Broome to Darwin

12 day tour

$5850 per person (twin share)
single supplement $1190

Departure dates in 2019

  • June 12 – Fully booked
  • July 23 –  Fully booked
Highlights:
Derby Prison Tree, Geikie Gorge Cruise, Argyle Diamond Mine Tour, Zebedee Thermal Springs, Chamberlain Gorge Cruise, El Questro Wilderness Park, Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve, Bungle Bungles Sunrise Flight (Optional), Lake Argyle Sunset Cruise, Mirima (Hidden Valley) National Park, Kakadu National Park, Nourlangie Rock, Ubirr Art Site, Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise.

Discover the wonder of the top end as we journey from Broome to Darwin through Australia’s most rugged landscapes. Immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery of The Kimberley and Kakadu National Park, taking in the breathtaking gorges and waterfalls, the towering escarpments and ancient rock art, staying at some of Australia’s finest outback resorts and stations along the way.

Itinerary

Broome to Fitzroy Crossing (Lunch / Dinner)

Picking you up from your Broome accommodation at 7.00 am, we travel east to the famous Boab Prison Tree, once used by police as an overnight holding cell, before arriving in Derby, home of the second highest tides in the world (11.5m) where we will have lunch. We then travel to the remote township of Fitzroy Crossing, situated on the banks of the mighty Fitzroy River. Overnight stay at Fitzroy River Lodge or Fitzroy Crossing Inn.

Fitzroy Crossing to Halls Creek (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we head to Geikie Gorge where we will enjoy a 1 hour cruise along the ancient limestone barrier reef. Tunnelling through Napier Range, this fascinating gorge is the site of an ancient sea bed where fossils can still be found. Observe the wildlife as the 30 metre high walls of the gorge tower above you and be sure to look out for crocodiles and sawfish. After Lunch we continue on to Halls Creek, staying overnight at the Kimberley Hotel or the Halls Creek Motel.

Halls Creek to El Questro (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

We leave Halls Creek after an early breakfast before making our way to the Argyle Diamond Mine, the world’s largest supplier of naturally coloured diamonds and home to the rare and famous pink diamond. A local guide will join us for a behind the scenes look at the diamond mining process before lunch in the staff village and a visit to the History Museum. If we are unable to do this tour due to access restrictions (which happens from time to time) this will be replaced with another activity on that morning. In the afternoon we make our way to the world renowned El Questro Wilderness Park where we will spend two nights in unique tented ensuite cabins at Emma Gorge Resort.

El Questro Sights (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

This morning we head to Chamberlain Gorge for a cruise through a three kilometre long fresh waterhole fringed by tropical vegetation and 60 metre tall escarpments, with a good chance of seeing fresh water crocodiles sunning themselves as we glide past. Afterwards we visit the magical Zebedee Thermal Springs and go for a swim amongst the livingstonia palms in the crystal clear 30° C water. We return to Emma Gorge Resort for an afternoon of relaxation under the palms and the pandanus, where we can take a dip in the pool or walk up to the Emma Gorge Waterfall (medium level fitness required).

El Questro to Kununurra (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we travel to Wyndham and to the 5 Rivers Lookout for sensational views over the Cambridge Gulf. We admire dreamtime statues and rock art murals at Warriu Park, before continuing on to Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve, an important water bird feeding and breeding area, where we observe the rich diversity of this remarkable region. After enjoying lunch at Parry Creek Farm we make our way to Kununurra, the eastern most town in the Kimberley, named after the Aboriginal word Goonoonoorrang, meaning literally ‘Large River’. In the afternoon we visit the Zebra Rock Gallery to admire the impressive jewelry on display before checking in at the Kununurra Country Club for two nights.

Kununurra Sights (Breakfast / Dinner)

Today we enjoy a tour of Kununurra, one of the youngest towns in Western Australia. We visit Mirima (Hidden Valley) National Park with its 350 million year old rock formations and home to a large variety of wildlife including many species of birds, wallabies, bats, dingoes and echidna, where we enjoy a short walk through the park. We admire the local views from Kelly’s Knob Lookout and travel on to the expansive Lake Argyle for a sunset boat cruise on the lake before returning to Kununurra. An optional 2 hour sunrise sightseeing flight over the Bungle Bungles’ unique and fascinating beehive-like striped dome formations is also possible (please advise at time of booking).

Kununurra to Katherine (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we head east along the spectacular Victoria Highway to Katherine, passing the towering escarpments and rock formations of Gregory National Park before arriving for lunch at Timber Creek, a small settlement on the banks of the Victoria River and the only town between Kununurra and
Katherine with facilities. From Timber Creek we make our way to Katherine, arriving in the late afternoon at the Paraway Motel, where we will stay for two nights.

Katherine Sights (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

This morning we embark on the Nit Nit Dreaming Cruise where we will travel along two gorges and learn about the customs and cultural significance of the region to the traditional landowners – the Jawoyn People, whilst marvelling at the sheer beauty of the spectacular Katherine Gorge. After the cruise we will enjoy a buffet lunch at the visitor centre before making our way to the Katherine Museum. In the afternoon we will enjoy some free leisure time in Katherine before heading back to our hotel.

Katherine to Cooinda (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

We depart Katherine and make our way north to Pine Creek, stopping in at Edith Falls on the way. Upon arrival at Pine Creek we go on a tour of the iconic little town before making our way to Cooinda for lunch. After an enjoyable rest we embark on a 1.5hr Cruise of Yellow Water Billabong, a tributary of the South Alligator River, the largest river system in Kakadu, observing the crocodiles and the remarkable birdlife endemic to the region. After the cruise we will return to our accommodation at Cooinda Lodge.

Cooinda to South Alligator (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

This morning we travel to Nourlangie Rock and the ancient shelters that contain several artworks of mythological significance, before heading north for lunch at the Bowali Visitor Centre, just outside of Jabiru. In the afternoon we head to Ubirr Art Site where we see paintings some 20’000 years old, and learn of Aboriginal law and creation, before making our way to Mamukala Wetlands, lined with paperbark trees and pandanus and where visitors can observe the wildlife without being seen. We make our way to South Alligator in the late afternoon and check in at Aurora Resort for the night.

South Alligator to Darwin (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we make our way to Window on the Wetlands, perched high above the floodplains of the Adelaide River where we will enjoy interactive displays and superb morning views. After a relaxing lunch on the Adelaide River we arrive in the tropical city of Darwin, famous for its stunning beaches and spectacular harbour views, where we will embark on our last cruise for the tour; a sunset buffet cruise aboard the Charles Darwin before heading back to the Palms City Resort for the night.

Darwin to Homeport (Breakfast)

Enjoy breakfast at your leisure, before being transferred to the airport where we say our goodbyes and take our respective flights home.