required. Available at all locations if prebooked
- Mitchell Falls Flight unless chosen as an extra
- Flights to and from departure points
- Single supplement $995
Departures on-demand – or call 1300 763 188 or 0417 244 600