9 Day Broome to Darwin Safari

Day 1

At 07.00am we will depart Broome and begin our journey towards the rugged Kimberley region.

This morning our destination is 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.

Continue on to Windjana Gorge which is located within Windjana Gorge National Park. This gorge is totally different to many other gorges we will visit. 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.

Overnight: Windjana Gorge Campground (full bathroom facilities) 

Day 2

This morning we will travel further into Windjana Gorge to 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.

Next we will begin our journey across the famous Gibb River Road towards Manning Gorge. 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. 

En route to Manning Gorge we will visit Galvans Gorge, a small hidden oasis only a 15minute walk from the main road.

Later in the afternoon we will enter 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. Here we will 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 3

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 the Manning River with your luggage in waterproof foam box. This is a fun way to begin the day and is also great for keeping cool along the journey. Please note as an alternative a small boat on a pulley is now also available to cross the river. 

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 catching freshwater prawns (cherabin).

Overnight: Manning Gorge Campground (full bathroom facilities) 

Day 4

This morning we will continue on 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.

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

Overnight: Overnight: El Questro Wilderness Park (full bathroom facilities) 

Day 5

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 6

This morning we say farewell to El Questro for 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 7

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 8

After breakfast we will pack up camp and travel to the outback town of Kununurra en route to 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 scenic boat cruise. This informative cruise is a great introduction to the life and history of the Kimberley region.

Continue on to Keep River National Park where we will cross the border into the Northern Territory. Tonight we will set up camp for one last time.

Overnight: Keep River National Park (basic bathroom facilities) 

Day 9

This morning we will take a short tour of Keep River which is well known for its spectacular geology and hosts notable species of birds and marsupials within the sandstone environment.

Next we will begin to make our way to Darwin. The drive takes us east along the Victoria River to Katherine then 3 hours north to Darwin.

Arrive in at your Darwin accommodation at approximately 07:00pm.