At a Glance
Get the ultimate bird’s eye view of the Kimberley Coast and Karijini National Park, with this exhilarating 6-day air adventure. This package is perfect for those wanting to maximise their time in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions and experience the best angles and natural wonders in comfort and style.
Commencing in Broome, immerse yourself in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, two of the world’s oldest landscapes. The Kimberley and Pilbara are like nowhere else on Earth – special, soulful places where time stands still and the magic of the Dreamtime thrums through the landscape. Feel the immense power of nature in the 2-and-a-half-billion-year-old gorges and 350-million-year-old ranges, in the surging tides, horizontal waterfalls and tunnels to the centre of the earth.
Wake up each day to a new adventure. With at least ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 5-nights’ accommodation in Broome and Karijini on a twin share basis
- Meals: 5 x breakfast, 4 x lunch, 1 x dinner
- Sunset camel tour along Cable Beach
- Day 2 Cygnet Bay & Buccaneer Archipelago Full Day Air Adventure including: return transfers, 2.7 Hours scenic flights, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm 'Pearl Farm Appreciation' tour, and Giant Tides sea safari boat tour
- Day 3 Mitchell Falls Full Day Air Adventure including: return transfers, 5.3 Hours scenic flights including helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls and guided walk
- Day 4 & 5 Karijini Adventure Safari including: return transfers, 4 Hours scenic flights and guided walks
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Broome International Airport (BME), enjoy a transfer to your accommodation at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, the only accommodation on Broome’s beautiful Cable Beach. After checking in and settling into your room, take time to explore the resort’s facilities including 2 pools, 4 restaurants and the Chahoya Spa & Salon. In the late afternoon, treat yourself to one of Broome’s most iconic experiences: a sunset camel ride along Cable Beach. Over the course of an hour, friendly professional guides will share with you a wealth of information about the camels and their history, as the sun sets red, yellow and purple across the sands. The comfortable leather saddles aboard the affable, well-trained camels will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. |
Departing Broome at approx. 7:00am, take flight for the ultimate bird’s eye view of Western Australia’s most impressive natural wonders. See King Sound, home to Australia’s largest tides and among the highest in the world. Fly over Horizontal Falls, described by David Attenborough as the “Eighth Natural Wonder of the World”. Marvel at the thousand islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago and learn about Koolan and Cockatoo Island, home to the world’s richest iron ore deposits. You will touch down at Kooljaman, Cape Leveque, for refreshments, a quick swim and time to see the beautiful beaches of red rock, white sand and turquoise waters. Taking to the air once more, travel to Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm for a Pearl Farm Appreciation Tour. This tour will provide insight into the fascinating history of pearling in Cygnet Bay and shed light on the secrets behind the most-sought after and beautiful pearls in the world. Knowledgeable guides will demonstrate a pearl harvest, giving a glimpse into a fully operational pearl farm. The concludes with an in-depth appreciation session that will leave you feeling like an expert. |
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Enjoy a delicious lunch and a quick swim in the onsite swimming pool before heading out on a sea safari boat tour to experience the “Giant Tides” of the spectacular Kimberley Coast. Feel the power of the world’s largest tropical tides as you cruise among the giant whirlpools and standing tidal waves. You will also experience the world’s fastest ocean currents in the infamous Escape Passage. Back on dry land, head back to the airstrip for a scenic flight to see the spectacular bays and beaches of the Dampier Peninsula, Beagle Bay, James Price Point and Willie Creek. You will also get a bird’s eye view of Cable Beach – see if you can pick out your accommodation! You will arrive back at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa at approximately 5:30pm. *Subject to tidal change. |
Walking information: Punamii-unpuu Hiking Trail: 4.5km/2.8mi | 2hrs | Class 5: Good level of fitness and mobility required. Departing Broome at approx. 5:30am, fly north over King Sound, Walcott Inlet estuary, the rarely seen Harding Range, and the impressive King Cascade on the Price River Regent River, before landing at Mitchell Plateau. On arrival, meet your guide and transfer via coach to the Mertens Campground (Ranger Base) and the start of the 4.5-kilometre (2.8mi) Punamii-unpuu Hiking Trail. Along the way, you will swim, explore and enjoy trail snacks at the Little Mertens Falls. You will be inspired and humbled by the mysterious rock art found beneath the falls, featuring mythical Gwion Gwion spirit figures. Continue onto the Big Mertens Falls and the upstream crossing of the Mitchell River before arriving at the main event: Punamii-unpuu (Mitchell Falls). Caved through sandstone by the river, the falls are famous for their mesmerising emerald water pools from which the waters tumble from one to the next. The best way to view the falls is by helicopter, which will give you the ultimate perspective of this scenic oasis. Upon touchdown, enjoy a well-earned cold beer, wine or a cup of tea before the homeward flight coastal southbound via Camden South, Montgomery Reef and Kuri Bay. You will arrive back at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa at approximately 5:30pm. |
Walking information: Weano & Hancock Gorge walks: 5km/ | 3hrs | Class 5: Good level of fitness and mobility required. Departing Broome at approx. 6:00am, track south west over Roebuck Bay and the 80-mile beach where the Great Sandy Desert meets the Indian Ocean. Continue on over Lagrange Bay and the Aboriginal community of Bidyadanga, Anna Plains Station, Sandfire Roadhouse, the De Grey River and Marble Bar, a town and rock formation in the Pilbara. On approach to Karijini, cross the Mount Newman railway, a private rail network built to carry iron ore in the Pilbara, owned and operated by BHP Billiton. Upon arrival, your guide meets and transfer you in an air-conditioned 4WD bus to Karijini Eco Retreat for a bag drop and comfort stop with morning tea. When you are ready, set out to explore Joffre Gorge and its spectacular curved waterfall forming a natural amphitheatre. Especially impressive after the rain, water cascades down the step-like cliff face to a dark pool and then, as the gorge narrows, the rushing, white waters tumble over smooth black rock. |
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After lunch, travel to the Weano and Hancock Gorges. The walk down into Hancock Gorge has been described as a “journey to the centre of the earth” with walls twisting and turning, reaching vertical and closing in on both sides. On the way back, you will visit the Oxer and Junction Pool lookouts, where you can see the tiers of banded iron formation that tower over a pool at the bottom of the gorge. In the evening, return to Karijini Eco Retreat for dinner before retiring to your Deluxe Eco Tent. |
Walking information: Dales Gorge Loop: 4.3km/2.5mi | 2-4hrs | Class 5: Good level of fitness and mobility required. After breakfast, travel to Dales Gorge to take on the Dales Gorge Loop. The trail goes down into the gorge and involves minor rock hopping and water crossings. The first part of the trail within the gorge is lush and scenic, with dark red rock rearing up on either side providing magnificent contrast. As you walk, you will come across the breathtaking Fortescue Falls, a 20-metre waterfall that forms a tropical oasis that is just perfect for a swim. After the walk, enjoy a boxed lunch as you travel by bus to the Karijini Visitor Centre. The design of the centre represents a goanna moving through the country and is symbolic to the local Banyjima people. Inside, a range of static and interactive displays take you on a journey of places and people, past and present. In the afternoon, board your return flight to Broome. Make sure to look out the window to see the Mt Whaleback open cut mine on the approach into Newman. You will arrive back at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa at approximately 5:30pm. |
All good things must come to an end! After breakfast, check out and make use of the complimentary airport transfer to commence your onward journey. |
Accommodation
Dates & Prices
Daily departure from May to September (dry season) on request. Minimum 4 people required to guarantee departures. Please enquiry single supplement, group bookings or private departures. Peak season (01 Jun - 30 Jun) surcharge: $550pp
More Info
The start and finish point for this tour is Broome, Western Australia.
The closest major airport is Broome International Airport (BME), which receives services from Perth and Darwin and other capitals including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane seasonally.
Broome and the Kimberley region have a tropical monsoon climate defined by a distinct wet and dry season. The region receives about 90% of its rainfall during the wet season from November to April when cyclones are common (especially around Broome). In the dry season from May to October, south easterly breezes bring sunny days and cool nights. The dry season is the best time to visit the region.
The Kimberley is one of the hottest parts of Australia, with the average annual mean temperature around 27 degrees Celsius. However, temperatures frequently reach above 37 degrees Celsius, with hotter temperatures possible in November before the rains break. Mean minimum temperatures during the dry season range from around 12 degrees Celsius in the south to 16 degrees Celsius along the coast, although some parts of the central Kimberley plateau can drop below 0 degrees Celsius.
Sunset camel tour of Cable Beach
Please note the camel tour operates a 100-kilogram weight limit per person. Any couples that exceed a combined weight limit of 170-kilograms (individually no more than 100-kilograms), will each be required to ride their own camel and an additional charge will apply. Child age is 5-15 years and not exceeding 60-kilograms, while lap sitter age is 0-4 years old, sitting on a parent’s lap.
Cygnet Bay & Buccaneer Archipelago Full Day Air Adventure
During neap tides, the Kimberley Island Explorer Tour replaces Giant Tides Tour. The Horizontal Waterfalls is a natural phenomenon which is tide dependant with variable flow. Whilst we do our best to arrive at a time of optimum flow, we cannot guarantee the amount or level of water flowing through the Horizontal Waterfalls at any given time. Please bring comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and camera.
Mitchell Falls Full Day Air Adventure
Participants must be fit and active so that they can enjoy the tour, which includes a 4.5-kilometre (2.8mi) hike. You must be agile and confident on your feet as there is some rock hopping on uneven and sometimes wet ground. Please bring comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and camera.
Karijini Adventure Safari
Participants must be fit and active so that they can enjoy the tour, which includes a 4.5-kilometre (2.8mi) hike. You must be agile and confident on your feet as there is some rock hopping on uneven and sometimes wet ground. Please bring comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and camera. Maximum 10kg per person soft bag is allowed.
All flights and tour requires a minimum of 4 people to operate the tour. Flights are subject to weather. Adverse weather conditions may mean that the scheduled itinerary cannot proceed as intended. If adverse weather means that you are unable to complete the full tour, then any refund will be adjusted on a pro rata basis dependant on the flying time involved.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.