13 Day Kimberley Explorer

The best 4WD adventure tour in the Kimberley! This is our most popular Kimberley Expedition as no Kimberley experience is complete without discovering both gorge country and the Kimberley coast. Immerse yourself in one of Australia’s more remote, pristine wildernesses – from the savannah to the sea this trip explore the highlights of the Kimberley in depth. Experience the land of the saltwater people on the Dampier Peninsula, get a taste of the Kimberley Coast in the Buccaneer Archipelago, take an iconic journey up the famous Gibb River Road and explore El Questro Wilderness Park, Lake Argyle and the World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungles.

Highlights

Buccaneer Archipelago Sea Safari, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Tour, Beagle Bay Pearl Shell Church Altar, One Arm Point Aquaculture Hatchery, Gibb River Road, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), Manning Falls, El Questro Wilderness Park, Zebedee Springs, Kununurra, Lake Argyle, Bungle Bungles, Echidna Chasm, Cathedral Gorge, Darlgunya Cultural Walk

Why Choose This Tour?

WHY CHOOSE THIS TOUR?

  • Bungle Bungles Safari Camp: stay in the heart of the park by the Bungles Massif, exclusive to Kimberley Wild
  • Accommodation Options, Camping or Camping Plus: choose a style that suits you
  • Includes Cygnet Bay & a Buccaneer Archipelago Sea Safari
  • Private Camps for 2 Night Stays, already set up and waiting for you!
  • Frequent Guaranteed Departure Dates
  • Two Experienced Guides*
  • 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

13DKE

Fitness level

Moderate

Price

From $5395

Year

2024

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Tour Details

Tour RouteBroome-Broome
Accommodation13DKE CAMPING: Safari Tent - shared facilities (1nt), Hotel - with ensuite (1nt), Private Camp - shared facilities (6nts), Camping - shared facilities (2nts), Bungle Bungles Safari Camp - shared facilities (2nts)
13DKE1 CAMPING PLUS: Hotel - with ensuite (1nt), Private Camp - shared facilities (2nts), Camping - shared facilities (1nt), Bungle Bungles Safari Camp - shared facilities (2nts), Safari Tent - shared facilities (4nts), Cabin - with ensuite (2nts)
Vehicles4WD Vehicle
FitnessModerate
Tour Code13DKE
Duration13 Days / 12 Nights
Tour StyleKimberley Expedition
Maximum Passengers20 (Minimum 4)
Price13DKE CAMPING:
Adult $5395 Child (4-12yo) $5295 *Optional Single Supplement On Request $395
13DKE1 CAMPING PLUS:
Adult $6295, Child (4-12yo) $6195 *Optional Single Supplement On Request $1150
DepartsMAY-OCT: Wednesdays & Fridays
Meals12 x Breakfasts, 12 x Lunches, 9 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 Notes13 Day Kimberley Explorer

Day 1 Beagle Bay, Lombadina & Buccaneer Archipelago

The Dampier Peninsula is an extraordinary blend of pristine beaches and dramatic coastlines, rich in traditional Aboriginal culture. Travelling north, learn about the region’s fascinating history from our guided commentary. Our first stop is the Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community, home of the Beagle Bay Church with its glimmering pearl shell altar, for morning tea. Next, we visit the garden community of Lombadina, home to an old bush church, a local craft shop and a delightful community bakery – enjoy their fresh wood-fired bread for our picnic lunch. Across the peninsula we discover the remote Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. In 1946 Dean Brown skippered a rickety wooden lugger into an unknown frontier to discover this hidden paradise: his descendants continue to operate what is now the oldest Pearl Farm in Australia. Embark on an extraordinary Sea Safari through the Islands of the Giant Tides to experience the remarkable tidal flows of King Sound. (LD)

Day 2 Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm & One Arm Point

This morning we gain an insight into this remote pearling industry on the Farm Tour, concluding with an in-depth pearl grading and appreciation session that will leave you feeling like a pearl expert. We then journey further north to the One Arm Point Aboriginal Community to tour a local aquaculture hatchery perched right on the tip of One Arm Point overlooking the impressive Buccaneer Archipelago. We also enjoy the company and cultural insight of our local guide, who will shares stories of growing up in the remote Bardi Jawi community and a few bushtucker secrets. After a picnic lunch visit the Round Rock viewpoint to search the bay for dolphins and turtles, while a refreshing dip at nearby Jologo Beach is a great way to finish up. On the return journey to Broome, keep an eye out for wildlife, such as dingoes, wallabies and wild donkeys, before arriving at your accommodation at approximately 5.00pm. (BL)

 Day 3 Tunnel Creek

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 and visit the Derby ‘Boab Prison Tree’ before we hit the Gibb River Road. The afternoon is devoted to exploring Tunnel Creek, with our local Bunuba guide. In this 750-metre cave system carved through the Napier Range, 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. Don’t miss a refreshing swim in an idyllic waterhole. That night we settle into our first night under the Kimberley night sky. (BLD)

Days 4-5 West Kimberley Gorges

The Napier Range is over 350 million years old and home to the geological wonder of Windjana Gorge. Beneath gorge walls rising 90m, we spend the morning searching for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and indigenous bush tucker. Mid morning we head off to Dalmanyi (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! Spend the next day swimming in paradise: discover the cool waters of water lily-laden Galvans Gorge and stunning Adcock 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. (BLD/BLD)

Days 6-7 El Questro Wilderness Park

Our journey up the Gibb River Road continues to the iconic El Questro Wilderness Park. Two nights in our private campsite allows free time to join one or more of the many activities on offer. We include a refreshing dip in the Zebedee Springs and walk into Emma Gorge while a cruise on Chamberlain Gorge, bush tucker walk or bird watching tour are amongst the many optional activities. You may choose to simply explore this beautiful wilderness park at your own leisure. (BLD/BL)

Days 8-9 Kununurra & Lake Argyle

Emerge from the Gibb River Road for a few hours free time in Kununurra: sample locally-made rum at the Hoochery and pick up some local sandalwood inspired beauty, health and lifestyle products at the Sandalwood Factory. After lunch, travel on to the shores of the expansive Lake Argyle, the heart of the Ord River Irrigation System which has transformed this dry region into a lush agricultural oasis. Two nights allows time to enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim in the Infinity Pool, with a magnificent view across the lake, and take up one of the many optional activities on offer such as scenic flights and kayak hire. You may like to join our guide to visit the historic Durack Homestead Museum or take on one of the many bush trails to explore the area. A sunset boat cruise on the lake is highly recommended (approx AU$100pp, own expense). (BD/BL)

Days 10-11 Purnululu National Park: Bungle Bungles

Journey south down the Great Northern Highway to Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungles. Two nights here, staying in our private Bungle Bungle Safari Camp in the heart of the park, allows a full day to explore the highlights of this extraordinary National Park, the most famous of which, are 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. We explore Echidna Chasm (2km), known for its towering Livistonia Palm trees, and take a short walk (2-3km) into stunning Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks create a natural amphitheatre. There is time in the afternoon to take an optional scenic helicopter flight and enjoy a birds-eye view of the beehive domes (approx $450pp, own expense) to put it all into perspective. (BLD/BLD)

Day 12 China Wall & Fitzroy Crossing

Enroute to Fitzroy Crossing, we break the long journey with a visit the gold rush town of Halls Creek to see the remarkable China Wall. We also enjoy lunch at Marys Pool and visit an Aboriginal Art Gallery, before an evening by the Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing. (BLD)

Day 13 Dalgunya Cultural Walk

This morning we Join the Darlgunya Cultural Walk where our local Indigenous guide leads a stroll through the remnants of the old postal settlement. Learn about the wild Fitzroy River: its plants, wildlife and significance to local culture. Finish up with a chat over a cup of billy tea. We return to Broome in the afternoon. (BL)

 

 

 

Live Availability

2024 TOURS

Departure CodeDepartsFinishesBook OnlineBook Online
13DKE2405033 May15 MayCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE2405088 May20 MayCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24051010 May22 MayCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24051717 May29 MayCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24052222 May3 JuneCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24052424 May2 JuneCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24053131 May12 JuneCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE2406055 June17 JuneCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE2406077 June19 JuneCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24061414 June26 JuneCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24061919 June1 JulyCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24062121 June3 JulyCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE21062828 June10 JulyCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE2407033 July15 JulyCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE2407055 July17 JulyCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24071212 July24 JulyCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24071717 July29 JulyCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24071919 July31 JulyCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24072626 July7 AugustCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24073131 July12 AugustCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE2408022 August14 AugustCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE2408099 August21 AugustCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24081414 August26 AugustCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24081616 August28 AugustCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24082323 August4 SeptemberCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24082828 August9 SeptemberCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24083030 August11 SeptemberCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE2409066 September18 SeptemberCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24091313 September25 SeptemberCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
13DKE24092025 September7 OctoberCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure

Camping

Night 1 Enjoy a night in Cygnet Bay's safari cabins/tents.
Night 2 Rest up in a Private Room - with ensuite - at a Broome Resort before we depart for the adventure of the Gibb River Road
Nights 3, 8, 9 & 12 Camping in National Parks and in the grounds of Lake Argyle and the Fitzroy River Lodge involves dome tents (single/twinshare), swags with fitted sheets & pillows with pillow cases. On site ablutions have hot showers and flush toilets.
Nights 4 & 5 Enjoy two nights in the comfort of our own private safari camp at Manning Gorge. The camp features large tents on raised platforms with twin stretcher beds, mattresses and our own sheltered kitchen area. Nearby shared ablutions have hot showers and flush toilets.
Nights 6 & 7 Our private camp on the grounds of El Questro also features large tents on raised platforms with twin stretcher beds, mattresses and our own sheltered kitchen area. Nearby shared ablutions have hot showers and flush toilets.
Nights 10 & 11 In the heart of Purnululu National Park, our eco safari tents at the Bungle Bungles Safari Camp boast views of the Bungles Massif from your door. The camp features modern facilities, a covered dining deck with panoramic views and an open air campfire around which you can relax beneath a sparkling Kimberley night sky: chatting, star-gazing and sharing the adventure with like-minded travellers.

Camping Plus

Night 1 Enjoy a night in Cygnet Bay's safari cabins/tents.
Night 2 Rest up in a Private Room - with ensuite - at a Broome Resort before we depart for the adventure of the Gibb River Road
Night 3 Camping under the stars in the Silent Grove Camp Ground requires you to erect your own dome tent (single/twinshare) - this is so easy, it takes about three minutes! We provide swags with fitted sheets & pillows with pillow cases. On site ablutions have hot showers and flush toilets.
Nights 4 & 5 Enjoy two nights in the comfort of our own private safari camp at Manning Gorge. The camp features large tents on raised platforms with twin stretcher beds, mattresses and our own sheltered kitchen area. Nearby shared ablutions have hot showers and flush toilets.
Nights 6 & 7 The permanent Safari Tents at El Questro Station offer an affordable upgrade option at the famous El Questro Wilderness Park. With twin beds, lighting and a quality ablutions block nearby, these tents ensure you have a comfortable nights sleep while still enjoying the outback essence of Kimberley camping.
Nights 8 & 9 The Standard Rooms at Lake Argyle Resort each have a queen & single bed, private ensuite bathroom, a small fridge, tea/coffee making facilities. airconditioning and a private verandah to enjoy the beautiful surrounds.
Nights 10 & 11 In the heart of Purnululu National Park, our eco safari tents at the Bungle Bungles Safari Camp boast views of the Bungles Massif from your door. The camp features modern facilities, a covered dining deck with panoramic views and an open air campfire around which you can relax beneath a sparkling Kimberley night sky: chatting, star-gazing and sharing the adventure with like-minded travellers.
Night 10 The new Safari Tents at the Fitzroy River Lodge offer elevated glamping, with twin beds and power. Shared facilities.
PLEASE NOTE: Single travellers have the option to pay a Single Supplement and be guaranteed a room to yourself on all accommodated nights. On all Camping nights however, you will always have a tent to yourself, with the exception of our private safari camps where occasionally, due to limited availability, you may have to twin share; this is a rare occurrence. If you do not choose to pay a Single Supplement, you will be allocated twin share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender on any accommodated nights.

Inclusions

  • Two Tour Hosts – including an Experienced Kimberley Tour Guide and Assistant (on all tours with 8+ travellers – see Important Notes)
  • Meals as specified
  • Camping Accommodation (Upgrade Options available)
  • Community Entry Permits & National Park Entry Fees
  • Sea Safari: Islands of the Giant Tides, Waterfall Reef or Kimberley Island Explorer, depending on the tide. Valued at $240pp
  • Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Tour
  • Guided tour of One Arm Point Aboriginal Community’s Aquaculture Hatchery
  • Darlgunya Cultural Walk
  • Zebedee Springs Permit
  • Bungle Bungles Safari Camp Stay (2nts)

Options

  • 30 minute Scenic Helicopter Flight over the Bungle Bungles – allow approx $500 per person*
  • Sunset Cruise on Lake Argyle – allow approx $100 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 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, even if you have chosen the Camping Plus option (13DKE1) as these are necessary for the Camping nights and also the Bungle Bungles Safari Camp stay. 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, 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

  • Departures are subject to weather conditions and road closures.
  • The Sea Safari is tide dependent: it may be the Giant Tides, Waterfall Reef or on neap tides, we will enjoy the Kimberley Island Explorer. The Sea Safari is operated by Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm.
  • Access to Aboriginal Communities can be interrupted due to COVID-19 government restrictions, which can sometimes affect our itineraries.
  • This tour itinerary does not visit the Kooljaman or Cape Leveque areas as they are closed for the foreseeable future.
  • Accommodation upgrades are subject to availability and On Request until Confirmed.
  • A few meals are not included as there are excellent local options available, providing freshness, variety and choice – allow approx AUD $160pp for meals. (Allow a little more if you want a beer or glass of wine with dinner.)
  • This itinerary involves some clambering over rocks, wading in water by torchlight, 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.
  • For those who choose to pay the optional Single Supplement, note that it does not include the private camp stays; due to capacity constraints single travellers may have to twinshare with another traveller of the same gender – this is a rare occurrence.
  • It is important that you appreciate the Kimberley Wild experience and the remote, vast nature of the areas through which we travel – 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.
  • A Tour Assistant is provided on tour for all larger groups of 8 or more travellers (starting on the evening of Day 2).
  • This tour is a Combination of two separate tours: 2 Day Dampier Peninsula Experience and the 11 Day Wild Kimberley Loop. It may therefore have different guides for each stretch.