Kimberley and Pilbara explored by air

This afternoon we meet as a group.

There is a welcome dinner and tour briefing this evening.

We head north today to Alice Springs. Itinerary TBC.

Today we fly to the historic town of Derby. We start the day with a Helicopter flight back to Mitchell plateau and then depart for a scenic flight along the Kimberley coastline for Derby.

Our guides from Country share with us the history of the region at the Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Culture Centre. We spend time learning about the colonial settlement of Derby with a local historian including a visit to one of the Boab prison trees.

Today the group travels to Broome and back as an excursion. There are no scheduled activities, essentially a early departure and returning late afternoon from Broome back to Derby.

The group leaves Derby in the early afternoon for the Kimberley plateau. The flight heads north-west to the Kimberley Coast, touch down at Mitchell Plateau, known for its Livistona fan palms. Here you’ll join a helicopter flight for the final leg into the Kimberley Coastal Camp – accessible only by helicopter or boat.

Nestled on the pristine shores of the Admiralty Gulf and the Indian ocean, in the heart of the Kimberley wilderness you feel like you are one of very few people for hundreds of kilometres. Fabulous scenery, gourmet food, unique beachfront accommodation, amazing fishing and ancient rock art of the indigenous people – all combined with unparalleled hospitality in a remote wilderness location in North Western Australia.

There are Saltwater crocodile active in the Indian ocean along the Kimberley coast. You should remain vigilant and swim or enter the water where it is advised that it is safe.The Saltwater crocodile does kill.

Today the group enjoys a day on land and a cruise on the waters of the beautiful Kimberley coastline. Throw in the crab pots, fish several different areas, stop at the islands for a picnic lunch of your fresh-caught fish, see some of the biggest rock oysters in Australia, then return looking for the local wildlife that can include; the Saltwater crocodile Wild dingoes, sea eagles, olive pythons, endangered quolls, and many other native animals share this country known to traditional owners as Yalrundair.

We also on land have time to take a short walking tour with your tour guide to see the intriguing Wandjina and Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art which has been part of this landscape and the lives of its traditional owners for thousands of years, with Tub, the camp’s owner. Tub has spent many years with the local people and has a great depth of knowledge and respect for the art and stories he has been privileged to been told first hand. The rock art of the Aboriginal people is overlain with the stories of Europeans particularly the Dutch becoming shipwrecked on coral reefs in the Kimberley region.

Today we travel out early to see the rock art with a local guide from country.

After lunch we head north crossing the famous Ord River as we reach the UNESCO World heritage listed Purunululu National park, home of the Bungle bungle range.

This national park is one of the best stargazing spots in Australia with some of the most sparkling night skies in the world.

We stay at the bungle bungle wilderness Lodge, (or equivalent) everything at the lodge has been carefully designed to cause little impact on the environment and blend in with the surroundings, while still offering premium accommodation and excellent service. These are permanent campsites, each stand-alone cabin features an ensuite, luxury bedding and your own deck to enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounds. Chef-prepared meals are served in the dining room or under the stars on the outdoor deck area.

Itinerary TBC

Karijini National Park in the Pilbara.

Known for red dirt, indigenous history and mining, the Pilbara is twice the size of the UK, with breathtaking natural landscapes dating back four billion years. The Karijini National Park has deep rocky gorges, crystal clear pools and stunning waterfalls. Landing inside the park, you’ll be met with a cool drink and transferred about an hour to the resort.

Karijini Eco Retreat is nestled in the pristine bushland at Joffre Gorge in the heart of the National Park. The semi-permanent, secluded, deluxe eco tents feature comfy beds with quality bedding, ensuite with a shower under the stars, front and rear decks for lazing around and space to spread out. The restaurant offers outback-style hearty meals and a bar where you can mingle with other guests to share tales of your day’s adventures.

Karijini Eco Retreat is owned by Gumala Enterprises Pty Ltd represents the collective interests of the Niapiali, Bunjima and Innawonga Aboriginal people of the Pilbara region.

Spend the day exploring the natural wonders of the Karijini National Park with local tour guides.

Located at the junction of four mighty gorges, Oxer Lookout offers one of the most stunning panoramas in Western Australia, displaying the sheer enormity and grandeur of Joffre, Weano, Hancock and Red Gorges. At Junction Pool Lookout, Weano, Hancock and Red Gorges meet at a viewing platform that is most spectacular in the mornings and evenings when the sunlight deepens the red colour of the rock faces.

Circular Pool, on the Frankland River, has rapids in the winter and a large, tranquil pool in summer.

Fortescue Falls, the park’s only permanent waterfall, cascades down the gently sloped rocks into a pool. If you’re feeling quite fit, you can walk down through the changing vegetation of the iron-rich gorge walls to the nearby Fern Pool. With its small twin waterfalls, it is one of the most beautiful spots in the park, where you can take quick dip.

After a day of extraordinarily impressive scenery, return to the resort

Before departing this morning we have a short reminder about the loss suffered in Wittenoom from Absestos in the 1960’s.

We travel onto Wiluna to meet and spend with people from country. The people of the Gibson desert, who share their stories of their home. We also visit the resting place of the last nomads.

Itinerary TBC.

Departing around lunchtime this small group tour continues to Melbourne.

There is a farewell dinner this evening.

Tour concludes after breakfast this morning