Kimberley and Top End Expedition

Day 1 - Arrive Darwin

Upon arrival in Darwin today you will be met and greeted by our friendly and professional Tour Directors. Your journey begins with an orientation tour visiting Cullen Bay, Stokes Hill Wharf and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Later in the afternoon we check in to the Hilton Garden Inn, enjoying harbour view rooms along the Darwin Esplanade.

This evening we enjoy our first dinner together on the Charles Darwin with a delicious Territory-style sunset dinner cruise. 

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn or similar

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 - Darwin to Litchfield National Park

Departing Darwin, our first stop this morning is Litchfield National Park, where waterfalls cascade off the Tabletop Ranges into tranquil waterholes. Experience Florence Falls and Wangi Falls and enjoy a picnic lunch before heading on to the iconic Kakadu National Park. Our base for the next two nights is Cooinda Lodge.

Hotel: Cooinda Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - The Mystery of Arnhem Land

The day begins with breathtaking views over the Arnhem Land floodplains from Ubirr Rock, where you'll also explore ancient rock art sites. Then, ford the East Alligator River and venture into Arnhem Land for a visit to the Injalak Arts & Crafts Centre, Gunbalanya. Here, you'll watch talented artists create exquisite pieces right before your eyes.

This afternoon we return to Cooinda and enjoy the renowned wildlife cruise on Yellow Water Billabong. You'll be amazed at the diversity of this extraordinary wetland ecosystem and associated wildlife. We then return to the lodge for our final night in Kakadu.

Hotel: Cooinda Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Katherine River Gorge

Today we're heading south to Katherine and on to Nitmiluk National Park, home to Katherine River Gorge. Carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River, this deep gorge with towering sheer rock walls is one of the best in the Territory. Tonight is spent at the luxurious Cicada Lodge.

Hotel: Cicada Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Western Australia Border

Time to leave the Territory and cross into Western Australia. Pass through Victoria River and Timber Creek before heading in to Lake Argyle. We'll stop off at the historic Durack Homestead along the way before a picnic lunch at the dam wall and taking a tour through parts of the massive Ord River Irrigation Scheme on Ivanhoe Plains where melons, mangoes, sandalwood and other crops are grown. You'll also have some time to visit the shops in town before checking to the Kununurra Country Club Resort for our overnight stay.

Hotel: Kununurra Country Club Resort or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Ord River Cruise - Head to the Bungle Bungles

Before departing Kununurra we enjoy another river cruise, this time down the spectacular Ord River. Learn about the Ord River Irrigation Scheme from your knowledgeable skipper on this extraordinary three-hour adventure downstream.

Later this morning, we head south, passing through Mabel Downs Station, en route to the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles). Arriving late this afternoon, we spend two nights at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, owned by Outback Spirit in partnership with Aviair/Helispirit. The lodge features comfortable cabins with ensuite bathrooms. 

Hotel: Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

Day 7 - Exploring Purnululu

Today we explore the wonders of Purnululu, including its unique orange and black beehive-shaped domes. First up, enjoy a breathtaking 18 minute scenic helicopter flight over the park with a bird's eye view of its astounding natural features. Afterwards, enjoy a walk along Piccaninny Creek to the mind boggling natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge and then follow the 'dome trail' for a closer inspection of the park's unique geological formations.

This afternoon we'll head to the northern region of the Bungle Bungles to visit Echidna Chasm before returning to the lodge. 

Please note: Weight limits apply to all scenic flights

Hotel: Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - North to El Questro Wilderness Park

Today we head back out to the Great Northern Highway and then north to Wyndham and the sensational Five Rivers Lookout. Enjoy a picnic lunch and admire the views over the Cambridge Gulf before back-tracking to the start of the infamous Gibb River Road. A short drive on 'the Gibb' brings us to the world renowned El Questro Wilderness Park, where we'll spend the next two nights at Emma Gorge Resort in unique tented cabins.

Hotel: Emma Gorge Resort or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 - Exploring El Questro

You'd be hard pressed to find a better way to start a day than a swim in the warm, crystal clear waters of Zebedee Thermal Springs! Spend a relaxing morning here before visiting the hub of El Questro - the station township. We then return to Emma Gorge for lunch, followed by an afternoon at your leisure. You can choose to relax in the surrounds of the resort, or take a guided walk up to the stunning Emma Gorge waterfall (2.5 hours return - a good level of fitness required, but well worth it). Either way, you are sure to appreciate some time to yourself in this magnificent Kimberley setting.

Hotel: Emma Gorge Resort or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 - Gibb River Road – Mitchell Plateau

Today our journey along the Gibb gets a bit more serious. Cross the mighty Pentecost River and continue past Ellenbrae Station to the ‘Y junction’. From here we follow the Kalumburu Road past Drysdale River Station before turning onto the Mitchell Plateau track. Ford the King Edward River and drive through ancient Livistona Palm forests before arriving at our exclusive Ngauwudu Safari Camp, the most luxurious tented camp in the Kimberley. Featuring deluxe safari suites with ensuite bathrooms, quality furnishings and large balconies, the camp is a magical spot for the next two nights of our adventure and the ideal base from which to discover the Mitchell Plateau and Mitchell Falls.

Hotel: Ngauwudu Safari Camp or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 - Exploring Punamii-Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls)

A big walk today, but also a big highlight! After a short drive to the ranger station we'll set off on a guided 4km walking tour to the incredible Mitchell Falls (good level of fitness and mobility required). Along the way we'll discover rarely seen Gwion and Wanjina rock art galleries, accompanied by a local expert guide from Kandiwal Community. The walk also takes us past Mertens Falls before arriving at the top of the Mitchell Falls, one of the most awe-inspiring wonders of the Kimberley.

After a picnic lunch and enough time to admire the falls we'll take to the skies for a spectacular helicopter flight (included) back to where the walk started. Viewing the falls and surrounding landscape from the air is an absolute highlight, and a great way to finish off the experience! Once we're on the ground at the ranger station, we return to the camp for a well-earned rest and perhaps a swim in the palm fringed creek. 

Please Note: For passengers not wishing to do the Mitchell Falls walk there is an option to fly down by helicopter. An Outback Spirit guide will still escort you. The flight cost is at your own expense. Please note: Weight limits apply to all scenic flights

Hotel: Ngauwudu Safari Camp or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12 - King Edward Art Sites – Drysdale River Station

This morning we depart the Mitchell Plateau and head back to the Kalumburu Road. Along the way we'll visit several exceptional Wanjina rock art galleries near the King Edward River and enjoy a picnic lunch.

This afternoon we arrive at Drysdale River Station, a pastoral lease which runs over 9000 head of cattle across more than a million acres. We spend the night in comfortable station cabins with private ensuite bathrooms.

Hotels: Drysdale River Station or similar

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13 - Bell Gorge - Mt Hart

After an early start we head back to the Gibb River Road and travel west past Mount Barnett to arrive at Bell Gorge, one of the most spectacular gorges in the Kimberley. Take a guided walk down to the falls (good level of fitness and maneuverability is required) and enjoy a swim in the rock pools at the top of the waterfall. Admire the view down this enormous canyon that eventually flows into Walcott Inlet.

After a picnic lunch we make our way back to the Gibb River Road continuing on to Mt Hart Station. Steeped in history, the property was established back in 1914 as a working cattle station until it was declassified in 2000 and is now located on the lands of the Ngarinyin people.

Our stay for the next two nights is in unique safari style tents and this evening we enjoy a few drinks at the Settlers Bar before dinner.

Hotel: Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14 - Explore Mt Hart

Today we explore the beauty of Mount Hart's vast wilderness. Travelling in specially built open back safari trucks for Outback Spirit, we take in the true appreciation of the stunning natural landscape.

Your guides will provide commentary on Mount Hart's National Park programs, we visit Barkers Pool, Dolerite Gorge and enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the waterholes.

This afternoon we return to camp where the remainder of the day is at leisure with the opportunity to walk and explore the gardens near the lodge area.

Hotel: Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge

Meals Included; Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15 - Mt Hart & Tunnel Creek

This morning we travel back to the Gibb River Road and head west through the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges (formerly known as King Leopold Ranges) to Tunnel Creek. Once the hideout of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal Man who led a resistance against white stockmen in the late 1890s, Tunnel Creek features a 750m long underground river that runs through to the other side of the Napier Range. Enjoy a walk through this unique geological feature with your guides before continuing on to Fitzroy Crossing, arriving late afternoon. We spend the night at the Fitzroy River Lodge. 

*We recommend packing water/reef shoes to take part in the Tunnel Creek walk.

Hotel: Fitzroy River Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16 - Fitzroy - Derby - Broome

Depart Fitzroy toward Derby for a brief town tour including Myalls Bore and Cattle Trough, Boab Prison Tree and Derby Jetty and visit an Art gallery before arriving late afternoon to check in to Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa for our two-night stay.

Hotel: Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17 - Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures

Start your day early as we set off on an unforgettable full-day adventure to Horizontal Falls and the Dampier Peninsula. Your day includes a breath-taking seaplane flight, offering panoramic views of the stunning Buccaneer Archipelago, before landing in the calm waters of Talbot Bay. Enjoy either a delicious hot breakfast, or locally sourced barramundi lunch prepared by your expert hosts at the Horizontal Falls houseboat.

Throughout the day, experience a scenic cruise through the Horizontal Falls, followed by a refreshing swim in the marine viewing enclosure, where you can get up close to the local marine life. You’ll also visit the renowned, third-generation Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, learning about the rich history and culture of this family-owned business, and explore the Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community, home to the iconic Mother of Pearl Church. After a day full of adventure and discovery, we make our way back to Broome, where the Horizontal Falls team will transfer you back to your accommodation.

Tonight, we gather for our final dinner together and celebrate our adventure through the Kimberley.

Note: this tour may be done as drive first/fly second or fly first/drive second depending on the itinerary offered on that day. The same inclusions and activities are provided in both directions.

Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures seaplanes are governed by individual guests’ weight and therefore all guests must declare their accurate weights (with clothes on) at the time of booking. All guests are weighed upon boarding for weight verification and safe loading of the aircraft. In addition to the individual weights, they also have an upper weight limit of no more than 120kg.

What to pack: 2kg hand luggage weight allowance is applicable per guest. Please bring water bottle, sun protection, camera and light towel.

Hotel: Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18 - Farewell

This morning your tour concludes after breakfast and you will be transferred to the airport or your accommodation if staying on. 

Meals Included: Breakfast