This tour is a budget Wild Expedition, designed for those seeking a true outback Australian adventure: one without the extra comforts and without the high price tag. These brilliant overland itineraries offer a great opportunity to get back to basics in the outback and explore the remote wilds of Western Australia, with the support of an experienced guide and the fun of a bunch of new like-minded travel mates.

10 Day Darwin to Broome

From Australia’s tropical north, travel south via Katherine Gorge to explore the highlights of the Kimberley on this overland adventure – including the iconic Gibb River Road, the vast wilderness of El Questro, Purnululu National Park and the Bungle Bungles and the west Kimberley gorges: Bell & Windjana. The adventure ends on Day 10, by beautiful Cable Beach in the outback pearling town of Broome.

Katherine, Lake Argyle, Kununurra, Bungle Bungles, Cathedral Gorge, Echidna Chasm, El Questro Wilderness Park, Gibb River Road, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Broome

Tour Summary

Tour Code

10DB

Fitness level

Easy

Price

$3395

Year

2024

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Tour Details

Tour RouteDarwin-Broone
AccommodationCamping - shared facilities (9nts)
Vehicles4WD Vehicle
FitnessAdvanced
Tour Code10DB
Duration10 Days / 9 Nights
Tour StyleWild Expedition
Maximum Passengers20 (Minimum 6)
PriceAdult $3395
DepartsAPR-SEP: Selected Saturdays, Mondays & Wednesdays
Meals9 x Breakfast, 10 x Lunches, 9 x Dinner
LuggageMax 15kg in Soft Bag/Backpack & Day Bag (No Suitcases)
Reverse Itinerary10 Day Broome to Darwin
Private Charter Available On Request
Validity1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025
Download Trip NotesComing Soon

PRIMARY PICK UP LOCATION: Melaleuca On Mitchell Backpackers, Darwin

Day 1 Darwin to Katherine Region

This overland adventure kicks off from the Northern Territory’s tropical capital with a drive south to Nitmiluk National Park. Depending on the season, your adventure will get underway with a swim in the natural pool by the base of Edith Falls and a visit to the croc-filled waters of Katherine Gorge. After lunch it’s on to our private campsite on the edge of Nitmiluk, where you have the option of spending the night in a permanent tent or snuggled up in a swag (an Aussie bedroll). (LD)

Day 2 Katherine to Lake Argyle

The outback of the Kimberley region, which spreads across the northern region of Western Australia, is not as flat, dry and barren as many first expect. Today we’ll visit enormous Lake Argyle, which looks perfectly at home despite being entirely man-made. You have the option of taking a cruise and looking for the native fauna that has settled here in huge numbers – try to spy crocodiles, wallabies and rare birds. Soak up the backdrop of mountains-turned-islands as we explore some of the 700 square kilometre surface of the lake, then turn into camp under some seriously starry skies. (BLD)

Days 3-4 Purnululu National Park: Bungle Bungles

The distinctive sandstone towers of the Bungle Bungle Range only became known to wider Australia when a group of documentary filmmakers stumbled across them in the early 1980’s. Travelling by both foot and vehicle, we’ll take you through the craggy gorges, past unique rock formations, and to hidden waterholes. The day closes with a stunning Kimberley sunset witnessed from this evening’s bush camp. Day 4 is all about getting to know the Bungle Bungles proper. First stop for the day is the ever-narrowing gap of Echidna Chasm. Formed over millions of years by water flowing through an opening in the sandstone, the path winds through palm-filled gorges up to 200 metres high though in parts only 1-2 metres wide. Next, trade the tight spaces of Echidna Chasm for the wide-open natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge. From feeling dwarfed by these giant rock structures, get a very different perspective with a helicopter flight over the Bungle Bungles. Though an optional activity at extra cost, this is definitely an experience worth shelling out for. (BLD/BLD)

Day 5 Bungle Bungles to El Questro

Hit the road again, this time passing Warmun (Turkey Creek) and the Durack Ranges on the way to El Questro. Not too long ago, it was mostly cattle that got to enjoy the million-acre sprawl of El Questro. Thankfully for the rest of us, the owners recognised the beauty they had on their hands and turned it into a wilderness park in 1991. Arriving at our campsite, there’ll be time for a beer or two at the Swinging Arm Bar before dinner. (BLD)

Day 6 El Questro Station

At more than one and a half times the size of the UK, there are plenty of scenic spots to explore in El Questro. On the drive in you will have got some clue as to the huge cliffs, deep gorges, waterfalls and swimming holes contained in the Cockburn Ranges, but now you’ll be exploring them on foot. Walk to Emma Gorge, cool off in a waterfall-fed subtropical pool and bliss out in the thermal springs of Zebedee. (BLD)

Day 7 Gibb River Road & Mt Barnett

Fording rivers and weaving through gorges, travel by 4WD along the wild Gibb River Road – a 600-kilometre stretch that winds right through the heart of the Kimberley. We’ve got a fair bit of ground to cover today, so there is a fair bit of drive time, but we’ll be breaking the journey up with lunch and at a few stop-offs along the way. Tonight’s camp is at Mt Barnett Station located  close to Manning Gorge. (BLD)

Day 8 Manning Falls

Stretch your legs on a morning hike and you will be rewarded with a swim in a large rock pool at the base of Manning Falls. After lunch we discover Adcock or Galvins Gorge, before heading back to camp to relax around the campfire. (BLD)

Day 9 Bell Gorge & Windjana Gorge

The western Kimberley region is full of endless stunning gorges that have to be explored and this morning is no exception. After breakfast we adventure to Bell Gorge home to a stunning cascade of water flowing from the previous wet season rains that fall in the King Leopold Ranges.  We camp overnight at Windjana Gorge, a segment of 375 million-year-old reef, that was once underwater. Cut through by the Lennard River, which runs during the wet season then breaks up into little billabongs during the dry, this gorge attracts many species of bird and bat and is a great spot to see wild freshwater crocodiles. (BLD)

Day 10 Tunnel Creek

The major attraction this morning is Tunnel Creek, an extensive limestone cave system that extends 750m underground. Inside, shards of sunlight stream in through crevices, little bats flutter about and enormous stalactites rear down from the ceiling. In the late 1800s, an indigenous man called Jandamarra waged a one-man uprising against European settlers, becoming a hero to his people. You’ll hear a bit about his legacy during a tour through Tunnel Creek, then make the final drive on to Broome, hopefully arriving in time for a stunning Cable Beach sunset. (BL)

PRIMARY DROP OFF LOCATION: Broome’s Kimberley Travellers Lodge *Additional nights available On Request – ask Reservations

Live Availability

2024 TOURS

Departure CodeDepartsFinishesBook OnlineGuaranteed
10DB24051313 May22 MayCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
10DB24061010 June19 JuneCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
10DB2407088 July17 JulyCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
10DB24081414 August23 AugustCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
10DB2409022 September11 SeptemberCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
10DB24093030 September9 OctoberCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure

Camping

All Nights Camping in National Parks, Caravan Parks or on Cattle Stations involves dome tents (single/twinshare), swags with fitted sheets & pillows with pillow cases. Some on site ablutions have hot showers and flush toilets however on some nights the ablution facilities can be very basic.

Inclusions

  • Experienced Guide
  • Meals as specified
  • Camping Accommodation
  • National Park Entry Fees

Options

  • Scenic Flights – allow approx $500 per person
  • Lake Argyle Cruise – allow approx $65 per person

Your Tour Guide can assist with booking these optional activities while on tour.

Our Wild Expeditions groups that travel through the Kimberley enjoy the comfort of our big custom-built 21-seat 4WD high clearance trucks. All our vehicles have a PA system and built-in storage (no risky trailers!). Being larger vehicles, they allow our small groups extra space to kick back and relax as the Australian outback drifts by. They are all fully air-conditioned and are fitted with adjustable air-vents, reclinable seats and map pockets to keep your book, drink and phone in. Note that the vehicle could be branded Kimberley Wild Expeditions or Intrepid Travel.

What to Bring

It is essential that you bring a torch, shoes you don’t mind getting wet – and we mean fully immersed in water: ideally, wet shoes, sandals or old runners, broad-brimmed hat with sun visor for all round protection, sunscreen, swimming costume and towel, good walking/trekking shoes, a personal water bottle and a pillow.

It is also recommended that you bring insect repellent, warm clothes for the evening (particularly if travelling in Winter), personal toiletries and first aid, with any personal medication required.

You will also need to bring a sleeping bag. 10ºC sleeping bags are available for sale at $50pp – these must be requested with our office prior to travel and can be kept following your trip or donated to local indigenous communities.

Notes

  • Your tour vehicle may be branded as Kimberley Wild Expeditions or Intrepid Travel.
  • Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted for any cause including seasonal conditions, weather extremes, traditional owner and national park requirements.
  • This tour is only for fit and active people, who can hike 5-9kms a day over uneven terrain, often in high temperatures. Temperatures can be extreme i.e. very high during summer days and very cold during winter nights. The operator reserves the right to assess the fitness capability of passengers prior to tour departure.
  • Due to the remote location and challenging nature of our extended camping tours it is essential for all travellers to review and sign our Medical Form to ensure you can participate fully in the itinerary.
  • Due to distances covered, this trip involves early departures on some morning and frequent stops between destinations.
  • This tour is not suitable for children. If you are travelling with a family, consider our 10 Day Wild Kimberley Loop
  • Travel Insurance is compulsory for all travellers on all tours and details must be presented to tour guide before departure.
  • It is your responsibility to advise Wild Expeditions if you have any special dietary requirements or medical conditions (including allergies) well ahead of departure.
  • It is you or your clients’ responsibility to contact Wild Expeditions with your preferred accommodation pick up point. Please contact our inside sales teams for information on other available pick up points. If we do not hear from you, we will assume you will make your way to our default pick up point as listed on this document. We will not be responsible for missed pick-ups (and a missed tour) if we do not receive notification from you or your travel agent, and if you are not at the default pick up point at the appropriate time.