Ancient Kimberley and the Top End

Overview

Combine the Kimberley with the Top End to make an amazing 11 day holiday. Experience a camel ride along the golden sands of Broome's Cable Beach, search for crocodiles on the banks of Windjana Gorge and enjoy a breakfast cruise along magnificent Katherine Gorge.

Itinerary

Sat. - Broome

Welcomed upon arrival in Broome. Explore this relaxed coastal settlement at your leisure today. Enjoy beautiful turquoise waters and white sands as you walk along magnificent Cable Beach, or put your feet up and relax in the luxury of your hotel. Depending on your date of travel, accommodation will be at either Cable Beach Club Resort OR the Rendezvous Hotel.

Accommodation: Two night stay (Refer dates below)
Cable Beach Club Resort: - 11/4; 24/4; 6/6; 13/6; 25/7; 26/9; 10/10
Rendezvous Hotel: - 23/5; 20/6; 4/7; 18/7; 1/8; 8/8; 29/8

Sun. - Broome, Freedom of Choice Touring

Discover Broome today with Freedom of Choice -it's all included in your tour price. Choose from four popular options. Learn about the local Aboriginals' close relationship with water and the sea at the Manbana Aquaculture Hatchery and Discovery Centre, or tour the Pearl Lugger museum. Alternatively, take a thrilling hovercraft flight over Roebuck Bay's mudflats, or choose the classic Cable Beach experience - a camel ride along the golden sands at sunset. Enjoy a delicious Dine Around Dinner this evening - many of the dishes in Broome are a tasty blend of Asian and Australian cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Mon. - Boab Prison Tree, Windjana Gorge, Fitzroy Crossing

This morning takes us to Derby to see the massive Boab Prison Tree, once used as an overnight lock-up. From here we journey through truly majestic country to Windjana Gorge. Explore the gorge, look for freshwater crocodiles lazing on the riverbank and admire the towering limestone cliffs that were once a coral reef.

Accommodation: Fitzroy Crossing, Fitzroy River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Tue. - Geikie Gorge Cruise with Ranger, China Wall, Halls Creek

Join the local ranger for a guided cruise through Geikie Gorge, with its bleached limestone walls the result of seasonal flooding. This is one of Australia's most spectacular waterways and home to an abundance of wildlife, including crocodiles, fruit bats, wallabies, dingoes and many species of bird. Look out for stingrays that have adapted to this freshwater environment. Continuing east, we stop at China Wall and enjoy views of the unusual vein of natural quartz that stretches some tens of kilometres. Explore Halls Creek tonight, an old goldmining town and centre of the region's cattle industry.

Accommodation: Halls Creek, Kimberley Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Wed. - Argyle Diamond Mine, El Questro

Take a guided tour through the renowned Argyle Diamond Mine, one of the largest in the world, with its exquisite coloured diamonds, particularly the rare and coveted pink diamond. This afternoon we arrive at one of the world's most unique holiday destinations, El Questro Station and Wilderness Park. Lying in the heart of the Kimberley and one of the last unspoilt frontiers, El Questro encompasses 405,000 hectares. Much of this region has still not been explored and has never been settled, yet it is home to four river systems, from freshwater rivers to saltwater estuaries. Take time to discover scenic rivers and gorges, view Aboriginal rock art and explore this huge cattle station. El Questro Homestead.

Accommodation: 2 night stay - El Questro, Emma Gorge Resort, tented safari cabins with private facilities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Thu. - El Questro, Freedom of Choice Touring, Zebedee Springs, Emma Gorge.

Choose from our Freedom of Choice Touring options to discover El Questro. Join a guided cruise through Chamberlain Gorge, admiring the towering escarpments and ancient Wandjina rock art. Alternatively, choose the ranger-guided horse ride. If the muster is on it may be possible to watch the ringers and jackeroos in action. Another option is the El Questro History and Bushtucker Tour. Hear local folklore and learn about native plants and wildlife. Upon your return, join a guided walk to lush Zebedee Springs and soak in the thermal pools. Later the energetic may walk to Emma Gorge to view the stunning droplet waterfall. Take the opportunity tonight to relax, drink in hand, and watch the sun set over the Cockburn Range.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Fri. - Wyndham, Kununurra, Ord River

Rise early for a self-guided birdwatching walk or sleep in before we head to Wyndham, Western Australia's most northerly port. Visit Five Rivers Lookout for panoramic views over the Cambridge Gulf. Continue to Kununurra.

Accommodation: 2 night stay - Kununurra, All Seasons Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sat. - Kununurra

Spend the morning at leisure in Kununurra. Take a guided tour of the town in the afternoon and discover the town's history. World Heritage Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park Scenic Flight and 4WD Tour Day 8 touring may be substituted with a scenic flight over Purnululu National Park and a 4-wheel drive tour, including a walk into Cathedral Gorge and among the domes. Seats are limited and must be pre-booked. Conditions apply.Please enquire for details for an overnight stay within World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sun. - Ord River Wildlife Cruise, Lake Argyle, Katherine

Take what is reputed to be one of Australia's most scenic and fascinating cruises along the majestic Ord River, with its peculiar Boab trees and wide variety of birdlife. The river runs for 320 km and was named in honour of Harry Ord, Governor of Western Australia. Drive the Victoria Highway and cross over the border into the Northern Territory. Journey on to Katherine, the hub of the beef-cattle industry and well-known goldmining district.

Accommodation: Katherine, Knotts Crossing Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Mon. - Katherine Gorge Guided Breakfast Cruise, Farewell Dinner

Visit beautiful Nitmiluk National Park, renowned for its 13 spectacular sandstone gorges. Then take a unique breakfast cruise along magnificent Katherine Gorge with commentary on Aboriginal art, local plants and a wide range of wildlife. Later, travel to the township of Adelaide River and visit its famous War cemetery. This is the only Australian war cemetery on Australian soil. There are 432 servicemen and 63 civilians buried here, all of whom died as a result of Japanese bombing raids. Travel into the tropical city of Darwin for a delicious Farewell Dinner.

Accommodation: Darwin, Novotel Atrium Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Mon. - Tour of Darwin

Enjoy a morning tour of the city. Visit the lush Botanic Gardens, uniquely located in the wet and dry tropical region, containing a major collection of Northern Australian monsoon flora. Other places we visit include the Herbarium, Fannie Bay and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Afternoon transfer to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Pre-departure information