Luxury Small Ships, Mediterranean Cruises, Caledonian Sky, Kimberley Coast Cruises, Malaysia, Expedition Cruise
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64 | KIMBERLEY ACTIVE you will enjoy a hike to one of the following spectacular locations within the park: El Questro Gorge; Amalia Gorge; Moonshine Gorge; or Champagne Springs. All options offer a unique setting within one of the Kimberley's most awe-inspiring wilderness parks. The terrain may be particularly tricky and you may hike a distance of up to six kilometres. Later this afternoon, travel to Emma Gorge Resort within the park and absorb the serene surroundings before dinner with your fellow travellers. Stay: El Questro Wilderness Park, Emma Gorge Resort. BLD Day 8. Emma Gorge, El Questro Wilderness Park, Home Valley Station. After a hearty breakfast, continue exploring the remarkable El Questro Wilderness Park. Hike to the picturesque Emma Gorge and take a revitalising swim. Afterwards, cross the Pentecost River into Home Valley Station, an immense cattle property. Discover the spellbinding scenery that captivated audiences in Baz Luhrmann's movie 'Australia', including the imposing yet strikingly beautiful backdrop of the majestic Cockburn Range. Head to a superb viewing area as you savour this inspirational sensational setting with sunset drinks, as you gaze out to the ever-changing colours of the Cockburn Range as the sun retreats. Stay: Home Valley Station. BLD Day 9. Gibb River Road, Mitchell Plateau. Back on the Gibb River Road, ford the mighty Durack River, then turn off and travel north on the Kalumburu Road towards the isolated Mitchell Plateau. Here, enter a remote world of Livistona palm forests, beautiful lookouts, magnificent waterfalls and isolated swimming holes. For the next two nights, experience Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge, with its brand new Ungolan Pavilion, where you can relax in the lounge, treat yourself to a drink or read up on the local culture. In the heart of the Mitchell Plateau, your accommodation is perfectly positioned beside the Pandanus palm-fringed Camp Creek, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip. For the perfect accompaniment, a selection of flavoursome beers from Matso's Broome Brewery and wines from Rosabrook Estate are available. Two Night Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge. BLD Day 10. Mitchell Falls, Helicopter Flight. Today you have a full day to discover the beauty of Mitchell Falls, with its magnificent waterfalls and Indigenous art. When available, local Aboriginal guides will join the adventure, imparting their knowledge of the area and sharing their cultural beliefs. Begin with a guided hike to Little Mertens Falls to view rarely seen Aboriginal art. Continue to Big Mertens Falls before arriving at Mitchell Falls. With superb scenery and rich culture, you can swim in the pools above the falls and spot the region's abundant wildlife. We have also included a helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls and the surrounding wilderness back to the vehicle (or, if you prefer, hike back with your guide). Longer helicopter flights over this captivating and remote coastline are available at additional expense. Then, it's time to return to your wilderness lodge to relax, knowing you have just experienced a day most people can only dream of. BLD Day 11. Bradshaw Art (Gwion Gwion), King Edward River, Drysdale River Station. The Kimberley's rock art is arguably some of the world's oldest, with evidence suggesting the earliest occupation in the region dates back 50,000 to 60,000 years ago. Visit Wandjina and Bradshaw Art (Gwion Gwion) galleries and swim in the clear waters at King Edward River. Cross the beautiful Drysdale River and arrive at Drysdale River Station, where you will enjoy a unique stay at this historic cattle property, including a delicious dinner. Stay: Drysdale River Station. BLD Day 12. Manning Gorge Hike (Difficulty: Hard, Distance: 7km, Duration: 4 Hours). At Manning Gorge, commence with a river crossing where you can choose to swim through the crystal clear waters, or choose to go across in the boat with the manual pulley system. It is a long walk that presents challenges in certain areas and does become rocky, uneven and uphill towards the end. What awaits at the conclusion is one of the most powerful gorges and waterfalls of the Kimberley that can span up to 50 metres wide in full flow. Enjoy lunch here before a swim, or even explore the gorge to find some of the Indigenous rock art. Continue to Galvans Gorge, where a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole where boab trees cling to the escarpment above. Inspect the rock art on the gorge walls and take a leisurely swim. Later, arrive at Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge for dinner. Two Night Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge. BLD Day 13. Bell Gorge Hike (Difficulty: Medium, Distance: 4km, Duration: 3 Hours). Back on the Gibb River Road, travel to Bell Gorge, where stunning cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. Today's walk takes you to the famous Bell Gorge. Set in the King Leopold Range Conservation Park off the Gibb River Road, it covers more than 900,000 acres and featuring seven rugged ranges. Bell Gorge is the most spectacular of its gorges. The first section of the walk is approximately 2 kilometres from the car park to the top of the falls. It leads you down an uneven path and through a creek bed with river rocks. The second section of the walk leads you over the river and down the far wall of the gorge. Here, there are times when you will need to clamber down boulders, along with rock hopping. Here, enjoy a refreshing swim as you cool off underneath cascading waterfall before returning to your lodge for dinner. BLD Embark on an active hike to lower Bell Gorge