Intrepid Travel: Wild Kimberley Overland

The Napier Range is over 350 million years old and is home to the geological wonder of Windjana Gorge. Spend this morning walking beneath the gorge walls, looking for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and indigenous bush tucker. This afternoon, you’ll travel to Bell Gorge (Dalmanyi). This landmark in the West Kimberleys is known for its cascading waterfalls and clear pools formed millions of years ago. When you arrive, set off on the Bell Gorge Trail to Dalmanyi Falls. When you reach the end of the trail, stop and explore the area from the top of the falls or maybe continue along the Falls Trail, taking you through the creek above the falls.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 or 6 hours. The Windjana Gorge Trail is a Grade 2 (easy) 2 km return walk, taking around 1 hour. The trail has a rough surface that may have some moderate hills. The Bell Gorge Trail is a Grade 4 (challenging) walk with an initial steep downhill section with loose, uneven surfaces. After crossing a small creek, continue along the rocky dry creek bed and up to the top of Dalmanyi Falls. The Falls Trail is Grade 5 (difficult) and an optional extension of the Bell Gorge Trail, requiring crossing the creek above the falls on slippery rocks submerged in fast-flowing water. The descent to the pool below requires three points of contact at all times. You’ll spend two nights in the comfort of our own private safari camp at Mount Barnett Station near Manning Gorge. The camp features large tents on raised platforms with twin stretcher beds, mattresses and our own sheltered kitchen area. Nearby shared ablutions have hot showers and flush toilets. The camp runs on a diesel generator which is turned off at 9 pm.

Activities:

• West Kimberley Gorges - Bell Gorge (Dalmanyi) Hike
• West Kimberley Gorges - Windjana Gorge Walk

Staying in:

• Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)

Travel to Manning Gorge, where you'll hike the Manning Falls Trail. Starting with a river crossing, follow the trail along the Manning River to the falls. When you arrive, cool off in the deep clear pool or maybe climb to the top of the waterfall for panoramic views over the Mount Barnett Station. This afternoon, visit the Galvans Gorge. After a short bushwalk, dive into the cool waters of the gorge and sit underneath the falls for a natural back massage. Then, take some time exploring the rock walls beside the main pool, where you’ll find Wandjina rock art, before heading back to camp for the night.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. The Manning Falls Trail is a Grade 4 (challenging) 5.6 km walk, taking around 3 hours. Starting with a swim across the Manning River (approximately 300 m), the trail has a rough and rocky surface, with sections of very steep hills and involves some rock hopping. The trail gets progressively harder towards the end. Please note that the trail is exposed and there is very little shade. The Galvans Gorge Trail is a Grade 3 (moderate) 1 km return walk, taking around 1 hour without time for a swim. There are some short steep hills, a rough surface and it involves some rock hopping.

Activities:

• West Kimberley Gorges - Manning Falls Hike
• West Kimberley Gorges - Galvans Gorge Walk

Staying in:

• Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)

Today is a driving day, so sit back, relax and enjoy the Kimberley scenery and the famous ‘Gibb River Road massage’ provided by the rugged dirt track you'll be driving on. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcast. Along the way, you’ll stop off at the Pentecost River Lookout that takes in the river floodplain and the tabletop Cockburn Ranges. Tonight, settle into camp at El Questro and enjoy a relaxing night by the campfire.

Your travel time today will be approximately 6 or 7 hours. Tonight's private camp at El Questro has large tents on raised platforms with twin stretcher beds, mattresses and a sheltered kitchen area. Nearby shared facilities have hot showers and flush toilets.

Staying in:

• Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)

After breakfast, set off on the Emma Gorge Trail, known for its towering 120 m cliff face made of Cockburn and quartz sandstone. As you walk along the crystal-clear pools and waterfalls, look out for ripple markings in the rocks formed under shallow tidal waters millions of years ago. Then, take a short walk through the forest of Livistona and pandanus palms to the Zebedee Springs. When you arrive, spend some time exploring the natural thermal rock pools at the base of the cliff and cool off with a dip in the water. This afternoon is free for you to spend how you like. Maybe cruise on the Chamberlain Gorge, join a bush tucker walk or bird watching tour or simply explore this wilderness park at your pace. Tonight, maybe head out for a pub-style dinner at the restaurant on El Questro Station.

Your hiking distance today will be approximately 4 km. The Emma Gorge Trail is a Grade 4 (challenging) 3.2 km return walk, taking around 2 hours. The trail is mostly flat with some steep sections, loose and slippery rocks and involves some rock hopping, especially towards the end. Don't forget your swimmers as this is a fantastic spot to cool off. The Zebedee Springs Trail is a Grade 2 (easy) 600 m return walk, taking around 30 minutes, without the time for a swim. The trail is mostly flat with some elevated sections. We recommend that you pre-book the Chamberlain Gorge Cruise as this activity can sell out far in advance. Please book directly with El Questro via their website. Tonight’s dinner is not included. The restaurant at El Questro Station has a pub menu.

Activities:

• El Questro - Zebedee Hot Springs
• El Questro - Emma Gorge Hike

Staying in:

• Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)

This morning, drive to Kununurra, where you have some free time to wander the shops and galleries in the main area or find a local cafe for a coffee. Then, time permitting, you'll have the option to visit the Hoochery (a local distillery known for its rum) or the Zebra Rock Gallery (a gallery showcasing crafted ornaments made from Zebra Rock found in the region) with your leader. This afternoon, travel to the shores of the expansive Lake Argyle – the heart of the Ord River Irrigation System which has transformed this dry region into an agricultural oasis. Spend some time exploring the area and maybe dive into the infinity pool at Lake Argyle camp.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Camping at Lake Argyle involves dome tents with stretcher beds and mattresses. On site facilities have hot showers and flush toilets.

Staying in:

• Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)

Today is a free day for you to explore Lake Argyle at your own pace. Maybe visit the Durack Homestead Museum, set off on one of the many bush trails or join a sunset boat cruise on the lake (highly recommended). Tonight, maybe sit down for dinner at the holiday park’s restaurant.

If you would like to join the sunset cruise, your leader will be able to book it for you. There is no need for you to pre-book this ahead of time as we hold allotments with the operator. Dinner tonight is not included. The restaurant at the holiday park has a pub menu.

Staying in:

• Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)

After a leisurely morning, head down the Great Northern Highway to Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungles. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its landscape of unique orange and black striped ‘beehive’ geological formations, created by rivers over a period of 20 million years. When you arrive, take some time to settle into your private permanent tented camp and take in the views of the Bungles Massif and the Kimberley night sky from your door.

Your travel time will be approximately 6 hours. The dirt track from Spring Creek into the Bungle Bungles is only 50 km but will take approximately 2 hours. This is a very windy and corrugated road that can sometimes take even longer to drive. Tonight’s camp features modern facilities, a covered dining deck with panoramic views and an open-air campfire.

Staying in:

• Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)

Spend the morning exploring the Echidna Chasm, known for its towering Livistonia Palm trees. Set off on the Echidna Chasm Walk, following the steep-sided gorge walls with shades of oranges and reds that glow when the sun hits them. Take in the panoramic views over the Osmand Range before continuing to the Cathedral Gorge. Known for its towering rocks, which create a natural amphitheatre due to its acoustics, spend the afternoon walking the Cathedral Gorge Trail. Later today, maybe take an optional scenic helicopter flight for a bird-eye view over the beehive domes.

The Echidna Chasm Walk is a Grade 4 walk, approximately 2 km return taking under an hour. It has steep-sided gorge walls up to 200 m high and barely 1 m wide in places. The trail has a natural surface of rock and some sections require some moderate climbing. The walk to Cathedral Gorge is a Grade 4 walk, 2 km return. People typically spend 1 to 2 hours on this walk. The trail is unmodified and rocky. Today, you have the option to see the domes from the air by taking an optional helicopter flight. We hold allotments with the operator and your leader will offer to book the flights on your behalf. This way the leader can coordinate the timing with the day’s other activities in mind.

Activities:

• Bungle Bungles - Echidna Chasm
• Bungle Bungles - Cathedral Gorge

Staying in:

• Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)

This morning, travel to Fitzroy Crossing. Named due to the Martuwarra (Fitzroy River) that runs through it, the Fitzroy Valley is home to more than 40 Aboriginal communities, combining five different language groups – Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Nyikina, Wangkatjunka and Walmajarri. On the way, stop at the China Wall near Halls Creek – a natural white limestone wall which looks like a miniature Great Wall of China. If there’s time, make another stop at Mary’s Pool for lunch before continuing to Fitzroy Crossing. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore the area before settling into camp by the Fitzroy River.

Your travel time today will be approximately 6 or 7 hours. The walk at China Wall has a steep slope down to the dry creek. If you’d rather stay on flat ground, the view from the car park is also great. Camping at the Fitzroy River Lodge involves dome tents with stretcher beds and mattresses. On site facilities have hot showers and flush toilets.

Activities:

• Halls Creek - China Wall Visit

Staying in:

• Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)

This morning, join the Darlgunya Cultural Walk, where your local indigenous guide will take you through the remnants of the old postal settlement and down to the Fitzroy Riverbanks. Learn about the wild Fitzroy River – about its plants, wildlife and the significance to the local culture. Enjoy lunch on the way, before returning to Broome this afternoon. When you arrive in Broome, your trip will come to an end. If you’d like to stay longer, just talk to your booking agent ahead of time.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Your trip ends when you arrive back in Broome late this afternoon. It’s recommended that you book another night in Broome before flying out, as delays may occur. Once in Broome, your leader will drop you at your nominated accommodation or back at the default starting location.

Activities:

• Fitzroy Crossing - Darlgunya Cultural Walk with Aboriginal Guide