2013 - APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures

Learn about the amazing geology of Cathedral Gorge in Purnululu National Park from a local guide Kimberley, Kakadu & Arnhem Land Explorer 15 Day Small Group 4WD Tour SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS Cruise ancient Geikie Gorge Torch in hand, wade through Tunnel Creek Discover Windjana, Bell, Galvans and Barnett River gorges Take a helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls Explore Zebedee Springs and Emma Gorge Cruise Chamberlain Gorge Admire the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park Enjoy the Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Cruise Yellow Water Billabong wildlife cruise Explore Kakadu National Park and admire ancient Aboriginal rock art Hawk Dreaming and Cannon Hill in Kakadu Guluyambi Cruise on East Alligator River Two night stays at APT's Bell Gorge, Mitchell Falls, Bungle Bungle and Hawk Dreaming wilderness lodges Stay at Emma Gorge Resort, El Questro All accommodation is fully ensuited Travel in a deluxe 4WD vehicle Guaranteed maximum of 20 passengers All sightseeing, park and cruise fees ACTIVITY LEVEL 42 meals included – 14 breakfasts (B), 14 lunches (L) and 14 dinners (D) Expert services of the Kimberley's best Driver-Guides and Operations team Enjoy ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr GUARANTEED INCLUSIONS Day 1. Depart Broome, Geikie Gorge Cruise. Start our magical journey leaving Broome as we travel inland towards Fitzroy Crossing. Then we head to the dramatic gorge waterways of the Kimberley to enjoy a spectacular cruise along Geikie Gorge, an ancient limestone barrier reef that was carved out about 360 million years ago. Stay: Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing. LD Day 2. Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge. Our first stop is Tunnel Creek, a 750 metre-long natural tunnel carved through the Napier Range. With torch in hand, wade through the cool waters under the mountain range to view the oasis. Later in the day, we arrive at Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above white sands. Look out for freshwater crocodiles lazing on the banks of the Lennard River, which runs through the gorge. Then we begin the journey on the famous outback highway, the Gibb River Road, continuing on to our exclusive lodge immersed in nature. Two Night Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge, with private ensuites, Gibb River Road. Day 5. King Edward River, Mitchell Plateau, Aboriginal Art. Visit Wandjina and Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art galleries and take a swim at King Edward River Crossing. Continue to our own wilderness lodge on the Mitchell Plateau. Two Night Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Stay in tented cabins with private ensuite bathrooms at Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge. over the Falls. Discover the thundering Mitchell Falls, a true highlight of your Kimberley adventure. Where possible we try to secure the services of a local Aboriginal guide to share their knowledge of the region. Begin with a hike to Little Mertens Falls to view rare Aboriginal art. Continue on to Big Mertens Falls before arriving at Mitchell Falls. Swim in the river above the falls, then enjoy a helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls back to the vehicle, or alternatively hike back with your guide. Longer flights over this spectacular region are available at an additional charge. BLD Day 3. Bell Gorge, Hiking and Swimming. Back on the Gibb River Road, travel to Bell Gorge, where rugged cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. Enjoy a swim below the waterfall, go bird-watching or choose from a number of hiking opportunities. This is the perfect place to simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. Day 4. Galvans Gorge, Barnett River Gorge. Travel through Kimberley cattle country, discovering secluded gorges. At Galvans Gorge, a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole. At Barnett River Gorge, stop to enjoy lunch under the gum trees, look for birdlife and perhaps take another dip. Then head for the Mitchell Plateau. Stay: Drysdale River Station, Kalumburu Road. BLD 46 BLD Day 6. Mitchell Falls, Helicopter Flight BLD Day 7. Gibb River Road, El Questro Wilderness Park. Leaving the magnificent Mitchell Plateau, rejoin the Gibb River Road. Prepare for more adventure as we ford the Pentecost and Durack rivers, where saltwater crocodiles inhabit the deceptively calm waters. Two Night Stay: Tented cabins with private facilities at Emma Gorge Resort, El Questro. BLD BLD Day 8. Zebedee Springs, Chamberlain Gorge Cruise, Emma Gorge. Today we have the whole day to discover the wonders of El Questro. This morning, walk to beautiful Zebedee Springs, a permanent thermal spring. Then, with a local ranger, we cruise Chamberlain Gorge, a fresh waterway fringed by tropical vegetation and rugged escarpments before hiking into Emma Gorge, where you can indulge in a refreshing swim. BLD

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