10 Day Kimberley Walking

Were your feet made for walking? This 10 day 4WD and walking adventure provides an opportunity to explore more of the Kimberley on foot. Explore in El Questro, Purnululu National Park, and an excursion to the famous Wolfe Creek Crater, we have time to trek through cave tunnels, into remote gorges, under waterfalls, across savannah plains, along escarpments, up rocky river beds and of course, around an ancient desert meteorite crater. Fresh air, exercise and the outback – you can’t go wrong!

Highlights

Gibb River Road, Tunnel Creek, Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), Galvans Gorge, El Questro Wilderness Park, Zebedee Springs, Emma Gorge, Bungle Bungles, Echidna Chasm, Cathedral Gorge, Kununurra, Wolfe Creek Crater, Mimbi Caves

Why Choose This Tour?

WHY CHOOSE THIS TOUR?

  • Extra time to explore on foot – great exercise in fresh air!
  • A mix of national park Camping and our own Private Camps which are already set up and waiting for you
  • Guaranteed Departure Dates
  • Two Tour Hosts – including an Experienced Kimberley Tour Guide and Tour Assistant (on all tours with 8+ travellers)
  • Big Comfortable 4WD Trucks: you can stand up in them
  • Award-winning Local Tour Operator – GOLD MEDAL WINNER of the Major Tour & Transport Operator Award 2019
  • Best Value Tours in the Kimberley – go on, compare inclusions!

Tour Summary

Tour Code

10DKW

Fitness level

Advanced

Price

From $3995

Year

2024

Join Wild Expeditions!

Tour Details

Tour RouteBroome-Broome
Accommodation10DKW CAMPING:
Camping (9nts)
Vehicles4WD Vehicle
FitnessAdvanced
Tour Code10DKW
Duration10 Days / 9 Nights
Tour StyleKimberley Expedition
Maximum Passengers20 (Minimum 4)
Price10DKW CAMPING:
Adult $3995
DepartsMAY-OCT: Selected Wednesdays - see Departures tab below.
Meals9 x Breakfasts, 10 x Lunches, 7 x Dinners
LuggageMax 15kg in Soft Bag/Backpack & Day Bag (No Suitcases)
Private CharterAvailable On Request
Validity1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025
More InformationWhat You Need To Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Download Trip Notes10 Day Kimberley Walking

Days 1–3 West Kimberley Gorges

As we travel through the remote and beautiful Kimberley landscape, our guide shares stories of local history, people and the environment. Enjoy a morning tea break by the Fitzroy River, the biggest waterway in the Kimberley which floods annually, but recently swelled to record levels in a once in a 100 year weather event! Soon enough we hit the Gibb River Road and journey to our campsite in Silent Grove, where we set up camp for our first night under the Kimberley stars. In the morning we discover Bell Gorge, a hidden highlight of the West Kimberley. This idyllic retreat, considered amongst the most beautiful in the area, boasts cascading waterfalls and crystal clear pools formed over millions of years – an easy place to while away a few hours! Further up the Gibb River Road, we discover the cool waters of water lily-laden Galvans Gorge and stunning Adcock Gorge. Swim across the Manning River to start our trek into Manning Gorge. Amid the rugged beauty of Manning Falls we swim in deep clear pools, relax, explore wandering streams, uncover local wildlife and take a dip in the waterfall pools. Overnight we camp by a billabong on Mt Barnett Cattle Station. (LD/BLD/BLD)

Days 4-5 El Questro Wilderness Park

El Questro Station is an icon of the Kimberley. We include a refreshing dip in the Zebedee Springs, a walk into Emma Gorge and the more challenging trek into El Questro Gorge. A trek up to Sandleback Ridge Lookout for sunset is a great way to end the day! There are optional activities as well so you can choose to simply explore this beautiful wilderness park at your own leisure. (BLD/BL)

Days 6-7 Kununurra & Purnululu National Park: Bungle Bungles

Emerge from the Gibb River Road and travel to Kununurra. Explore the Savannah Woodland in Mirima National Park, often known as the ‘mini Bungle Bungles’, on the Gerliwany-gerring Banan Trail. After lunch, travel south towards Purnululu. (Helispirit flights this afternoon – mentioned below – if possible*.) It’s an early start on day 7 to make our way into Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungles. Walk up the creek bed into Echidna Chasm and trek through the Bungle Bungle domes: rivers created this landscape of unique orange and black striped ‘beehive’ geological formations over a period of 20 million years. Unbelievably, only the locals knew it existed until the early 1980’s; once discovered by others, the area was made a national park in 1987. Discover Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks create a natural amphitheatre, then kick back at our own private camp overlooking the Bungles Massif. (BLD/BLD)

Day 8 Wolf Creek Crater

This morning we walk into Mini Palms Gorge before we bid farewell to Purnululu National Park and travel through Halls Creek to the rugged Tanami Track. Turning south we make our way out to the famous Wolfe Creek Crater, known locally as Kandimalal. This distinctive hole in the earth’s crust is believed to have been left by a meteorite that collided over 120,000 years old, during the Pleistocene period. An afternoon hike to the crater rim and a magical sunset sets the scene for another night camping around the fire in this remote, isolated destination. (BLD)

Day 9 Mimbi Caves

Sunrise over the crater is worth rising for then we pack up camp and return north up the Tanami Track – keep an eye out for wildlife! After lunch we visit the ancient realm of Mimbi Caves, one of Western Australia’s largest cave systems, in the heart of Gooniyandi Country. Spiritually significant, these limestone caves are one of the oldest identified sites of human occupation in Australia. Delve into Dreamtime with our local Gooniyandi guide who shares traditional stories and reveals the secrets of Mimbi Caves, a sanctuary of crystal clear pools, rare fossils and ancient rock art. Share fresh damper and billy tea with the Gooniyandi traditional owners before journey on to Fitzroy Crossing. (BL)

Day 10 Windjana Gorge & Tunnel Creek

The Napier Range is over 350 million years old and home to Tunnel Creek, a 750-metre cave system in which we discover stalactites, secret caves and a large variety of wildlife. It is here we also learn the legend of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hide-out in the late 1800’s. In the afternoon we visit the geological wonder of Windjana Gorge, searching for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and indigenous bush tucker beneath the gorge walls that rise 90m. Then it is time to give your legs a hard-earned rest as we journey back into Broome. Relax and watch the savannah go by, reflecting on the adventure behind us and the ocean that awaits us. (BL)

 

 

 

Live Availability

Departure CodeDepartsFinishesBook Online
10DKW24052222 May31 MayCheck Availability & Book Online
10DKW2406055 June14 JuneCheck Availability & Book Online
10DKW24071717 July26 JulyCheck Availability & Book Online
10DKW24081414 August23 AugustCheck Availability & Book Online

Camping

Nights 1, 6 & 8 Camping in National Parks and 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.
Nights 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 & 9 Camping in one of our private KWE Safari Camps features tourer-style tents on platforms with twin beds and share ablution facilities nearby.

Inclusions

  • Two Tour Hosts – including an Experienced Kimberley Tour Guide and Tour Assistant (on all tours with 8+ travellers)
  • Meals as specified
  • Camping & KWE Private Camp Accommodation
  • National Park Entry Fees
  • Zebedee Springs Permit
  • Mimbi Caves Adventure

Options

  • 30 minute Scenic Helicopter Flight over the Bungle Bungles – allow approx $500 per person

Your Tour Guide will assist with arranging these optional activities while on tour.

We operate our 4WD Kimberley Expeditions in custom-built, 21 seat 4WD trucks with a PA system and built-in storage (no risky trailers!). These comfortable, strong remote area vehicles allow our small groups extra space (including standing room), are fully air-conditioned and fitted with adjustable air-vents, reclinable seats, map pockets and footrests. It is important that when booking a 4WD outback adventure in the Kimberley, you understand that the roads we travel on can be heavily corrugated. Rest assured, these are the conditions for which our 4WD trucks are designed.

What to Bring

It is essential that you bring a day walking backpack, 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 sun protection, sunscreen, swimming costume and towel, good walking/trekking shoes and a personal water bottle.

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.

Other recommendations include: warm clothes for the evening (particularly if travelling May-Aug), personal toiletries and first aid kit, with any personal medication required.

** Don’t forget the necessary luggage restrictions – due to limited space in the vehicles it is important that your luggage is in a small, soft bag (suitcases are not suitable) and weighs a maximum of 15kg.

Notes

  • This is a walking adventure in remote terrain, therefore while you don’t need to be a superhero, you do need to be fit, active and sure on your feet. Overnight camping locations can be basic with basic facilities. We highly recommend sleeping under the stars!
  • This itinerary is not suitable for young children – we recommend 16yo and above.
  • Departures are subject to weather conditions and road closures: usually only a concern for tours in April.
  • Due to capacity constraints in our KWE Private Camps, single travellers may have to twinshare with another traveller of the same gender – this is a rare occurrence. While camping, a single tent is provided.
  • A few dinners are not included as there are excellent local a la carte options available, providing freshness, variety and choice – allow approx AUD $200pp for meals. (Allow a little more if you want a beer or glass of wine with dinner.)
  • A guide and tour host are provided on tour for all larger groups of 8 or more travellers.
  • This itinerary involves some clambering over rocks, wading in water by torchlight, walking in warm weather conditions (sometimes with little shade), walking on rocky creek beds and ascending/descending into gorges. A reasonable level of fitness and being sure on your feet is necessary to participate. Refer to the Fitness rating in The Facts.
  • Expect some early morning starts! It is nicer to walk in the cooler morning and travel in the vehicle during the heat of the day.
  • It is important that you appreciate the Kimberley Wild experience and the remote, vast nature of the areas through which we travel – this is a camping adventure into a remote pristine wilderness so expect the unexpected! Please ensure you read our What You Need to Know and Frequently Asked Questions pages.
  • Travel Insurance is compulsory for all travellers on all tours and details must be presented to tour guide before 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.