The Kimberly: Australia's Last Frontier, July 16 - 30, 2019

A 14-Day Photographic Journey with Jeremy Woodhouse
(14 days – 14 nights)

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Australia's last frontier is a wild land of remote, spectacular scenery spread over huge distances, with a severe climate, a sparse population and minimal infrastructure. Larger than 75% of the world's countries, the Kimberley is hemmed by impenetrable coastline and unforgiving deserts. In between lie vast boab-studded spinifex plains, palm-fringed gorges, desolate mountains and magnificent waterfalls. Travelling here is a true adventure, and each dry season a steady flow of explorers search for the real outback along the legendary Gibb River Road.

Aboriginal culture runs deep across the region, from the Dampier Peninsula, where neat communities welcome travellers to Country, to distant Mitchell Plateau, where ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion stand vigil over sacred waterholes.
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Broome (home to iconic Cable Beach, camel-tinged sunsets and amber-hued watering holes) and practical Kununurra (with its irrigation miracle) bookend the region.

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Daily Itinerary

Day 1: July 16 — ​Arrive Darwin
Australia's only tropical capital city, Darwin gazes out confidently across the Timor Sea. It's closer to Bali than Bondi and can certainly feel removed from the rest of the country, which is just the way the locals like it.

Darwin has plenty to offer travellers. Chairs and tables spill out of street-side restaurants and bars, innovative museums celebrate the city's past, and galleries showcase the region's rich Indigenous art. Darwin's cosmopolitan mix—more than 50 nationalities are represented here—is typified by the wonderful markets held throughout the dry season.

Nature is well and truly part of Darwin's backyard—the famous national parks of Kakadu and Litchfield are only a few hours' drive away, and the unique Tiwi Islands are a boat-ride away. For locals the perfect weekend is going fishing for barra (barramundi) in a tinny (small boat) with an esky (cool box) full of beer.

O/N H Hotel
An ideal launch pad for getting the best from the city. The 186 contemporary-styled rooms are generally small but comfy and have good mod cons. Many also come with views over Cullen Bay or the city. The D Bar and Restaurant overlook the attractive pool area and the verdant palm garden. 

Day 2: July 17 — Darwin - Katherine (317 km)
You will be collected from your hotel at 7am this morning to begin your private 15-day photo tour through the Kimberley region.

We head south, along the Stuart Highway to the township of Katherine, stopping at historic Adelaide River en-route. Blink and you'll miss this tiny highway town, 111km south of Darwin. There's little to detain you but the Adelaide River War Cemetery bears an important legacy: a sea of little brass plaques commemorating those killed in the 1942−43 air raids on northern Australia.

An hour north of Katherine, we turn off to Leilyn (Edith Falls), part of Nitmiluk National Park and well known for it’s picturesque waterfalls and pools. We can have a swim at the large pool at the base of the escarpment and then take the Leliyn Trail—a walk that takes us across the top of the waterfall, where we can have a swim in the upper rock pools and we’ll get views of the waterfalls and Edith River from a couple of lookouts. It’s simply stunning.

On arrival in Katherine, we make our way to Nitmiluk Gorge, home to 13 spectacular gorges, carved out of the rock by torrential summer rains, over millions of years. After checking in, you’ll take the Nabilil Dreaming sunset dinner cruise through the gorge. Nabilil (Nah-bill-lil) is a dragon-like figure who named the region Nitmiluk after hearing the song of the cicada (nitnit, nitnit). Learn more about the spirit, history and culture of the Jawoyn people as you cruise along the first two tranquil gorges. Discover the music, stories and ways of the Jawoyn as the sunsets and the beauty of the gorge intensifies. Lap up the surroundings by candlelight and enjoy a three course buffet dinner along the way.

Our accommodation this evening is in the cabins at Nitmiluk Gorge. It’s a great place to see wallabies and after we check in, there should be some free time before the cruise to go for a walk or relax in your cabin.

O/N Katherine
Cabins at Nitmiluk Gorge, with en-suites and power (L)

Day 3: July 18 — Katherine - Lake Argyle (572 km)
Today we head west along the Victoria Highway, into Western Australia. En-route, we stop to view the mighty Victoria River, one of the largest tidal influenced rivers in the Territory with an abundance of saltwater crocodiles.

We cross through the border into Western Australia and onto Lake Argyle, Australia’s largest man- made lake, covering 1,000sq km and built as part of the Ord River scheme. It offers a great expanse of water from which steep red rocky slopes reach up approximately 150m, in awe-inspiring grandeur. 

This afternoon we take the sunset cruise on the lake, where you will cruise through some of the 90 islands and inlets and take in the magnificent scenery of the Carr Boyd Ranges. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and nibbles as the sun sets over the rugged red cliffs and azure blue water.  
Dinner tonight can be purchased at the bistro.  

O/N Lake Argyle Resort
Cabins with en-suites and power (B,L)

Day 4: July 19 — Lake Argyle - Bungle Bungles (320 km)
This morning we pop into Kununurra to collect fresh supplies (due to border restrictions) so there is some free time while your guide shops.

Then we head south towards the Bungle Bungles. Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles) is famous for the ancient range of unusual beehive-shaped domes, gorges and chasms over 350 million years old.

The section of road into the park is quite challenging and will give you a real sense of off-road adventure! Dinner tonight will be served in camp

O/N Bungle Bungles  (2 night stay)
Cabin with en-suites (L,D)

Day 5: July 20 — Walking in the Bungle Bungles
We spend today in the Bungle Bungles. The bizarre, ancient, eroded sandstone domes of the UNESCO World Heritage Purnululu National Park will take your breath away. Known colloquially as the Bungle Bungles, these remote rocky ranges are recognised as the finest example of cone karst sandstone in the world.

Our first stop in the park is Cathedral Gorge, a huge natural amphitheatre, with fantastic acoustics. The intense coloured banding of the rocks makes for some fantastic photos.
We then take the walk to the Piccininny Lookout, followed by the “Domes trail walk”.

This afternoon we take a walk into Echidna Chasm, which is a narrow gorge of conglomerate rock. The walk in is beautiful, passing endemic livistona palms and we're there for the afternoon light, which intensifies the colours.

There’s also time today for optional helicopter flights (additional cost). Dinner tonight will be served in camp.

O/N Bungle Bungles
Cabin with en-suites (B,L,D)

Day 6: July 21 — Bungle Bungles - Emma Gorge
After breakfast, we leave the Bungle Bungles and head north again to visit the beautiful Parrys Lagoon Nature Reserve, which is a haven for birdlife and great for photography.

Our destination today is Emma Gorge, part of El Questro Wilderness Park, which is a million acres in size.

You have plenty of time today to walk into Emma Gorge itself. A cool reward awaits you at the end of the walk, where you can swim at Emma Gorge Pool and the 200ft waterfall that is fed from a series of natural springs high above the plateau of the Cockburn Range.

This evening we head out to a sunset lookout, excusive to us this evening, which is a special chance to soak up this intimate sunset in peace and enjoy nibbles provided by your guide.

O/N Emma Gorge
Tented cabins with en-suites (2 night stay) (B,L)

Day 7: July 22 — Emma Gorge
We start today with a relaxing dip at the Zebedee Springs thermal pools set amongst palm trees.
The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the activities on offer at El Questro.

There are a range of walks available, go fishing or bird watching, we can drive to the Durack Tree, take the Chamberlain Gorge cruise or take an optional helicopter flight to one of the hard-to-reach parts of El Questro. Your guide will be on hand to assist you with your activities. 

O/N Emma Gorge (B,L)

Day 8: July 23 — Emma Gorge - Drysdale River Station
Leaving El Questro, we make our way back onto the Gibb River Road and we’ll drive through the Pentecost River to a lookout, for fantastic views of the river and the mighty Cockburn Range.We’ll also view an art site of Wandjana figures and Petroglyphs (rock carvings). This is also where the local Aboriginal people used to shelter and sharpen their spears. 

We turn onto the Kalumburu Road and make our way to Drysdale River Station.

O/N Drysdale River Station
Station rooms, with shared bathrooms OR Station rooms with en-suites (subject to availability) (2 night stay) (B,L,D)

Day 9: July 24 — Drysdale River Station - Mitchell Falls
Today you’ll take a full day tour to Mitchell Falls, including a scenic flight and ground tour. The day starts at 9:00AM and you’ll take a light aircraft to Mitchell Falls airstrip, followed by a 4WD transfer. Take a guided walk to the falls and a helicopter ride back to the car park. Then you’ll take a scenic flight back to Drysdale Station arriving at around 4.30PM.

O/N Drysdale River Station
Station rooms, with shared bathrooms OR Station rooms with en-suites (subject to availability) (2 night stay) (B,L,D)

Day 10: July 25 — Drysdale River Station - Mt Elizabeth Cattle Station
We depart Drysdale this morning and take a look around an art site in the Gibb River area. Our destination today is Mt. Elizabeth Station, a working cattle station, established in 1945 by the pioneering Lacey Family.
 
The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the property- perhaps take a walk (or if road conditions permit, we can drive) to Warla Gorge also commonly known as Hann River Gorge, located approximately 4 km from the Mt Elizabeth Homestead.
 
Warla is the perfect spot to take in the outstanding scenery the Kimberley's has to offer whilst you float about in the cool refreshing waters and is a great spot for some late afternoon photography- who knows what we might see !

O/N Mt. Elizabeth Cattle Station
Accommodation has power and en-suites (B,L,D)

Day 11: July 26 — Mt Elizabeth Cattle Station - Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge
We start today at Manning Gorge  where we can swim and relax. Then onto Galvans Gorge, a small picturesque gorge, surrounded by boab trees. It has some interesting rock art and is a great place for a relaxing swim. 

Then we’ll make our way through the Napier and King Leopold Ranges to our accommodation and the rest of the afternoon is free to explore the property. 

O/N Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge
Tented cabins with en-suites (2 night stay) (B,L,D)

Day 12: July 27 — Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge
Today we continue along the Gibb River Road to Bell Gorge, which is said to be the most picturesque gorge in the Kimberley. We have the whole day to swim, hike, relax and take photos! 

O/N Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge
Tented cabins with en-suites (2 night stay) (B,L,D)

Day 13: July 28 — Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge - Fitzroy Crossing
Today we travel through the King Leopold and Napier Ranges towards Windjana Gorge, part of an ancient Devonian reef system where the Lennard River has cut through the Napier range. Windjana Gorge National Park is one of the Kimberley’s most stunning gorges, with water-streaked walls that rise majestically to heights of 100 metres.

En-route we stop to look at the King Leopold Range lookout, which offers great photo opportunities.

We take a walk into Windjana Gorge. We view the fossilised reef system and freshwater crocodiles can often be seen lazing around on the river banks.

Continuing onto Tunnel Creek, we walk through the 750m long limestone tunnel in the Napier Range, carved into the rock over millions of years. View stalagtites and stalagmites and hear the story of Jandamarra, who used the tunnel as a hideout in the late 1800s. Jandamarra's story is of great significance to the people of the Kimberley. Jandamarra was a Bunuba man born in 1873. He worked as a police tracker before he began a war of resistance against the white settlers who had invaded his people's lands.

O/N Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing
The Fitzroy River Lodge is located in the heart of the Kimberley. Situated on the banks of the mighty Fitzroy River, the Lodge offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all travellers—you can relax on fifty acres of natural bushland with shady trees and landscaped gardens. You will stay in comfortable safari tents with en-suites and power (B,L,D)

Day 14: July 29 — Fitzroy Crossing - Broome (397km)
Start today with the ranger lead boat cruise through Geikie Gorge, where flood waters of the Fitzroy River have carved the 30-metre-deep Gorge through the limestone at the junction of the Oscar and Geikie Ranges.

Geikie Gorge
Spectacular gorge famed for its sheer white and grey walls, abundant wildlife and awesome boat tours. In the dry season, the river transforms itself into a quiet stream strung out beneath the towering cliffs of the Devonian reef. Here, layers of fossils and the limestone strata of an ancient reef are exposed in cross section, showing glimpses of life in the Devonian period before reptiles or mammals evolved.  

We arrive into Broome late afternoon and after some photography on the famous Cable Beach, we’ll make our way to the accommodation.

O/N Hotel Mercure, Broome
(B,L,Farewell Dinner)

Day 15: July 30 — Broome
​If time permits we will do an early morning photography session around Broome.

Later in the morning transfer to the airport for your flight back to Darwin on either Air North or Virgin Australia. Those people doing the Kakadu and Top End post-tour extension will spend the night in Darwin before their early morning start on July30.

​END OF TOUR

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Click here for the Kakadu & Top end extension

Transport
Our Transport a 24 seater Tatra 6WD coach so there will be plenty of room for equipment

Arrival & Departure 

​Arrival & Meeting Place 


Departure 

Weather 
​Located north of the Tropic of Capricorn, the climate in the Kimberley is a tropical monsoon climate, defined by a distinct wet season and dry season. You’ll find this climate not only in Western Australia, but across all of Australia’s North. The Kimberley dry season is characterised by clear blue skies, easterly winds and balmy days with some chilly nights.  The chance of rain is very unlikely. Every day is so beautifully perfect.

Kimberley Dry Season
There are three seasons in the Kimberley region, with the dry season the best time to visit. It generally goes from April/May to September, a period which is followed by the so called ‘build-up’, where high humidity and temperatures prevail before the ensuing ‘wet’.

The Kimberley dry season is tourist season, when hotels are fuller and booking ahead is recommended. It has the ideal climate for the most part, with several months of generally rain-free, blue skies and pleasant temperatures at night even—bearing in mind that this is effectively the Aussie autumn and winter when the Northern Hemisphere is taken in context.

Along with the nicer weather, the region opens up to visitors during the dry season in the Kimberley, where roads become passable again and the rivers and waterfalls have less water to enable swimming. Just after the end of the wet season is one of the best times to visit, with fewer tourists and generally greener scenery and buzzing wildlife.

June to July is peak time in the Kimberley dry season, but you get the very best weather and full access. 

Click for weather forecast

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Trip Details*
Tour dates: July 16 - 30, 2019
Cost: $12,000​ for 10 participants (a supplement of $550 will apply for a group of 8-9 participants)
Deposit: $1,000
Single Supplement: $1,600
Return Flight from Broome - Darwin: $TBA
Max Group Size: 10
FULL
Photographer: Jeremy Woodhouse

Before you pay your deposit, please fill in the Registration Form by selecting the Button below

trip registration form

click to pay for your tour

RETURN TO KAKADU TOUR

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*Trip Extension
See also the Dampier Peninsula—Horizontal Falls & Cape Leveque and Kakadu & Top End  extension tours, 30 July - 1 Aug & 1 Aug - 2019

Tour Fee Includes

• Sole use of 6WD vehicle, with professional driver guide
• Meals, as stated.
• Accommodation as listed
• Entry fees and El Questro Wilderness pass
• 3.5 hour sunset dinner cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge
• Sunset Lake Argyle cruise
• Geike Gorge cruise
• Exclusive use of a sunset lookout point at El Questro
• Full day tour to Mitchell Falls including helicopter flight and ground touring 

Tour Fee Does not Include

• Arrival/departure flights
• Internal Flight at the end of the tour
• Travel insurance
• Alcohol
• Extra optional activities, such as El Questro activities ( helicopter flights, fishing etc.) , Bungle Bungles
• Helicopter flight at Bungle Bungles—18 mins is approx. USD$230pp, 30 mins is approx. USD$310pp and 42 mins is approx. USD$400pp 
• Excess Baggage Charges. 

Paying by check
If you would like to pay your deposit  and/or balance with a check, please make the check payable to: Pixelchrome, Inc and mail it to:

Nicole Woodhouse
Pixelchrome, Inc, 
605 Rouen Drive, 
McKinney TX 75070