At a Glance
Treat yourself to the best of the Kimberley, with this epic 8-day package that showcases the Bungle Bungles, Lake Argyle and Diamond Mine, Punamii-Unpuu (Mitchell) Falls and the remote Kimberley Coast. This package is perfect for those who want to get off the beaten track for a truly authentic Kimberley experience.
Three times larger than England and with a population of less than 40,000, the Kimberley region – spread over Australia’s entire north-western corner – is one of the world’s largest wilderness frontiers. Despite the region’s remoteness, you will find fascinating geological formations, vast lakes, majestic gorges, cascading waterfalls and prolific wildlife. You will also find that Australia’s Indigenous people have survived and thrived in this special place for tens of thousands of years.
Commencing in the outback town of Kununurra, enjoy ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 3-nights’ accommodation at Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments, Kununurra, on a twin share basis
- 1-night’s accommodation at Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, Purnululu National Park, on a twin share basis
- 1-night’s accommodation at Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge, Mitchell Falls, on a twin share basis
- 2-nights’ accommodation at Kimberley Coastal Camp on a twin share basis
- Scenic flights over Lake Argyle, Osmond Ranges, Argyle Diamond Mine, Mitchell Plateau, and Kimberley coastline
- Guided Cathedral Gorge, Piccaninny Creek, Echidna Chasm, Mini Palms Gorge walks (Day 2)
- Guided Mitchell Falls tour including hiking and swimming in the beautiful waterholes and waterfalls (Day 4)
- Lake Argyle Sunset cruise (Day 3)
- Mitchell Falls heli flight
Itinerary
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Arrive into East Kimberley Regional (Kununurra) Airport (KNX), and make your own way to Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments. Located just 2-minutes from the Kununurra town centre, Freshwater is the town’s newest executive-style, self-contained accommodation and the ideal relaxing environment for your holiday adventure. Settle into your apartment and spend the rest of the day making use of facilities including a stunning resort style swimming pool. In the evening, make the short walk into town to dine at one of the local restaurants (own cost). |
Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments or similar
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Bungle Bungle domes & Cathedral Gorge – 3km/1.9mi | 2hrs | Moderate (passing over rock ledges, waterholes and eroded potholes) Transfer to the airport to board your scenic flight to Purnululu National Park, home to the mysterious Bungle Bungle massif. Your scenic flight will take you over Lake Kununurra, Lake Argyle and the Osmand Ranges – only from the air can you truly appreciate the size and grandeur of this ancient land. After touching down in Purnululu, you will be met by your Indigenous Gija guide, who will lead you on a tour of the Bungle Bungle massif. Rising 300 metres (986 feet) above the surrounding grass-covered plains, these incredible orange and black sandstone domes are one of the world’s most fascinating geological sites. Explore the domes on foot and work your way towards Cathedral Gorge. This astonishing, natural amphitheatre of red rock is the perfect place to test your singing voice. If you’re lucky, your guide may even regale you with a traditional song! |
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After a short rest, walk along the dry creek bed of Piccaninny Creek before transferring via 4WD to the northern end of the park. A tasty picnic lunch will fuel you to traverse the famous Echidna Chasm. Long and narrow and dotted with Livingstonia palms, this spectacular chasm has striking colour variations that change with the angle of the sun. Explore the area with your guide and take time to admire the view of the dry, wild and rugged Osmand Range from the nearby Osmand Lookout. In the late afternoon, arrive at Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, where you can relax and unwind in the privacy of your tented ensuite cabin. In the evening, enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner under a blanket of stars. |
Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, Purnululu National ParkLunch, Dinner |
After a hearty breakfast, board your scenic flight back to Kununurra overflying Lake Argyle, the Carr Boyd Range and the Ord irrigation scheme. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic sunset cruise back to Kununurra. Swim in the fresh water and enjoy informative commentary about the flora and fauna and the huge lake. Enjoy onboard refreshments and light snacks as you watch the sun setting behind the Carr Boyd Range. |
Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments or similarBreakfast |
Punamii-unpuu/Mitchell Falls Trail: 8.6km/5.3mi | 2-6hrs | Grade 4: Challenging (includes uneven ground, water crossings and scrambling over rocks). An early start today! Transfer to the airport for your scenic flight to Punamii-Uunpuu (Mitchell) Plateau. Dotted with fan palms, this blocky, layered sandstone plateau is one of the most scenic and biologically important areas of the Northern Territory. Departing from the campground, set off along the Punamii-Uunpuu Trail to Punamii-Uunpuu (Mitchell) Falls. The anticipation builds as you walk – you will discover the smaller waterfalls of Little Mertens Falls and Mertens Gorge along the way. Make sure to detour to the cave beneath Mertens Gorge, where you will find a selection of ancient Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art paintings. The trail culminates in one of the Kimberley’s top attractions: the iconic, four-tiered Punamii-Uunpuu (Mitchell) Falls. One of Australia’s most spectacular waterfalls, Punamii-Uunpuu was carved by the waters of the Mitchell River, producing layers of mesmerising emerald water pools from which the waters tumble from one to the next. When you’re ready, enjoy a scenic helicopter flight back to your overnight accommodation, Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge. You’ll stay in a comfortable tented cabin and enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner under the stars. If you would prefer not to walk the Punamii-Uunpuu Trail, you may request an additional helicopter transfer to the falls at an additional cost). |
Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge, Mitchell FallsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After a hearty breakfast, travel down to the Kimberley Coast via one of the world’s most incredible 4WD tracks. You will then be picked up by boat and taken across to a special place the traditional owners call ‘Yalrundair’. It is here you will find the Kimberley’s most exclusive retreat, the magical Kimberley Coast Camp. Spend the next 2 days doing as much or as little as you like. Explore on foot, by boat or helicopter and experience the local birds, wildlife, bush tucker and medicines firsthand. Fish for the legendary Barramundi and other tropical species in pristine azure waters. Admire intriguing Wandjina and Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art paintings going back tens of thousands of years. Or simply relax on the white sand beach and enjoy being one of very few people for hundreds of kilometres. |
Kimberley Coastal CampBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Enjoy another full day of adventure or relaxation at the Kimberley Coastal Camp. Why not take it easy on the boat, cruising or picnicking on deserted islands fringed by boab trees? Or sip a cool drink on a day bed overlooking the cool blue ocean. The choice is yours! |
Kimberley Coastal CampBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Say farewell to Kimberley Coastal Camp and continue your adventure to Western Australia’s most remote permanent settlement, the Aboriginal community of Kalumburu located on the King Edward River approximately 550-kilometres (342mi) from Kununurra. With local guides, discover the main attractions of the area including the local art gallery and the Pago Historic Site. Located on the north-eastern shore of Mission Bay, on the banks of Pago Creek, the Pago Historic Site contains the remnants of the original Benedictine mission settlement dating back to 1905. Here, you will find the ruins of old wells, stone paved floors and a few posts of the original monastery building. Next, head towards the coast for fresh oysters and more rock art sites before sitting down for a delightful picnic lunch. Then, take to the air for a full coastal flight over King George Falls, Berkeley River, Adolphus Island and the mudflats of Wyndham and the lower Ord. Your pilot will fly as low as 500 feet so you can spot incredible marine life including huge crocodiles sunning themselves on the lower Ord riverbanks. In late afternoon, return to your accommodation in Kununurra at approx. 4:30pm to 5:00pm. |
Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments or similarBreakfast, Lunch |
All good things must come to an end. Check out at 10:00am and make your own way to the airport to commence your onward journey. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Dates & Prices
Daily departure on request during April to September. Please contact us for group bookings.
More Info
The start and finish point for this tour is Kununurra, Northern Territory.
Qantas, Air North and Virgin Australia run daily commercial flights into Kununurra from all major Australian cities via Darwin, Broome or Perth. You can also fly direct from Melbourne to Kununurra with Virgin.
Like the rest of the Kimberley, Kununurra, Purnululu National Park and Lake Argyle experience distinct dry and wet seasons. Average daily maximum temperatures in the dry season (April to September) range from 29 degrees (Celsius) in July to 38 degrees in September with little rain and low humidity. Overnight, temperatures decrease to become considerably cool by early morning and sunrise. Average daily maximum temperature during the waterfall season (October to March) is 40 degrees with significant humidity. Most of the 500-700mm annual rainfall occurs between December and March resulting in unsealed roads becoming impassable and park closure.
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.
