Broome to Darwin Adventure

Welcome to Broome, an easy going tourist town with a pretty striking strip of coastline. We set off into the West Australian wilds pretty early today, so consider arriving a day or two early if you fancy getting to know Broome better. After a bit of highway driving we reach the Fitzroy River, then it’s all off-road to the Napier Range. The main attraction here is a guided walk through Tunnel Creek, a vast cave system that extends 750 metres underground.

Today we head to Windjana Gorge, once an underwater reef just 350 million years ago. During the wet season a river flows all the way through it, but during the dry it’s really more a series of ponds and billabongs. Set out on a bit of an explore, hopefully spotting a freshwater crocodile or two. The western Kimberley region is full of endless stunning gorges that have to be explored and this afternoon is no exception. Bell Gorge (if open) is home to a stunning cascade of water flowing from the previous wet season rains that fall in the King Leopold Ranges. We enjoy an afternoon swim in the large plunge pool before making our way to camp along the Gibb River Road.

We spend the morning exploring Manning gorge and enjoy a swim in the pools under Manning Falls. After stretching your legs on the hike in you will be rewarded with a swim in a large rock pool at the base of Manning Falls. Spend the afternoon exploring Galvins gorge before heading back to camp to relax around the campfire.

Fording rivers and weaving through gorges, travel by 4WD along the wild Gibb River Road – a 600-kilometre stretch that winds right through the heart of the Kimberley. Pass through remote and extraordinary country as you travel through this historic part of Australia. Cross the Pentecost River to reach the famous El Questro Station, where you’ll spend the night camping under the stars.

Wake up with the knowledge of not having to pack up camp before spending the day exploring the amazing sights of El Questro Station. Enjoy a relaxing swim at Zebedee Springs before tackling the hike into either Emma Gore or El Questro Gorge where you will be rewarded with a stunning waterfall and a swim. Tonight enjoy another night at the El Questro campsite, where you might choose to enjoy a well-earned drink at the station bar with your travel mates.

Say goodbye to El Questro and hello Bungle Bungles. Today we drive through the rugged landscape of Carr Boyd and the Durack Ranges into Purnululu National Park. This park is home-ground of the Bungle Bungles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dominated by massive sandstone karsts that rear hundreds of metres above the surrounding grasslands. We arrive at our bush camp in time to sit back and watch the sun set over the Osmond Ranges. If you’ve had enough of tent camping by now, you might want to spend tonight sleeping out beneath the stars snuggled up in a swag.

After breakfast prepare for a full day of activities. Explore the remarkable rock formations of the Bungle Bungle Range. Hike to the constricted, red gap of Echidna Chasm and the immense Cathedral Gorge. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience another perspective of the Bungles in a helicopter flight (at your own expense). As the sun goes down, head to your overnight camp.

This morning you will once again experience some serious 4WD action as you wind your way out of the Bungle Bungles. Take some time to have a look around the picturesque town of Kununurra. In the late afternoon, travel down beside the Ord River to make camp at Lake Argyle. You have the choice of relaxing in the famous infinity pool overlooking the magnificent Lake Argyle or appreciating it from the water by choosing to do a cruise (own expense). This vast body of water has been forged by the Ord River Dam. The biggest manmade lake in Australia, Lake Argyle is 18 times the size of Sydney Harbour!

Not long after breakfast say goodbye to WA as from here we cross the state border into the Northern Territory. The day is spent enjoying the last views of the Boabs you have fallen in love with as we make our way towards our last camp for the night just outside of Nitmiluk National Park in the Katherine Region.

On the final day of the trip, stop at either the secluded gorge of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) or take one last plunge for the trip into the cool waters of Edith Falls. In the afternoon, make your way to Darwin, where your adventure comes to an end. Please book any onward travel the following day.