6 Day Kimberley Safari

Day 1

At 07.00am we will depart Darwin and begin our journey towards the rugged Kimberley region. The drive takes us south to Katherine and then west along the Victoria River before arriving at Keep River National Park.

Keep River National Park is roughly 450km to the west of Katherine and lies just inside Northern Territories border with Western Australia. The Park is well known for its spectacular geology which hosts notable species of birds and marsupials within the sandstone environment. 

Upon arrival at Keep River there will be time for hiking and bird watching before setting up camp.

Relax and enjoy a traditional camp fire dinner.

Overnight: Keep River National Park (basic bathroom facilities) 

Day 2

After breakfast we depart Keep River and cross the border into Western Australia, our first stop; Lake Argyle.

Lake Argyle is Australia’s largest freshwater lake, encompassing an area of 2000 square kilometres. Home to an abundance of wildlife, including 25,000 freshwater crocodiles, Lake Argyle is also the energy source for the East Kimberley region and home to the world’s largest diamond mine.

Upon arriving at Lake Argyle we will board a 2 hour scenic boat cruise. This informative cruise is a great introduction to the life and history of the Kimberley region.

Fresh fruit and produce are not permitted to be carried into Western Australia, so we will make a short stopover in Kununurra to stock up on supplies before departing for El Questro Wilderness Park. 

This afternoon we will arrive at El Questro Wilderness Park, our camp for the next two nights. Formerly a working cattle station known as El Questro Station, this million acre land hold is pristine, rugged country which offers opportunities to swim, hike, fish, four wheel drive and more.

This evening enjoy sunset drinks overlooking the Pentecost River and Cockburn Ranges from the top of Branco’s Lookout.

Overnight: El Questro Wilderness Park (full bathroom facilities) 

Day 3

Before breakfast we will travel to Zebedee Springs, small thermal pools (32 degrees all year round) situated in a pocket of lush and tropical Livistonia and Pandanus Palms.

As this is the coolest period of the day it makes it the perfect time for a morning bathe, all without the crowds!

Return to camp for a cooked breakfast before exploring the many hiking option that are located throughout the wilderness park. 

Late afternoon we will join the Chamberlain Gorge cruise along the Pentecost River system. Your local guide will provide commentary on the amazing geology of the area as well as interpret the Aboriginal art, flora and fauna.

Overnight: El Questro Wilderness Park (full bathroom facilities) 

Day 4

Today we leave El Questro after a morning swim and head south towards Purnululu National Park, home of the Bungle Bungles.

Purnululu’s landowners, the Kija tribe, occupied the Bungle Bungle Ranges throughout the wet season to take advantage of the abundance of food and material resources. Only few Europeans knew of its existence until the late 1980’s. Today Purnululu is World Heritage listed and is globally recognised for its incredible landscapes.

To enter Purnululu we turn of the Great Northern Hwy and make our way along a 50km 4wd track crossing several creeks and valleys which offer breathtaking views over the spinifex ranges.

This afternoon we have time to explore the famous orange and black beehive domes before finding a secluded area to watch the sunset illuminate the Bungles.

Overnight: Purnululu National Park (basic bathroom facilities) 

Day 5

After breakfast we will set off on an hour hike to one of the parks most famous landmarks, Cathedral Gorge. The walk takes us along Piccaninny Creek and the beehive domes before arriving at a huge naturally formed amphitheatre (hence the name Cathedral Gorge).

This unique rock formation has amazing acoustics carrying voices and sounds in a circular direction throughout the gorge. This makes an ideal spot for some morning tea and a relax in the shade. 

In the afternoon we explore the northern end of the park and escape the heat by entering Echidna Chasm. The beginning of the walk is along a palm filled gorge which becomes narrower and narrower as you make your way through.

The second half of the track you will find yourself walking through towering red sandstone walls with a gap less than a few meters wide. For those keen for further adventure can scramble their way over rocks right to the end of the chasm.

Optional scenic helicopter flights are available today. Cost approximately AUD $200.00- $350.00 per person.

Overnight: Purnululu National Park (basic bathroom facilities) 

Day 6

After packing up camp we make our way back towards the Gibb River Road and venture to the northern side of El Questro.

Leaving one of the best to spots to last, Emma Gorge is a spectacular gorge that can only be reached by an invigorating 1 hour walk along a shaded creek bed. Set at the base of a 70m high cliff, this unique gorge has a reel mystical feel about it, with both cool and warm springs that you can swim in. 

After a freshly cooked lunch at the Emma Gorge restaurant we will travel to your Kununurra accommodation or the Kununurra Airport for your connecting flights.