14 Day Kimberley Trail, including Mitchell Plateau

This 14 day 4WD adventure takes on the popular Kimberley trail: journey the Gibb River Road and discover the West Kimberley Gorges, the Mitchell Plateau and El Questro Wilderness Park. Venture into remote Purnululu National Park to explore the World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungles and witness the vast waters of Lake Argyle.

Highlights

Gibb River Road, Tunnel Creek, Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), Galvans Gorge, Mitchell Falls,  Mitchell Falls Scenic Transfer Flight, Bradshaw Rock Art, Drysdale River Station, El Questro Wilderness Park, Zebedee Springs, Emma Gorge, Bungle Bungles, Echidna Chasm, Cathedral Gorge, Kununurra, Lake Argyle

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
  • Private Camps for 2 Night Stays, already set up and waiting for you!
  • Includes 2 nights on the remote Mitchell Plateau
  • 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

14DKT

Fitness level

Advanced

Price

From $5395

Year

2024

Join Wild Expeditions!

Tour Details

Tour RouteBroome-Broome
Accommodation14DKT CAMPING:
Camping (5nts), Private Camp (6nts), Bungle Bungles Safari Camp - shared facilities (2nts)
Vehicles4WD Vehicle
FitnessAdvanced
Tour Code14DKT
Duration14 Days / 13 Nights
Tour StyleKimberley Expedition
Maximum Passengers20 (Minimum 4)
Price14DKT CAMPING:
Adult $5395, Child (4-12yo) $5295
DepartsMAY-OCT: Selected Tuesdays - see Departures tab below.
Meals13 x Breakfasts, 13 x Lunches, 10 x Dinners
LuggageMax 15kg in Soft Bag/Backpack & Day Bag (No Suitcases)
Private CharterAvailable On Request
Validity1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025
Travelling in 2025? Click Here...
More InformationWhat You Need To Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Download Trip NotesComing Soon

Day 1 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. 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. That night we settle into our first night under the Kimberley night sky. (LD)

Days 2-3 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 4-5 Mitchell Plateau

It is a very early start to kick off our two-day diversion to the majestic Mitchell Plateau: a highlight of the trip. The long drive through real 4WD country takes us up the rugged Kalumburu Road then onto the Mitchell Plateau Track – totally worth it! After crossing rivers and passing through ancient Livistonia palm forests, we emerge from the savannah and onto the Mitchell Plateau. With two nights camping in the National Park, we trek to Little and Big Merten Falls, take a dip in pristine plunge pools and view Bradshaw rock art. A return scenic helicopter flight offers a bird’s eye view of this extraordinary landscape. (BLD/BLD)

Day 6 Drysdale Station

Drysdale River Station is an oasis in the outback. This million-acre, family owned and operated cattle station, runs approximately 10,000 head of cattle and lies in the North Kimberley on the Gibb River Road. Hanging out in the true-blue Australian outback means you have all the magical scenery and feeling of isolation you could ask for. On arrival you may wish to explore the nearby surroundings or sit back and enjoy a cold drink in the beer garden, warm yourself around the log fire in the cool night air. (BL)

Days 7-8 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 9-10 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. Enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim in the Infinity Pool, with a magnificent view across the lake. In the morning, take up one of the many optional activities on offer such as scenic flights and kayak hire. Alternatively, 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$110pp, own expense). (BD/BL)

Days 11-12 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 $500pp, own expense) to put it all into perspective. (BLD/BLD)

Day 13 China Wall & Fitzroy Crossing

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

Day 14 Darlgunya 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 OnlineGuaranteed
14DKT24043030 April13 MayCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
14DKT24051414 May27 MayCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
14DKT24052828 May10 JuneCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
14DKT24061111 June24 JuneCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
14DKT24062525 June8 JulyCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
14DKT2407099 July22 JulyCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
14DKT24072323 July5 AugustCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
14DKT2408066 August19 AugustCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
14DKT24082020 August2 SeptemberCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
14DKT2409033 September16 SeptemberCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure

Camping

Nights 1, 4, 5, 6, & 13 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 those nights in which we are camping in National Parks, the ablution facilities can be relatively basic.
Nights 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 & 10 Camping in one of our private KWE Safari Camps features tourer-style tents on platforms with twin beds and share ablution facilities nearby.
Nights 11 & 12 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.

Inclusions

  • Experienced Tour Guides
  • Meals as specified
  • Camping & KWE Private Camp Accommodation
  • 2 night Stay in Bungle Bungles Safari Camp
  • National Park Entry Fees
  • Mitchell Falls Scenic Helicopter Transfer
  • Darlgunya Cultural Walk
  • Zebedee Springs Permit

Options

  • 30 minute Scenic Helicopter Flight over the Bungle Bungles – allow approx $500 per person
  • El Questro’s Chamberlain Gorge Cruise – allow approx $70 per person
  • Lake Argyle Sunset Cruise – 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;. 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: usually only a concern for tours in April.
  • Due to capacity constraints in our KWE Private Camps, including the Bungle Bungles Safari Camp, 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.)
  • Two guides 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 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.