13 Day Kimberley Photographic Journey
Day 1 (L)
You will be collected from your hotel at 7am this morning to begin your private 13 day photography tour through the Kimberley region.
We head south, along the Stuart Highway to the township of Katherine, stopping at historic Adelaide River en-route.
An hour north of Katherine, we turn off to Leilyn (Edith Falls), part of Nitmiluk National Park and well known for it’s picturesque waterfalls and pools. We can have a swim at the large pool at the base of the escarpment and then take the Leliyn Trail - a walk that takes us across the top of the waterfall, where we can have a swim in the upper rockpools and we’ll get views of the waterfalls and Edith River from a couple of lookouts. It’s simply stunning.
On arrival in Katherine, we make our way to Nitmiluk Gorge, home to 13 spectacular gorges, carved out of the rock by torrential summer rains, over millions of years. After checking in, you’ll take the Nabilil Dreaming sunset dinner cruise through the gorge. Nabilil (Nah-bill-lil) is a dragon-like figure who named the region Nitmiluk after hearing the song of the cicada (nitnit, nitnit). Learn more about the spirit, history and culture of the Jawoyn people as you cruise along the first two tranquil gorges. Discover the music, stories and ways of the Jawoyn as the sunsets and the beauty of the gorge intensifies. Lap up the surroundings by candlelight and enjoy a three course buffet dinner along the way.
Our accommodation this evening is in the cabins at Nitmiluk Gorge. It’s a great place to see wallabies and after we check in, there should be some free time before the cruise to go for a walk or relax in your cabin.
Overnight accommodation in Katherine- cabins at Nitmiluk Gorge, with en-suites and power
Day 2 (B,L)
Today we head west along the Victoria Highway, into Western Australia. En-route, we stop to view the mighty Victoria River, one of the largest tidal influenced rivers in the Territory with an abundance of saltwater crocodiles.
We cross through the border into Western Australia and onto Lake Argyle, Australia’s largest man- made lake, covering 1000sq km and built as part of the Ord River scheme. It offers a great expanseof water from which steep red rocky slopes reach up approximately 150m, in awe-inspiring grandeur.
This afternoon we take the sunset cruise on the lake, where you will cruise through some of the 90 islands and inlets and take in the magnificent scenery of the Carr Boyd Ranges. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and nibblies as the sun sets over the rugged red cliffs and azure blue water.
Dinner tonight can be purchased at the bistro.
Overnight accommodation – cabins with en-suites and power at Lake Argyle Resort.
Day 3 (L,D)
This morning we pop into Kununurra to collect fresh supplies (due to border restrictions) so there is some free time while your guide shops.
Then we head south towards the Bungle Bungles. Purnululu National park (the Bungle Bungles) is famous for the ancient range of unusual beehive-shaped domes, gorges and chasms over 350 million years old.
The section of road into the park is quite challenging and will give you a real sense of off-road adventure !
Dinner tonight will be served in camp
Overnight Bungle Bungles- cabins with en-suites
(2 night stay).
Day 4 (B,L,D)
We spend today in the Bungle Bungles.
Our first stop in the park is Cathedral Gorge, a huge natural amphitheatre, with fantastic acoustics. The intense coloured banding of the rocks makes for some fantastic photos.
We then take the walk to the Piccininny Lookout, followed by the “Domes trail walk”.
This afternoon we take a walk into Echidna Chasm, whichis a narrow gorge of conglomerate rock. The walk in is beautiful, passing endemnic livistonia palms and we're there for the afternoon light, which intensifies the colours.
There’s also time today for optional helicopter flights (additional cost).
Dinner tonight will be served in camp
Overnight Bungle Bungles- cabin with en-suites
Day 5 (B,L)
After breakfast, we leave the Bungle Bungles and head north again to visit the beautiful Parrys Lagoon Nature Reserve, which is a haven for birdlife and great for photography.
Our destination today is Diggers Rest Station, a working cattle station, nestled in the King River Valley. Crossing vast mudflats, we make our way to the station via an art site and a prison boab tree.The majestic Cockburn Ranges to the West and the Erskine Ranges to the East provide a stunning backdrop to the station.
After checking in, we may have time to explore or take a sunset horse ride
Overnight accommodation Diggers Rest Station- your choice of fan cooled bush huts, with outdoor bush en-suite or air con bunkhouse with shared facilities. Both options have power
Day 6 (B,L)
Today we head to Emma Gorge, part of El Questro Wilderness Park, which is a million acres in size.
You have plenty of time today to walk into Emma Gorge itself. A cool reward awaits you at the end of the walk, where you can swim at Emma Gorge pool and the 200ft waterfall that is fed from a series of natural springs high above the plateau of the Cockburn Range.
This evening we head out to a sunset lookout, exclusive to us this evening, which is a special chance to soak up this intimate sunset in peace and enjoy nibbles provided by your guide.
Overnight Emma Gorge- Tented cabins with en-suites (2 night stay)
Day 7 (B,L)
We start today with a relaxing dip at the Zebedee Springs thermal pools, set amongst palm trees.
The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the activities on offer at El Questro.
There are a range of walks available, go fishing or bird watching, we can drive to the Durack Tree, take the Chamberlain Gorge cruise or take a helicopter flight to one of the hard-to-reach parts of El Questro. Your guide will be on hand to assist you with your activities.
Overnight Emma Gorge
Day 8 (B, L,D)
Leaving El Questro, we make our way back onto the Gibb River Road and we’ll drive through the Pentecost River to a lookout, for fantastic views of the river and the mighty Cockburn Range.
We’ll also view an art site of cuples, Wandjana figures and Petroglyphs (rock carvings). This is also where the local Aboriginal people used to shelter and sharpen their spears.
Our destination this afternoon is Mt. Elizabeth Station, a working cattle station, established in 1945 by the pioneering Lacey Family.
The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the property.
Overnight homestead accommodation –Mt. Elizabeth Station, with power and shared bathrooms, on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis DBB.
Day 9 (B,L,D)
We start today at Manning Gorge, where we can swim and relax.
Then onto Galvans Gorge, a small picturesque gorge, surrounded by boab trees. It has some interesting rock art and is a great place for a relaxing swim.
Then we’ll make our way through the Napier and King Leopold Ranges to our accommodation.
Overnight accommodation- Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge in tented cabins with en-suites
Day 10 (B,L,D)
Today we continue along the Gibb River Road to Bell Gorge, which is said to be the most picturesque gorge in the Kimberley. We have the whole morning here to swim and explore.
Our destination this afternoon is the Mornington Wilderness Sanctuary, non-profit AWC. It’s Australia's second largest non-government protected area, covering nearly 6,000 km2 of spectacular gorges and tropical savannah dominated by the Fitzroy River and King Leopold Ranges. It is a naturalist’s paradise, providing refuge for over 200 species of birds and a diverse range of other wildlife including threatened species. It offers some amazing photo opportunities and by staying here, we’re also helping to save Australia’s endangered wildlife.
After checking in, there should be some free time before you’ll take a sunset tour to Sir John Gorge, set within the majestic King Leopold Ranges. The beauty of Sir John Gorge at sunset is one of the Kimberley’s best views. Swim, explore, enjoy the abundant birdlife and sip champagne as the sun goes down.
Overnight accommodation- Mornington Wilderness Sanctuary – Deluxe Safari tent with power, en- suite and a private balcony overlooking picturesque Annie Creek. DBB basis (2 night stay)
Day 11 (B,L,D)
We have the whole day to explore at Mornington today. There are a range of walks we can take, some beautiful drives, you can canoe down Dimond Gorge, swim and explore Sir John Gorge, swim and relax and Cadjeput or Bluebush Waterhole or bird watch- the choice is yours.
Finish the day watching the sun set over the stunning Central Kimberley ranges.
Overnight accommodation- Mornington Wilderness Sanctuary – Deluxe Safari tent with power, en- suite and a private balcony overlooking picturesque Annie Creek. DBB basis
Day 12 (B,L,D)
Today we travel through the King Leopold and Napier Ranges towards Windjana Gorge, part of an ancient Devonian reef system where the Lennard River has cut through the Napier range.
En-route we stop to look at the King Leopold Range lookout, which offers great photo opportunities.
We take a walk into Windjana Gorge, part of an ancient Devonian reef system where the Lennard River has cut through the Napier range. We view the fossilised reef system and freshwater crocodiles can often be seen lazing around on the river banks.
Continuing onto Tunnel Creek, we walk through the 750m long limestone tunnel in the Napier Range, carved into the rock over millions of years. View stalactites and stalacmites and hear the story of Jandamarra, who used the tunnel as a hideout in the late 1800’s.
Overnight accommodation- Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing- your choice of safari tent or motel room. Both have en-suites and power.
Day 13 (B,L)
Start today with the ranger lead boat cruise through Geike Gorge, where flood waters of the Fitzroy River have carved the 30-metre-deep Gorge through the limestone at the junction of the Oscar and Geikie Ranges.
In the dry season, the river transforms itself into a quiet stream strung out beneath the towering cliffs of the Devonian reef. Here, layers of fossils and the limestone strata of an ancient reef are exposed in cross section, showing glimpses of life in the Devonian period before reptiles or mammals evolved.
After the cruise, we begin our drive back to Broome, with lunch en-route. We arrive into Broome late afternoon and you will be dropped off at your accommodation.
END ITINERARY
B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner
This tour is only operated as a private charter (sole use of vehicle and driver guide)
and is valid for travel from May to October only due to seasonal conditions- please enquire for prices and further
details.
This itinerary can be changed to suit your requirements, interests and time frame.
We can also include the services and instruction during the trip, from a professional photographer, at your request.
Inclusions:
• Sole use of 4WD tour vehicle with professional driver guide and purpose built heavy duty trailer
• Meals as stated
• Accommodation
• Entry fees and El Questro Wilderness pass
• Geike Gorge cruise
• 3.5 hour sunset dinner cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge
• Sunset Lake Argyle cruise
• Exclusive use of a sunset lookout point at El Questro
• Sunset tour to Sir John Gorge at Mornington Wilderness Sanctuary
Exclusions:
• Pre & Post tour accommodation
• Travel insurance
• Arrival / departure flights
• Alcohol
• Extra optional activities, such as canoeing at Mornington Sanctuary, activities at El Questro such as helicopter flights and fishing, Bungle Bungles helicopter flight (please request upon booking, to avoid disappointment). 30 mins is approx $290pp and 40 mins is approx $390pp
• Photography equipment- please bring your own
• Instruction by a professional photographer- unless requested in advance (extra charges apply)
|