10 Day Darwin to Broome Safari

Day 1

At 06.00am 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) 

**Each night we camp out under the stars on this 10 day Kimberley tour from Darwin**

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. We’ll then head north to Wyndham; the oldest town in the northern Kimberley. Here we’ll visit the Five Rivers Lookout on top of the Erskine Range. From here you can see the 5 rivers entering the sea, these include; the King, Durack, Pentecost, Forrest, and Ord.

Continue on to Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve, an area listed by Ramsar as a wetland of international importance. The reserve is also home to our accommodation for the night at Parry Creek Farm.

Overnight: Parry Creek Farm (cabin)

Day 3

First up this morning we’ll head to the bird hide at Marglu Billabong. This billabong in the Parry Lagoon Nature Reserves provides an important drought refuge for many of the Kimberley’s water birds. The billabong’s also a feeding and breeding ground for various migratory waders, some of which have travelled all the way from Siberia!

After a quick stop at the ruins of the old telegraph station we’ll then leave the Reserve and continue south to ‘The Grotto’. The Grotto is a large and very deep rock pool enclosed by huge vertical cliffs. There are 140 steps that take you down to this permanent waterhole at the bottom – the perfect place for a swim and morning tea.

Next, we will continue a few hours south to Purnululu National Park, home of the Bungle Bungle Ranges. 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 off 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 will find a secluded area to watch the sunset illuminate the Bungles.

Overnight: Purnululu National Park (basic bathroom facilities)

Day 4

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 $299.00- $499.00 per person.

Overnight: Purnululu National Park (basic bathroom facilities) 

Day 5

Today we make the journey north to 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.

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 6

After breakfast we will travel to Zebedee Springs, where small thermal pools (32 degrees all year round) are situated in a pocket of lush and tropical Livistona and Pandanus Palms. As this is the coolest period of the day it makes it the perfect time for a morning bathe.

Our next destination today is Emma Gorge. Emma Gorge is a spectacular gorge that can only be reached by an invigorating 1 hour walk along a sandstone creek bed.

Set at the base of a 70m high cliff, this unique gorge has quite a mystical feel about it, with both cool and warm springs which are great for swimming. After the walk enjoy a cooked lunch at the Emma Gorge Resort restaurant.

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 7

After packing up camp we say farewell to El Questro and begin our journey across the famous Gibb River Road.

The Gibb River Road is a 660km dirt track that winds its way through the very heart of the Kimberley. Formally a well used cattle route, ‘The Gibb’ takes you across some of the region’s most rugged yet picturesque countryside. 

Our first stop takes us to Mt Barnett Station. Although still a working cattle station and important supply stopover, Mt Barnett is best known for Manning Gorge which is located around 7km from the homestead.

This afternoon we set up camp beside the Manning River and have the remainder of the day to relax by the water and enjoy a swim or snorkel down the river.

Overnight: Manning Gorge Campground (full bathroom facilities)

Day 8

Today you have the opportunity of exploring the Manning River and Manning Gorge.

A 3km walk to the Gorge departs from the campground. To begin the walk, you need to swim across a shallow section of the Manning River. This is a fun way to begin the day and is also great for keeping cool along the journey. Please note a small boat is also available to cross the river without getting wet.

The second half of today’s walk criss-crosses through the sandstone valleys before arriving at a series of cascading falls. This is our destination for lunch and an afternoon swim/relax.

Back at camp there are also opportunities to swim or even try your luck at fishing (please bring your own fishing rod).

Overnight: Manning Gorge Campground (full bathroom facilities) 

Day 9

This morning we continue on along the Gibb River Road towards Windjana Gorge. En route we will visit Galvans Gorge, a small hidden oasis only a 15minute walk from the main road.

Our destination Windjana Gorge is located within Windjana Gorge National Park. This gorge is totally different to other gorges we have visited. The 3.5km gorge is primarily limestone and was at one stage part of an extensive coral reef. Remnants of fossils can still be found within the limestone walls. 

Further into Windjana Gorge is the Lennard River. Flowing between 100m high sheer cliffs, the Lenard River supports an unusually large concentration of freshwater crocodiles. This is definitely a highlight in itself as it’s not unusual to see fifty or more bathing crocodiles in the one area.

Overnight: Windjana Gorge Campground (full bathroom facilities) 

Day 10

This morning we make our way towards Tunnel Creek National Park in the Napier Ranges. Tunnel Creek is Western Australia’s oldest cave system. It is a 750m water worn tunnel that is roughly 15m in diameter. This is the famous hideout for the Aboriginal freedom fighter (Jandamarra) who was killed at the entrance of the cave in 1897.

Today, equipped with a torch and waterproof shoes it is possible to walk through the entire cave. Along the way you are likely to see a number of bat colonies, freshwater

crocodiles and numerous species of freshwater fish. This is truly a unique experience. 

After lunch we drive back towards the Great Northern Hwy and head for Broome.

Upon arrival at Broome your guide will conduct a brief tour around the town before dropping you off at your accommodation. 

This ends your Venture North journey.