Explore the Gibb River Road and Mitchell Plateau. Highlights include rugged gorges, swimming and hiking, and Wandjina and Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art. Experience the pioneering history of El Questro Station before continuing to Kununurra, the capital of the East Kimberley. Tour Code: GKC08 Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights

Departure Dates for 2011:
April 25, 27, 29
May 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
June 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18*, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 24*, 25, 26, 27, 29
July 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16*, 17, 18, 20, 20*, 23, 25, 27, 29, 29*, 31
August 1, 3, 4*, 5, 8, 10, 12, 12*, 14, 15, 17, 18*, 21, 21*, 22, 24*, 25, 27, 29, 31
September 1*, 2, 5, 6*, 7, 10, 12, 12*, 14, 16, 18, 18*, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30
October 3, 5, 10

* operates in reverse direction as GKC08R - Kununurra to Broome

ITINERARY
Day 1. Broome, Prison Tree, Gibb River Road, Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge

Depart Broome at 7.00 a.m. to begin your exploration of the awe-inspiring Kimberley region. At Derby, we visit the Boab Prison Tree, believed to be more than 1500 years old. This hollowed tree was used as a prison cell during the region's early days. We begin our journey on the Gibb River Road, a remote Outback highway that accesses some of the Kimberley's best scenery. We travel to remarkable Tunnel Creek, a 750 metre-long natural tunnel carved through the Napier Range. With torch in hand, we wade through the cool waters to view the wonderful oasis that awaits us on the other side. At Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above white sands, see the ancient marine fossils embedded in the gorge walls. You may also see freshwater crocodiles lazing on the banks of the Lennard River, which runs through the gorge. Two Night Stay: KWA's EXCLUSIVE! Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge. Lx1 Dx1 Day 2. Bell Gorge, Hiking and Swimming Back on the Gibb River Road, we travel through Outback landscapes to Bell Gorge, where rugged cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. The afternoon is yours to explore the spectacular scenery. Take a swim below the waterfall which feeds the lower pool or go birdwatching. The energetic can choose from a number of hiking opportunities. This is the perfect place to simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. Head back to the lodge and relax before dinner. Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 3. Galvans Gorge, Barnett River Gorge, Drysdale River
Today we travel through the heart of Kimberley cattle country to discover some of the region's most secluded gorges. At Galvans Gorge, a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole, with Boab trees clinging to the escarpment above. Inspect the rock art on the gorge walls and take a leisurely swim. We stop at the Mt Barnett Roadhouse before travelling to beautiful Barnett River Gorge, where we enjoy lunch in a setting of local gum trees. Look out for the birdlife that inhabits the area and enjoy another dip. Turning off the Gibb River Road, we travel north on the Kalumburu Road, heading towards the isolated Mitchell Plateau. This area is the traditional home of the Ngarinyin Aboriginal people. Stay: Drysdale River Station, Kalumburu Road. Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 4. Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River, Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge
Ascending the Mitchell Plateau, we enter a remote world of Livistona palm forests, beautiful lookouts, ancient Aboriginal art, magnificent waterfalls and isolated swimming holes. Today, explore amazing Wandjina and Gwion (Bradshaw) art galleries and swim in the crystal-clear waters at King Edward River Crossing. For the next two nights, we stay at our unique permanent wilderness lodge beside Pandanus palm-fringed Camp Creek. Enjoy this unique location, at the top of the plateau. For wildlife watchers, the region's prolific birdlife includes brolgas, herons, kites and sea eagles, as well as some rainforest birds. You may be lucky enough to see the Monjon, a rock wallaby that is unique to the Kimberley region. At night and early in the morning, look out for the Northern Quoll, a native cat that is often spotted near popular camps. Two Night Stay: KWA's EXCLUSIVE Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge, tented cabins with private ensuites. Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 5. Mitchell Falls, Gwion (Bradshaw) Art, Scenic Flight over the Falls
Today we have a full day to discover the beauty of Mitchell Falls, with a magnificent system of waterfalls and Aboriginal art. When available, local Aboriginal guides will join us for the adventure, imparting their knowledge of the area and sharing their cultural beliefs, which are closely linked to this stunning environment. Begin with a guided hike to Little Merten Falls to see impressive Aboriginal art. Continue through open woodland to view Gwion (Bradshaw) art and Big Merten Falls before arriving at Mitchell Falls. With superb scenery and rich culture, you can swim in the pools above the falls, learn of local history and look for the region's wildlife. We have included a special helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls back to the vehicle (or, if you prefer, hike back with your guide). Longer scenic helicopter flights over the remote coastline are available at an additional charge. Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 6. Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River
Travelling through Livistona palm forests, we view galleries of ancient Aboriginal art before saying goodbye to the awe-inspiring scenery of the Mitchell Plateau. Lunch is at a majestic spot alongside the cool waters of the King Edward River, with time for a swim before continuing to Drysdale River Station. Stay: Drysdale River Station, Kalumburu Road. Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 7. El Questro Station, Emma Gorge
Rejoining the famous Gibb River Road, we ford the mighty Durack River, named after the region's most famous pioneering family. Then, we cross the Pentecost River into El Questro - one million acres in the Kimberley wilderness. Once settled into Emma Gorge Resort, take a hike into the gorge and indulge in a refreshing swim over to the waterfall. Accommodation: El Questro, Emma Gorge Resort, tented safari cabins with private ensuites. Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 8 El Questro, Wyndham, Kununurra
Hike to lovely Emma Gorge and enjoy a refreshing swim to the towering droplet waterfall. Then enjoy a soak in the thermal pools of Zebedee Springs. Head to Wyndham for spectacular views from five Riverss Lookout. Your tour concludes in Kununurra. Bx1 Lx1

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