The Top End and The Kimberley region is an enormous area of remote rugged beauty, with striking rock formations, cascading waterfalls and cooling waterholes, impressive stone escarpments carved with chasms and gorges, and lush mangroves teeming with birds and wildlife.
It is also a land that is spiritually rich. With its ancient Indigenous culture and incredible natural diversity, this is an epic 14-day journey that will certainly blow your mind! The tour has been meticulously designed to take you right into the heart of the region to explore our favourite attractions, while still maintaining that perfect balance of activities and a comfortable pace.
Our tour is fully accommodated, with no camping. Each night, you will stay at either lodge, resort, hotel or motel accommodation, and of course you will have your very own room/cabin with ensuite facilities.
The 14 day tour begins in Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory and will take you through Kakadu National Park and Nourlangie Rock, before travelling southwest from Katherine to the border of Western Australia and to the magnificent Lake Argyle.
We then head towards Broome, and, on the way, get the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a myriad of leisurely activities, from viewing the monumental rock formations of Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles mountain range), to moderate hiking through spectacular stone gorges such as Katherine, Emma, Geike, Chamberlain and Tunnel Creek.
We will enjoy lots of swimming opportunities along the way, usually at the base of breathtaking waterfalls, including the stunning Emma Gorge and Zebedee Springs Thermal Pools.
Our tour wraps up in Broome where we’ll spend two nights at the iconic Mangrove Hotel.
What a fitting way to end 14 days of exploring such a breathtaking region of Australia.
Will you join us?
Day 1 – Tuesday 6th August 2024
DARWIN (D)
On arrival into Darwin airport you will be met and transferred to your accommodation for your overnight stay. This evening you will enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Your own room at Novotel Darwin CBD or similar
Day 2 – Wednesday 7th August 2024
DARWIN – KAKADU (B/L/D)
An early start this morning as you make your way towards the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, travelling along the Arnhem Highway and into Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. These wetlands have international significance because of their beauty and natural ecosystems. A great variety of fauna can be found here as well as a large variety of birdlife. It is the largest national park in Australia, which hosts some of the world’s finest Aboriginal rock art and a mind-boggling variety of habitats, including floodplains and savannah woodlands.
Your first stop within the park is Bowali Visitor Centre, where you can gain insight into the landscapes and wildlife of Kakadu. Then you head to the very north of the park, to Ubirr where you will enjoy a guided walk through galleries of ancient Aboriginal rock art. You will learn about bush tuckers and bush medicines before reaching the top of the plateau, where you can relax and enjoy the spectacular view over the floodplains and the panoramic vistas of Arnhem Land escarpment.
Your own room at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel or similar
Day 3 – Thursday 8th August 2024
KAKADU – COOINDA (B/L/D)
After breakfast you will visit the monumental Nourlangie Rock, an ancient Aboriginal shelter, where you will explore the rock art of the area. Your guide will lead you on an interpretive walk around the site, followed by Nawalandja lookout and the beautiful Anbangbang Billabong. The short hike to the lookout is rewarded by a magnificent view over the Arnhem Land escarpment. Your next stop is the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, for an insight into the cultural heritage of the park. Late this afternoon, you will board the Yellow Waters wetlands sunset cruise. Yellow Waters billabong is located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Alligator River. This is the largest river system in Kakadu and contains extensive wetlands, including river channels, floodplains and backwater swamps. About one third of Australia’s bird species are represented in Kakadu National Park, with at least 60 species found in these wetlands. There are also plenty of crocodiles in their natural habitat, and buffalo on the floodplains.
Your own room at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu or similar
Day 4 – Friday 9th August 2024
COOINDA – KATHERINE (B/L/D)
Today you travel to the very south of Kakadu National Park, to Ikoymarrwa. After a short drive on an unsealed four wheel drive track, you arrive at a magical Waterfall and Plunge Pool. This hidden gem located at the base of a stunning waterfall, shaded by a small gorge and monsoonal vegetation, is an ideal stop for swimming. You will spend time in this area before continuing your journey south, departing Kakadu through the southern entrance, and travel on to Katherine. En route a stop will be made at Leilyn (Edith Falls), part of Nitmiluk National Park and well known for its picturesque waterfalls and pools. Here you can enjoy a swim at the large pool at the base of the escarpment before travelling to your accommodation for dinner and your overnight stay.
Your own room at Contour Hotel or similar
Day 5 – Saturday 10th August 2024
KATHERINE – LAKE ARGYLE (B/L/D)
This morning you travel to Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge), home to 13 spectacular gorges, carved out of the rock by torrential summer rains, over millions of years. Here you will take a cruise along the emerald waters, viewing the beautiful scenery and discovering the customs of the traditional owners, the Jawoyn people.
Now you begin your journey west, stopping en route at the Victoria River, one of the largest tidal influenced rivers in the Territory with an abundance of saltwater crocodiles. You will 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 expanse of water from which steep red rocky slopes reach up approximately 150m, in awe-inspiring grandeur.
Your own room at Lake Argyle Resort or similar
Day 6 – Sunday 11th August 2024
LAKE ARGYLE (B/L/D)
After breakfast, discover amazing Lake Argyle on this Island Explorer cruise with stunning scenery and unique wildlife. Enjoy expert commentary from the experienced tour guides and skippers including information on the history of the area, the Ord Irrigation Scheme, pioneering Durack Family and the unforgiving rugged landscape. You will cruise to the northern reaches of Lake Argyle exploring the many bays and inlets that make this immense body of water so unique. You will stop at a remote island beach for a swim in the pristine waters while the crew prepares your buffet lunch.
Lunch includes a taste of the freshly caught ‘Lake Argyle Silver Cobbler’ fish cooked on the BBQ, cold meats, salads, fresh fruit and complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks. At the end of your cruise, you will board the courtesy bus for a short tour of the Main Ord Dam site. Have a closer look at the Dam wall, intake tower, hydro power station and irrigation outlet valves.
Enjoy spectacular views down the Ord River Gorge below the dam wall. You will then return to your accommodation with the rest of the day free to relax and enjoy the facilities of the resort.
Your own room at Lake Argyle Resort or similar
Day 7 – Monday 12th August 2024
LAKE ARGYLE – EL QUESTRO (B/D)
Leaving Lake Argyle, you will travel into Kununurra where you’ll have some free time for lunch (own expense) and to visit some of the local shops. Maybe browse the Kimberley Fine Diamonds. Heading out of town, you will stop at Western Australia’s oldest operating still, the “Hoochery Distillery” for a visit and perhaps sample some of their products. You will then continue on to Emma Gorge at El Questro Station, where you will check into your luxury safari tent for your overnight stay.
Your own luxury safari tent with ensuite at Emma Gorge or similar
Day 8 – Tuesday 13th August 2024
EL QUESTRO (B/L/D)
Today you will be taken on a full day tour of the highlights of this area of the Kimberley. The tour starts with a guided walk up either Emma Gorge or El Questro Gorge, followed by exclusive access to Zebedee Springs. You will then make your way back to the restaurant for a ‘Beef and Barra’ lunch before enjoying an afternoon Chamberlain Gorge cruise. After your full day touring you will return to your accommodation for dinner and your overnight stay.
Your own luxury safari tent with ensuite at Emma Gorge or similar
Day 9 – Wednesday 14th August 2024
EL QUESTRO – PURNULULU NATIONAL PARK (B/D)
After a leisurely morning, your tour will continue south along the Great Northern Highway to Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungle Ranges. On arrival you will check into your lodge where you will spend the following two nights.
Your own room at Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge or similar
Day 10 – Thursday 15th August 2024
PURNULULU NATIONAL PARK (B/L/D)
Today you will spend the day exploring the highlights of this extraordinary National Park, the most famous if which are the magnificent 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. To protect its unique landscape, the area was made a national park in 1987 and now enjoys World Heritagestatus. During today’s touring you will also explore the 2km long Echidna Chasm, known for its towering Livistonia Palm trees, as well as the stunning Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks create a natural amphitheatre
Your own room at Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge or similar
Day 11 – Friday 16th August 2024
PURNULULU NATIONAL PARK – FITZROY CROSSING (B/L/D)
Today your journey continues west heading to Fitzroy Crossing. En route you will stop at Old Halls Creek, site of the original Halls Creek and the location of the first gold discovery in Western Australia. It is now a picturesque ghost town but you will be able to see the foundations of the old mine shaft, sections of the old Post Office and the Pioneers Cemetery, which contains graves of many Kimberley pioneers. You will then continue on to Fitzroy Crossing for your overnight stay.
Your own room at Fitzroy River Lodge or similar
Day 12 – Saturday 17th August 2024
FITZROY CROSSING – BROOME (B/L)
This morning you will take a ranger lead boat cruise through majestic 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. You will then head to Tunnel Creek, a 750 metre cave system in which you will discover secret caves and a large variety of wildlife. It is here that you will learn the legend of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hide-out in the late 1800’s. You will then travel on to the geological wonder of Windjana Gorge, a delightful oasis in the outback. Beneath gorge walls rising 90 metres, you can search for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and indigenous bush tucker. You will then start your journey back to Broome stopping at the Derby ‘Boab Prison Tree’ before arriving at your hotel late this evening.
Your own room at ‘Mangrove Hotel’ or similar
Day 13 – Sunday 18th August 2024
BROOME (B/L/D)
After breakfast this morning, you will go on a half day tour to Willie Creek Pearl Farm which will include lunch. The tour gives a unique insight into the fascinating process of modern cultured pearl farming, from shell to showroom. You’ll discover exactly what makes the perfect pearl and leave Willie Creek a pearling expert! The journey starts with the collection and spawning of oysters in the state-of-the-art hatchery, then moves on to the delicate operations of seeding and harvesting oysters, and finally the valuing of pearls and the creation of stunning jewellery. You will cruise Willie Creek’s azure waters and view live oysters suspended in their natural environment amongst the native flora and fauna. You will then transfer back to your hotel with the remainder of the day free. Tonight we’ll celebrate our awesome adventure with a farewell dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Your own room at ‘Mangrove Hotel’ or similar
Day 14 – Monday 19th August 2024
BROOME (B)
It’s time to say goodbye! Following breakfast this morning you will transfer back to Broome airport for your departure flight.
TOUR PRICING: A$14,545
TOUR DATES: 6TH – 19TH AUGUST 2024
Novotel Darwin
Ideally located on the city’s Esplande overlooking Darwin Harbour, Novotel Darwin CBD offers contemporary rooms with easy walking distance to many attractions and shops within the city and surrounds. Boasting a lobby bar, award winning restaurant and swimming pool.
Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Built in the shape of a crocodile, this warm hotel is in a remote township surrounded by Kakadu National Park. Traditional rooms feature dark wood furnishings and aboriginal artwork. All offer Wi-Fi (paid) and desks, as well as tea and coffee making facilities. Room service is available. There’s an all-day bistro/bar, an outdoor pool and a sundeck, in addition to a lobby lounge decorated with taxidermied crocodiles and indigenous artifacts.
Cooinda Lodge Kakadu
Overlooking Jim Jim Creek, this relaxed lodge is 1 km from both Warradjan Cultural Centre and Cooinda Airport. Laid-back rooms offer mini fridges and terraces with sitting areas. Upgraded rooms add en suite facilities, flat-screens, and tea and coffee making facilities. Other amenities include a casual restaurant and a bar, as well as an outdoor lagoon-style pool surrounded by vegetation and BBQ area.
Contour Hotel
The Contour Hotel Katherine is located in Katherine East and guest rooms boast comforts such as air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi. There’s also a bar, and a restaurant as well as outdoor pool and gift shop.
Lake Argyle Resort
The Lake Argyle Resort is set in a peaceful location surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the perfect retreat after a day exploring Lake Argyle. Standard studio cabins are air-conditioned with ensuite and have tea/coffee making facilities, small fridge, microwave, kitchenette, and a private veranda. Each cabin is located just 50m from an amazing 35m infinity pool.
Emma Gorge Resort
Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscape of the rocky, red Cockburn Ranges at Emma Gorge. Sleep under canvas with the soothing sounds of the local wildlife surrounding you. With modern en suites, electricity and tea/coffee facilities, the safari-style tented cabins allow you to experience the great outdoors in complete comfort.
Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge
Nestled in the heart of World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge offers tent accommodation with a furnished patio. Kununurra Bungle Bungle Lodge is ideally located for exploring Cathedral Gorge, a 20-minute drive away. The Bungle Bungle Range and Echidna Chasm are within 40 minutes drive. The shared dining area offers a retractable roof which opens up to reveal the stunning sky above. All tents feature a private en suite bathroom with solar-heated hot water. All bed linen and towels are provided. Guests can relax beside a large campfire, and share stories of their travels.
Fitzroy River Lodge
Among 20 hectares of bushland on the banks of the Fitzroy River, this casual lodge is 2.6 km from the town centre and 23 km from Geikie Gorge National Park. Traditional rooms feature flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi (fee), as well as hardwood floors, and tea and coffee making facilities. Amenities include a lounge bar and a casual restaurant with a terrace, plus an outdoor pool, a BBQ area and tennis courts. There’s also a coin-operated laundry.
Mangrove Hotel
Overlooking Roebuck Bay, this modern hotel is 4.2 km from Cable Beach and 7 km from Broome Camel Safaris. The contemporary rooms and suites feature bold decor, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges, plus tea and coffeemaking facilities, and room service (fee). Suites add sitting areas and whirlpool baths. Upgraded suites and rooms feature pool- or bay-view balconies or terraces. There are 2 bars and an indoor/outdoor restaurant with water views. Other amenities include a fitness room and 2 outdoor pools with hot tubs, sunloungers and private cabanas.
Tour Inclusions:
- Two’s a Crowd Tour Host
- 13 nights’ accommodation in your own room
- Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- Return group transfers from airport to hotel at the start and end of the tour
- All transport as detailed in the itinerary by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide throughout
- All sightseeing, guided tours, and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary
- Solo room – always!
Tour Exclusions:
- Travel Insurance (we can assist)
- Flights to the start/end of the tour
- Airport transfers, if arriving separate from the designated “group” flights
- Expenditure of a personal nature, such as laundry, telephone calls, taxis and souvenirs
- Visas (if applicable)
- Services, meals and drinks not included in the itinerary
- Porterage
- Gratuities (optional)
The Top End and The Kimberley region is an enormous area of remote rugged beauty, with striking rock formations, cascading waterfalls and cooling waterholes, impressive stone escarpments carved with chasms and gorges, and lush mangroves teeming with birds and wildlife.
It is also a land that is spiritually rich. With its ancient Indigenous culture and incredible natural diversity, this is an epic 14-day journey that will certainly blow your mind! The tour has been meticulously designed to take you right into the heart of the region to explore our favourite attractions, while still maintaining that perfect balance of activities and a comfortable pace.
Our tour is fully accommodated, with no camping. Each night, you will stay at either lodge, resort, hotel or motel accommodation, and of course you will have your very own room/cabin with ensuite facilities.
The 14 day tour begins in Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory and will take you through Kakadu National Park and Nourlangie Rock, before travelling southwest from Katherine to the border of Western Australia and to the magnificent Lake Argyle.
We then head towards Broome, and, on the way, get the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a myriad of leisurely activities, from viewing the monumental rock formations of Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles mountain range), to moderate hiking through spectacular stone gorges such as Katherine, Emma, Geike, Chamberlain and Tunnel Creek.
We will enjoy lots of swimming opportunities along the way, usually at the base of breathtaking waterfalls, including the stunning Emma Gorge and Zebedee Springs Thermal Pools.
Our tour wraps up in Broome where we’ll spend two nights at the iconic Mangrove Hotel.
What a fitting way to end 14 days of exploring such a breathtaking region of Australia.
Will you join us?
Day 1 – Tuesday 6th August 2024
DARWIN (D)
On arrival into Darwin airport you will be met and transferred to your accommodation for your overnight stay. This evening you will enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Your own room at Novotel Darwin CBD or similar
Day 2 – Wednesday 7th August 2024
DARWIN – KAKADU (B/L/D)
An early start this morning as you make your way towards the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, travelling along the Arnhem Highway and into Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. These wetlands have international significance because of their beauty and natural ecosystems. A great variety of fauna can be found here as well as a large variety of birdlife. It is the largest national park in Australia, which hosts some of the world’s finest Aboriginal rock art and a mind-boggling variety of habitats, including floodplains and savannah woodlands.
Your first stop within the park is Bowali Visitor Centre, where you can gain insight into the landscapes and wildlife of Kakadu. Then you head to the very north of the park, to Ubirr where you will enjoy a guided walk through galleries of ancient Aboriginal rock art. You will learn about bush tuckers and bush medicines before reaching the top of the plateau, where you can relax and enjoy the spectacular view over the floodplains and the panoramic vistas of Arnhem Land escarpment.
Your own room at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel or similar
Day 3 – Thursday 8th August 2024
KAKADU – COOINDA (B/L/D)
After breakfast you will visit the monumental Nourlangie Rock, an ancient Aboriginal shelter, where you will explore the rock art of the area. Your guide will lead you on an interpretive walk around the site, followed by Nawalandja lookout and the beautiful Anbangbang Billabong. The short hike to the lookout is rewarded by a magnificent view over the Arnhem Land escarpment. Your next stop is the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, for an insight into the cultural heritage of the park. Late this afternoon, you will board the Yellow Waters wetlands sunset cruise. Yellow Waters billabong is located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Alligator River. This is the largest river system in Kakadu and contains extensive wetlands, including river channels, floodplains and backwater swamps. About one third of Australia’s bird species are represented in Kakadu National Park, with at least 60 species found in these wetlands. There are also plenty of crocodiles in their natural habitat, and buffalo on the floodplains.
Your own room at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu or similar
Day 4 – Friday 9th August 2024
COOINDA – KATHERINE (B/L/D)
Today you travel to the very south of Kakadu National Park, to Ikoymarrwa. After a short drive on an unsealed four wheel drive track, you arrive at a magical Waterfall and Plunge Pool. This hidden gem located at the base of a stunning waterfall, shaded by a small gorge and monsoonal vegetation, is an ideal stop for swimming. You will spend time in this area before continuing your journey south, departing Kakadu through the southern entrance, and travel on to Katherine. En route a stop will be made at Leilyn (Edith Falls), part of Nitmiluk National Park and well known for its picturesque waterfalls and pools. Here you can enjoy a swim at the large pool at the base of the escarpment before travelling to your accommodation for dinner and your overnight stay.
Your own room at Contour Hotel or similar
Day 5 – Saturday 10th August 2024
KATHERINE – LAKE ARGYLE (B/L/D)
This morning you travel to Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge), home to 13 spectacular gorges, carved out of the rock by torrential summer rains, over millions of years. Here you will take a cruise along the emerald waters, viewing the beautiful scenery and discovering the customs of the traditional owners, the Jawoyn people.
Now you begin your journey west, stopping en route at the Victoria River, one of the largest tidal influenced rivers in the Territory with an abundance of saltwater crocodiles. You will 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 expanse of water from which steep red rocky slopes reach up approximately 150m, in awe-inspiring grandeur.
Your own room at Lake Argyle Resort or similar
Day 6 – Sunday 11th August 2024
LAKE ARGYLE (B/L/D)
After breakfast, discover amazing Lake Argyle on this Island Explorer cruise with stunning scenery and unique wildlife. Enjoy expert commentary from the experienced tour guides and skippers including information on the history of the area, the Ord Irrigation Scheme, pioneering Durack Family and the unforgiving rugged landscape. You will cruise to the northern reaches of Lake Argyle exploring the many bays and inlets that make this immense body of water so unique. You will stop at a remote island beach for a swim in the pristine waters while the crew prepares your buffet lunch.
Lunch includes a taste of the freshly caught ‘Lake Argyle Silver Cobbler’ fish cooked on the BBQ, cold meats, salads, fresh fruit and complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks. At the end of your cruise, you will board the courtesy bus for a short tour of the Main Ord Dam site. Have a closer look at the Dam wall, intake tower, hydro power station and irrigation outlet valves.
Enjoy spectacular views down the Ord River Gorge below the dam wall. You will then return to your accommodation with the rest of the day free to relax and enjoy the facilities of the resort.
Your own room at Lake Argyle Resort or similar
Day 7 – Monday 12th August 2024
LAKE ARGYLE – EL QUESTRO (B/D)
Leaving Lake Argyle, you will travel into Kununurra where you’ll have some free time for lunch (own expense) and to visit some of the local shops. Maybe browse the Kimberley Fine Diamonds. Heading out of town, you will stop at Western Australia’s oldest operating still, the “Hoochery Distillery” for a visit and perhaps sample some of their products. You will then continue on to Emma Gorge at El Questro Station, where you will check into your luxury safari tent for your overnight stay.
Your own luxury safari tent with ensuite at Emma Gorge or similar
Day 8 – Tuesday 13th August 2024
EL QUESTRO (B/L/D)
Today you will be taken on a full day tour of the highlights of this area of the Kimberley. The tour starts with a guided walk up either Emma Gorge or El Questro Gorge, followed by exclusive access to Zebedee Springs. You will then make your way back to the restaurant for a ‘Beef and Barra’ lunch before enjoying an afternoon Chamberlain Gorge cruise. After your full day touring you will return to your accommodation for dinner and your overnight stay.
Your own luxury safari tent with ensuite at Emma Gorge or similar
Day 9 – Wednesday 14th August 2024
EL QUESTRO – PURNULULU NATIONAL PARK (B/D)
After a leisurely morning, your tour will continue south along the Great Northern Highway to Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungle Ranges. On arrival you will check into your lodge where you will spend the following two nights.
Your own room at Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge or similar
Day 10 – Thursday 15th August 2024
PURNULULU NATIONAL PARK (B/L/D)
Today you will spend the day exploring the highlights of this extraordinary National Park, the most famous if which are the magnificent 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. To protect its unique landscape, the area was made a national park in 1987 and now enjoys World Heritagestatus. During today’s touring you will also explore the 2km long Echidna Chasm, known for its towering Livistonia Palm trees, as well as the stunning Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks create a natural amphitheatre
Your own room at Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge or similar
Day 11 – Friday 16th August 2024
PURNULULU NATIONAL PARK – FITZROY CROSSING (B/L/D)
Today your journey continues west heading to Fitzroy Crossing. En route you will stop at Old Halls Creek, site of the original Halls Creek and the location of the first gold discovery in Western Australia. It is now a picturesque ghost town but you will be able to see the foundations of the old mine shaft, sections of the old Post Office and the Pioneers Cemetery, which contains graves of many Kimberley pioneers. You will then continue on to Fitzroy Crossing for your overnight stay.
Your own room at Fitzroy River Lodge or similar
Day 12 – Saturday 17th August 2024
FITZROY CROSSING – BROOME (B/L)
This morning you will take a ranger lead boat cruise through majestic 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. You will then head to Tunnel Creek, a 750 metre cave system in which you will discover secret caves and a large variety of wildlife. It is here that you will learn the legend of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hide-out in the late 1800’s. You will then travel on to the geological wonder of Windjana Gorge, a delightful oasis in the outback. Beneath gorge walls rising 90 metres, you can search for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and indigenous bush tucker. You will then start your journey back to Broome stopping at the Derby ‘Boab Prison Tree’ before arriving at your hotel late this evening.
Your own room at ‘Mangrove Hotel’ or similar
Day 13 – Sunday 18th August 2024
BROOME (B/L/D)
After breakfast this morning, you will go on a half day tour to Willie Creek Pearl Farm which will include lunch. The tour gives a unique insight into the fascinating process of modern cultured pearl farming, from shell to showroom. You’ll discover exactly what makes the perfect pearl and leave Willie Creek a pearling expert! The journey starts with the collection and spawning of oysters in the state-of-the-art hatchery, then moves on to the delicate operations of seeding and harvesting oysters, and finally the valuing of pearls and the creation of stunning jewellery. You will cruise Willie Creek’s azure waters and view live oysters suspended in their natural environment amongst the native flora and fauna. You will then transfer back to your hotel with the remainder of the day free. Tonight we’ll celebrate our awesome adventure with a farewell dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Your own room at ‘Mangrove Hotel’ or similar
Day 14 – Monday 19th August 2024
BROOME (B)
It’s time to say goodbye! Following breakfast this morning you will transfer back to Broome airport for your departure flight.
TOUR PRICING: A$14,545
TOUR DATES: 6TH – 19TH AUGUST 2024
Novotel Darwin
Ideally located on the city’s Esplande overlooking Darwin Harbour, Novotel Darwin CBD offers contemporary rooms with easy walking distance to many attractions and shops within the city and surrounds. Boasting a lobby bar, award winning restaurant and swimming pool.
Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Built in the shape of a crocodile, this warm hotel is in a remote township surrounded by Kakadu National Park. Traditional rooms feature dark wood furnishings and aboriginal artwork. All offer Wi-Fi (paid) and desks, as well as tea and coffee making facilities. Room service is available. There’s an all-day bistro/bar, an outdoor pool and a sundeck, in addition to a lobby lounge decorated with taxidermied crocodiles and indigenous artifacts.
Cooinda Lodge Kakadu
Overlooking Jim Jim Creek, this relaxed lodge is 1 km from both Warradjan Cultural Centre and Cooinda Airport. Laid-back rooms offer mini fridges and terraces with sitting areas. Upgraded rooms add en suite facilities, flat-screens, and tea and coffee making facilities. Other amenities include a casual restaurant and a bar, as well as an outdoor lagoon-style pool surrounded by vegetation and BBQ area.
Contour Hotel
The Contour Hotel Katherine is located in Katherine East and guest rooms boast comforts such as air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi. There’s also a bar, and a restaurant as well as outdoor pool and gift shop.
Lake Argyle Resort
The Lake Argyle Resort is set in a peaceful location surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the perfect retreat after a day exploring Lake Argyle. Standard studio cabins are air-conditioned with ensuite and have tea/coffee making facilities, small fridge, microwave, kitchenette, and a private veranda. Each cabin is located just 50m from an amazing 35m infinity pool.
Emma Gorge Resort
Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscape of the rocky, red Cockburn Ranges at Emma Gorge. Sleep under canvas with the soothing sounds of the local wildlife surrounding you. With modern en suites, electricity and tea/coffee facilities, the safari-style tented cabins allow you to experience the great outdoors in complete comfort.
Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge
Nestled in the heart of World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge offers tent accommodation with a furnished patio. Kununurra Bungle Bungle Lodge is ideally located for exploring Cathedral Gorge, a 20-minute drive away. The Bungle Bungle Range and Echidna Chasm are within 40 minutes drive. The shared dining area offers a retractable roof which opens up to reveal the stunning sky above. All tents feature a private en suite bathroom with solar-heated hot water. All bed linen and towels are provided. Guests can relax beside a large campfire, and share stories of their travels.
Fitzroy River Lodge
Among 20 hectares of bushland on the banks of the Fitzroy River, this casual lodge is 2.6 km from the town centre and 23 km from Geikie Gorge National Park. Traditional rooms feature flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi (fee), as well as hardwood floors, and tea and coffee making facilities. Amenities include a lounge bar and a casual restaurant with a terrace, plus an outdoor pool, a BBQ area and tennis courts. There’s also a coin-operated laundry.
Mangrove Hotel
Overlooking Roebuck Bay, this modern hotel is 4.2 km from Cable Beach and 7 km from Broome Camel Safaris. The contemporary rooms and suites feature bold decor, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges, plus tea and coffeemaking facilities, and room service (fee). Suites add sitting areas and whirlpool baths. Upgraded suites and rooms feature pool- or bay-view balconies or terraces. There are 2 bars and an indoor/outdoor restaurant with water views. Other amenities include a fitness room and 2 outdoor pools with hot tubs, sunloungers and private cabanas.
Tour Inclusions:
- Two’s a Crowd Tour Host
- 13 nights’ accommodation in your own room
- Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- Return group transfers from airport to hotel at the start and end of the tour
- All transport as detailed in the itinerary by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide throughout
- All sightseeing, guided tours, and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary
- Solo room – always!
Tour Exclusions:
- Travel Insurance (we can assist)
- Flights to the start/end of the tour
- Airport transfers, if arriving separate from the designated “group” flights
- Expenditure of a personal nature, such as laundry, telephone calls, taxis and souvenirs
- Visas (if applicable)
- Services, meals and drinks not included in the itinerary
- Porterage
- Gratuities (optional)
