8 night east kimberley
DEPARTS: KUNUNURRA
HIGHLIGHTS: BUNGLE BUNGLES, HOME VALLEY,EL QUESTRO, PENTECOST RIVER CROSSING, LAKE ARGYLE.
“This is my favourite tour to take guests on. So many highlights are located in close proximity to each other. El Questro has waterfalls galore; just ‘down the road’ Home Valley has great indigenous hospitality; the Pentecost River crossing is a highlight of the Gibb River Road; then, of course, there’s Purnululu (the Bungles) which are magnificent, especially when the stars come out. To top that all off, there are some great experiences to be had at Lake Argyle and the Ord River including croc spotting and also taking in the glorious view of Argyle from the infinity pool up top.”
ITINERARy
night 1 KUNUNURRA +
Arrive into Kununurra and join the hotel's bus transfer to your accommodation. Some free time in Kununurra today to relax by Lily Lagoon or wander through town.
Overnight: Kununurra Country Club
Day 1 Gibb River Road, El Questro: Zebedee springs+
Cross Kununurra's Diversion Dam and enter the famous Gibb River Road. This morning's highlights include: Zebedee thermal springs, a series of pools cascading into each other set within sheer cliffs and local vegetation; El Questro gorge - walk to a picturesque swimming hole known as 'halfway pool' then (depending on your fitness level) on to Mackmicking Pool. This afternoon's highlights include: Depart El Questro and stop for photos at the spectacular Pentecost River en route to Home Valley Station. Lunch at Dusty Bar and Grill, then we'll relax in the shaded pool area or join an optional helicopter flight over the spectacular Cockburn Ranges. Sunset at Luhrmann's Lookout, named after film director Baz Luhrmann who's movie 'Australia' was primarily set in this part of the Kimberley.
Overnight: Home Valley Station
Day 2 Emma Gorge, El Questro swimming, scenic lookout+
After breakfast at Home Valley Station we'll head to Emma Gorge where we will walk to the picturesque amphitheatre waterfall (approx 40 mins -1 hour walk each way) for a swim and morning tea. Those who don't want to hike can enjoy the shaded poolside cafe area at Emma Gorge Resort. Morning exploring El Questro then lunch at the famous Steakhouse Restaurant and a swim in the nearby waterhole, then we'll head up to a scenic lookout for sundowners before retiring to our warm bed and hot shower in El Questro's million acre wilderness park.
Overnight: Emma Gorge Resort or El Questro Station Township
Day 3 El Questro, Lake Argyle+
Another opportunity to soak in Zebedee Thermal Springs this morning (always a favourite) before we head to another nearby swimming hole (your guide will discussions options, depending on your fitness level). This afternoon we depart El Questro bound for Lake Argyle. Lake Argyle is Western Australia's largest and Australia's second largest freshwater man-made reservoir by volume. Discover historic Durack Homestead and the massive dam wall and listen to stories about the building of the dam before enjoying sundowners by the infinity pool. The view from this pool is truly breathtaking!
Overnight: Lake Argyle tourist village
DAY 4 Lake Argyle, Ord River cruise, Kununurra+
This morning you will cruise Lake Argyle, stopping on an island for lunch and a swim. Listen to a personalised commentary from your Lake Argyle skipper and spot for crocodiles, birds and rock wallabies. You will drive across the Ord Top Dam wall and see the Ord Hydro-Power Station before boarding a scenic 55km boat cruise back to Kununurra with a local cruise operator. Enjoy spectacular scenery, wildlife, flora and fauna along the way, including the elusive freshwater crocodile! Take in a colourful East Kimberley sunset before docking back at the marina. A bus will drop you back to your accommodation.
Overnight: Kununurra Country Club
DAY 5 & 6 Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles)+
We drive South to explore the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park for the next two days. Marvel at the majesty of Cathedral Gorge and test out the acoustics of this natural amphitheatre. Enjoy breathtaking views from Piccaninny Creek lookout and admire the striped patterns of the beehive domes. Travel to Echidna Chasm, a spectacular natural cleft in the rock. For a unique aerial perspective of the national park, there is an option to join a helicopter flight (additional cost). Witness the rocks change colour at sunset and fall asleep to the sounds of the bush under a blanket of a million stars.
Overnight: Bungle Bungles Lodge
DAY 7 Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles), Warmun art centre, local waterfall, Kununurra+
We continue to explore Purnululu National Park this morning before exiting the park and heading to Kununurra, via Warmun Aboriginal art centre (if open). Warmun gallery displays and sells outstanding paintings by emerging and established artists. We'll drop in for a refreshing dip and a relax at a beautiful swimming hole / waterfall this afternoon. We'll then cross the Diversion Dam and travel through to Kununurra where we will say farewell.
Overnight: Kununurra Country Club
DAY 8 Farewell Kununurra+
Sadly, it's time to say farewell to Kununurra for your onward flight (there are daily flights to Darwin and Broome, or regular flights to Perth). Kununurra Country Club includes your airport transfer.
We can assist in arranging additional accommodation or booking your onward flight.
ABOUT KIMBERLEY SPIRIT
A tour with Kimberley Spirit and Scott Connell is without doubt the best way to experience the Kimberley. He grew up in the Kimberley, he lives there and has spent his life travelling all of its parts. His love and knowledge of this beautiful part of Australia sets him apart.
— Review via TripAdvisor
DEPARTURE DATES:
OPERATES: LATE MAY-OCTOBER BY REQUEST
2021 PRICING
Private Tour (2 people)
$8,680 per person
2 couples (4 people booking together)
$5,680 per person
All rates based on twin room share.
FAMILIES WITH KIDS:
Our Landcruiser carries 4 in comfort, with 2 additional back seats suitable for children (6 total). Families pay the 4 person rate LESS 5% DISCOUNT.
The 5th and 6th seats (small seats in the back) are free of charge for under 12yrs old. Children share in the existing accommodation bookings.
INCLUSIONS:
An experienced, local guide
Lake Argyle and Ord River cruise
Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Bungle Bungles
Accommodation as indicated on itinerary
Towels
National Park fees
NOT INCLUDED:
Alcohol
Flights to/from the Kimberley (we can assist in arranging)
Meals (can be purchased at cafes and restaurants along the way)