At a Glance
Embark on an outback family adventure and escape to the dramatic gorges, wildlife retreats and ancient cave passages of the rugged western Kimberley. Over this 5-day 4WD camping expedition, you’ll be touring with other like-minded families, and the kids will forget about WiFi and be immersed in nature: swimming, wildlife spotting, trekking, campfires, stargazing and more!
Three times larger than England and with a population of less than 40,000, the Kimberley region – spread over Australia’s entire northwestern corner – is one of the world’s largest and oldest wilderness landscapes. Here you’ll find majestic gorges, mysterious rock formations, endless underground caves, freshwater swimming holes and prolific wildlife, some of which is found nowhere else on Earth. You will also find rich Indigenous culture that has existed in harmony with the land ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 4-nights’ camping accommodation on a twin share basis
- Meals: 4 x Breakfast, 5 x Lunch, 4 x Dinner
- National park entry fees
- 2 x tour hosts including an experienced Kimberley tour guide and tour assistant (on all tours with 8+ travellers)
- All transport in a custom-built, 21 seat 4WD truck with PA system and built-in storage
Itinerary
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Driving information: 400km/249mi | 4.5hrs Departing Broome, your family safari starts with a visit to the infamous Derby ‘Boab Prison Tree’. Known as Kunumudj, this remarkable tree has a circumference of over 14-metres (46ft) and is believed to be 1,500 years old. The tree is said to have been used as a prison, or as a holding area for Aboriginal prisoners being transported long distances to the goal at Derby.
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Next, enter into Bunuba Country to visit some of Western Australia’s most fascinating caves. With a local Bunuba guide, delve deep into Tunnel Creek, a 750-metre (2460ft) cave system in which you will find hidden recesses, stalactites and stalagmites, and a large variety of wildlife. As you explore, your guide will enthral you with the legend of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnels as a hideout in the late 1800s. Tonight, you’ll camp in Windjana Gorge National Park. The camp involves dome tents (single/twin share), swags with fitted sheets and pillows with pillowcases. On site ablutions have hot showers and flush toilets.
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Windjana National Park
Lunch, Dinner |
Driving information: 250km/155mi | 3hrs Journey through the 350-million-year-old Napier Range to the Windjana Gorge (Bandilhgan), a delightful outback oasis. Beneath gorge walls riding 90-metres (295ft), spend the morning searching for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and Indigenous bush tucker such as native fig. Continue along the iconic Gibb River Road to Galvans Gorge, a popular and pretty swimming spot with a small seasonal waterfall flowing into a horseshoe-shaped pool. Freshen up with a dip among boab trees and water lilies. For the next 2 nights, you’ll camp on Mt Barnett Cattle Station. The camp features tourer style tents on raised platforms with twin stretcher beds. Nearby shared ablutions have hot showers and flush toilets. You will have access to a private sheltered kitchen area. |
Mt Barnett Cattle Station, Mt BarnettBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Driving information: 40km/25mi | 1hr Explore the remote and spectacular Manning Gorge, one of the most beautiful and best swimming spots in the Kimberley. The waterfalls may be dry except in the early part of the season, however, water remains at the base of the falls and in several pools along the creek year-round, ideal for a refreshing dip. When exploring, you may also come across some examples of Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) and Wandjina rock art. The 3-kilometre (1.9mi) bushwalk to the gorge is a fun one, following the informal trail markers made up of rock cairns, red discs and arrows. You must first cross Manning Creek to re-join the trail path on the other side. You may swim the 100-metres (328ft) across, or use the rope guided dingy. In the evening, return to camp and get the campfire going for dinner and marshmallow toasting. |
Mt Barnett Cattle Station, Mt BarnettBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Driving information: 250km/155mi | 3hr Start your day with a morning swim in Adcock Gorge, one of the Kimberley’s best kept secrets. From the carpark, it is a short walk to the gorge, crossing a lily pond and scrambling over some boulders before reaching the waterfall and deep, shaded pool, bordered by the walls of the gorge on 3 sides. Once you’ve dried off, continue on to the beautiful Bell Gorge in the ancient King Leopold Range. Bell Gorge is the most famous gorge along the Gibb River Road – and for good reason. The multi-tiered waterfall cascades down the U-shaped cliffs into a deep pool perfect for swimming, while the large flat rocks along the side are the ideal place to sit down, sunbathe, have a picnic or whatever else you can think of. You can also explore the creek and gorge further, both up and downstream. Tonight, you’ll camp at the Department of Parks & Wildlife operated ‘Silent Grove’. The camp involves dome tents (single/twin share), swags with fitted sheets and pillows with pillowcases. On site ablutions have hot showers and flush toilets. |
Mt Barnett Cattle Station, Mt BarnettBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Driving information: 500km/311mi | 6hr Return to the Gibb River Road and head to the Norval Art Gallery in Derby. Here, in an old tin shed on the edge of town, you will find the colourful works of artist Mark Norval and other local artists. Featuring striking artworks, exquisite jewellery, 5000 vinyl records and decent coffee, a visit here is a feast for the senses. The kids can even have a go at creating their own artworks! At the end of the day, return to Broome to commence your onward journey. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Child Rate (4-12yrs): $1,595pp
More Info
The start and finish point for this tour is Broome, Western Australia.
The closest airport is Broome International Airport (BIA), which is serviced by Qantas from most Australian capital cities.
The Kimberley has two distinct seasons: wet season (December to March) and dry season (April to November). During ‘the Wet’ most 4WD roads and National Parks are closed. As such, this tour operates during ‘the Dry’ with daytime temperatures ranging from 28-30-degrees Celsius. Be aware, however, that the region can get surprisingly cold overnight: Broome can get to 12-degrees Celsius, while Purnululu can drop to a frosty 5-degrees Celsius!
Note: In September and October, as ‘the Wet’ approaches, temperatures increase accordingly, and it can be very hot during the day. It is essential you are prepared for this.
This tour uses custom-built, 21-25 seat 4WD trucks with a PA system and built-in storage (no risky trailers!). These comfortable and robust remote area vehicles provide a comfortable amount of space (including standing room) and full air-conditioning with adjustable air-vents, reclinable seats, map pockets and footrests. It is important that when booking a 4WD outback adventure in the Kimberley, you understand that the roads can be heavily corrugated. Rest assured, these are the conditions for which the 4WD trucks are designed.
Telstra users will get phone reception in most towns and the occasional remote hot spot. However, there will be long stretches on no reception at all. Nevertheless, power points will be accessible on most nights for recharging cameras and other electronic equipment.
Travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency repatriation, is an essential requirement of this tour. Your policy should also cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects, though this is not essential.
Other Important Notes
- It is essential that you call the Kimberley Wild office on 9193 7778, the day prior to departure to confirm pick up, and provide a mobile number for any late notifications.
- Departures are all subject to regional weather conditions and road closures – usually only a concern in April and October/November.
- Space in a 4WD is limited so please keep luggage light. Bring only essentials in a small soft bag, no more than15 kilograms. Suitcases are NOT suitable. Excess luggage must be left in Broome or sent to a forward destination.
- Due to distances covered, this trip involves early departures on some morning and frequent stops between destinations.
- The trip hosts reserve the right to assess the fitness capability of passengers prior to tour departure.
- It is your responsibility to advise us if you have any dietary requirements or medical conditions (including allergies).
- It is important that you participate in setting up camp each night (the tour hosts will assist as much as possible). Tour hosts also appreciate the assistance or one or two group members in preparing/clearing meals. It is essential that all groups leave the camps they stay in as they found them for the next travellers; the Kimberley is a pristine wilderness and it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure it stays this way.
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 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 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 90 days prior to departure, your deposit will be retained as a credit for a new departure date of the same tour within 24 months
- Between 60 and 89 days (inclusive) prior to departure, money will be refunded less deposit
- Within 59 days prior to departure 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
Covid Cancellation: 10% cancellation fees for any bookings cancelled more than 14 days prior to departure. The remaining balance will be held in credit for a new departure of the same tour for 24 months.
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.
