2013 - APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures

Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge 2 Mitchell Plateau Drysdale River Station Cape Leveque Derby 2 Broome Western Australia Fitzroy Crossing 1 1 Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge d 2 Emma Gorge 1 Home Valley Windjana Gorge Tunnel Creek Geikie Gorge Wyndham El Questro 2 Kununurra Lake Argyle 2 Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge Purnululu National Park Halls Creek Swim under a waterfall at stunning Emma Gorge Day 7. Mitchell Falls, Aboriginal Art, Helicopter Flight over the Falls. A magical day of discovery beckons as we head out to explore the wonders of the Mitchell Plateau. When available, local Aboriginal guides will join us, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the rich cultural significance of the area. On a guided hike to Little Mertens Falls, you'll pass by rarely viewed Aboriginal rock art, then continue to Big Mertens Falls. After, we arrive at the one of the most striking landmarks of the Kimberley, the four-tiered Mitchell Falls. Here, you can swim in the pools that perch above the falls. Then, prepare for an enthralling helicopter flight over four-tiered Mitchell Falls and the surrounding wilderness back to your vehicle (or you may choose to hike back with your guide). Longer helicopter flights taking in the spectacular coastline are also available at additional expense. We then head back to our wilderness lodge to enjoy the peaceful surrounds before a delicious three-course meal. BLD Day 8. Mitchell Plateau, Gibb River Road, Home Valley Station. Departing the Mitchell Plateau, we follow the Gibb River Road, fording the mighty Durack River before entering Home Valley Station, whose evocative landscapes were used as the beautiful backdrop to the movie 'Australia'. Here, you'll be able to get a true insight into the workings of an enormous cattle station, as well as enjoy time relaxing in this inspirational setting. Stay: Home Valley Station, Guesthouse Rooms. BLD Day 9. Home Valley Station, El Questro Wilderness Park. Be entertained and inspired as you enjoy a special tour of Home Valley Station. Admire the amazing skills of the cattle handlers, and visit some of the locations Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman brought to our attention on the big screen. Learn about Home Valley's Indigenous training project, meet Moo the pet bullock, and spot crocodiles at Ryder's Hole. You'll come away with a real insight into life on a working cattle station. Then, traverse the Gibb River Road, fording the Pentecost River into El Questro Wilderness Park, a one million acre nature reserve. Hike into picturesque Emma Gorge, where you can swim under the cooling drops of a waterfall. Stay: Tented cabins with spacious ensuites at Emma Gorge Resort, El Questro. Day 10. El Questro, Wyndham, Parry's Lagoon. This morning, hike past towering Livistona palms to enjoy a swim in the thermal pools of Zebedee Springs, before a visit to El Questro Station. We then journey to Wyndham, stopping at a lookout to witness the spectacle of five rivers merging into the sea at Cambridge Gulf. Lunch is at a charismatic outback pub, before visiting the 36,000 hectares of protected bird sanctuary of Parry's Lagoon Nature Reserve. Two Night Stay: Kununurra Country Club Resort, Kununurra. Day 11. Ord River and Lake Kununurra Cruise. Spend today exploring some of the region's spectacular waterways. We start with a visit to Lake Argyle, Australia's largest man-made lake that helps irrigate the massive expanses of the Kimberley. Afterwards, we embark on a guided cruise to explore the Ord River, and enjoy a magical sunset while cruising Lake Kununurra. B Day 12. Echidna Chasm, Purnululu National Park. Take a step back in time as we explore the ancient landforms within Purnululu National Park. We take a guided walk into the narrow yet towering rock cleft of Echidna Chasm. Linger in this spellbinding landscape to witness the changing colours as the sun moves. We then head for our wilderness lodge, nestled in the beautiful surrounds of Purnululu National Park. Two Night Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Stay in tented cabins with private ensuites at Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, Purnululu National Park. BOOK BY 31 DEC. 2012 SAVE $1,500# per couple Travel April, May, Sept. or October 2013 SAVE $800# per couple Travel June, July or August 2013 2013 DEPARTURES GKCL15 – 15 Day Tour Apr. 28; May 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 15, 19, 21, 23, 25, 28, 29; June 5, 6, 15, 17, 19, 22, 26, 27; July 4, 6, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17, 22, 24, 28, 30; Aug. 1, 3, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 20, 22, 25, 29, 31; Sept. 4, 7, 10, 12, 17, 21, 24, 29; Oct. 1. BLD Day 13. Cathedral Gorge, Beehive Domes. Follow the trail of an ancient waterway, as we hike along Piccaninny Creek and then be dwarfed by the enormity of Cathedral Gorge. Find yourself gazing out across the unique orange and black striped beehive domes that dominate the landscape. Learn all about the region's natural history, as well as the how the Aborigines source food and medicine. You may enjoy an optional helicopter flight (own expense). The day culminates with sunset drinks overlooking the domes. BLD BLD Day 14. Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing. Travel to Halls Creek, an old gold mining town, and home to the China Wall, a line of quartz rock that juts out of the landscape. Journey on to Fitzroy PRICES (AU$) Includes all sightseeing, park fees, cruises, meals as specified, permits & accommodation. To 31 March 2014 15 Day GKCL15 Twin Share $8,790 # Solo Traveller $10,940 APT Club Members – SAVE $100 per person. TOUR NOTES # See pages 10-11 for details. Day 1 and Day 2 is independent touring. An APT Driver-Guide will join you from Day 3. This tour includes some longer, more challenging walks. Weather events may cause disruptions to itinerary, especially in remote locations. See page 83 for terms & conditions. www.kimberleywilderness.com.au 45 Crossing, where we'll spend the night alongside the picturesque banks of the river. Stay: Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing. 1 2 4WD Track Sealed Road No. of nights stay World Heritage Area APT Wilderness Lodge BLD BLD Day 15. Geikie Gorge Cruise, Broome. Discover the unusual bleached limestone walls of an ancient reef as we cruise down Geikie Gorge. Your guide will explain the geology of how this gorge was carved out over thousands of years by the mighty Fitzroy River. You'll also learn all about the region's flora and fauna. Then, travel to Broome, where your tour concludes. BL 1 i G R R b b e v ir

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