Northern Territory | The Northern Horizon
Traverse the varied landscapes of the Top End and Kimberley on your 14 day journey from Darwin to Broome. Enter Nitmiluk National Park and swim in the picturesque waterholes at Edith Falls before joining a dinner cruise on stunning Katherine River. Cross the Western Australia border and venture into the wilderness of the Kimberley. Cruise the Ord River to Kununurra, travel by helicopter to see remote Mitchell Falls on the Mitchell Plateau. Choose your own adventure in the Bungle Bungle Range - take a scenic flight or go off-road on a 4WD journey through Purnululu National Park. Explore the rugged landscape of El Questro Wilderness Park and travel the famous Gibb River Road en route to the unique Mornington Wilderness Camp. From there you'll visit Fitzroy crossing, cruise spectacular Geikie Gorge and head west to the Kimberley's breathtaking coastline. Spend time relaxing and exploring at beautiful Cape Leveque and Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat before arriving in the beachside town of Broome.
| Duration: | 14 Days |
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| Tour Code: | ITW647 |
| Trip Style: | Superior - 4 star |
| Departure Dates: | 12 Jun 2012, 24 Jul 2012, 11 Sep 2012 |
| Price: | $8,990 |
| Single Supplement: | $1535 |
| Places you'll visit: |
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| Highlights: |
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Ideal for Solo Travellers
This trip is suitable for people travelling on their own. There'll be plenty of time to get to know your fellow travellers, socialise and make new friends. Where you go, what you do and who you are with sets a foundation for creating great memories and experiences. After all, it's not just the places you go; it's also the people you are with when you go.
Trip Details
GROUP SIZE: 20 max.
PLEASE NOTE: Departures on 27 Jun, 8 Aug and 26 Sep operate in the reverse direction.
Day 1: Darwin - Katherine
This morning you'll meet your Journey Leader and fellow travellers before heading south along the Stuart Highway towards Katherine, where we'll enter Nitmiluk National Park. First stop is Leliyn (Edith Falls), famed for its picturesque waterfalls and waterholes. It's time to enjoy an invigorating swim in the upper or lower pools.
This evening, relax on a Highlight Dinner Cruise along the Katherine River. You'll spot wildlife and learn about the history and culture of the local Jawoyn people, who perform music and enact stories during the candle-lit three course buffet dinner. Sleep surrounded by nature in the comfort of your private chalet.
Accommodation: Nitmiluk Chalets
Included Meals: Highlight Dinner
Day 2: Katherine - Kununurra
Wake up to an al fresco breakfast overlooking Katherine Gorge. Today we'll travel via Timber Creek and through the Victoria River Station, across remote territory and seemingly endless horizons, into Western Australia and on to Kununurra, the gateway to the Kimberley. Here we'll cruise down the Ord River, exploring the permanent waters of Lake Kununurra. It's a highlight experience that will give you an immediate feel for the rich landscape of Kununurra. It's a short transfer to your accommodation for the next 2 nights. Rejuvenate at the beautifully appointed Kimberley Grande.
Accommodation: Kimberley Grande
Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3: Mitchell Plateau
Today it's a fantastic scenic flight to Mitchell River National Park, where you'll get a unique view of the region you won't see by road. Then you're off on an exhilarating helicopter ride that takes you right into the heart of the remote Mitchell Falls so that there's no need for a long, overnight road trip. There's plenty of time to explore the area, which is both culturally and spiritually significant to the original indigenous Wunambal tribe. You're free to swim in the top plateau of the falls or just relax and take in the magnificent vistas. This day is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your entire inspiring journey.
Accommodation: Kimberley Grande
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Kununurra - Bungle Bungle
Today it's the magnificent Bungle Bungle. Located in Purnululu National Park, the Bungle Bungle are mesmerising sandstone formations, featuring orange and black striped ‘beehive' markings, thought to be over 350 million years old. In 2003 they gained World Heritage status. Now we take an off-road 4WD journey into the national park to the spectacular northern gorges.
Tonight is a true bush camp experience. Enjoy the comfortable tented safari cabins and the feeling of sitting around a camp fire with new friends and a blanket of stars above you as the vast outback sky makes for a unique Australian wilderness experience.
Accommodation: Bungle Bungle Bush Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Optional Activities:
- Take a scenic flight to get a feel for the sheer scale and geology of the Bungle Bungle. From the air, the vantage point is amazing and you'll see the range of new domes currently forming as erosion in the area continues (own expense).
- Join the group on a 3km, moderately graded bush walk into Echidna Chasm. The chasm is a striking, narrow gorge with sheer sandstone vertical cliffs soaring 200 metres into the air.
Day 5: Bungle Bungle - Home Valley
After a hearty hot breakfast prepared by our chefs you'll get another perspective of the Bungle Bungle on your guided tour of the domes on foot. Visiting Cathedral Gorge at the southern end of the park, we uncover some of the waterholes, caves and rock art that is hidden among the sandstone Bungle Bungle structures.
It's back on the road to head to the heart of the Kimberley, and Home Valley Station, a great base to stop for easy access to the famous El Questro tomorrow. This evening, enjoy the company of friends, a cool drink and dinner under the stars, against a backdrop of authentic station memorabilia at Dusty Bar and Grill. Again, it's the simple pleasures of this remote location, relaxing under a star-filled Kimberly sky, in an unbeatable outback setting.
Accommodation: Home Valley Station
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: El Questro & Home Valley
Discover more of the diverse landscapes, particularly the river systems, freshwater holes and estuaries, millions of years in the making, at El Questro. El Questro Wilderness Park is part of a truly iconic Australian outback experience. We'll stop for a relaxing dip at Zebedee Springs, a warm thermal spring nestled amidst a pocket of lush rainforest.
Afterwards, join your Journey Leader exploring other areas of the park before heading back to Home Valley, where the afternoon is your choice of optional activities. Join the group for sunset drinks and nibbles at a unique location before dinner at Dusty Bar and Grill.
Accommodation: Home Valley Station
Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Optional Activities:
- Take the Darraru Cultural Tour - a 4WD fishing tour with an indigenous guide (own expense).
- Get off the beaten track on a horse ride through the rugged countryside (own expense).
- Take in a lazy lunch (own expense) and swim at the station.
Day 7: Home Valley - Mornington
A day of exploration lies ahead. Known famously as one of the last frontiers of outback 4WD touring, your skilled Inspiring Journeys Navigator will take you on the mainly unsealed Gibb River Road running between Kununurra and Derby in Western Australia's north. En route, stretch your legs and take in a short walk and swim at one of the most beautiful and memorable gorges along the Gibb River Road.
And at the end of this trip, the welcome tranquillity of Mornington Wilderness Camp awaits you. Located right in the heart of the Kimberley, it is set amidst gorges, savannah grasslands and woodlands, with the Fitzroy River and King Leopold Ranges nearby. A late afternoon arrival gives you time to settle into your luxury safari quarters before dinner.
Accommodation: Mornington Wilderness Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Mornington Wilderness Camp
Mornington is one-of-a-kind in the Kimberley. The camp is located within a wildlife sanctuary, run by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including many threatened species. Today, it's all about relaxing and appreciating the quiet remoteness of this spot. This morning is yours to explore in your own time and choose from the optional activities.
Later, if you like, join the group to travel to Bluebush, a serene swimming hole for the exclusive use of our guests. Tonight's a relaxed evening, starting with pre-dinner drinks and light snacks at the most opportune location, somewhere that ensures the best view of a stunning East Kimberley sunset. Dinner is a specially prepared meal served in the gorgeous open-air restaurant.
Accommodation: Mornington Wilderness Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Optional Activities:
- Take a self-guided bushwalk on the Annie Creek or Savanna Woodland Walks.
- Go bird-spotting for threatened species or join an eco tour and marvel at the innovative ways ecologists advance our understanding of the natural world (own expense).
- Take time-out on your balcony in the magnificent wilderness setting.
Day 9: Mornington - Fitzroy Crossing
Departing Mornington today, we'll head to Fitzroy Crossing, a small settlement originally built specifically to create a safe and easy crossing across the mighty Fitzroy River. Tourism, cattle stations and mining are amongst the main industries here. Cave exploration is on the agenda at Tunnel Creek, Western Australia's oldest cave system. You'll have time to explore inside the cave, equipped with a torch, sturdy shoes (you may get wet) and helpful tips from our Journey Leader. Fitzroy River Lodge, set on the banks of the Fitzroy River, boasts great country hospitality and is your home for the night.
Accommodation: Fitzroy River Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Fitzroy Crossing - Cape Leveque
This morning we're taking a boat to Darngku (also known as Geikie Gorge) to see the beauty of this 30m deep gorge before you ‘hit the dirt' on your 4WD journey across to coastal Cape Leveque. En route, a stop at Beagle Bay indigenous community shows off their beautiful shell church. Watch as the scenery begins to change from vast wilderness to coastal vistas.
You'll arrive on the Dampier Peninsular and head to Cape Leveque in time to enjoy another magnificent Kimberley sunset, this time overlooking the beach, a complete contrast to the outback scenes of the last 9 days. You'll appreciate the coastal breeze tonight from your stunning luxury safari quarters, built on raised timber decking, set high on the hillside taking full advantage of the panoramic ocean views.
Accommodation: Kooljaman Cape Leveque
Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 11: Cape Leveque
Start as late as you like this morning, as you'll be provided with a fresh continental breakfast to have at your leisure. With beaches on both sides of the resort, a swim or a stroll along the beach means it's easy to keep the pace relaxed. Choose from our range of optional activites.
Accommodation: Kooljaman Cape Leveque
Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Optional Activities:
- Take a scenic flight to Horizontal Falls (own expense).
- Snorkel in a crystal-clear rock pool near the property.
- Join a local guide for an indigenous experience. Tours available usually include bush tucker, cultural walks or mud-crabbing (own expense).
- Take a fishing trip to one of the great fishing areas around the cape, on the reef system or out past the tide line (own expense).
- Stroll along the white sandy beaches and around the coastline.
Day 12: Cape Leveque - Eco Beach
Today we visit Willie Creek Pearl Farm, famous for its Pinctada Maxima Oysters and world-renowned South Sea Pearls. A little further on arrive at your hidden treasure, the Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat. This magnificent property overlooks the beach with its long stretch of white sand strikingly contrasted by the turquoise waters.
The rest of the afternoon and tomorrow morning is all yours to choose from the optional activities. Tonight, join the group for a sumptuous dinner at the retreat's restaurant, which boasts not only delicious fresh food, but also one of the finest views in all of Western Australia.
Accommodation: Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat
Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Optional Activities:
- Take a seasonal whale-watching or sunset cruise (own expense).
- Join a guided (own expense) or take a self-guided bushwalk.
- Participate in an informative and fun cooking class with food sourced from the organic garden (own expense).
- Join a guided (or non-guided) kayak tour (own expense).
- Spoil yourself with a spa treatment or massage (own expense).
Day 13: Eco Beach - Broome
Relax at Eco Beach this morning and soak up the last of the trip with time in the pristine surrounds, before you travel to Broome. Famous for Cable Beach, a vast stretch of white sand met by the spectacular waters of the Indian Ocean, breathtaking sunsets, balmy nights and camel rides along the beach.
Ensuring you enjoy the best of Broome, tonight we've organised a stay at the famous and award-winning Cable Beach Club Resort, the only resort located right on Cable Beach. Enjoy the gardens, pool areas, the spa, restaurants and bar. Or wander from the resort on to the extensive stretch of white beach for a stroll. Tonight join the group for a final meal together at the resort.
Accommodation: Cable Beach Club Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 14: Broome
After breakfast this morning say farewell to your new friends before you are transferred to the airport.
Included Meals: Breakfast
ACCOMMODATION
You'll be staying in the best standard of accommodation on offer in the areas we travel. We've hand picked accommodation that is situated in both beautiful and unique locations where there is a real sense of connection between nature and the destination, like the Mornington Wilderness Sanctuary.
Accommodation will vary from cabins, safari quarters and chalets to lodges and hotels depending on the location. In some very remote areas where accommodation options are limited, the accommodation standard may be slightly lower but nonetheless we believe the quality of the experience and the remoteness of the destination far outweighs any material comforts.
TRANSPORT
We use All Terrain 4WD Mercedes Benz 25 seater vehicles that have been specifically designed to access areas that larger coaches can't. Our air conditioned vehicles are luxuriously fitted with superior leg room, comfortable and reclining seats with footrests, large panoramic tinted windows for viewing, an onboard restroom and state-of-the art technology, including road cams, video monitors, DVD player and GPS and PA systems.
Inclusions
- all accommodation
- 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 12 dinners
- 1 Highlight Dinner Cruise on the Katherine River
- scenic flight to Mitchell Falls
What's Not Included
- airfares
Terms & Conditions
Click here for our Terms & Conditions
For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
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