2013 - APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures

Take in the serene surrounds of Windjana Gorge El Questro, Gorges & Purnululu 8 Day Small Group 4WD Tour SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS Journey on the famed Gibb River Road Discover the beauty of Tunnel Creek as you wade through with a torch Explore some of the Kimberley's most secluded gorges, including Windjana, Bell and Galvans gorges Soak in the thermal pools of Zebedee Springs within El Questro Wilderness Park Admire the impressive rock escarpments as you cruise along Chamberlain Gorge Explore the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park Discover the towering rock formation of Echidna Chasm Hike along Piccaninny Creek and into spectacular Cathedral Gorge See the unusual China Wall formation Cruise along ancient Geikie Gorge GUARANTEED INCLUSIONS Two night stays at APT's Bell Gorge and Bungle Bungle 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 22 meals included – 7 breakfasts (B), 8 lunches (L) and 7 dinners (D) Expert services of the Kimberley's best Driver-Guides and Operations team Day 1. Broome, Boab Prison Tree, Gibb River Road, Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge. This morning begin your exploration of the awe- inspiring Kimberley region. Visit the Boab Prison Tree, believed to be more than 1,500 years old. Measuring an incredible 14 metres in diameter, and with its hollow centre and door cut into its side, the Boab Prison Tree was once used by early police patrols as a staging point for prisoners being walked into Derby. Today, the tree is a registered Aboriginal site and is of cultural significance to local tribes. After time to admire and learn about the tree, begin your journey on the Gibb River Road, a remote 660 km outback highway stretching between Broome and Kununurra. The Gibb traverses through the wild heart of the Kimberley, through a spectacular landscape of intensely coloured ranges, dramatic gorges, lush rock pools and waterfalls. Travel to remarkable Tunnel Creek and, with torch in hand, wade through the cool waters to view the wonderful oasis. At Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above white sands, see the ancient marine fossils embedded in the gorge walls. You might even see freshwater crocodiles lazing on the banks of the Lennard River, which runs through the gorge. Two Night Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge, with private ensuites, Gibb River Road. Bell Gorge is a spectacular spot for swimming, photography and enjoying what nature has to offer. During your time here, you can take a relaxing swim below the waterfall which feeds the lower pool, or perhaps go bird-watching. Those who are feeling energetic can choose from a number of hiking opportunities. BLD Day 3. Galvans Gorge, El Questro. Today, travel through the heart of Kimberley cattle country to discover one of the region's most beautiful and most secluded gorges. At Galvans Gorge, a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole where you can inspect the rock art on the gorge walls and perhaps take a leisurely swim in the refreshing waters. Afterwards, rejoin the Gibb River Road and ford the mighty Durack River, which was named after the region's most famous pioneering family. Then ford the Pentecost River into El Questro Wilderness Park – one million stunning acres in the Kimberley wilderness. This vast stretch of land became a cattle station at the turn of the 20th century, then turned into a wilderness park in 1991 by a British aristocrat. Tonight, relax with your fellow travellers and enjoy a delicious dinner at Emma Gorge Resort. Two Night Stay: Tented cabins with spacious ensuites at Emma Gorge Resort, El Questro. BLD LD Day 2. Bell Gorge, Hiking and Swimming. Back on the Gibb River Road this morning, journey into King Leopold Ranges National Park, covering more than 900,000 acres and featuring seven rugged ranges. It's also home to Bell Gorge, where stunning cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. Bell Gorge was formed by water flowing west from the King Leopold Ranges that cut through the ancient rock of the region. Sitting approximately 300 metres above sea level, 66 Day 4. Emma Gorge, Zebedee Springs, Chamberlain Gorge Cruise. Discover the wonders of El Questro this morning. Walk to Zebedee Springs and soak in the natural thermal pools surrounded by lush ferns and palms. After, join a local ranger and cruise Chamberlain Gorge, a fresh waterway fringed by tropical vegetation and rugged escarpments. Later in the afternoon, you may like to join a hike into Emma Gorge, where you can indulge in a refreshing swim over to the towering droplet waterfall. Then, return to the picturesque Emma Gorge Resort for dinner. BLD

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