26/10/2021
This is the Ultimate Kimberley Adventure departing 30 September 2022.
Covering thousands of square kilometres, this is truly one of the world’s most precious wilderness regions. From the magnificent Kimberley Coast consisting of Timor Sea sunrises and Berkeley River sunsets, to the pocket of luxurious exclusiveness of El Questro Homestead, located at the heart of El Questro Wilderness Park, every day of this tour offers adventures that will leave you speechless. With a maximum of ten guests, this intimate small group journey for the independent traveller is the ultimate way to experience the remote and enchanting scenery of Western Australia’s magnificent Kimberley region.
YOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1: WELCOME TO THE KIMBERLEY
Your introduction to the Kimberley region begins with a stunning scenic flight from Kununurra to Berkeley River Lodge. The one hour flight takes in the amazing coastline, where the Five Rivers all spill out into the Cambridge Gulf at Wyndham. Upon arrival at Berkeley River Lodge, you will be greeted by one of the friendly team members with a refreshing drink. Shortly after arrival, the adventure commences with the option to head off on an exciting 4WD beach drive along the Kimberley coast towards Cape St Lambert Rocks. Your guide will weave the vehicle through the dunes to a spectacular sunset location where you’ll be rewarded with the first of many stunning Berkeley sunsets. Enjoy a cold drink and gourmet cheese platter before returning to the Lodge, where a delectable five course dinner awaits. Overnight: Berkeley River Lodge Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: BERKELEY RIVER CRUISE
After breakfast, embark on a cruise of the Berkeley River, arguably the most intriguing river in the Kimberley. This iconic cruise travels to the far reaches of the Berkeley River system including the spectacular Casuarina Falls, Amphitheatre, Conigrave Creek and the rapids - where the fresh meets the salt! Your expert local guide will highlight the geological formations, flora and fauna that inhabit this amazing river system. A buffet lunch will be served onboard the vessel before returning home to the lodge. The afternoon is free to relax and take advantage of the resort facilities. Overnight: Berkeley River Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 3: FISHING EXPEDITION
Whether you love fishing or not, you will be converted today! Join a specialist guide on either a morning or afternoon fishing expedition like no other. Fish the tributaries of the river system and the ocean surrounding Reveley Island for favourites like black jewfish, queenfish, giant trevally, mangrove jack, bluenose salmon and fingermark, to name a few. Search for the elusive barramundi where fresh and salt water meet! If the expedition is a success, the executive chef may also prepare the catch of the day for lunch or dinner. Overnight: Berkeley River Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 4: CASUARINA FALLS & ROCK ART*
After another impressive breakfast, don your hat and walking shoes and head out to explore more of this amazing country. Today’s adventure begins with a short boat ride to Casuarina Falls where the outstanding Casuarina Creek walk begins. Head gently upwards to the top of the gorge for stunning creek views, with Casuarina Falls serving as the ultimate backdrop. The walk along the creek continues with the opportunity for a refreshing swim in the many natural freshwater rock pools and stops to view breathtaking aboriginal rock art sites. Return to the lodge in time for lunch. Following the adventures of the morning perhaps the afternoon is best spent daydreaming by the lodge’s spectacular pool with a cocktail in hand! Or for those still keen to explore, an afternoon beach walk is a good choice. Overnight: Berkeley River Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 5: KING GEORGE FALLS*
Delight in a morning of rest and relaxation. Laze by the pool or on your villa deck with a good book, or perhaps join an optional tour. Enjoy lunch at Dunes restaurant taking in the unprecedented views across the expanse of the Timor Sea and the impressive backdrop of the Berkeley River mouth, Reveley Island, and the spectacular Kimberley coastline. This afternoon, be among the fortunate few to enter some of the greatest galleries of rock art in the world. Departing the Lodge by helicopter follow the coastline before heading inland to land and tour some of these spectacular galleries. Next is the majestic King George Falls where you will have the opportunity to capture some aerial shots. As the journey continues to the mouth of the Berkeley River and along the deep gorge, you may spot Jabiru, turtles, crocodile and even glimpse an elusive dugong. There is time to cool off from the Kimberley sun with a landing right next to a picturesque waterhole, there is time to relax and enjoy a refreshing swim and a cold beverage. Finish the day watching a marvellous outback sunset with canapes and drinks before arriving back at the Lodge. Enjoy your final five-course dinner with your fellow adventurers before drifting off to sleep. Overnight: Berkeley River Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 6: WELCOME TO EL QUESTRO & CHAMBERLAIN GORGE CRUISE
Savour one last Berkeley breakfast before farewelling your Berkeley River Lodge family for your scenic flight back to Kununurra. Upon arrival at Kununurra Airport, transfer by helicopter to El Questro Homestead. After settling into your room, enjoy a delicious lunch and wander the grounds before an afternoon Chamberlain Gorge Cruise. An El Questro ranger will guide you along this three kilometre fresh waterhole in the Homestead’s private dinghy. Sit back and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna and resident Rock Wallabies, Johnston Crocodiles and the cheeky Archer Fish. Relax on the peaceful return journey at dusk when the colours of the Kimberley shine on the towering cliffs. Time to freshen up before dinner under the stars. Overnight: El Questro The Homestead Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 7: EL QUESTRO GORGE WALK & SUNSET AT BUDDY’S POINT
After breakfast, head off on a guided El Questro Gorge walk. Hike along a narrow spring-fed creek that leads you through palm and fern clad escarpments to a small swimming hole in a lush rainforest setting. The surrounding cliff faces and scree slopes are up to 1800 million years old and known as King Leopold Sandstone. Erosional forces, such as watercourses, have carved out El Questro Gorge by following a geological fault line. The reward at the end is a crystal-clear water hole where you can have a refreshing swim before the return walk back to the Homestead in time for lunch. After lunch, enjoy some free time to relax and take in the tranquil surrounds. This afternoon venture to Buddy’s Point lookout, a steep 4WD adventure in El Questro’s famous open air safari vehicles. Named after Buddy Tyson, who was the essence of El Questro and an icon of the property, the views from the top take in the heart of the Chamberlain Gorge which cannot be seen in this manner from any other lookout. From this vantage point you can see why El Questro was where Buddy hung his cowboy hat for 20 years. Overnight: El Questro The Homestead Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 8: PURNULULU NATIONAL PARK & ZEBEDEE SPRINGS
Following breakfast at The Homestead, transfer to El Questro Airport for a spectacular Bungle Bungles experience. The adventure begins with a scenic flight over some of the most stunning and renowned sites in the Kimberley. This two-hour return scenic flight takes you on an unforgettable journey to the Bungle Bungles over Lake Argyle, the Argyle Diamond Mine and Ord River Irrigation Area. You will also fly over the stunning Carr Boyd Ranges, Osmand Ranges, the Ord River and the Bow River. Reaching Purnululu National Park, your helicopter pilot will be waiting to whisk you away on an exhilarating flight over this majestic UNESCO World Heritage site. The sandstone massif of the Bungle Bungle Range is almost 99 times the area of Uluru. Take in the remarkable hidden red rock gorges of the north-west tip and Horseshoe Valley before soaring over Piccaninny Gorge, Cathedral Gorge and the show-stopping striped Bungle Bungle Domes that have contributed to the listing of Purnululu National Park as one of Australia’s World Heritage areas. Return to El Questro in time for lunch. This afternoon, join an El Questro Ranger for the drive to the most beautiful of hideaways, Zebedee Springs, a series of thermal pools and small waterfalls. Zebedee Springs is an oasis in which to relax and rejuvenate after a busy day. Return to the Homestead for another fabulous dinner. Overnight: El Questro the Homestead Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 9: FAREWELL TO THE KIMBERLEY
Enjoy breakfast on the wide, sweeping veranda and for the final time take in the uninterrupted views to the Chamberlain Gorge as you watch the morning sun warm the surrounding ranges with a soft pink glow. After farewelling your El Questro Homestead family you will be transferred to the airport for your scenic helicopter flight back to Kununurra. The tour concludes on arrival at Kununurra Airport. Meals: Breakfast Scenic Flight over Argyle Diamond Mine *Note: All arrangements are subject to availability, cancellation, or modification due to inclement weather, late running of services or other unforeseen circumstances. Due to maximum guest participation numbers, activities on days 4 & 5 may be reversed.
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