Map of Kimberley Trail  including Australia

Get among the rugged landscapes of the Kimberley region

Discover Australia’s wild west on a 14-day adventure through the Kimberley region. Hike to grandiose gorges, stand in awe of tiered waterfalls, take dips in secluded swimming spots and unwind in natural thermal pools. With time spent in the West Kimberley Gorges, Mitchell Plateau, El Questro Wilderness Park, Lake Argyle and Purnululu National Park, this magical corner of Australia will soon have you under its spell. From the strange beauty of the Bungle Bungles to the sheer size of the Mitchell Falls, landscapes don’t get more vast, rugged or dramatic than this.


Start
Broome, Australia
Finish
Broome, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Basix
Theme
Explorer, Overland
Code
PKRB
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 4, Max 20

Why you'll love this trip

  • Spend two days exploring the iconic landscapes of the Purnululu National Park, including gorges, valleys and the delightfully unusual red domes of the ancient Bungle Bungles.

  • Enjoy two days at the peaceful Lake Argyle – kayak, stand up paddleboard or simply relax in the infinity pool offering up unforgettable views of the area.

  • Take your time discovering the unspoiled wonders of El Questro Station. Hike to gorges and waterfalls and unwind in natural thermal pools shaded by palm trees.

  • Explore the rugged terrain of the Mitchell Plateau, including four-wheel drive adventures, a hike to the four-tiered Mitchell Falls and an unforgettable helicopter flight over the landscape.

  • Escape to the secluded Bell Gorge, home to a clear pool perfect for swimming, surrounded by a dramatic horseshoe of cliffs and a spectacular tiered waterfall.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is operated and run by our trusted partner, Kimberley Wild Expeditions. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Kimberley Wild Expeditions customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Kimberley Wild Expeditions to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time away.

  • On some days of the trip, you’ll spend several hours driving through very sparse areas of Australia. Sit back and enjoy landscapes that you would miss in any other form of travel. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. Think of it as a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie.

  • Our leaders are the classic do-it-all Aussie – they know the best spots to watch the sunset, can drive you to your next destination, take you on a guided hike or even whip up dinner for the group on some trips. While they won’t always do all these jobs on every trip, be aware they will be juggling many things on your tour and may have less time to spend with you. They will always be working hard to ensure you and your group have a fantastic time exploring Australia.

  • This trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain, including wading through water and clambering over rocks, and is best suited to travellers with a great level of fitness and mobility. Good footwear and comfortable clothing are recommended.

  • This is a camping trip for those who are looking for the basics. Simple facilities and lack of emphasis on creature comforts make this an authentic experience of the Australian outback.

  • Temperatures in Western Australia are extreme. During the day the weather can be hot (and the Australian sun is strong) so please bring appropriate clothing, use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings temperatures really drop, so ensure you have base layers and warm clothing.

Itinerary

Welcome to Kimberley, a spectacular land of wild and rugged scenery. Your adventure begins in Broome where you’ll link up with your local leader and new travel companions. Then it’s time for your first taste of Kimberley’s beautiful landscapes as you hit the road and drive towards Tunnel Creek. Stop off for a snack alongside the Fitzroy River, then pay a visit to the 1500-year-old hollow boab tree. Afterwards, visit an Aboriginal cultural and art centre for insight into the history and culture of the Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunumbal peoples. Return to the road and come upon the ancient Napier Range, home to Tunnel Creek. Your leader will explain how this extensive cave system sheltered an Aboriginal freedom fighter in the 19th century. Later in the afternoon, head to Windjana Gorge, a seriously impressive gorge carved into the Napier Range. Explore the area on foot in search of freshwater crocodiles, birdlife and bush tucker, then retire to your camp for an evening under the stars.
Included Activities
  • Derby - Boab Prison Tree
  • Derby - Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Cultural Centre
  • West Kimberley Gorges - Tunnel Creek National Park (Dimalurru)
  • West Kimberley Gorges - Windjana Gorge National Park (Bandilngan)
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please note that the tour commences early this morning in Broome at our default pick-up location (details can be found in the Essential Trip Information document), unless you or your booking agent requests an alternative pick-up location well ahead of departure. We do not take responsibility for missed tours if we have not been advised of an alternative in advance and you are not at the default location on time. You may want to stay a night in Broome prior to the trip's departure.
Start the day with a visit to Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), a picturesque spot in West Kimberley. Here you’ll find a deep, clear pool surrounded by a horseshoe of cliffs, but the star of the show is the spectacular tiered waterfall that tumbles into the pool below. Take some time to enjoy this secluded spot and take a refreshing dip, then stretch out in the sun on the surrounding rocks. Next, follow the Gibb River Road up to Galvans Gorge, a place so pretty it has to be seen to be believed. Swim in emerald waters encircled by granite outcrops covered in thriving plant life. For your last stop of the day, take a dip in the peaceful green pool of little-known Adcock Gorge. After a day of swimming in some of the Kimberley’s most stunning spots, retire to your camp on the side of a billabong on a cattle station – a true Aussie experience!
Included Activities
  • West Kimberley Gorges - Galvans Gorge
  • West Kimberley Gorges - Adcock Gorge
  • West Kimberley Gorges - Bell Gorge (Dalmanyi)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Wake up to the sounds of the Kimberley and enjoy a peaceful morning at camp, then head out to the Manning Gorge, a truly unforgettable swimming spot. First cross Manning creek then follow a rugged 3km trail to the top of the gorge, marked out with rock cairns and red disks, enjoying views of the wide-open spaces along the way. When you arrive at the gorge you’ll soon see that your efforts were worth it – don’t be surprised if this place takes your breath away! There are multiple pools to enjoy here, plus gorgeous meandering streams, fascinating wildlife and even some examples of ancient rock art. After a day enjoying all Manning Gorge has to offer, return to camp for the evening.
Included Activities
  • West Kimberley Gorges - Manning Gorge
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The Manning Gorge walk is a 5.6km return walk, taking around 2 hours (oplus swimming time). It is a Grade 4 walk, requiring some rock hopping into the gorge.
Rise bright and early this morning and travel to the Mitchell Plateau. Few visitors venture this far north, but those who do are rewarded with one of the highlights of the Kimberley region, especially the remarkable scenes of Mitchell River National Park, brimming with tropical rainforest, soaring waterfalls and dramatic escarpments. Weave through backcountry landscapes, up the red earth Kalumburu Road and onto the Mitchell Plateau Track. Cross rivers and pass through shady Livistona palm forests before coming upon the Mitchel Plateau. Set up camp in the national park and rest up for an exciting day tomorrow.
Included Activities
  • Mitchell River National Park
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Today will be spent exploring the wonders of the Mitchell River National Park. Set out on a hike to a series of magnificent waterfalls, first crossing Mertens creek and arriving at the Little Mertens Falls. Take some time to explore the surrounding caves and natural pools, then continue through rainforest on your way to the Big Mertens Falls. Your leader will fill you in on the biodiversity of the region as you pass through an ever-changing display of flora and fauna on your walk. You’ll also have the chance to admire Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock paintings on your journey, and while the age and the artists of these ancient pieces aren’t known, it’s estimated they are up to 12,000 years old. Arrive at the falls and stand in awe of their sheer size – you’ll feel pretty small watching the cascade plunge into the gorge below. But the final waterfall might just be the most impressive. Continue over rocky terrain to the Mertens Falls, an awe-inspiring four-tiered waterfall. Rather than turning around and walking back the way you came, you’ll board a helicopter from the Mitchell Falls and be treated to unbeatable birds-eye views on the return journey.
Included Activities
  • Mitchell River National Park - Mitchell Falls (Punamii-unpuu)
  • Mitchell River National Park - Helicopter flight
  • Mitchell River National Park - Gwion Gwion rock art
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The Mitchell Falls walk is approximately 5km over rough country.
Leave the magical landscapes of the Mitchell Plateau behind and head to the Drysdale River Station. Covering a million acres and home to 10,000 cattle, this family-owned station is a vast oasis in the heart of the outback. Here you’ll experience life on a working cattle farm while also enjoying some isolation from the outside world. On arrival you may like to head out on a walk to get to know your remote surroundings, or just chill out in the beer garden and soak in the untouched scenery. This evening, gather around the log fire and swap stories beneath the stars.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Say goodbye to the cattle station and continue up the Gibb River Road to the El Questro Wilderness Park. Set on the grounds of a sprawling cattle station, the property is bursting with exciting things to discover – there’s striking gorges, wonderful waterfalls, natural hot springs and plenty of excellent restaurants. On arrival, you may like to take a cruise to the Chamberlain Gorge, an area only accessible by boat. Learn about the unique plant life that clings to the escarpments bordering the gorge and the intriguing fish that live beneath the water.
Optional Activities
  • El Questro - Chamberlain Gorge Cruise - AUD89
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Start the day with a trip to the beautiful Emma Gorge within the El Questro Wilderness Park. Walk for around an hour over rocky terrain and emerge at the gorge, a serene waterhole surrounded by cliffs and fed by a towering drop waterfall. The waterfall is connected to a little thermal spring making for a pleasant temperature when swimming in the pool. Later in the day, pay a visit to Zebedee Springs. Take a short walk through leafy forests of Livistona and pandanus palms, then arrive at a stunning series of thermal pools and waterfalls. Enjoy some time out to soak in these gorgeous pools while appreciating the serene location.
Included Activities
  • El Questro - Emma Gorge
  • El Questro - Zebedee Hot Springs
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
The Emma Gorge walk is moderately difficult taking around 1 hour with some rugged creek crossings
Depart the El Questro Wilderness Park and drive to the town of Kununurra. Enjoy some down time here to explore the town. You may like to swing by the sandalwood shop to browse their range of deliciously scented locally made beauty products. In the afternoon, continue to the shores of Lake Argyle, the lifeblood of the Ord River Irrigation System, turning the arid landscapes of the region into lush agricultural land. On arrival, head to a breathtaking infinity pool and enjoy a peaceful swim while taking in unbelievable views across the lake.
Included Activities
  • Lake Argyle - Historic Durack Homestead Museum
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
The day is yours for further discoveries of Lake Argyle. Why not hire a kayak or stand up paddleboard to explore the lake, or perhaps join your leader on a visit to the Historic Durack Homestead Museum or on one of the many fantastic bush trails in the area. In the evening you’ll have the option to take a sunset cruise around the lake – there’s no better way to see out the day here.
Optional Activities
  • Lake Argyle - Sunset Cruise - AUD100
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
It’s time to hit the iconic Great Northern Highway and venture on to Purnululu National Park, home to the delightfully unusual Bungle Bungles. These stripey beehive-shaped sedimentary formations have existed for more than 300 million years, but were only known to the Gija people and stockmen until the 1980s. Australia’s best kept secret is now able to be admired by those who make the trip to this remote and truly spectacular location. You may like to take a scenic helicopter flight over the national park for an unmatched view of the landscape – you’ll be able to see how the domes of the Bungle Bungles were carved out by rivers over millions of years. This evening, set up camp in a secluded location in the heart of the park.
Optional Activities
  • Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) - Scenic Helicopter Flight - AUD500
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Set out to explore the natural wonders of Purnululu National Park. Walk to the Echidna Chasm, a natural pathway framed by towering walls up to 200m high. The chasm is also home to impossibly tall Livistona palm trees, and you may even be able to spot some tiny bats high up on the walls. Next, follow a scenic trail along to Cathedral Gorge, a gigantic natural amphitheatre made of red rock. You’ll soon see why the gorge got its name, and be sure to test out the acoustics here!
Included Activities
  • Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) - Cathedral Gorge
  • Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) - Echidna Chasm
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Leave Purnululu National Park in the rear-view mirror and make tracks to Fitzroy Crossing. A long day of driving will be broken up with interesting stops along the way. Pull into Halls Creek to see its fantastic natural wall made of white quartz, break for lunch at Mary Pool and pay a visit to the remote Laarri Gallery, displaying works by Aboriginal artists. In the evening, arrive into Fitzroy Crossing, a little outback town on the banks of the Fitzroy River. With around fifty Aboriginal communities living in the town and its valley, this part of the country is home to many spiritual and cultural sites.
Included Activities
  • Halls Creek - China Wall
  • Halls Creek - Mary Pool
  • Yiyili Aboriginal Community - Laarri Aboriginal Art Gallery
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Kick off the day with a morning cruise through the grand Danggu Geikie Gorge, sculpted by the Fitzroy River during the Devonian geological period. Float through the gorge while learning how the geological wonder was formed and observe its abundance of wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles, birds and fish. After your cruise, it’s time to make the drive back to Broome, where on arrival your Kimberley adventure will come to an end.
Included Activities
  • Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park - Geikie Gorge Experience
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
This trip ends with drop off at central Broome hotels at approximately 6:30pm. Onward travel must be booked for the following day. Please contact your booking agent if you would to arrange additional accommodation.

Meals

13 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 10 dinners

Transport

4WD Vehicle

Accommodation

Camping - with basic facilities (5 nights), Safari Tent - shared facilities (8 nights)

Included activities

  • Derby - Boab Prison Tree
  • Derby - Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Cultural Centre
  • West Kimberley Gorges - Tunnel Creek National Park (Dimalurru)
  • West Kimberley Gorges - Windjana Gorge National Park (Bandilngan)
  • West Kimberley Gorges - Galvans Gorge
  • West Kimberley Gorges - Adcock Gorge
  • West Kimberley Gorges - Bell Gorge (Dalmanyi)
  • West Kimberley Gorges - Manning Gorge
  • Mitchell River National Park
  • Mitchell River National Park - Mitchell Falls (Punamii-unpuu)
  • Mitchell River National Park - Helicopter flight
  • Mitchell River National Park - Gwion Gwion rock art
  • El Questro - Emma Gorge
  • El Questro - Zebedee Hot Springs
  • Lake Argyle - Historic Durack Homestead Museum
  • Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) - Cathedral Gorge
  • Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) - Echidna Chasm
  • Halls Creek - China Wall
  • Halls Creek - Mary Pool
  • Yiyili Aboriginal Community - Laarri Aboriginal Art Gallery
  • Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park - Geikie Gorge Experience

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Kimberley Trail trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

START & END TIME
This trip starts in Broome with an early pick-up at 7:00am on day 1 at our default pick-up location, unless you request an alternative pick-up location well ahead of departure. The trip finishes at around 6:30pm on the last day. We recommend you arrive a day prior to the trip's departure date and onward travel should not be booked until the following day.

SLEEPING BAG
This trip requires a sleeping bag.

SINGLE TRAVELLERS
A Single Supplement is not available on this trip. As a single traveller you will have a tent to yourself on camping nights. In the permanent tented camps you will be paired up with another single traveller of the same gender.

OPERATOR
This trip is operated by our partners Kimberley Wild.

BEDDING
All accommodation will be provided with twin bedding. If you would prefer double bedding please advise Intrepid as early as possible. Double bedding is on request and is determined by the availability at the accommodation on your trip.

PRE-DEPARTURE TESTING
The remote Kimberley region is an extraordinary part of Australia, but also home to some of our nation’s most vulnerable people. In order to protect our Indigenous communities, fellow travellers and staff, we require all travellers on this trip to be fully vaccinated and to complete a rapid antigen test prior to boarding the vehicle on day 1, to be presented to the leader.

MINIMUM NUMBERS
Please note this trip requires a minimum number of booked customers to guarantee the departure. Your Booking Agent will advise at time of booking if the departure has met minimum numbers. If minimum numbers are not met, you will be advised no later than 56 days out from departure (prior to full payment due). We recommend arranging flights and related travel services once your departure is guaranteed. In the event that your departure is cancelled due to minimum numbers not being met, a full refund will be provided of monies paid.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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