As well as natural beauty, biodiversity and a rich cultural history, the Kimberley region is a geological wonderland, recording epic events and processes in the Earth’s history over the last ~2 billion years. These include tectonic plate collision, meteorite impact, climate variations from glaciation to barrier reef formation, large volcanic eruptions, and deposition of sediments in vast basins. Subsequent erosion and other natural processes have resulted in a rugged landscape with escarpments, gorges, caves and waterfalls – providing habitat for a variety of plants and animals, a home to Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years, natural resources for agriculture and mineral explorers, and inspiration for artists for millennia.  This 14-day trip through the Kimberley will showcase these geological wonders, explore the Earth’s history through geological time, and examine abiotic, biotic and cultural connections across an area three times the size of England.

BROOME

Welcome to Broome! Or Rubibi, in the language of the Yawuru people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Broome is now located. Whilst in Broome before and after the Geotour, make sure to explore Cable Beach and Gantheaume Point to view the long white sandy beaches flanked by red cliffs and azure blue ocean that make the area famous. Footprints preserved in sandstone at Gantheaume Point (only accessible at low tide) record the oldest evidence of dinosaurs in Australia,  ~130 million years ago in the Cretaceous period.

Day 1, 6th June 2027 – Broome to Windjana Gorge

Our adventure starts straight away, setting off early this morning, to travel through the remote and beautiful Kimberley landscape. Stopping at Willare Roadhouse and the infamous Derby Boab Prison Tree enroute, we reach the Napier Range. Over 350 million years old and this range is home to the geological wonder of Bandiln͟gan (Windjana Gorge). Spend time walking beneath the gorge walls, looking for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and learning about indigenous bush tucker. Further up the track, we discover Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek), a 750m long cave system carved through the Napier Range. By the light of a head torch, look out for the stalactites and a large variety of wildlife like bats and freshwater crocodiles, and hear the legend of Jandamarra – an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hide out in the late 1800’s. In the late afternoon, we return to Windjana Gorge, where we set up camp in the National Park Campground. (LD)

Driving Distance: Approximately 450km / 6 Hours Driving

Day 2, 7th June 2027 – Windjana Gorge to Mount Barnett

This morning, we travel to Bell Gorge (Dalmanyi). This landmark in the West Kimberleys is known for its cascading waterfalls and clear pools formed millions of years ago. When you arrive, set off on the Bell Gorge Trail to Dalmanyi Falls. When you reach the end of the trail, stop and explore the area from the top of the falls or maybe continue along the Falls Trail, In the late afternoon, we reach the Mount Barnett Campground for the night. (BLD)

Driving Distance: Approximately 220km / 5 Hours Driving

Day 3, 8th June 2027 – Manning Falls 

Today we stretch our legs on a hike on the Manning Falls Trail. Starting with a river crossing, follow the trail along the Manning River to the falls. When you arrive, cool off in the deep clear pool. After lunch and a rest, we then visit the Galvans Gorge, which is only a short bushwalk. Dive into the cool waters of the gorge and sit underneath the falls for a natural back massage. Then, take some time exploring the rock walls beside the main pool, where you’ll find Wandjina rock art, before heading back to camp. (BLD)

Driving Distance: Approximately 50km / 1 Hours Driving

Day 4, 9th June 2027 – Mount Barnett to Mitchell Plateau

Departing the Gibb River Road today, we turn north up the Kalumburu Road. It is rugged and slow, but necessary to ascend to the Mitchell Plateau. Crossing rivers and passing by Livistonia palm forests, we emerge from the savannah and onto the Mitchell Plateau in the late afternoon – in time to set up camp in the National Park campground before dusk settles. (BLD)

Driving Distance: Approximately 380km / 6 Hours Driving

Day 5, 10th June 2027 –  Mitchell Plateau

Today you’ll explore the Mitchell Plateau on a hike to the Little and Big Merten Falls, and on to the Mitchell Falls. As you hike, take in the surrounding landscape of rocky sandstone, waterholes and fern-lined caves. When you arrive at the falls, take a dip in the plunge pools, look at the Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art and learn about the area’s prized bush-tucker like Miiyani (waterlily). Return to camp on a short scenic helicopter transfer (included – please advise body weight on booking). (BLD)

Driving Distance: No driving today.

Day 6, 11th June 2027 – Mitchell Plateau to Drysdale Station

Descending from the Plateau we have time today to take a break at the sacred Munurru site, where we cross King Edward River. We can walk to a remarkable local Wandjina and Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art sites and, time permitting, have a swim in the river. Drysdale Station is a family owned and operated cattle station has approximately 10,000 cattle on their million-acre property. When we arrive, take some time to explore the nearby surroundings at your own pace or maybe sit back and enjoy a cold drink  and dinner in the beer garden and warm yourself around the log fire in the cool night air. (BL)

Driving Distance: Approximately 170km / 5 Hours Driving

Day 7, 12th June 2027 – Drysdale Station to El Questro Wilderness Park

Returning to the Gibb River Road, our journey continues east. We break at Ellenbrae Station if you would like to try their famous scones and jam, and at the Pentecost River Lookout that takes in the river floodplain and the tabletop Cockburn Ranges. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it’s a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcast. We reach El Questro Station to set up camp and enjoy a relaxing night by the campfire.  (BLD)

Driving Distance: Approximately 300km / 6 Hours Driving

Day 8, 13th June 2027 –  El Questro Wilderness Park

After breakfast, we start the day with a short walk through the forest of Livistona and pandanus palms to the Zebedee Springs. When you arrive, spend some time exploring the natural thermal rock pools at the base of the cliff and cool off with a dip in the water. In the afternoon, we set off on the Emma Gorge Trail, known for its towering 120m cliff face made of quartz-rich Cockburn Sandstone. As you walk along the crystal-clear pools and waterfalls, look out for ripple markings in the rocks formed under shallow tidal waters millions of years ago. Tonight is free so maybe head out for a pub-style dinner at the restaurant on El Questro Station. (BL)

Driving Distance: Approximately 30km / 1 Hours Driving

Day 9, 14th June 2027 – Kununurra & Lake Argyle

Departing El Questro, we emerge from the Gibb River Road and drive to Kununurra, where you have some free time to wander the shops and galleries in the main area or find a local cafe for lunch. Then, time permitting, you’ll have the option to visit the Hoochery (a local distillery known for its rum) or Rockalong Stonework, a gallery of unusual rocks found in the region, with your leader. This afternoon, travel to the shores of the expansive Lake Argyle – the heart of the Ord River Irrigation System which has transformed this dry region into an agricultural oasis. Spend some time exploring the area and maybe dive into the infinity pool at Lake Argyle camp. (BL)

Driving Distance: Approximately 200km / 3 Hours Driving

Day 10, 15th June 2027 – Lake Argyle to Purnululu National Park

After a leisurely morning, head down the Great Northern Highway. After pausing at Doon Doon Roadhouse and the Warmun Arts Centre, we reach the Spring Creek Track that leads into Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungles. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its landscape of unique orange and black striped ‘beehive’ geological formations, created by rivers over a period of 20 million years. When we arrive, we set up camp in the National Park Campground. (BLD)

Driving Distance: Approximately 350km / 6 Hours Driving

Day 11, 16th June 2027 – Purnululu National Park: Bungle Bungles

Spend the morning exploring the Cathedral Gorge, known for its towering rocks, which create a natural amphitheatre due to its acoustics. We also 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. There is time for an optional scenic helicopter flight for a birdseye view of this extraordinery landscape (own expense). In the afternoon, we venture into Echidna Chasm, known for its towering Livistona Palm trees. Set off on the Echidna Chasm Walk, following the steep-sided gorge walls with shades of oranges and reds that glow when the sun hits them. Return to camp for dinner and a well-earned rest. (BLD)

Driving Distance: Approximately 80km / 1.5 Hours Driving

Day 12, 17th June 2027 –  Purnululu National Park to Wolfe Creek Crater

Emerging from Purnululu National Park, we break the drive with a visit to the China Wall near Halls Creek – a natural white quartz-vein  wall which looks like a miniature Great Wall of China. After lunch, we travel on to the rugged Tanami Track as 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 ago, 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)

Driving Distance: Approximately 400km / 7 Hours Driving

Day 13, 18th June 2027 – Wolfe Creek Crater to Fitzroy Crossing

Rise early to witness the sunrise from the top of Wolfe Creek Crater. After breakfast we return to the Tanami Track and back to the highway to continue our journey west to Fitzroy Crossing. Named due to the Martuwarra (Fitzroy River) that runs through it, the Fitzroy Valley is home to more than 40 Aboriginal communities, combining five different language groups – Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Nyikina, Wangkatjunka and Walmajarri. On the way, stop at Mary’s Pool for lunch before continuing to Fitzroy Crossing. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore the area before settling into camp for our last night under the Kimberley stars. (BL)

Driving Distance: Approximately 400km / 6 Hours Driving

Day 14, 19th June 2027 – Fitzroy Crossing & Broome 

This morning, join the Darlgunya Cultural Walk, where your local indigenous guide will take you through the remnants of the old postal settlement and down to the Fitzroy Riverbanks. Learn about the wild Fitzroy River – about its plants, wildlife and the significance to the local culture. Enjoy lunch on the way, before returning to Broome this afternoon. When you arrive in Broome, your trip will come to an end. (BL)

Driving Distance: Approximately 400km / 5 Hours Driving

*Please see the Important Notes section regarding the Subterranean Trail in Tunnel Creek