Kimberley Trail

Reiseverlauf 2026

1. Tag 1

   Broome to Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park

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   Welcome to Broome! Or Rubibi, in the language of the Yawuru people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Broome is now located. Start your adventure straight away, setting off early this morning, and travel through the remote and beautiful Kimberley landscape. After crossing the Fitzroy River, visit the Boab Prison Tree in Derby. Then, wander around an art gallery before continuing along the Gibb River Road to Tunnel Creek. When you arrive, explore this 750 m long cave system carved through the Napier Range. As you walk, look out for the stalactites and a large variety of wildlife like bats and freshwater crocodiles, and hear the legend of Jandamarra – an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hide out in the late 1800's. Tonight, settle into camp near Windjana Gorge and watch as the stars come alive, away from the city lights.
   Make sure you’re on time this morning, as your trip will kick off straight away. See the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ in the Essential Trip Information for more information on where you’ll meet your leader this morning. Your travel time today will be approximately 6 or 7 hours. The longest uninterrupted drive today will be approximately 2.5 hours from Derby to Tunnel Creek, with no toilet facilities on the way. The Tunnel Creek Trail is a Grade 5 (difficult) 2 km return walk, taking around 1 hour. There are loose rocks and uneven surfaces, with some sections requiring rock hopping, wading through waist deep water on submerged rocks and a short swim in complete darkness. Some sections require three points of contact at all times. Please make sure that you have your swimwear, towel, your head torch and your closed-toes wet shoes in your day pack when leaving Broome this morning, as your main luggage will be stowed away in the back of the vehicle. Tonight’s campsite requires you to set up your own dome tents (provided). Alternatively, you can sleep in a swag (a canvas bedroll) under the stars. Facilities are basic and showers are solar heated. Please note that you won’t have a chance to purchase alcohol between our departure from Broome on day 1 and our arrival in Kununurra on day 9 (albeit El Questro has a bar). If you’d like to bring alcoholic drinks to have around the campfire, please buy them in Broome the day before. Please only bring cans, as glass bottles will break due to the corrugation on the Gibb River Road.
2. Tag 2

   Mt Barnett Station

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   The Napier Range is over 350 million years old and is home to the geological wonder of Windjana Gorge. Spend this morning walking beneath the gorge walls, looking for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and indigenous bush tucker. This afternoon, you’ll travel to Bell Gorge (Dalmanyi). This landmark in the West Kimberleys is known for its cascading waterfalls and clear pools formed millions of years ago. When you arrive, set off on the Bell Gorge Trail to Dalmanyi Falls. When you reach the end of the trail, stop and explore the area from the top of the falls or maybe continue along the Falls Trail, taking you through the creek above the falls.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 5 or 6 hours. The Windjana Gorge Trail is a Grade 2 (easy) 2 km return walk, taking around 1 hour. The trail has a rough surface that may have some moderate hills. The Bell Gorge Trail is a Grade 4 (challenging) walk with an initial steep downhill section with loose, uneven surfaces. After crossing a small creek, continue along the rocky dry creek bed and up to the top of Dalmanyi Falls. The Falls Trail is Grade 5 (difficult) and an optional extension of the Bell Gorge Trail, requiring crossing the creek above the falls on slippery rocks submerged in fast-flowing water. The descent to the pool below requires three points of contact at all times. You’ll spend two nights in the comfort of our own private safari camp at Mount Barnett Station near Manning Gorge. The camp features large tents on raised platforms with twin stretcher beds, mattresses and our own sheltered kitchen area. Nearby shared ablutions have hot showers and flush toilets. The camp runs on a diesel generator which is turned off at 9 pm.
3. Tag 3

   Mt Barnett Station

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   Travel to Manning Gorge, where you'll hike the Manning Falls Trail. Starting with a river crossing, follow the trail along the Manning River to the falls. When you arrive, cool off in the deep clear pool. This afternoon, visit the Galvans Gorge. After a short bushwalk, dive into the cool waters of the gorge and sit underneath the falls for a natural back massage. Then, take some time exploring the rock walls beside the main pool, where you’ll find Wandjina rock art, before heading back to camp for the night.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. The Manning Falls Trail is a Grade 4 (challenging) 5.6 km walk, taking around 3 hours. Starting with a swim across the Manning River (approximately 300 m), the trail has a rough and rocky surface, with sections of very steep hills and involves some rock hopping. The trail gets progressively harder towards the end. Please note that the trail is exposed and there is very little shade. The Galvans Gorge Trail is a Grade 3 (moderate) 1 km return walk, taking around 1 hour without time for a swim. There are some short steep hills, a rough surface and it involves some rock hopping.
4. Tag 4

   Mitchell Plateau

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   It’s an early start this morning as you kick off a two-day adventure to the Mitchell Plateau. Drive through 4WD country along the rugged Kalumburu Road, then onto the Mitchell Plateau Track. After crossing rivers and passing by Livistonia palm forests, you’ll emerge from the savannah and onto the Mitchell Plateau. When you arrive, take the time to settle into camp before sitting down for dinner with your fellow travellers.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 7 or 8 hours along rugged roads with multiple river crossings. Please note that the campsite for the next two nights has long-drop toilets only and no shower facilities.
5. Tag 5

   Mitchell Plateau

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   Today you’ll explore the Mitchell Plateau on a hike to the Little and Big Merten Falls. As you hike, take in the surrounding landscape of rocky sandstone, waterholes and fern-lined caves. When you arrive at the falls, take a dip in the plunge pools, look at the Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art and learn about the area’s prized bush-tucker like Miiyani (waterlily). Later, take a scenic helicopter flight back to camp, over the top of the falls and see the diverse landscape from above.
   The Mitchell Falls Hike is a Grade 5 (difficult) 4.3 km, taking approximately 4 hours. The track has a rough and rocky surface with some sections that have steep hills. The walk ends with a crossing of the Mitchell River, which involves fast-flowing water up to your waist. Please note that the trail is exposed and there is very little shade. For today's helicopter flight we require your weight. Please provide this at the time of booking the trip.
6. Tag 6

   Drysdale River Station

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   This morning, travel to Drysdale River Station. This family owned and operated cattle station has approximately 10,000 cattle on their million-acre property. When you arrive, take some time to explore the nearby surroundings at your own pace or maybe sit back and enjoy a cold drink in the beer garden and warm yourself around the log fire in the cool night air.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
7. Tag 7

   El Questro Station

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   Today is a driving day, so sit back, relax and enjoy the Kimberley scenery and the famous ‘Gibb River Road massage’ provided by the rugged dirt track you'll be driving on. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcast. Along the way, you’ll stop off at the Pentecost River Lookout that takes in the river floodplain and the tabletop Cockburn Ranges. Tonight, settle into camp at El Questro and enjoy a relaxing night.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 6 or 7 hours. Tonight's private camp at El Questro has large tents on raised platforms with twin stretcher beds, mattresses and a sheltered kitchen area. Nearby shared facilities have hot showers and flush toilets.
8. Tag 8

   El Questro Station

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   After breakfast, set off on the Emma Gorge Trail, known for its towering 120 m cliff face made of Cockburn and quartz sandstone. As you walk along the crystal-clear pools and waterfalls, look out for ripple markings in the rocks formed under shallow tidal waters millions of years ago. Then, take a short walk through the forest of Livistona and pandanus palms to the Zebedee Springs. When you arrive, spend some time exploring the natural thermal rock pools at the base of the cliff and cool off with a dip in the water. This afternoon is free for you to spend how you like. Maybe cruise on the Chamberlain Gorge, join a bush tucker walk or bird watching tour or simply explore this wilderness park at your pace. Tonight, maybe head out for a pub-style dinner at the restaurant on El Questro Station.
   The Emma Gorge Trail is a Grade 4 (challenging) 3.2 km return walk, taking around 2 hours. The trail is mostly flat with some steep sections, loose and slippery rocks and involves some rock hopping, especially towards the end. Don't forget your swimmers as this is a fantastic spot to cool off. The Zebedee Springs Trail is a Grade 2 (easy) 600 m return walk, taking around 30 minutes, without the time for a swim. The trail is mostly flat with some elevated sections. We recommend that you pre-book the Chamberlain Gorge Cruise as this activity can sell out far in advance. Please book directly with El Questro via their website. Tonight’s dinner is not included. The restaurant at El Questro Station has a pub menu.
9. Tag 9

   Lake Argyle

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   This morning, drive to Kununurra, where you have some free time to wander the shops and galleries in the main area or find a local cafe for a coffee. Then, time permitting, you'll have the option to visit the Hoochery (a local distillery known for its rum) or the Zebra Rock Gallery (a gallery showcasing crafted ornaments made from Zebra Rock found in the region) with your leader. This afternoon, travel to the shores of the expansive Lake Argyle – the heart of the Ord River Irrigation System which has transformed this dry region into an agricultural oasis. Spend some time exploring the area and maybe dive into the infinity pool at Lake Argyle camp.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Camping at Lake Argyle involves dome tents with stretcher beds and mattresses. On site facilities have hot showers and flush toilets.
10. Tag 10

    Lake Argyle

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    Today is a free day for you to explore Lake Argyle at your own pace. Maybe visit the Durack Homestead Museum, set off on the bluff hike or join a sunset boat cruise on the lake (highly recommended). Tonight, maybe sit down for dinner at the holiday park’s restaurant.
    If you would like to join the sunset cruise, your leader will be able to book it for you. There is no need for you to pre-book this ahead of time as we hold allotments with the operator. Dinner tonight is not included. The restaurant at the holiday park has a pub menu.
11. Tag 11

    Purnululu National Park

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    After a leisurely morning, head down the Great Northern Highway to Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungles. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its landscape of unique orange and black striped ‘beehive’ geological formations, created by rivers over a period of 20 million years. When you arrive, take some time to settle into your private permanent tented camp and take in the views of the Bungles Massif and the Kimberley night sky from your door.
    Your travel time will be approximately 6 hours. The dirt track from Spring Creek into the Bungle Bungles is only 50 km but will take approximately 2 hours. This is a very windy and corrugated road that can sometimes take even longer to drive. Tonight’s permanent tented camp features nearby modern facilities, a covered dining deck with panoramic views and an open-air campfire.
12. Tag 12

    Purnululu National Park

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    Spend the morning exploring Cathedral Gorge. Known for its towering rocks, which create a natural amphitheatre due to its acoustics. Continue exploring the Cathedral Gorge Trail. Next, maybe take an optional scenic helicopter flight for a bird-eye view over the beehive domes. Then head to Echidna Chasm, known for its towering Livistonia Palm trees. Set off on the Echidna Chasm Walk, following the steep-sided gorge walls with shades of oranges and reds that glow when the sun hits them. Take in the panoramic views over the Osmand Range before returning to camp.
    The Echidna Chasm Walk is a Grade 4 walk, approximately 2 km return taking under an hour. It has steep-sided gorge walls up to 200 m high and barely 1 m wide in places. The trail has a natural surface of rock and some sections require some moderate climbing. The walk to Cathedral Gorge is a Grade 4 walk, 2 km return. People typically spend 1 to 2 hours on this walk. The trail is unmodified and rocky. Today, you have the option to see the domes from the air by taking an optional helicopter flight. We hold allotments with the operator and your leader will offer to book the flights on your behalf. This way the leader can coordinate the timing with the day’s other activities in mind.
13. Tag 13

    Fitzroy Crossing

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    This morning, travel to Fitzroy Crossing. Named due to the Martuwarra (Fitzroy River) that runs through it, the Fitzroy Valley is home to more than 40 Aboriginal communities, combining five different language groups – Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Nyikina, Wangkatjunka and Walmajarri. On the way, stop at the China Wall near Halls Creek – a natural white limestone wall which looks like a miniature Great Wall of China. If there’s time, make another stop at Mary’s Pool for lunch before continuing to Fitzroy Crossing. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore the area before settling into camp by the Fitzroy River.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 6 or 7 hours. The walk at China Wall has a steep slope down to the dry creek. If you’d rather stay on flat ground, the view from the car park is also great. Camping at the Fitzroy River Lodge involves dome tents with stretcher beds and mattresses. On site facilities have hot showers and flush toilets.
14. Tag 14

    Fitzroy Crossing to Broome

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    This morning, join the Darlgunya Cultural Walk, where your local indigenous guide will take you through the remnants of the old postal settlement and down to the Fitzroy Riverbanks. Learn about the wild Fitzroy River – about its plants, wildlife and the significance to the local culture. Enjoy lunch on the way, before returning to Broome this afternoon. When you arrive in Broome, your trip will come to an end. If you’d like to stay longer, just talk to your booking agent ahead of time.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Your trip ends when you arrive back in Broome late this afternoon. It’s recommended that you book another night in Broome before flying out, as delays may occur. Once in Broome, your leader will drop you at your nominated accommodation or back at the default starting location.