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  • Stay 2 nights at Emma Gorge Resort
  • Exclusive! Stay 2 nights in Purnululu National Park
Accommodation Stay in Wilderness Lodges and Hotels 
Tour Code GBR8 
Tour Duration
Style 4WD Small Group Touring 
Package 8 Day El Questro, Gorges and Purnululu 2013

Itinerary

Click on map to enlarge
APT Australia Map GBR8 2013 Purnululu National Park is home of the Bungle Bungles View the stunning droplet waterfall of Emma Gorge 

Day 1. Broome, Boab Prison Tree, Gibb River Road, Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge

This morning begin your exploration of the awe-inspiring Kimberley region. Visit the Boab Prison Tree, believed to be more than 1,500 years old. Measuring an incredible 14 metres in diameter, and with its hollow centre and door cut into its side, the Boab Prison Tree was once used by early police patrols as a staging point for prisoners being walked into Derby. Today, the tree is a registered Aboriginal site and is of cultural significance to local tribes. After time to admire and learn about the tree, begin your journey on the Gibb River Road, a remote 660 km outback highway stretching between Broome and Kununurra. The Gibb traverses through the wild heart of the Kimberley, through a spectacular landscape of intensely coloured ranges, dramatic gorges, lush rock pools and waterfalls. Travel to remarkable Tunnel Creek and, with torch in hand, wade through the cool waters to view the wonderful oasis. At Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above white sands, see the ancient marine fossils embedded in the gorge walls. You might even see freshwater crocodiles lazing on the banks of the Lennard River, which runs through the gorge.
Stay Two Nights: EXCLUSIVE! Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge, with private ensuites, Gibb River Road
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Day 2. Bell Gorge, Hiking and Swimming

Back on the Gibb River Road this morning, journey into King Leopold Ranges National Park, covering more than 900,000 acres and featuring seven rugged ranges. It’s also home to Bell Gorge, where stunning cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. Bell Gorge was formed by water flowing west from the King Leopold Ranges that cut through the ancient rock of the region. Sitting approximately 300 metres above sea level, Bell Gorge is a spectacular spot for swimming, photography and enjoying what nature has to offer. During your time here, you can take a relaxing swim below the waterfall which feeds the lower pool, or perhaps go bird-watching. Those who are feeling energetic can choose from a number of hiking opportunities.

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Day 3. Galvans Gorge, El Questro

Today, travel through the heart of Kimberley cattle country to discover one of the region’s most beautiful and most secluded gorges. At Galvans Gorge, a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole where you can inspect the rock art on the gorge walls and perhaps take a leisurely swim in the refreshing waters. Afterwards, rejoin the Gibb River Road and ford the mighty Durack River, which was named after the region’s most famous pioneering family. Then ford the Pentecost River into El Questro Wilderness Park - one million stunning acres in the Kimberley wilderness. This vast stretch of land became a cattle station at the turn of the 20th century, then turned into a wilderness park in 1991 by a British aristocrat. Tonight, relax with your fellow travellers and enjoy a delicious dinner at Emma Gorge Resort.
Stay Two Nights: Tented cabins with spacious ensuites at Emma Gorge Resort, El Questro
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Day 4. Emma Gorge, Zebedee Springs, Chamberlain Gorge Cruise

Discover the wonders of El Questro this morning. Walk to Zebedee Springs and soak in the natural thermal pools surrounded by lush ferns and palms. After, join a local ranger and cruise Chamberlain Gorge, a fresh waterway fringed by tropical vegetation and rugged escarpments. Later in the afternoon, you may like to join a hike into Emma Gorge, where you can indulge in a refreshing swim over to the towering droplet waterfall. Then, return to the picturesque Emma Gorge Resort for dinner.

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Day 5. Purnululu National Park

Farewell El Questro this morning and journey to Purnululu National Park, one of Australia’s most fascinating landmarks. The national park is home to the famed black and orange striped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range. The range rises up to 578 metres above sea level and stands above a woodland and grass covered plain, with steep cliffs on the western side. Formed by constant erosion and river movements over 20 million years, the range has both geological and Indigenous cultural significance. It’s an imposing sight; and one that you are sure to remember forever. Join a hike along a Livistona palm-fringed trail, into Echidna Chasm, a spectacular cleft in the rock massif. Then, settle in to the tranquil surrounds of your wilderness lodge, located in the heart of this stunning national park.
Stay Two Nights: EXCLUSIVE! Stay in tented cabins with private ensuites at Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, Purnululu National Park
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Day 6. Piccaninny Creek, Cathedral Gorge

Today you will discover the magic of Purnululu for yourself, and learn that it’s not just the Bungle Bungle Range that this incredible region is famous for. Walk along Piccaninny Creek, a winding gorge within the high walls of the Bungle Bungle domes. Your next stop is the natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge, a spacious cavern rising high into the sky where you can test your vocal chords. As you wander through, marvel at the beehive domes while your guide brings the natural history of the range to life. You may like to enjoy an optional scenic helicopter flight over the domes (own expense). As the sun begins to set over the range, enjoy a complimentary drink and savour a truly magnificent sight.

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Day 7. Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing

Farewell the Bungle Bungle Range and visit Halls Creek. See the unusual China Wall, a natural quartz formation which runs from a creek up over a small hill. The wall looks like a small version of the famous Great Wall of China - hence its name. Continue to Fitzroy Crossing, a small settlement situated on the Fitzroy River.
Stay: Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing
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Day 8. Geikie Gorge Cruise, Broome.

This morning journey into Geikie Gorge National Park. Enjoy a morning to explore Geikie Gorge, situated at the junction of the Oscar and Geikie ranges. This 30 metre-deep gorge has been carved over the years by the mighty Fitzroy River. Flooding of the river has bleached the gorge walls white over the years - an intriguing sight which makes Geikie Gorge popular with photographers. During your time here, board a unique cruise along this stunning gorge and learn more about its surrounding flora and fauna. After lunch, return to Broome, where your tour concludes.

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What's Included

Trip Highlights

  • Journey on the famed Gibb River Road
  • Discover the beauty of Tunnel Creek as you wade through with a torch
  • Explore some of the Kimberley’s most secluded gorges, including Windjana, Bell and Galvans gorges
  • Soak in the thermal pools of Zebedee Springs within El Questro Wilderness Park
  • Admire the impressive rock escarpments as you cruise along Chamberlain Gorge
  • Explore the World Heritage-listed
  • Discover the towering rock formation of Echidna Chasm
  • Hike along Piccaninny Creek and into spectacular Cathedral Gorge
  • See the unusual China Wall formation
  • Cruise along ancient Geikie Gorge

Included Experiences

  • Two night stays at APT’s Bell Gorge and Bungle Bungle wilderness lodges
  • Stay at Emma Gorge Resort, El Questro
  • All accommodation is fully ensuited
  • Expert services of the Kimberley’s best Driver-Guides and Operations team
  • Travel in a deluxe 4WD vehicle
  • Guaranteed maximum of 20 passengers
  • All sightseeing, park and cruise fees

Dining

  • 22 meals included - 7 breakfasts (B), 8 lunches (L) and 7 dinners (D)

Additional Information

  • Activity Level - Moderate - mainly easy with some moderate walks, some longer days of travel and into more remote areas

Trip Notes

  • Includes all sightseeing, park fees, cruises, meals as specified, permits and accommodation
  • Weather events may cause disruptions to itinerary, especially in remote locations
  • Triple rooms may include a roll-away bed. Please check details at time of booking