Wilderness Challenge – 15-Day Kimberley Complete
The Kimberley “Complete” is a 15 day all overland camping safari from Darwin to Kununurra via Broome through the heart of The Kimberley … a remote and ruggedly spectacular Adventureland, one of Australia’s great wilderness areas and an increasingly popular destination for outback adventure seekers.
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2015 Departures
• Jul: 03
• Jul: 23
Tour Code: TK15DKC
Rates are per person, inclusive of GST, and in AUD$. Rates are valid to 31 March 2016.
Twin Share: $4495.00
Single Share: $5095.00
Child (7-14): $4395.00 (sharing)
The tour is not suitable for children under 7 years of age
Inclusions:
- All meals as coded in the itinerary
- Camping equipment except for sleeping bags
- All National Parks and Aboriginal Site fees
- Two nights’ accommodation in Broome
Exclusions:
- All soft and alcoholic drinks
- Optional tours
DETAILED ITINERARY
The Kimberley … spectacular to the eye but possesses a hidden richness and depth … the oldest region of the oldest continent. Unbelievable geological processes coupled with nature’s sculptor, erosion, creating majestic plateaux, gorges, waterfalls, and massive rivers then fragile beehive-shaped figurines carved by desert winds. A vast landscape of torrential rain then engaging Boab trees silhouetted against a monotonous blue sky. Humans created a lake ten times Sydney Harbour, the world’s largest diamond mine, fabled VRD, at one time the world’s largest cattle station, spearheaded by legendary “overlanders” and pioneers, Buchanan, Durack, and MacDonald. All this with a backdrop of rich and tragic Aboriginal history and culture epitomised by prison Boab trees, eerie Wandjina figures, delicate Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock paintings, and a recent history of tragedy and heroes such as Tjundamurra. The Kimberley … a must-do!
Day 1 (LD) – An early start from Darwin will have us in Katherine for lunch before travelling on to Victoria River, our first camp in a typical escarpment country.
Day 2 (BD) – On past Timber Creek to visit the historic “Gregory Tree” which marks the camp of the North Australia Expedition of 1855 / 56 led by Augustus Charles Gregory. Lunch later (own expense) in Kununurra while we shop for supplies and refuel. Now amid the imposing Kimberley landscape, we pass between the Carr Boyd and Saw Ranges to view the Ragged Range before traveling on to Doon Doon Roadhouse to camp for the night.
Day 3 (BLD) – On past Warmun (Turkey Creek) and into Purnululu (Bungle Bungles) National Park. After lunch, we’ll walk in Echidna Chasm and see the rich red escarpment of the Bungle Bungle Massif light up in the setting sun. Walardi Camp for two nights.
Day 4 (BLD) – A full day to explore the amazing Beehive domes at Piccaninny Creek and the stunning Cathedral Gorge. A helicopter flight (optional) over this spectacular area is highly recommended. Return to our Walardi camp.
Day 5 (BL) – On to Halls Creek this morning where we visit China Wall, a fascinating geological oddity. Lunch along the way then views out over the vast Great Sandy Desert as we drive towards our camp at Fitzroy Crossing. Dinner (own expense) tonight at Fitzroy River Lodge.
Day 6 (BLD) – Visit Geikie Gorge to join a cruise (optional) up the gorge famous for its spectacular limestone sculptures. Wade through Tunnel Creek which carved the passage through the Oscar Range limestone then travel on to our camp at Windjana Gorge.
Day 7 (BL) – On to Derby this morning to visit the famous Prison Boab Tree and Derby Wharf where you can witness the second-highest tidal range in the world. Now we head for Broome where we check into our Broome accommodation, our home for two nights.
Day 8 A day at leisure in Broome. Shopping for Broome’s famous pearls, a camel ride at Cable Beach, dinner in Chinatown and a movie at the world’s oldest picture theatre could be the formula for a perfect day! Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at your own expense today.
Day 9 (LD) – On the road again we leave Broome and head for the historic beef road, the Gibb River Road stopping for lunch along the way. Now we cross the mighty King Leopold Ranges to reach our camp at Silent Grove.
Day 10 ((BLD) – An adventurous day of bushwalking and swimming at Bell Gorge and Galvans Gorge then on to Manning Gorge where we camp for the night.
Day 11 ((BLD) – We leave the Gibb River Road and head north to the remote Mitchell Plateau and our camp beside the picturesque King Edward River.
Day 12 (BLD) – Drive (conditions permitting) then bushwalk to Mitchell Falls for lunch and a refreshing swim. A scenic helicopter flight (optional) may also be available. Return to our King Edward River camp at the end of an adventurous day.
Day 13 ((BLD) – Fascinating Aboriginal “Wanjina” and “Bradshaw” rock art this morning. Lunch and a swim at King Edward River then on to Drysdale River Station to camp for the night.
Day 14 ((BL) – Back on the Gibb River Road we’ll cross the Durack River and then witness a magnificent view of the Pentecost River, foreground to the rich red buttresses of the Cockburn Range glowing in the afternoon sun. We camp at Home Valley Station where we spend our last night together. Dinner (own expense) tonight at Home Valley Station.
Day 15 (BL) – We cross the Pentecost River and pass through El Questro Station on the way to Wyndham and the stunning view from “Five Rivers Lookout”, a perfect and poignant finale to our Kimberley adventure. Now the last leg to Kununurra where we bid you a very fond farewell.
Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
NOTE: Walks are “moderate to difficult” requiring a good level of agility and fitness. Suitable footwear with good ankle support and sole grip is required.