8 Night Spirit of the East Kimberley

Operates: Late April-Late October

Departs: Kununurra

Accommodation: Hotels, Homesteads, Safari Cabins (no camping)

 

“The East Kimberley has so many highlights close to each other. El Questro has waterfalls galore; just ‘down the road’ Home Valley has great indigenous hospitality; the Pentecost River crossing is a highlight of the Gibb River Road; then of course there’s Purnululu (the Bungles) which are magnificent - especially when the stars come out. To top that all off, there’s some great experiences to be had at Lake Argyle and the Ord River including croc spotting and also taking in the glorious view of Argyle from the infinity pool up top.”

 

Night 1: Kununurra Country Club
Arrive into Kununurra and join the hotel's bus transfer to your accommodation. Some free time in Kununurra today to relax by Lily Lagoon or wander through town.
Overnight: Kununurra Resorts Stay

PENTECOST RIVER CROSSING

PENTECOST RIVER CROSSING

Day 1/Night 2: Gibb River Road, El Questro: Zebedee springs, El Questro gorge, Home Valley
Cross Kununurra's Diversion Dam and enter the famous Gibb River Road. This morning's highlights include: Zebedee thermal springs, a series of pools cascading into each other set within sheer cliffs and local vegetation; El Questro gorge - walk to a picturesque swimming hole known as 'halfway pool' then (depending on your fitness level) on to Mackmicking Pool. This afternoon's highlights include: Depart El Questro and stop for photos at the spectacular Pentecost River enroute to Home Valley Station. Lunch at Dusty Bar and Grill then, then we'll relax in the shaded pool area or join an optional helicopter flight over the spectacular Cockburn Ranges. Sunset at Luhrmann's Lookout, named after film director Baz Luhrmann who's movie 'Australia' was primarily set in this part of the Kimberley. 
Overnight: Home Valley Station

MACKMICKING POOL, EL QUESTRO. IMAGE BY BEN KNAPINSKI.

MACKMICKING POOL, EL QUESTRO. IMAGE BY BEN KNAPINSKI.

Day 2/Night 3: Emma Gorge, El Questro swimming, scenic lookout
After breakfast at Home Valley Station we'll head to Emma Gorge where we will walk to the picturesque amphitheatre waterfall (approx 40 mins -1 hour walk each way) for a swim and morning tea. Those who don't want to hike can enjoy the shaded poolside cafe area at Emma Gorge Resort. Morning exploring El Questro then lunch at the famous Steakhouse Restaurant and a swim in the nearby waterhole, then we'll head up to a scenic lookout for sundowners before retiring to our warm bed and hot shower in El Questro's million acre wilderness park.
Overnight: Emma Gorge Resort or El Questro Station Township

EMMA GORGE TENTED CABIN

EMMA GORGE TENTED CABIN

Day 3/Night 4: El Questro, Lake Argyle
Another opportunity to soak in Zebedee Thermal Springs this morning (always a favourite) before we head to another nearby swimming hole (your guide will discussions options, depending on your fitness level). This afternoon we depart El Questro bound for Lake Argyle. Lake Argyle is Western Australia's largest and Australia's second largest freshwater man-made reservoir by volume. Discover historic Durack Homestead and the massive dam wall and listen to stories about the building of the dam before enjoying sundowners by the infinity pool. The view from this pool is truly breathtaking!
Overnight: Lake Argyle tourist village

lake argyle's infinity pool

lake argyle's infinity pool

Day 4/Night 5: Lake Argyle, Ord River cruise, Kununurra
This morning you will cruise Lake Argyle, stopping on an island for lunch and a swim.  Listen to a personalised commentary from your Lake Argyle skipper and spot for crocodiles, birds and rock wallabies. You will drive across the Ord Top Dam wall and see the Ord Hydro-Power Station before boarding the a scenic 55km boat cruise back to Kununurra with a local cruise operator. Enjoy spectacular scenery, wildlife, flora and fauna along the way, including the elusive freshwater crocodile! Take in a colourful East Kimberley sunset before docking back at the Marina. A bus will drop you back to your accommodation. 
Overnight: Kununurra Resorts Stay

Days 5 & 6/Nights 6 & 7: Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles)
We drive South to explore the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park for the next two days. Marvel at the majesty of Cathedral Gorge and test out the acoustics of this natural amphitheatre. Enjoy breathtaking views from Piccaninny Creek lookout and admire the striped patterns of the beehive domes. Travel to Echidna Chasm, a spectacular natural cleft in the rock. For a unique aerial perspective of the national park there is an option to join a helicopter flight (additional cost). Witness the rocks change colour at sunset and fall asleep to the sounds of the bush under a blanket of a million stars.
Overnight: Bungle Bungles Lodge

PURNULULU NATIONAL PARK, IMAGE BY SEAN SCOTT

PURNULULU NATIONAL PARK, IMAGE BY SEAN SCOTT

Day 7/Night 8: Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles), Warmun art centre, local waterfall, Kununurra
We continue to explore Purnululu National Park this morning before exiting the park and heading to Kununurra, via Warmun Aboriginal art centre (if open). Warmun gallery displays and sells outstanding paintings by emerging and established artists. We'll drop in for a refreshing dip and a relax at a beautiful swimming hole / waterfall this afternoon. We'll then cross the Diversion Dam and travel through to Kununurra where we will say farewell.
Overnight: Kununurra Resorts Stay

Day 8: Farewell Kununurra
Sadly, it's time to say farewell to Kununurra for your onward flight (there are daily flights to Darwin and Broome, or regular flights to Perth). Kununurra Country Club include your airport transfer.

We can assist in arranging additional accommodation or booking your onward flight. 

 

2024 Rates

Private Tour (2 people)
$11,880 per person

2 couples (4 people booking together)
$9,500 per person 

All rates based on twin room share.

Families with CHILDREN

Our Landcruisers carry 4 in comfort, with 2 additional back seats suitable for children (6 total).

Bigger Groups

Three Vehicles are available for larger groups travelling together. Above rates apply per vehicle.

Luggage Limit

Strict luggage limit of 15kg per person in soft bags.

Inclusions

  • An experienced, local guide

  • Lake Argyle and Ord River cruise

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Bungle Bungles

  • Accommodation as indicated on itinerary

  • Towels

  • National Park fees

Not Included

  • Alcohol

  • Flights to/from the Kimberley (we can assist in arranging)

  • Meals (can be purchased at restaurants of each accommodation we stay at). Meals are included whilst staying in all inclusive safari lodges.

Note: Whilst we try our best to adhere to advertised itineraries, sometimes itinerary variations may occur at the discretion of the tour guide dependant on current weather conditions etc. The end of the Wet Season can be unpredictable, with some roads being closed right up until mid May in previous Wet Seasons. In this case, your guide will arrange alternative touring, taking you to other places. No refund is offered for altered itineraries or attractions missed. In the instance of Purnululu (Bungles) road being closed, we usually add an additional day of touring at El Questro and a scenic flight in to the Bungles.


Accommodation

See our "accommodation" page for detailed information about where we stay.


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