The Kimberley: 8-Day Small-Group Tour with Horizontal Falls Seaplane, Bungle Bungle Flight, El Questro Visit & Wilderness Stays
Let the awe-inspiring beauty of the Kimberley captivate you on an eight-day small-group tour (max. eight travellers) through Western Australia’s rugged terrain. Capture magnificent natural wonders from every angle, soaring above the iconic Bungle Bungle Range on a scenic flight, taking a seaplane and fast boat right into the rushing heart of Horizontal Falls, then sleeping above the water on the Horizontal Falls houseboat. Dive deep into creeks and gorges, plunge into fresh springs, then come up for air to traverse the iconic Gibb River Road by 4WD.
Immerse yourself in the heart and soul of this wildly unique region, learning its history via a visit to the Boab Prison Tree, taking in the cultural significance of Wandjina and Gwion Gwion paintings at an Indigenous art centre, and hearing the tales of local legend Jandamarra and early settlers. Past and present come to life amid the breathtaking scenery and verdant wildlife of the Kimberley, from Hollywood-worthy views at El Questro Wilderness Park to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonders of Purnululu National Park. Breathe deep and take it all in – this is the soul-stirring magic of the Kimberley.
Your journey takes you to: Broome – Derby – Horizontal Falls – Fitzroy Crossing – Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) – Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) – Wunaamin Miliwundi (King Leopold) Ranges – Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge) – El Questro Wilderness Park – Kununurra – Purnululu National Park – Kununurra. This tour will also operate in reverse, please choose your packages carefully.
Covid-19 health and safety practices: Our expert Tours team is working hard to ensure the highest health standards at every point of your journey. Find out more.
Your tour includes:
- Seven nights of accommodation, including unique stays on a Horizontal Falls houseboat, a working cattle station, El Questro Station and a Bungle Bungle lodge stay
- Daily breakfast, six lunches and four dinners
- Take in breathtaking views of the Bungle Bungle Range and surrounding scenery during roundtrip scenic flights between Kununurra and Purnunulu National Park
- Take a seaplane flight to Horizontal Falls, followed by a thrilling fast boat ride through the gorges and relaxing cruise through tranquil bays and creeks
- Spend a night on the Horizontal Falls houseboat with stargazing
- Tour the Bungle Bungles, Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm by foot and 4WD bus
- Witness the scenery from Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Australia’ at El Questro Wilderness Park
- Visit the town of Derby with its horseshoe-shaped wharf and the Boab Prison Tree
- Cruise through the majestic Danggu Geikie Gorge
- Experience the impressive 750-metre cave system of Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek)
- Enjoy a picnic lunch amid the natural beauty of Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge)
- Swim in the fresh waters at Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge)
- The services of expert driver-guides and knowledgeable local guides
- All national park entry fees
- Transportation in an air-conditioned 4WD throughout
Your tour begins in Broome on Day 1 and ends at East Kimberley Regional Airport (KNX) on Day 8. Pick-up from Broome hotels in the Chinatown/Town Beach area is at 8.15am, and pick-up from Broome hotels in the Cable Beach area is at 8.30am on Day 1. We recommend booking a night of pre-tour accommodation in Broome.
Please note that this tour also operates in reverse from Kununurra to Broome. Please choose your packages carefully. Tours departing from Kununurra begin in Kununurra on Day 1, with pick up at 5.15am, and end in Broome on Day 8 at 12pm.
Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.
Guests are recommended to book their flights to arrive at Broome International Airport (BME) or East Kimberley Regional Airport (KNX) the day before their tour departs, and to depart from Broome International Airport (BME) or East Kimberley Regional Airport (KNX) any time after 1pm on Day 8.
You MUST complete your booking form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
Need flights? Australian customers can now purchase flights with or without accommodation packages. We are working hard to launch this functionality in other markets. For now, our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements. Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information:
Time zone: AWST GMT +8
Telephone: +61
Currency: AUD
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within cities. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.
Language: English
Climate: Tropical monsoon climate, defined by a distinct wet (November-April) and dry season (May-October).
Please Note: This tour also operates in reverse from Kununurra to Broome. Please choose your packages carefully.
Day 1: Broome – Derby – Horizontal Falls
Your adventure begins in Broome, with pick-up at 8.15am from Chinatown or 8.30am from Cable Beach. This morning, travel through the remote and beautiful landscape of the western Kimberley, learning about the local history, people and environment, before crossing the majestic Fitzroy River. After lunch, pay a visit to the town of Derby with its horseshoe-shaped wharf. Then, it’s time to board a thrilling seaplane flight to the rushing heart of Horizontal Falls, where an experienced skipper and the fastest boat in the Kimberley will be waiting. Jump aboard for a heart-pumping ride through the gorges, then kick back on a relaxing cruise through tranquil bays and creeks.
The Horizontal Falls overnight experience captures the breathtaking majesty of the vast Kimberley and the tranquility of its untouched bays and creeks. Your visit to the falls is followed by swimming and snorkelling in the clear blue waters of Talbot Bay and an indulgent evening aboard a luxury houseboat. Enjoy a chef-cooked BBQ dinner and star-gazing with a nightcap before a peaceful night in your air-conditioned cabin.
Want to know more about the Kimberley? Our insider travel guide includes handpicked places to eat and drink, the best activities in the area, and special experiences to make your trip memorable.
Accommodation: Horizontal Falls Floating Hotel
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Horizontal Falls – Derby – Fitzroy Crossing
After a freshly cooked breakfast, return to Derby on another scenic low-level seaplane ride over the majestic Kimberley wilderness. Back in Derby, visit the infamous 1,500-year-old Boab Prison Tree, an immense hollow tree with a girth of over 14 metres, which was used in the 1890s as a lockup for Indigenous prisoners on their way to Derby for sentencing.
Continue on to Fitzroy Crossing, calling into an Indigenous art centre on the way to see culturally significant Wandjina and Gwion Gwion paintings.
This afternoon, cruise through the majestic Danggu Geikie Gorge. Learn about its fascinating geology and discover the huge array of wildlife here, including freshwater crocodiles, birds and fish. Stop to visit the picturesque old Fitzroy River ford, before checking into your comfortable accommodation for the evening.
Accommodation: Fitzroy River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3: Fitzroy Crossing – Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) – Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) – Wunaamin Miliwundi (King Leopold) Ranges – Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge)
Today, turn onto the Fairfield-Leopold Downs Road and track through a stunning landscape of boab trees and limestone escarpments, before arriving at Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek). This 750-metre cave system was carved through the Napier Range and is rich in stalactites, secret caves and a variety of wildlife. Learn the story of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hideout in the late 1800s.
The journey continues to the stunning natural beauty of Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge), with spectacular cliffs and an opportunity to get up close (but not too close!) to the endemic freshwater crocodiles that line the banks of the gorge to sunbathe. After a picnic lunch inside the gorge, hit the Gibb River Road, the legendary track completed in the 1960s to expedite the movement of cattle from remote pastoral leases. Although the road is now regularly maintained, it still presents a challenge to the intrepid traveller and is closed by the numerous water crossings during much of the wet season.
Traverse the scenic King Leopold Ranges, arriving at your comfortable wilderness accommodation in time for dinner.
Accommodation: Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge) – Gibb
After breakfast, venture back to the Gibb River Road and drive towards beautiful Bell Gorge. A short walk leads down to the stunning waterfall and swimming hole, with ample time to enjoy the scenery, explore the area and swim in the fresh gorge waters. Continue your outback journey, calling into the iconic Mt Barnett Roadhouse, a popular spot to stop for coffee on the Gibb River Road. Late in the afternoon, arrive at your accommodation on a genuine working outback cattle station.
Accommodation: Mt Elizabeth Station
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Gibb – El Questro Wilderness Park
Travelling east, get an appreciation for the harsh but inspiring country the early cattlemen and their families travelled through in the hope of improving their lives. This afternoon, cross the mighty Pentecost River and journey through the iconic El Questro Wilderness Park, used as a setting for the Baz Luhrmann movie ‘Australia’. Take this evening to do whatever you please. The 700,000-acre property is home to a range of stunning hikes that take in ancient gorges, waterfalls and swimming holes. The property also offers guided tours, including helicopter flights, 4WD tours and fishing (additional charges apply).
Accommodation: El Questro Wilderness Park
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6: El Questro Wilderness Park – Kununurra
Enjoy a full day to explore the most famous station and tourism resort in the Kimberley. The dramatic landscape, dotted with boab trees and spectacular gorges, is the perfect environment to appreciate the captivating beauty of this remote region. Explore the station, take a dip in the thermal waters of Zebedee Springs, and take an optional walk into the surreal Emma Gorge. Late this afternoon, take the short drive to the East Kimberley town of Kununurra, your base for the night.
Accommodation: Kununurra Country Club
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Kununurra – Bungle Bungle Range
Rise early this morning for an unforgettable scenic flight over the Bungle Bungle Range, Lake Argyle, Argyle Diamond Mine, Carr Boyd and Osmand Ranges, and Ord and Bow Rivers. Upon reaching Purnululu National Park, land at the remote and unsealed Bellburn Airstrip, where you will be met by a tour guide and an air-conditioned 4WD bus.
From the airstrip, your guide will drive you further into the park, where you will disembark and enjoy a guided walk of moderate intensity through the famous eroded towers and black and orange banded beehive domes of the Bungle Bungle Range. Follow your guide into Cathedral Gorge, where towering cliffs form a space with incredible natural acoustics. After a short rest, walk along the dry creek bed of Piccaninny Creek, before boarding the 4WD bus for a scenic drive to the northern end of the park.
A tasty picnic lunch will be provided to keep you fuelled while exploring the park. After lunch, follow your tour guide on a 1.5-hour return walk into the incredible Echidna Chasm. The rocky path weaves between towering cliff faces and at times will narrow to a width of fewer than two metres. Gazing up to the bright blue sky, admire the orange towering walls, which look as if they are lit from within and scattered with Livistona palm trees. This walk requires climbing over boulders and navigating stairs, so we recommend this part of the tour to those with a high level of mobility. After a long day of exploration, retreat to Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, and enjoy a delicious farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Bungle Bungle Range – Kununurra
After breakfast, return to Bellburn Airstrip for your return flight to Kununurra Airport (East Kimberley Regional Airport, KNX), where your tour comes to an end. Soar over the intriguing Argyle Diamond Mine, where rare pink diamonds were once mined, before touching back down in Kununurra for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
Your comfort and safety are our number one concern. Our expert Tours team is working hard to ensure the highest health standards at every point of your journey.
Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your traveller information details within 7 days.
This Tour package is valid for the following departure dates:
KUNUNURRA TO BROOME
- 10 May 2023
- 20 May 2023
BROOME to KUNUNURRA
- 3 July 2023
- 31 August 2023
IMPORTANT: Please allow for travelling time. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Broome or Kununurra on your chosen tour start date. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.
NONE OF THESE DATES SUIT YOUR TRAVEL PLANS? If you wish to travel on an alternate date to those listed above, or on your own private tour with friends, please enquire for further information. Please note that surcharges may apply.
Private Group Tour Pricing
- 2—3 passengers: A$11,999pp twin room, A$13,899 solo traveller
- 4—8 passengers: A$7,699pp twin room, A$9,599 solo traveller
Private Group Size & Age Restrictions
- Minimum number for private tours to operate is two guests. Maximum tour capacity is eight guests.
- Private tours are restricted to guests aged five years and older.
Booking Process
- Select which package option you would like, taking care to choose the correct season, length of stay and room capacity (Twin Room or Solo Traveller)
- Click on the green ‘Check Availability’ tab
- Using the plus or minus adjust the number of people you would like to book then click the ‘View Available Dates & Prices’ tab
- Click the blue ‘Select’ button then the green ‘Review & Payment’ tab at the bottom right of the screen
- Fill out your preferred payment method and click the green ‘Pay Securely Now’ tab
- Once your order is complete, you will receive your Luxury Escapes automated booking summary email (this is not your tour confirmation), and you will be prompted to complete your Traveller Details within 7 days of purchase
- One of our dedicated Tours Concierge Agents will then be in touch no later than 90 days prior to your select departure date to advise the status of your tour and if it has been confirmed. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.
- Should you require assistance with your tour, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey.
- You must provide a government-issued photo ID for each guest. All international tours require a passport photo ID.
IMPORTANT: The Twin-Room Package is valid for ONE PERSON (based on twin room). If you are travelling with another person you must purchase TWO PACKAGES, otherwise please purchase a Solo Traveller package.
Please note that packages cannot be split.
AMENDMENTS & CHANGES
7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee: Things don’t always work out. Our 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee is there to help. Bookings (except for cruise bookings and flights which are subject to the cancellation terms of the relevant supplier) may be cancelled with a full refund provided that cancellation occurs strictly within 7 days from the date of purchase and provided that the cancellation is made no less than 120 days prior to the departure date.
Name Change or Corrections
Following the 7-Day Change of Mind Guarantee period,
- Name corrections may incur a fee.
- Name changes are not permitted.
Accommodation
This tour includes accommodation at the following hotels:
- Horizontal Falls – Horizontal Falls Floating Hotel (Houseboat Room with shared facilities)
- Fitzroy Crossing – Fitzroy River Lodge (Motel Room)
- Wunaamin Miliwundi (King Leopold) Ranges – Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge (Ensuite Eco Tent)
- Gibb – Mt Elizabeth Station (Motel Room)
- El Questro/Kununurra – El Questro Station (Station Bungalow)
- Kununurra – Kununurra Country Club (King or Twin Room, subject to availability)
- Purnululu National Park – Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge (Eco Cabin)
Please note: Outback and Kimberley accommodation is basic with limited facilities
The Horizontal Falls Floating Hotel – Houseboat Room – only has a double bedding configuration. If guests require twin bedding, a surcharge will apply for a separate room on the houseboat. Please contact our Tours Concierge Team on tours@luxuryescapes.com for assistance.
Inclusions
- Accommodation as specified
- All meals and drinks as specified
- Scenic flights between Kununurra and Purnululu National Park
- Horizontal Falls cruise with overnight experience
- Bungle Bungles day tour with Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm
- All sightseeing and tours as detailed in the itinerary
- The services of expert driver/guides and knowledgeable local guides
- All national park entry fees
- Transportation by air-conditioned 4WD
- Snacks and drinking water while on tour
Exclusions
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary
- Pre/post-tour accommodation
- Optional activities/tours, personal expenses/transfers not mentioned
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Tips and gratuities
- Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice
- Porterage
Age Restrictions
- This tour is restricted to guests aged 18 years and older.
- If you wish to travel with children aged under 18 years, or on your own private tour with friends, please enquire for further information. Please note that surcharges may apply.
Group Size
- Minimum number for this tour to operate is four guests. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.
- Maximum tour capacity is eight guests.
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Luxury Escapes recommends purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
- Luxury Escapes can assist you in purchasing travel insurance through our preferred provider. Please enquire for further information and to see if our policy is suitable for you.
Passports & Visas
- A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
- Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 6-8 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
- If the tour is domestic or ventures into Australia: When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
Photo ID
- A digital copy of a government-issued photo identification (passport or driver’s licence) must be provided for each guest at least 90 days prior to your tour departure.
- These can be uploaded to your ‘My Escapes’ account. Alternately, please contact our Tours Concierge Team on tours@luxuryescapes.com for assistance.
- Failure to provide valid photo ID as explained above will result in your booking being cancelled and all monies paid remaining non-refundable
Health & Vaccinations
- Travellers are advised to check the vaccine requirements for their trip with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccines require 30 days or more to be effective. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
- By purchasing this tour, you acknowledge the Covid-19 Health & Safety advice as shown here.
- Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. Please contact the Luxury Escapes Tours Concierge team on tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
- Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
Tour Baggage Restrictions
- Passengers are permitted one piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 12kg and one small day bag on tour.
- Passengers are permitted one small overnight soft-sided bag with a maximum weight of 5kg for the Horizontal Falls & Bungle Bungles Overnight Tours, including any BYO alcohol for Horizontal Falls.
- Only soft-sided bags will be accepted on tour (no wheels). Large, hard suitcases cannot be accommodated, and luggage limits are not able to be increased
Flight Schedule Changes and/or Cancellations
- Please note that the rules governing your flight purchase are different from the terms and conditions of your hotel, tour, or cruise purchase. See Flights terms and conditions here
- Your hotel, tour, or cruise booking cannot be changed or cancelled in the event of unavoidable flight schedule changes or cancellations and will be subject to the terms of that purchase.
- Further, your right to a change or cancellation of a flight is strictly governed by the terms and conditions of the specific airfare you purchased and as determined by the relevant airline carrier.
- We will, however, make every effort to work with airlines and suppliers in order to provide you with the best alternative options available.
Porterage
On occasion, porterage is not included, therefore at times you may be expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available. Please refer to inclusions if porterage is included.
Tipping
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the package unless otherwise stated and are at your own discretion. As a guide, approx. A$14 – A$20 per person, per day, is the industry standard.
Fitness Requirements
Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither Luxury Escapes nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor is Luxury Escapes liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
Dietary Requirements
In most cases Luxury Escapes can cater for special dietary requirements but please note that on occasion, this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry supplies with you.
Any dietary requirements must be received by Luxury Escapes at least 90 days prior to your scheduled departure date. Failure to provide these details by this date may result in an inability to cater for your requirements.
Valued Up To
The value and comparative savings have been determined based on published rack rates and the value of inclusions. Please be advised that rack rates may not be reflective of actual rates being charged, dependent on the timing and manner of your booking and therefore are only indicative of the level of saving.
Itinerary Amendments & Changes
Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers’ feedback as well as updates from our ground operators. Please note that while we operate successful tours in this region throughout the year, some changes may be necessary due to inclement weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route. The order and timing of included activities may also vary from time to time.
In the event of a change in the itinerary (due to safety or events outside of our control) which results in cancellation or change fees in respect of flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable. You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).
Surcharges
After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges as a result of factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes. Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, Luxury Escapes reserves the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges or tour costs where those costs have increased for similar reasons. A material increase will be considered once in excess of 10% of the package price.
Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures which may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to Covid-19 health and safety restrictions. Luxury Escapes will inform its guests of these changes as soon as possible, these additional charges will be passed on by Luxury Escapes to the guest.
PLEASE NOTE:
This tour will also operate in reverse, please choose your packages carefully.
Luxury Escapes reserves the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.
Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase. Refer to your booking summary email for details.