Kimberley Rock Art Tours

Kimberley Rock Art Tours – Darwin to Broome or Broome to Darwin Tours via Mitchell Falls, Bungle Bungles, El Questro

11 Day Kimberley Rock Art Tours – Broome to Darwin Tour (other options please ask)- with Wandjina, Bradshaw / Gwion rock art Tour the Kimberley Broome to Darwin via Gibb River Road – 11 days / 10 nights with extension options.Tour from Broome to Darwin via Derby, Fitzroy Crossing with Geikie Gorge cruise on Fitzroy River,  Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Imitji, King Leopold Ranges, Galvans Gorge, Manning Gorge, Mt Barnett, Mt Elizabeth Station, Drysdale Station, Mitchell Falls, King Edward River rock art, El Questro, Zebedee Hot Springs, Bungle Bungles with flight, Kununurra, Katherine to Darwin. Meet Aboriginal elders and artists, visit Wandjina and Bradshaw rock art sites, swim in pristine waterholes on this Gibb River Road by 4WD tour, Fully Accommodated or camping options. Tour Code KBS11 or REVERSE DIRECTION  is Tour Code KDS11  Book Tour

Wrap up the Top End – Combine spectacular Kimberley scenery with Top End treats. Experience incredible rock art galleries – learn about Aboriginal culture, lore, men and women’s business, spirituality, bush medicines and food, language and history, ceremony, song and dance.  Visit special Wandjina and Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) Aboriginal rock art sites. A unique opportunity to learn ancient wisdom, recreating community and nature. These are enriching and fulfilling experiences in the land of the world’s longest surviving culture.

Arrive a day earlier to enjoy Broome’s famous Cable Beach, or a scenic flight to the Horizontal Waterfalls or visit the Willie Creek Pearl Farm. Great shopping in Broome’s balmy climate too !

Consider arriving with us from Alice Springs via the Tanami Track, Wolfe Creek Crater and Aboriginal art communities.

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Tour itinerary – Kimberley Rock Art Tours Broome to Darwin (reverse option available)

Day 1 – Depart 730 am to travel via the vast savannah grasslands, majestic Boab trees and powerful mountains of the Western Kimberley crossing the Fitzroy River near Willare where we stop for morning tea. We visit the Prison Boab Tree, and Mowanjum Aboriginal Art Centre in Derby, (possibility to meet the artists here and buy art from source). We view the wharf area with giant 30 ft (10 Metre) tides. Travelling on we stop at a giant boab tree over a thousand years old, and  appreciate more of the uniqueness of these trees. We travel via the Erskine Ranges to historic Fitzroy Crossing where we have time to visit the local Aboriginal Art centre and purchase art if desired. Enjoy a tasty picnic lunch by the shady Fitzroy River as it flows through Geike Gorge. Our cruise this afternoon on the Fitzroy River shows you its spectacular nature and great annual flood heights as it carries the most water in the Kimberley. After our cruise return to Fitzroy River Lodge for refreshments and a relaxing evening. LD

Day 2 – We travel today through the scenic Napier Range to Tunnel Creek to walk through this 600m underground cave river system, with spectacular crystal formations and stalagmites & stalactites, to a special waterhole. It is here that Aboriginal freedom fighter Jagamurra held out for 3 years. We travel on to mystical Windjana Gorge for lunch and a gorge walk (short 800 metre) at this special creation “waterhole”. Meet the local freshwater crocodiles and exotic bird life in this eerie, ancient seabed environment. Enjoy the sunset reflections on the rocky cliff face before overnight at Windjana Gorge or BLD

Day 3  – We travel the Gibb River Road visiting Lennard River, and through the Napier Range at Queen Victoria Pass. We traverse the King Leopold Ranges & Conservation Park (great views at lookouts) via Inglis Gap. Visit the Imitji store and Aboriginal community to
before the scenic drive through spectacular Kimberley ranges and cattle country. Time for a diversion now and a walk and swim at Galvans Gorge before refuelling at Mt Barnett and checking out the Manning River gorge. We arrive Mt Elizabeth Station for overnight BLD

Day 4 – There is lots of rock art in this area, and we visit 3 major majestic Bradshaw / Gwion and powerful Wandjina Aboriginal rock art sites plus waterhole with optional swim available. Our tour includes and introduction to cattle station life and issues and some brilliant nature & bush tucker stops too. In the afternoon we return to the Gibb River Rd, turn off up the Kalumburu Road, cross the Gibb River and arrive at Drysdale River Station for overnight.  BLD

Day 5 – After breakfast we travel north  through spectacular vegetation including cycads, pandanas palms and rainforests and ford the King Edward River before our overnight on Mitchell Plateau. Here we enjoy the waterfalls, swim and visit two vast galleries of Aboriginal rock art including Wandjina & Bradshaw / Gwion Gwion rock art.  BLD  Overnight on Mitchell Plateau

Day 6 – Today we traverse the Mitchell Plateau to Mitchell Falls and do the easy 2 hour downhill walk via spectacular swimming pools and waterfalls. View several large galleries and rock art sites with Wandjina and Bradshaw / Gwion Gwion  rock art sites (including Thylacine / Tasmanian Tiger rock art ) and swim in these beautiful clear fresh waters.  This is one of the most remote areas of Australia. At Mitchell Falls base we have a couple of hours to relax and swim in these pristine, energised waters. We take the easy way out with the thrill of a spectacular helicopter flight ride over the Mitchell Falls  & Merton Falls for a once in a lifetime view of this vast landscape and coastline. Options also available for extended flights to coastal areas (need to pre book with Spirit Safaris). Overnight on Mitchell Plateau at our King Edward River base.  BLD

Day 7 – Leaving the Mitchell Plateau, we travel to the Gibb River Rd, and enroute lunch at a peaceful waterhole, and view another rock art gallery. We travel country where some of the Australia The Movie scenes were filmed, and cross the Pentecost River adjacent the spectacular Cockburn Range. Overnight at El Questro.  BLD

Day 8 – Relax and soak up the healing waters of Zebedee hot springs, before exploring more of the El Questro treats including a Chamberlain Gorge cruise, with more Wandjina rock art, and views of El Questro and the Chamberlain River & Pentecost Rivers from Pigeon Lookout. Relax for a second night at El Questro. Dinner in restaurant own expense. BL

Day 9 – After a tasty breakfast, we travel on to Wyndham, Western Australia’s most northerly town and awe at the landscape from Five Rivers Lookout, with views over the spectacular river systems and wetland flood plains feeding Cambridge Gulf. We visit the wetlands of Parry’s Lagoon, a haven for wetland birds from afar. The bird life at Parry Lagoon is some of the richest in the Kimberley, with Brolgas,
Jabiru, Whistling Ducks, Egrets, waders, and many more. Our day completes in Kununurra and dinner at a local restaurant (own expense). Overnight Kununurra. BLD

Day 10 – Depart 830am to experience Kununurra, ‘the eastern gateway to the Kimberley’ and surroundings by air with a morning scenic flight over the renowned Ord Irrigation area, mighty Ord River Scheme and the enormous man-made Lake Argyle before arriving at the Bungle Bungle where you transfer to an air-conditioned 4WD. On your short overland travels to Cathedral Gorge learn of the Bungles heritage and hear some of local nature’s hidden secrets. Be amazed on your walk into Cathedral Gorge, where you will be surrounded by the Beehive Domes for which the park is so famous. Arrival into the gorge displays a magnificent amphitheatre designed by nature at its best. Relax in this shaded area and enjoy a memorable picnic lunch before returning on your walk to rejoin the 4WD. Travel to the Bungle Bungle Bush Camp for afternoon tea then rejoin the aircraft to complete your afternoon scenic flight over the ancient Ragged Ranges and the Argyle Diamond Mine. Arriving back in Kununurra approx. 500 pm. Day includes easy to moderate 3 km walk into Cathedral Gorge via the Beehive Domes. On return, enjoy some free time relaxing by the lake or check out some art bargains. Overnight in Kununurra. Fly to Darwin option. BLD

 

Day 11 – Depart Kununurra via spectacular Victoria River mountain landscapes, travelling savannah cattle country, then Timber Creek, and on to the Stuart Highway and enjoy a stop in Katherine by the natural springs. Late afternoon arrive Darwin to your accommodation.  BL Optional flights to several major Australian cities which depart Darwin late evening/ early am.

Next Day Options –

A free day to celebrate your journey. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and the many sights or activities Darwin has to offer. Options include a trip to Kakadu or Litchfield  National Parks, or simply shop or relax in Darwin’s balmy climate. Tour ends after breakfast. Home Flights depart from Darwin or consider travelling with us to Alice Springs via Kakadu, Katherine Gorge, Lost City & Devils Marbles.

Inclusions

• Scenic Flight over Bungle Bungles & ground tour and walk into Cathedral & Piccanninny Creek
• Mitchell Falls walks and helicopter scenic flight close and over the falls.
• Cruise Chamberlain River Gorge at El Questro Exceptional Aboriginal rock art – Wandjina, Bradshaw, Gwion Gwion
• Professional and experienced driver / guides Long established relationships with local Aboriginal people enriches experiences
• Access to remote areas and rock art sites unreachable by most tour vehicles
• All accommodation as detailed.
• Delicious meals as shown, including vegetarian optional.
• Accommodated sleeping or comfy camping – Your choice.
• Camp gear is modern and easy to use.
• Optional Accommodation upgrades are available if pre-booked .
• All World Heritage and National Park entry and accommodation fees Aboriginal Art community visits for “direct from artist” purchases
• Contributions of tour price supports Outback Kids and nature care programs.
• You – and Your involvement in a creation much bigger than most can imagine

Exclusions

• 2 dinners own purchase in restaurants
• Alcohol
• Accommodation upgrades if required. Available most nights if pre-booked
• Flights to and from departure points

Kimberley Traverse  small group 4WD Tour – 11 days

Broome to Darwin Tour via Mitchell Falls, Bungle Bungles, El Questro (reverse available)

Kimberley Broome to Darwin Tour via Gibb River Road with Derby, Fitzroy Crossing with Geikie Gorge cruise on Fitzroy River,  Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Imitji, King Leopold Ranges, Galvans Gorge, Manning Gorge, Mt Barnett, Mt Elizabeth Station, Drysdale Station, Mitchell Falls, King Edward River rock art, El Questro, Zebedee Hot Springs, Bungle Bungles with flight, Kununurra, Katherine to Darwin

11 Days / 10 Nights comfy camping rate is $5,595.- includes helicopter at Mitchell Falls, guided rock art & station tour at Mt Elizabeth, exceptional extra rock art sites, cruise on Chamberlain Gorge & Geikie Gorge

Accommodation is available in several locations ranging from $95 pp/night to $330 / double cabin. For 5 nights motel style accommodation upgrade add $695 pp. Single supplement $ 555

Call 1300 763 188