16 Day Kimberley & Mitchell Plateau Expedition

This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5

 

Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.

 

As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.

Pace
Balanced

Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.

Group Size
Small Group

This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.

Escorted Type
Fully Escorted

Take advantage of our 7 day cooling-off period. 

Cooling Off Period
7 Days
Small Group Tour
4,344 people have travelled to this destination

✓ Escorted small group tour, up to 20 guests only
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including Gibb River, Tunnel Creek, West Kimberley Gorges, The Mitchell Plateau, El Questro Wilderness Park and the Bungle Bungles
✓ 2 nights at The Continental Hotel in Broome (or similar)
✓ 13 nights at a combination of camp grounds, private camps and safari camps
✓ 13 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 10 dinners
✓ Fully escorted professional guide
✓ Incredible sightseeing as per the itinerary
✓ Transportation in purpose built, modern 4WD trucks

✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.

What we love about this tour

Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.

Itinerary

Hotel
The Continental Hotel or Similar

Welcome to Broome! 

Make your way to your accommodation. The rest of the day is at leisure. You may like to visit Sunset Bar & Grill famous for their cocktails overlooking the waterfront at Cable Beach.

Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

Arrival & Check-in information:
Broome Airport is approximately 7km from town. A taxi ride will cost you approximately $20. Hotel check in is at 2pm. Should your room not be ready when you arrive, you will be welcome to leave your luggage in storage and use the pool, change room and storage facilities.

Hotel
Dome tent - Shared amenities or Similar
Meals
Lunch, Dinner

As we travel through the remote and beautiful Kimberley landscape, our guide shares stories of local history, people and the environment. Enjoy a morning tea break by the Fitzroy River and visit the Derby ‘Boab Prison Tree’ before we hit the Gibb River Road. Visit the fascinating Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Cultural Centre for an insight into the culture of the Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunumbal tribes and their supreme spirit being, the Wandjina. The afternoon is devoted to exploring Tunnel Creek, with our local Bunuba guide. In this 750-metre cave system carved through the Napier Range, we discover stalactites, secret caves and a large variety of wildlife. It is here we also learn the legend of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hide-out in the late 1800’s. Don’t miss a refreshing swim in an idyllic waterhole. That night we settle into our first night under the Kimberley night sky.

Hotel
Tourer-Style Tent - Shared amenities or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning we head off to Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), a hidden highlight of the West Kimberley. This idyllic retreat, considered amongst the most beautiful in the area, boasts cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools formed over millions of years – an easy place to while away a few hours! Spend the day swimming in paradise: further up the Gibb River Road, we discover the cool waters of water lily-laden Galvans Gorge and stunning Adcock Gorge. Amid the rugged beauty of Manning Falls we swim in deep clear pools, relax, explore wandering streams, uncover local wildlife and take a dip in the waterfall pools. Overnight we camp by a billabong on Mt Barnett Cattle Station. 

Tonight we camp in a private safari camp which features tourer-style tents on platforms with twin beds and share ablution facilities nearby.

Hotel
Tourer-Style Tent - Shared amenities or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend another day exploring this incredible remote wilderness chasing waterfalls and waterholes with your guide.

Tonight we camp in a private safari camp which features tourer-style tents on platforms with twin beds and share ablution facilities nearby.

Hotel
Dome tent - Shared amenities or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It is a very early start to kick off our two-day diversion to the majestic Mitchell Plateau: a highlight of the trip. The long drive through real 4WD country takes us up the rugged Kalumburu Road then onto the Mitchell Plateau Track – totally worth it! After crossing rivers and passing through ancient Livistonia palm forests, we emerge from the savannah and onto the Mitchell Plateau. With two nights camping in the National Park, we trek to Little and Big Merten Falls, take a dip in pristine plunge pools and view Bradshaw rock art. A return scenic helicopter flight offers a bird’s eye view of this extraordinary landscape

Hotel
Dome tent - Shared amenities or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we continue exploring this unique corner of Australia.

Hotel
Dome tent - Shared amenities or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Drysdale River Station is an oasis in the outback. This million-acre, family owned and operated cattle station, runs approximately 10,000 head of cattle and lies in the North Kimberley on the Gibb River Road. Hanging out in the true-blue Australian outback means you have all the magical scenery and feeling of isolation you could ask for. On arrival you may wish to explore the nearby surroundings or sit back and enjoy a cold drink in the beer garden, warm yourself around the log fire in the cool night air.

Hotel
Tourer-Style Tent - Shared amenities or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our journey up the Gibb River Road continues to the iconic El Questro Wilderness Park. Two nights in our private campsite here allows free time to join one or more of the many activities on offer. We include a refreshing dip in the Zebedee Springs and walk into Emma Gorge while a cruise on Chamberlain Gorge (approximately $70 and booked while on tour), bush tucker walk or bird watching tour are amongst the many optional activities. You may choose to simply explore this beautiful wilderness park at your own leisure.  

Tonight we camp in a private safari camp which features tourer-style tents on platforms with twin beds and share ablution facilities nearby.

Hotel
Tourer-Style Tent - Shared amenities or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Spend another day exploring this incredible wilderness park with your guide.

Hotel
Tourer-Style Tent - Shared amenities or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We emerge from the Gibb River Road for a few hours free time in Kununurra. In the afternoon, travel onto the shores of the expansive Lake Argyle, the heart of the Ord River Irrigation System which has transformed this dry region into a lush agricultural oasis.

Tonight we camp in a private safari camp which features tourer-style tents on platforms with twin beds and share ablution facilities nearby.

Hotel
Tourer-Style Tent - Shared amenities or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

A second night at Lake Argyle allows time to enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim in the Infinity Pool, with a magnificent view across the lake, and take up one of the many optional activities on offer such as scenic flights and kayak hire. You may like to join our guide to visit the historic Durack Homestead Museum or take on one of the many bush trails to explore the area. A sunset boat cruise on the lake is highly recommended (approx AU$100pp, own expense & booked while on tour).

Hotel
Bungle Bungles Safari Camp (Permanent Tents) or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Journey south down the Great Northern Highway to Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungles. Two nights here, staying in our private Bungle Bungle Safari Camp in the heart of the park, allows a full day to explore the highlights of this extraordinary National Park, the most famous of which are the Bungle Bungle domes. Rivers created this landscape of unique orange and black striped ‘beehive’ geological formations over a period of 20 million years. Unbelievably, only the locals knew it existed until the early 1980’s; once discovered by others, the area was made a national park in 1987. We explore Echidna Chasm (2km), known for its towering Livistonia Palm trees, and take a short walk (2-3km) into stunning Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks create a natural amphitheatre. There is time in the afternoon to take an optional scenic helicopter flight and enjoy a birds-eye view of the beehive domes (approx $500pp, own expense and booked while on tour) to put it all into perspective.

 In the heart of Purnululu National Park, our eco safari tents at the Bungle Bungles safari camp boast views of the Bungles Massif from your door. The camp features modern facilities, a covered dining deck with panoramic views and an open air campfire around which you can relax beneath a sparkling Kimberley night sky: chatting, star-gazing and sharing the adventure with like-minded travellers.

Hotel
Bungle Bungles Safari Camp (Permanent Tents) or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend another day in this incredible national park with your guide.

Hotel
Dome tent - Shared amenities or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enroute to Fitzroy Crossing, we break the long journey with a visit to the gold rush town of Halls Creek to see the remarkable China Wall. We also enjoy lunch at Marys Pool and visit the remote Laarri Aboriginal Art Gallery, before an evening by the Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing.

Hotel
The Continental Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

A morning cruise through the majestic Danggu (Geikie Gorge) is a great start to the day. Nature carved this wonder through the Geikie and Oscar Ranges during the Devonian geological period. Learn of the fascinating geology of this natural wonder and discover the huge array of wildlife including freshwater crocodiles, birds and fish. Enjoy lunch by the river en route back to Broome. 

Your tour finishes upon arrival to Broome where you'll be dropped at your hotel. 

Today is the end of this extraordinary journey.

Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

Check-out & departure information
Hotel check out is at 2pm. If your flight is later than this, you can leave your luggage in storage and use the pool, change room and storage facilities.

A taxi ride to Broome airport costs approximately $20-23 per car. 

Inclusions

  • Escorted small group tour, up to 20 guests only
  • Incredible sightseeing, including Gibb River, Tunnel Creek, West Kimberley Gorges, The Mitchell Plateau, Questro Wilderness Park and the Bungle Bungles
  • 2 nights at The Continental Hotel in Broome (or similar)
  • 13 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 10 dinners
  • Fully escorted professional guide
  • Incredible sightseeing as per the itinerary
  • Transportation in purpose built, modern 4WD trucks

  • Cross rivers and pass through ancient Livistona palm forests before emerging onto the Mitchell Plateau
  • Trek to Little and Big Merten Falls, take a dip in pristine plunge pools and view Bradshaw rock art
  • Derby ‘Boab Prison Tree’ before commencing a once in a lifetime drive on the Gibb River Road
  • Journey up the Gibb River Road continues to the iconic El Questro Wilderness Park
  • Travel onto the shores of the expansive Lake Argyle, the heart of the Ord River Irrigation System
  • Head south down the Great Northern Highway to Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungles.
  • Opt to experience the Horizontal Falls via return scenic flights and fast boat cruise.

Vehicles

These tours are operated in custom-built, 21-24 seat 4WD trucks with a PA system, wide viewing windows and built-in storage (no risky trailers!). These vehicles allow our small groups extra space (including standing room), are fully air-conditioned and, for your comfort are fitted with adjustable air-vents, reclinable seats, map pockets and footrests. Note that some Broome Day Tours may operate in larger 24-seat 4WD trucks.

Nights 2, 5, 6, 7, & 14:
Camping in National Parks involves dome tents (single/twin share), swags with fitted sheets & pillows with pillow cases. Some on site ablutions have hot showers and flush toilets however on those nights in which we are camping in National Parks, the ablution facilities can be relatively basic.

Nights 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 & 11:
Camping in one of our private safari camps features tourer-style tents on platforms with twin beds and shared ablution facilities nearby.

Nights 12 & 13:
In the heart of Purnululu National Park, our eco safari tents at the Bungle Bungles Safari Camp boast views of the Bungles Massif from your door. The camp features modern facilities, a covered dining deck with panoramic views and an open air campfire around which you can relax beneath a sparkling Kimberley night sky: chatting, star-gazing and sharing the adventure with like-minded travellers.

Single Travellers:
Single travellers will share a tent with another single traveller of the same gender. If capacity allows, single travellers will be offered a single tent.

Luggage Restrictions:
Please note, a limit of 15kgs per person is permitted on tour and luggage must be in a soft bag or backpack, no suitcases permitted

This tour is for reasonably fit and mobile travellers - age is irrelevant - this tour often involves some very early starts and long days. You may be exploring a range of remote wilderness environments and activities involve some clambering over rocks, wading in water by torchlight, walking on rocky beds and ascending/descending into gorges. A reasonable level of fitness and being sure on your feet is necessary to participate.

Overnight on some nights, you will be sleeping in traditional Aussie 'swags', which are comfortable foam mattresses with linen. 

Due to the remote location and challenging nature of this tour, you will be required to complete and sign a medical form to ensure you can participate fully in this tour. This medical form will be sent to you once a booking has been made. Such questions that will be asked include:

  • I can hike 3-4kms a day over uneven/rocky terrain and up/down steep paths, through narrow gorges/rock faces, along cliff edges and up and down steps, without any assistance
  • I am a confident swimmer and understand itineraries may include swimming in waterholes, under waterfalls, wading through water or water based activities
  • I am prepared and able to walk and travel in high temperatures and humidity - up to and more than 35 degrees centigrade and 90% humidity
  • I can sleep on the ground on a swag/bedroll (2-3 inch foam mattress) with a sleeping bag
  • I will adhere to the strict luggage limit of 10-15kg per person in a small soft bag and can lift my luggage in and out of the vehicle as required without assistance. I am also abl to enter/exit the vehicle using the stairs/ladder provided
  • I understand that this is a hands on tour and participation in meal preparation, collecting firewood and general assistance to the guide is appreciated

There will also be a section requesting you disclose any pre-existing medical conditions. 

If you have not ticked most of the sections above, then you should reassess your decision to participate on this tour. Inspiring Vacations' local operator has the right to assess your fitness capability on or before the first day of travel. Our local operator requires each traveller to have valid travel insurance in order to participate on this tour.

The fitness level rating for this tour is advanced:
No need to be a mountaineer, but some walks are reasonably challenging: on uneven terrain, sometimes unstable underfoot, and including steep (but usually short) descents and ascents into gorges. It is possible to opt out of the more difficult walks, so those with moderate fitness may still be able to choose one of these trips.

Fine Print

Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.

Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.

Instalment Schedule:

  1. At the time of booking pay a $99.00 deposit per person.
  2. Pay a 1st installment of $686.00 per person within 28 days.
  3. Pay a 2nd installment of $1,373.00 per person within 90 days.
  4. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

This is a land only package.

This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

  • Your booking is confirmed
  • Your departure date is within 11 months
  • You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.

Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.

If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.

If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.

It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.

Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.

3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.

Please also note: This tour may involve some swimming in waterholes, under waterfalls and/or wading through water. If you are not a confident swimmer you may opt to sit out some activities.

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:

1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $477.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.

2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement. 

You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub

During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name

Single Supplement applies to nights 1 & 15 at Broome Hotel only.

What to Bring
It is essential that you bring a torch, shoes you don’t mind getting wet – and we mean fully immersed in water: ideally, wet shoes, sandals or old runners, broad-brimmed hat with sun visor for all round sun protection, sunscreen, swimming costume and towel, good walking/trekking shoes and a personal water bottle.

You will also need to bring a sleeping bag;. 10ºC sleeping bags are available for sale at $54 (can be selected as an add-on in the purchase path) – these must be requested with the local office prior to travel and can be kept following your trip or donated to local indigenous communities.

Other recommendations include: warm clothes for the evening (particularly if travelling May-Aug), personal toiletries and first aid, with any personal medication required.

Don’t forget the necessary luggage restrictions – due to limited space in the vehicles it is important that your luggage is in a small, soft bag (suitcases are not suitable) and weighs a maximum of 15kg.

Sleeping Bags
You will also need to bring a sleeping bag – 10ºC sleeping bags are available to purchase via the booking process should you wish to buy one. These can be kept following your trip or donated to local indigenous communities.

Triple Share
Not available.

Travel Insurance - Mandatory
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Group Size
Minimum: 2
Maximum: 20

Tour Styles - This package is a Fully Escorted style.
To meet the needs of various types of travellers, we choose to operate various types of tours and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels: 

  • Fully Escorted - This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.

Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.

It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.

  • International or Domestic Flights
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Departure airport transfer
  • No meals, unless stated in the itinerary
  • Parking
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional Activities
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance (Mandatory)
Why book with us
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