Duration10 Days, 9 Nights
Max Group Size19
Minimum Age12 years
Fitness LevelHigh
MealsIncludedi
Start & End LocationBroome to DarwinWhat's Included
- Get up to $200 cash back per person when you book with us
- A 10-day epic tour through Western Australia and the Top End
- 9 nights twin-share camping accommodation, with a mix of facilities, including 6 nights camping with basic facilities, 2 nights camping with limited facilities, & 1 night in a permanent tented camp with shared facilities
- Meals including 9 breakfasts, 10 lunches, & 9 dinners
- Transport in a private 4WD vehicle with the ability to take you place other vehicles can't
- A variety of activities are included, such as:
- Tunnel Creek Visit & Exploration Walk
- Windjana Gorge Exploration
- Bell Gorge Exploration
- Manning Gorge Exploration & Waterfalls Visit
- 4WD Experience on the Gibb River Road
- El Questro Wilderness Park
- Emma Gorge or El Questro Gorge Exploration
- Swim a Zebedee Springs
- Cathedral Gorge Walk
- Echidna Chasm Walk
- Katherine Gorge visit
Where we Visit:
- Fitzroy River
- Tunnel Creek National Park
- Windjana Gorge
- Bell Gorge
- Mt Barnett
- Galvans Gorge
- Manning Gorge & Waterfalls
- Gibb River Road
- El Questro Station
- Emma Gorge or El Questro Gorge
- Zebedee Springs
- El Questro Wilderness Park
- Purnululu National Park
- The Bungle Bungles
- Echidna Chasm
- Cathedral Gorge
- Kununurra
- Lake Argyle
- Nitmiluk National Park
- Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge
What's Excluded
- Bungle Bungle Helicopter Flight
- Lake Argyle Cruise
- Sleeping bag hire
What to Expect
Experience the wild and rugged beauty of Australia's northwest tip on this 4WD journey through the Kimberleys. This is a region of breathtaking natural scenery, rich, brooding landscapes, and plentiful iconic wildlife – this is a taste of Australia at its most untamed. Explore the narrow rock passages winding through the Bungle Bungles, spot crocodiles sunning on the banks of Windjana Gorge, and discover the gorgeous swimming holes of El Questro and Katherine. For a trip that brings you face-to-face with Australia's vast horizons and immense wilderness, you really can't go past this 4WD Broome to Darwin adventure.
Itinerary
This is a chance to experience the raw and rugged, passionate face of North-Western Australia. The craggy paths and strong ranges inspire you to weave a memorable path through them. Be mesmerized by the beautiful Kimberly and explore it with a local guide. You will be head over heels for the region and also witness the same intense love for the place in your guides.
Starting from Broome, venture off-road for some time, checking out Tunnel Creek and the Napier Range. Then, taking the Gibb River Road, visit Windjana and Manning gorges, and enjoy plenty of time to discover the untamed natural beauty of El Questro Station. Paddle around in waterfalls, hike through gorges and access remote parts of this massive park on adventurous 4WD expeditions.
The red domes of the Bungle Bungle Ranges in Purnululu National Park form one of the most iconic Australian landscapes in existence. You'll have two whole days to explore the gorges and valleys of the park, not to mention soak up a few fiery sunsets. Tunnel Creek has a rich Aboriginal and bushranger history. Walk through the underground passage with your guide, learning about the culture and traditions of the First Australians.
Day 1 – Broome and Windjana Gorge
The town of Broome made its fortune from the pearling industry, though these days it's better known as an easy-going tourist town with a striking strip of coastline. You'll set off into the West Australian wilds pretty early today, so consider arriving a day or two early if you fancy getting to know Broome better.
After a bit of highway driving, the 4WD reaches the Fitzroy River; then, it's all off-road to the Napier Range. The main attraction here is Tunnel Creek, a vast cave system that extends 750 meters underground. It's from here that the indigenous renegade Jandamarra waged his rebellion against the colonial authorities, a legacy you'll learn more about on walk through the tunnel with your guide.
The total driving duration is 5 hs and a walk for 3 kilometres.
Day 2 – Windjana Gorge, Bell Gorge, & Mt Barnett
Today head to Windjana Gorge, once an underwater reef just 350 million years ago. During the wet season, a river flows all the way through it, but during the dry, it's more a series of ponds and billabongs. Set out on a bit of an explore, hopefully spotting a freshwater crocodile or two.
The western Kimberley region is full of endless stunning gorges that have to be discovered, and this afternoon is no exception. Bell Gorge is home to a stunning cascade of water flowing from the previous wet season rains that fall in the King Leopold Ranges. You'll enjoy an afternoon swim in the large plunge pool before making your way to camp along the Gibb River Road near Mt Barnett.
The total driving time today is around 4 hrs 30 min. The total walking distance is approximately 4 to 6 kilometres.
Day 3 – Manning Gorge & Mt Barnett
Spend the morning exploring Manning gorge and after stretching your legs on the hike in, you will be rewarded with a swim in a large rock pool at the base of Manning Falls. Then, explore Galvans gorge in the afternoon before heading back to camp near Mt Barnett to relax around the campfire.
The total driving time today is around 1 hr. The total walking distance is approximately 6 to 8 kilometres.
Day 4 – Gibb River Road & El Questro Station
Fording rivers and weaving through gorges, travel by 4WD along the wild and famous Gibb River Road – a 600-kilometre stretch of corrugated gravel road that winds right through the heart of the Kimberley. There's a fair bit of ground to cover today, so there is a few hours of drive time, but your guide will be breaking the journey up with lunch and at a few stop-offs along the way.
This journey includes the iconic Pentecost River crossing in the 4WD – how Australian is that?! Pass through the remote and extraordinary country as you travel through this historic part of Australia. At the end of the day, you'll reach the famous El Questro Station, where you'll spend the night camping under the stars.
The total driving time today is around 6 hours and approximately 350km. The total walking distance is approximately 2 kilometres.
Day 5 – El Questo Station
Wake up with the knowledge of not having to pack up camp before spending the day exploring the amazing sights of El Questro Station. It was established as an enormous cattle station and is now a vast wilderness reserve sprawled over more than one million acres. Camping out here, you'll really feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, albeit an extremely beautiful middle of nowhere.
The ochre-coloured massifs of the Cockburn Ranges frame the landscape whichever way you turn, and numerous natural springs offer plenty of opportunities for a refreshing cool off. Following a soak in Zebedee Springs, enjoy a short trek to either El Questro or Emma Gorge (where there's a very pretty waterfall).
Then it's another night camped out in El Questro, where you might choose to enjoy a well-earned drink at the station bar with your travel mates.
The total driving time today is only around 45 mins. The total walking distance is up to 6 kilometres.
Day 6 – Purnululu National Park
Say goodbye to El Questro and hello Bungle Bungles. Today you'll drive through the rugged landscape of Carr Boyd and the Durack Ranges into Purnululu National Park. This park is the home ground of the Bungle Bungles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dominated by massive sandstone karsts that rear hundreds of metres above the surrounding grasslands.
You'll arrive at the bush camp in time to sit back and watch the sun set over the Osmond Ranges. If you've had enough of tent camping by now, you might want to spend tonight sleeping out beneath the stars snuggled up in a swag.
The total driving time today is approximately 5 hrs. The total walking distance is approximately 5 kilometres.
Day 7 – Purnululu National Park & Bungle Bungles
After breakfast, prepare for a full day of activities. Strangely enough, given their size, the Bungle Bungles only became known to white Australia in 1983 when they were 'discovered' by a film team who then had to fly over the top by plane to find a route in by land. Your guides know the way in, but you can sign up for an optional helicopter ride over the site if you wish.
At ground level, go on a walk through Echidna Chasm, a long and narrow ravine banked on either side by 200-metre high rock walls and enter the massive natural Amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge.
As the sun goes down, head back to your overnight bush camp.
The total driving time today is around 1 hr. The total walking distance is approximately 5 kilometres.
Day 8 – Kununurra & Lake Argyle
This morning you will once again experience some serious 4WD action as you wind your way out of the Bungle Bungles. Take some time to have a look around the picturesque town of Kununurra. Then, in the late afternoon, travel down beside the Ord River to make camp at Lake Argyle.
You have the choice of relaxing in the famous infinity pool overlooking the magnificent Lake Argyle or appreciating it from the water by choosing to do a cruise (own expense). This vast body of water has been forged by the Ord River Dam, and barramundi, birds, and freshwater crocs thrive in these waters, and the islands look like they've always been there (they used to be mountains). As the biggest artificial lake in Australia, Lake Argyle is 18 times the size of Sydney Harbour!
The total driving time today is around 5 hrs 30 mins. The total walking distance is one kilometre.
Day 9 – Lake Argyle & Katherine
Not long after breakfast, you'll say goodbye to Western Australia as from here you'll cross the state border into the Northern Territory. The day is spent enjoying the last views of the Boabs you have fallen in love with as your guides make their way towards the last camp for the night just outside of Nitmiluk National Park in the Katherine Region.
The total driving time today is around 7 hrs. The total walking distance is around 1 kilometre.
Day 10 – Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge & Darwin
On the final day of the trip, stop at either the secluded gorge of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge or take one last plunge into the cool waters of Edith Falls. In the afternoon, make your way to Darwin, where your adventure comes to an end at around 6:00 pm, so it's recommended you spend an additional night in Darwin.
The total driving today is around 4 hrs 30 mins. The total walking distance is approximately 2 kilometres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some essential and recommended items for this trip. Please review the ‘Climate and Seasonal Information’ to ensure you pack appropriately for the weather at the time of year you are travelling.
ESSENTIALS
- Lightweight clothing. You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing and layers. Long shirts and pants are useful to protect against the harsh Australian sun. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry.
- Comfortable, closed-in shoes. These will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grasslands and will act as a protective barrier in the rare case of a bite or sting.
- Sun protection. Wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
RECOMMENDED
- A spare pair of shoes that can get wet, along with two towels.
- A pair of slip on shoes/sandals that you can carry in your day pack for riding the bus and casual wear.
- A headlamp or torch is recommended for around your accommodation at night.
- Sleep sheet. If you are travelling during the hot season you may wish to pack a sleep sheet so you will be comfortable no matter what the weather.
- Ear plugs.
- Binoculars for spotting wildlife.
VALUABLES
Try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.
BATTERIES/POWER
Most of our trips have access to power to recharge batteries for phones and cameras every couple of days. There are some days where there is no power at the campsites at all. We always recommend that you carry an extra battery for your phone/camera just in case. Your vehicle will be equipped with a 12-volt “cigarette lighter” socket which may be used at the crew’s discretion, however, do bear in mind that only one piece of equipment can be charged at a time and it will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle’s batteries low. Batteries may also be recharged from hotel room wall sockets. Hotels and many campsites have electricity for guests to recharge personal items.
A 15 kg (33 Lbs) luggage limit per person applies for this trip.
We recommend that you bring loose, cool, cotton clothing to protect yourself from the harsh sun. Casual wear, day wear, casual shoes/sandals.
- When travelling in Western Australia, temperatures be very hot during the day and drop quite dramatically at night. Have a think about what time of year suits you best to travel and pack accordingly.
- This trip involves plenty of walking and is best suited to travellers with a good level of mobility and fitness. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing. An overview of physical activities can be found in the itinerary.
- This is a trip for those who are looking for the basics. Simple or limited facilities and lack of emphasis on creature comforts make this an authentic experience of the Australian outback.
- Western Australia is a very big state and this trip covers some serious distances. On some days of the trip you will spend several hours driving, often through very sparse areas of desert. Sit back and enjoy the landscapes. 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. Please read the itinerary for details on estimated drive times and specific logistical information.
- The tour 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.
To get the most out of this trip you need to be prepared for walks of between 3-9 km on some days. This may be on rough ground and perhaps getting feet wet in rivers and creeks. From October to March you will experience temperatures of over 35 degrees Celsius (and sometimes well into the 40s) so be prepared to endure extra physical stress due to the heat at these times, especially while on walks. These extreme outside temperatures can also place stress on the air-conditioning units within our vehicles which can make travelling uncomfortable. Your tour guide will assist with regular breaks and information to assist in keeping well hydrated.
ATTENTION:
This tour is designed for fit and active people, who can hike 5-9kms a day over uneven terrain, often in high temperatures. Some hikes may require sections of walking or swimming through water. Temperatures can be extreme: very high during summer days and very cold during winter nights. The operator reserves the right to assess the fitness capability of passengers prior to tour departure.
All food for this trip is purchased and packed prior to your group leaving on Day 1. After we’ve left town it can be very difficult to source food to meet dietary requests. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure so that we can purchase appropriate food prior to Day 1 of the trip. You may be asked to pay for any additional food if you have not advised us of any special dietary requirements in advance.
The below dietary needs can be easily catered for. Unfortunately, dietary requirements outside of these are generally unable to be catered for on these trips.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten free
- Dairy free (soy alternatives available)
- Pork free
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- Not all Intrepid tours are 'confirmed bookings'. When this is the case, our Backpacker Deals Agents will reach out to confirm with Intrepid and notify you within 48hrs that your booking is confirmed.
- A strict luggage limit of 15 kg applies. Please bring a soft-sided bag only
- This trip requires a sleeping bag. You can bring your own or you can purchase one
- All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip
- Travel insurance is compulsory for all trips. The Operator requires that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. They strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects
If you cancel your booking, cancellation fees will apply. A cancellation will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation. If you cancel a trip:
- more than 84 days prior to departure, your deposit will be retained as a credit for future use within 24 months;
- between 56 and 84 days prior to departure, The Operator will retain the deposit;
- between 31 and 55 days prior to departure, The Operator will retain 50% of the total booking cost;
- 30 days or less prior to departure, The Operator will retain 100% paid by you in connection with the booking.
You are strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking which may cover cancellation fees.
All customer cancellation & refund requests are also subject to our website’s own refund conditions.
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