20 Day Jewels of the Kimberley: Berkeley Lodge & Outback Spirit Adventure 2023
Broome - Kununurra - Berkeley River - Bungle Bungles - El Questro Wilderness Park - Darwin - Horizontal Falls
Spend 2 nights at exclusive Faraway Bay on the North Kimberley Coast
Cruise Geikie Gorge on the mighty Fitzroy River
Spend 2 nights at El Questro and discover Zebedee Thermal Springs
Experience 5 nights of remote luxury all-inclusive at the iconic Berkeley River Lodge
Discover the Mitchell Plateau, spend 2 nights at a luxury safari camp and much more!
From $18,499 Typically $20,149 pp Twin Share
Description
Immerse yourself in nature on this ultimate Kimberley exploration: from Broome to Darwin, you will experience the spectacular King George Falls, Horizontal Falls by seaplane, the mighty Fitzroy River, the infamous Gibb River Road, scenic helicopter flights, the iconic Bungle Bungles, Windjana Gorge, El Questro and more. Paired with stunning and unique stays across the region, guests can expect the highest level of service and comfort combined with some of Australia’s most amazing sights.
Enjoy unsurpassed access to the incredible Kimberley region, thanks to a network of unique wilderness lodges and local partnerships. Explore the furthest corners of Kimberley that many travellers simply can’t get to.
Travel in 5-star comfort aboard 4WD Mercedes Benz coaches, with reclining coach seats, ample legroom, air-conditioning, restroom & television, and enjoy a small group size of like-minded adventurers, with guides and drivers chosen for their experience and passion.
Once the tour is over, top it all off with five nights of all-inclusive luxury amidst the Kimberley wilderness: Australia's most remote mainland luxury lodge experience, the Berkeley River Lodge. Only accessible by air, dedicated and experienced staff are available on-site to guide you on river cruises, 4WD tours, sunset drinks, fishing expeditions, hiking and animal watching, and skilled chefs will cater all of your meals, including a five-course degustation dinner each night. If that's not enough, your private glass-fronted villa with the occasional seating and daybed on your deck beckons you to laze away an afternoon, then enjoy cheese platters and drinks on your balcony as the sun sets over the Timor Sea.
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16 Day 17 Day 18 Day 19 Day 20
Broome - Your adventure begins!
Today you’ll be met upon your arrival at Broome airport by your Outback Spirit tour driver. From here, we’ll head to the iconic Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa and check in to our luxurious garden view rooms, our home for the next two nights. Enjoy a free afternoon to settle in before a welcome dinner at the Sunset Bar and Grill. (D)
Accommodation: Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa
Meals: Dinner
Broome
Horizontal Falls Seaplane and Jet-Boat Adventure
Our journey starts on a high with a sensational half day adventure to the Horizontal Falls. Described by Sir David Attenborough as ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world’, the falls are created when the 2nd largest tides in the world hurtle through two narrow coastal gorges.
First up, join us for a town tour of Broome or relax at the resort until you are collected for the start of your Horizontal Falls adventure!
Enjoy a 50-minute seaplane flight and land on the calm waters of Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago. Then, board the fastest boat in the Kimberley, ‘Jet-Stream’ for an exhilarating ride through the Horizontal Falls. You’ll be awestruck at the power of the Kimberley tides as your expert skipper gives you an experience you’ll never forget. We’ll also cruise some of the surrounding bays and creeks and have a bite to eat on a commercial houseboat before returning to Broome.
Tonight, we gather for dinner again at the Sunset Bar & Grill.
Accommodation: Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Note: Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures have a weight restriction of 120kg.
Broome to Fitzroy River Lodge
Today we depart Broome and head for Derby. Enjoy a look around town and visit the Boab Prison Tree before joining the start of the Gibb River Road. From here we travel east before turning off the Gibb and heading into Windjana Gorge, one of the most spectacular gorges in the Kimberley. In places, the water-streaked walls rise majestically to stand 100 metres above the floodplain. Your guide will take you on a walk through the Gorge and give you an insight into the history and geology of the area.
This afternoon we visit Tunnel Creek National Park, where you can take a fascinating underground river walk.
We then continue to Fitzroy Crossing, arriving late-afternoon where we check in to the Fitzroy River Lodge.
Accommodation: Fitzroy River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Fitzroy River to the Bungle Bungles.
Nature and geology lovers will delight as we head into Geikie Gorge National Park for a 1-hour cruise on the Fitzroy River, winding through ancient limestone where fossils are embedded in the walls of the gorge. Then, return to Fitzroy Crossing before heading further east to Halls Creek. After lunch we continue along the Great Northern Highway to the turnoff in to the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles). Enjoy two nights at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, owned by Outback Spirit in partnership with Aviair/HeliSpirit. The lodge features comfortable cabins with ensuite bathrooms.
Accommodation: Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Exploring Purnululu
Today we explore the wonders of Purnululu, including its unique orange and black beehive shaped domes. First up, enjoy a breathtaking 18-minute scenic helicopter flight over the park with a bird’s eye view of its astounding natural features. This flight is valued at $299 and is now included in the tour fare for 2019! Afterwards, enjoy a walk along Piccaninny Creek to the mind boggling natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge. Then, follow the ‘dome trail’ for a closer inspection of the Park’s unique geological formations.
This afternoon we’ll head to the northern region of the Bungle Bungles to visit Echidna Chasm before returning to the lodge.
Accommodation: Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Please Note: If you’d prefer not to take the included scenic helicopter flight, you can remove it from your itinerary and will receive a $299 price reduction on the tour fare.
Kununurra
Our travels today take us north to Kununurra. Arriving early in the afternoon, we check in to the centrally located Kununurra Country Club for our two-night stay. The rest of the afternoon can be spent at your leisure.
Accommodation: Kununurra Country Club Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Kununurra
This morning we enjoy a tour of Kununurra and the surrounding farming country. Drive through parts of the massive Ord River Irrigation Scheme where melons, mangoes, sandalwood and other crops are grown and learn about the scheme from your knowledgeable guide.
This afternoon, visit the Durack Homestead Museum en route to Lake Argyle, the departure point for our sensational 3-hour cruise down the Ord River. Enjoy the mesmerising scenery and diverse wildlife as your skipper takes you downstream to Kununurra, providing expert commentary along the way.
We arrive back into Kununurra at sunset and make our way back to the hotel for our second and final night in Kununurra.
Accommodation: Kununurra Country Club Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
El Questro
Depart Kununurra this morning and travel to Wyndham and the spectacular Five Rivers Lookout, boasting dramatic views over Cambridge Gulf. Then, it’s a short drive back to the Gibb River Road which will lead us on to El Questro Wilderness Park at the base of the Cockburn Range. Our home for the next two nights is Emma Gorge Resort, where we’ll stay in unique tented cabins scattered through bush.
After lunch at the resort we enjoy a guided walk up to the stunning Emma Gorge waterfall (2.5 hours return – a good level of fitness required, but well worth it!). Enjoy a swim in the large rock pool at the base of the falls and marvel at the beauty of the gorge, one of the best in the Kimberley.
Upon returning to the resort, the rest of the afternoon can be spent at your leisure before re-grouping for dinner.
Accommodation: Emma Gorge Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
El Questro
You’d be hard pressed to find a better way to start a day than a swim in the warm, crystal clear waters of Zebedee Thermal Springs. Spend a relaxing morning here before visiting the station township, the hub of El Questro. After lunch we’ll drive deeper into this iconic Kimberley wilderness park to Chamberlain Gorge, a beautiful three-kilometre-long fresh waterhole bound by towering escarpment. Enjoy a 90-minute gorge cruise and feed some of the cheeky Archerfish before returning to Emma Gorge Resort late afternoon.
Accommodation: Emma Gorge Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Gibb River Road – Drysdale – Mitchell Plateau
Today our journey along the Gibb gets a bit more serious. Cross the mighty Pentecost River and continue past Ellenbrae Station to the ‘Y” junction. From here we follow the Kalumburu Road past Drysdale River Station before turning onto the Mitchell Plateau track. Ford the King Edward River and drive through ancient Livistona Palm forests before arriving at our exclusive Ngauwudu Safari Camp, the most luxurious tented camp in the Kimberley. Featuring deluxe safari suites with ensuite bathrooms, quality furnishings and large balconies, the camp is a magical spot for the next two nights of our adventure and the ideal base from which to discover the Mitchell Plateau and Mitchell Falls.
Accommodation: Ngauwudu Safari Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Mitchell Falls
Today we explore the incredible 4-tiered Mitchell Falls on a guided 4km walk, a true highlight of your adventure (Good level of fitness and mobility is required). Along the way we’ll discover rarely seen Gwion Gwion and Wandjina rock art galleries, accompanied by a local guide from Kandiwal Community. The walk also takes us past Mertens Falls before arriving at the top of the breathtaking Mitchell Falls, one of the most awe-inspiring wonders of the Kimberley. After time to admire the thunderous falls we’ll take to the skies for a scenic helicopter flight, which returns us to the start of the walk. Viewing the falls from the air is a sensational experience.
This afternoon we return to the camp for a swim and a well-earned rest.
Accommodation: Ngauwudu Safari Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Note: If you do not wish to tackle the walk, there is the option to fly down by helicopter with an tour guide (cost $160 pp).
Faraway Bay
This morning we head to the airstrip and board Outback Spirit’s state-of-the-art Cessna Grand Caravan for the scenic flight to Faraway Bay. Viewing the Kimberley coast from the air is a highlight, and this morning’s flight will take us over Admiralty Gulf and Vansittart Bay. We then land at Faraway Bay, the northernmost lodge in Western Australia. Spend the next 2 nights in rustic yet comfortable cabins featuring ensuite bathrooms and stunning views of the bay.
Faraway Bay is an award-winning coastal lodge nestled on a rocky hilltop overlooking the turquoise Timor Sea. Located 280 kilometres north-west of Kununurra, this far north area of Western Australia is a remote and spellbinding part of the Kimberley. With King George Falls just a short boat trip away, this unique wilderness retreat offers an experience you will never forget.
This afternoon we’ll get out on the water for a spot of barramundi fishing and sightseeing in this sensational coastal environment. We then return to the lodge for sunset drinks and dinner in Eagle Lodge.
Accommodation: Eagle Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Faraway Bay
It’s now time for one of the major highlights of your adventure: King George Falls. After waking up to birdsong and breakfast made with produce from the Ord River region, we’ll head off with the lodge’s expert skipper and guides for an unforgettable marine adventure. The King George River is one of WA’s most magnificent treasures, famous for its enormous twin waterfalls that stand over 70m high and descend into the Timor Sea. From a cultural point of view, the river is highly significant to the Balanggarra people. To them the Falls are the male and female Wunkurr (Rainbow Serpents).
Along the coast to the King George River we travel past Koolama Bay where the merchant vessel ‘Koolama’ was bombed by the Japanese during World War II. Hear about the amazing story of survival and mutiny, and the untimely and unfortunate end to the ‘Koolama’. When we get to the entrance of the King George River, you can’t help but feel dwarfed by the towering red rocky cliffs rising high above us. From here, we’ll meander up-river to the incredible Falls, and if conditions permit you’ll be able to take an invigorating waterfall shower as the boat edges to within metres of the rock face. After some time to soak up the spellbinding Falls, we’ll start heading back to the lodge. Enjoy some fishing on the way and keep an eye out for other marine life including crocodiles, dolphins, dugong and manta rays to name just a few.
Accommodation: Eagle Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Darwin
Today we farewell the Kimberley and board our aircraft for the scenic flight to Darwin. See King George Falls from the air before heading east to Joseph Bonaparte Gulf. From here we’ll hug the coastline to Darwin, arriving early in the afternoon. We then check in to the DoubleTree by Hilton on the Esplanade, where the rest of the afternoon can be spent at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy our final dinner together at Char Restaurant, the perfect spot to celebrate our Kimberley Adventure.
Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Berkeley River Lodge
You will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Kununurra and air transfers to Berkeley River Lodge, where your remote luxury villa accommodation and experience awaits.
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All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
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Unlimited beverages - soft drink, beer, wine and spirits (excludes premium wines, top-shelf spirits and cocktails)
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Daily activities, including River cruises, Bush & Beach 4WD adventures, guided Creek walks
Accommodation: Berkeley River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Berkeley River Lodge
Day at leisure
Accommodation: Berkeley River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Berkeley River Lodge
Day at leisure
Accommodation: Berkeley River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Berkeley River Lodge
Day at leisure
Accommodation: Berkeley River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Berkeley River Lodge
Day at leisure
Accommodation: Berkeley River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Depart Berkeley River Lodge
Today is your final day where the team at Berkeley River Lodge will get you aboard your private air transfer back to Kununurra.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Kimberley Tour
- Small Group Size - max. 20
- All meals including all breakfasts, lunches and dinners while on tour
- All attraction, entry and cruise fees
- 2 nights at the exclusive Ngauwudu Safari Camp
- 14 nights of exceptional hotel, resort, safari camp and lodge accommodation all with en-suite facilities while on tour
- Two spectacular scenic helicopter flights at the Mitchell Falls and Bungle Bungles
- Travel aboard a state-of-the-art 5 star 4WD Mercedez Benz vehicle
- Escorted by an experienced and professional Tour Driver / Guide
Berkeley River Lodge
- Private air transfers to and from the Berkeley River Lodge
- Flight from Darwin to Kununurra also included
- 5 Nights private villa accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Unlimited beverages - soft drink, beer, wine and spirits (excludes premium wines, top-shelf spirits and cocktails)
- Daily activities, including River cruises, Bush & Beach 4WD adventures, guided creek walks and more
Accommodation
- Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa
- Fitzroy River Lodge
- Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge
- Kununurra Country Club Resort
- Emma Gorge Resort
- Ngauwudu Safari Camp
- Eagle Lodge
- DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin
- Berkeley River Lodge
Child Policy: Guests on this package must be 18 years and over.
Single Supplement: Single supplement is $7899 and available at check out.
Arrive Early or Stay Late: Looking to arrive early, stay late or add on some extras? Call on 1300 893 404 or email us at info@traveldream.com.au to inquire.
Exclusions
- Flights at the beginning and end of your trip
- Travel insurance
- Some meals not mentioned
- Personal expenses
- Tipping/gratuities
NO SMOKING POLICY: Our vessels and vehicles are all entirely smoke free in accordance with relevant state and territory government regulations. Passengers are not to smoke (including e-cigarettes) while on board.
SEAT ALLOCATIONS: Seat allocations on board the vehicles operate with a daily seat
rotation system to ensure passengers enjoy different seating positions whilst on tour.
SAFETY: Passengers accept that tours include participation in Recreational Services and Recreational Activities which may involve certain risks and dangers beyond our control. Such activities containing risks include but are not limited to: bush walking, swimming, and travelling in remote undeveloped locations. The passenger acknowledges that all Recreational Services and Recreational Activities in connection with the journey are undertaken of the passenger’s own free will and at the passenger’s own risk.
Passengers will not be permitted to continue on tours when in the opinion of the Tour Leader, the passenger’s conduct or condition is placing their own or the safety of other passengers at risk, or is adversely affecting the enjoyment of other passengers; for whatever cause.
TRAVELLING TO REMOTE AREAS: Passengers accept that some itineraries include visits to and overnight stays in remote areas located some distance from hospitals, medical centres or other forms of professional medical facilities.
HEALTH:
• Fitness: Most of our tour itineraries contain guided sightseeing walks to natural attractions. As such, passengers are required to have a reasonable level of fitness in order to participate. Some walking tracks have sections of uneven rocky ground and may be slippery. The walks on our tours vary in length, so please read your chosen itinerary for further information or contact one of our friendly travel consultants who will be able to describe the walk to you. If passengers feel they are unable to participate in the walk on the day, alternative arrangements will be made with adequate provision for passenger comfort and safety.
• Hydration: Whilst on a bushwalk it is the responsibility of each passenger to carry adequate drinking water. Bottles are supplied as part of the Explorer Pack which is included in each tour fare. If passengers elect not to receive the pack, they must source and bring another water bottle on tour. All coaches feature a water refilling point.
• Mobility: Passengers are required to have a reasonable level of mobility to be able to board and alight the coach unaided. Due to space restrictions aboard our coaches, we are unable to accommodate passengers who require the use of wheelchairs or walkers. Our vehicles are not equipped with wheelchair ramps or lifters. Passengers requiring physical or mental assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is willing and capable of providing such assistance.
