After breakfast, travel to the remote Aboriginal community of Ardyaloon, also known as One Arm Point, where you’ll enjoy stunning views across the coastline. Head north on Highway One, bound for the small outback town of Derby. Arrive this afternoon and venture down to the unique wharf district to hear about the history of the early pioneers, watching as the sun sets over dramatic King Sound.
Leave Derby early this morning and make your way to the Boab Prison Tree, believed to be 1,500 years old.
Here, learn of the harsh treatment endured by the local Indigenous Peoples during colonisation. Take time in the shade to reflect on this solemn history.
Afterwards, begin your journey along Gibb River Road, taking the cattle track through remote and beautiful landscapes while hearing stories of colonial settlement. Arrive at the Napier Range, an exhumed Devonian reef over 350 million years old, and set out on an easy walk to the geological wonder of Bandilgnan. Be sure to keep an eye out for the incredible concentration of freshwater crocodiles that live here, as well as bats and other wildlife.
After a bite to eat, head to Dimalurru – also known as Tunnel Creek – a 750-metre cave system, in which you’ll find magical secret caves and stalactites. Learn the legend of Jandamarra, an Indigenous Australian freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hideout in the late 1800s. Walk through this winding tunnel, then continue through the Oscar Range. As the sun sets, pass through groves of majestic boab trees before arriving at your accommodation for the evening on the banks of the Fitzroy River.
Early this morning, travel to Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park and explore the magnificent gorge and river system by boat. Natural forces helped carve this spectacular gorge during the Devonian geological period. Though the water retreats during the dry season, enough remains to sustain the wide variety of Kimberley wildlife that you may spy on this scenic cruise. Afterwards, head to the gold rush town of Halls Creek before voyaging to Purnululu National Park by way of the 4WD Spring Creek Track. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon and end the day with an enchanting open-air dinner.
A full day has been set aside for you to explore the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage-protected Purnululu National Park, starting with a guided two-kilometre creek walk on your way to Cathedral Gorge. This winding route is set deep within the Bungle Bungle Range, offering unparalleled views of the unique orange and black-striped ‘beehive’ domes, formed over a period of 20 million years. Arriving at the natural red rock amphitheatre, test the caverns renowned acoustics as you stand in the shadow of this gargantuan rock formation, created by millions of years of water erosion.
This afternoon, you’ll have the option to experience spectacular aerial views of the Bungle Bungle Range and admire the hidden and inaccessible valleys of Purnululu National Park on a once-in-a-lifetime scenic helicopter flight.
Afterwards, savour drinks and light snacks as you admire a sensational sunset.
Optional activities:
- Helicopter flight over the Bungle Bungle Range – 18 minutes (from A$351 per person).
- Helicopter flight over the Bungle Bungle Range – 30 minutes (from A$527 per person).
- Helicopter flight over the Bungle Bungle Range – 42 minutes (from A$647 per person).
This morning, set out on a two-kilometre hike to Echidna Chasm in the parks northernmost reaches. A natural cleft in the rock that reaches a staggering 200 metres in height, Echidna Chasm narrows to a mere one metre in width along its winding path. Learn about Aboriginal Dreamtime, which lends the chasm its name, while walking up the creek for views over the imposing cliff edge. For those who wish to extend their walk, continue through the aptly-named bloodwoods that surround the foot of the mountains.
After a picnic lunch, share stories of your travels before taking a scenic flight over Lake Argyle. Touch down in the charming East Kimberley town of Kununurra, where your Western Australian adventure comes to a close as you’re transferred to your post-tour accommodation.