Day 1 (L,D) HOME, BROOME, KUNUNURRA

Following metropolitan home pick up we transfer to Melbourne Airport for the flight to Broome. Interstate passengers may fly via Melbourne or direct to Broome depending on schedules. From Broome we fly to Kununurra, arriving mid-afternoon. On arrival we board our Young at Heart coach for a short town tour before arriving at our accommodation for three nights, the Country Club Resort.

Day 2 (B,L,D) KUNUNURRA

An easy day as we spend our first day in the Kimberley. We visit Hidden Valley (Mirima) National Park’s 300 million-year-old sandstone formations. Travel to Argyle Tourist Village and the historic Durack homestead, once headquarters of the huge Ivanhoe Station. The Durack family story is recounted in “Kings in Grass Castles”. Drive along the wall of Lake Argyle Dam to join the Ord River Cruise. Cruise by jet boat along the Ord River, 55 kms of beautiful scenery, cliffs and mangroves from the wall to Kununurra.

Day 3 (B,L,D) BUNGLE BUNGLES, LAKE ARYGYLE, BULLO RIVER STATION

Today we fly over the “lost world” of the Bungle Bungles, fascinating beehive-like striped rock dome formations, and the Argyle Diamond Mine and Lake Argyle, over 800 square kilometres in size. From Lake Argyle we head north east to Bullo River, once the home of the late Sara Henderson, and now owned and operated by her daughter Marlee and son-in-law Franz. Enjoy lunch and afternoon tea at the homestead together with a tour. Later in the afternoon we return to Kununurra. A special day!

Day 4 (B,L,D) KUNUNURRA, WYNDHAM, HALLS CREEK

Today we visit Wyndham, most northern port in WA, established during the gold rush days. Great views from Five Rivers Lookout. Then along the Great Northern highway to Warmun (Turkey Creek) and Halls Creek. We visit the Wall of China, a sub-vertical quartz vein protruding above the surface of a sandstone ridge. Our home tonight, Kimberley Hotel, Halls Creek.

Day 5 (B,L,D) HALLS CREEK, GEIKIE GORGE CRUISE, FITZROY CROSSING

Further west today to Fitzroy Crossing. Enjoy the Geikie Gorge cruise on the Fitzroy River. Sheer yellow, orange and grey ochre walls form the gorge. The watermarks of many floods show the sheer volume of water after rain. Freshwater birds and crocodiles abound – simply spectacular. We also visit the Old Town Site, a plaque showing the site of the Inland Mission Hospital and Pioneer’s Cemetery. Home tonight, the Fitzroy River Lodge.

Day 6 (B,L,D) FITZROY CROSSING, DERBY

This morning we travel to Derby and visit the famous Boab Prison Tree and Derby Jetty, with its old cattle loading ramps and huge tidal range, up to 12 metres. We visit Myalls Bore, created in 1911 to a depth of 322 metres, which feeds a 120 metre cattle trough, longest in the world and the Old Derby Gaol. Home tonight, King Sound Resort.

Day 7 (B,L,D) DERBY, BROOME

Today a short journey brings us to Broome, visited by William Dampier in 1688 but not developed until the 1880’s when it became the base for the emerging pearling industry. Broome pearls have an unparalleled attraction; you will find many to choose from here! An easy afternoon as we visit the Broome Historical Society Museum displaying some very interesting old pearl diving equipment and the history of Broome. Time also to visit Chinatown. Our home for four nights is the Oaks Resort Broome.

Day 8 (B,L,D) THOUSAND ISLANDS, CAPE LEVEQUE

Another highlight today. Following breakfast we take a spectacular flight over King Sound with its huge mud flats and tidal marshes, across Stokes Bay and over the Kimberley to view the Horizontal Waterfalls and the “Thousand Islands” of the Buccaneer Archipelago. We land at Cape Leveque with time to enjoy lunch at the Kooljaman Resort and a stroll along the beautiful beach. Picture postcard views of the red Pindan cliffs, white beaches and deep blue waters prior to returning to Broome.

Day 9 (B,L,D) WILLIE CREEK PEARL FARM, CABLE BEACH

This morning we visit the Willie Creek Pearl Farm, learn a little of this fascinating industry, watch a live oyster seeding demonstration and cruise the waters of Willie Creek. We return to Broome for lunch. The afternoon is free to browse, explore or relax at the resort. Later enjoy the famous view as we watch the sunset at Cable Beach.

Day 10 (B,L,D) BROOME

This morning visit the Japanese Cemetery where some 700 pearl divers are buried, such were the hazards of pearl diving prior to the introduction of diving suits. We then visit Broome Deep Water Wharf and Jetty with the opportunity to see turtle, sea snakes and manta rays. Following lunch we drive to Gantheaume Point – a photographer’s delight with deep red rocks contrasting with the crystal blue waters. Later in the afternoon we visit the Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Wildlife Park and Refuge for a tour and crocodile feeding.

Day 11 (B,L) BROOME, HOME

Enjoy a morning cuppa overlooking Roebuck Bay before transferring to the airport for our homeward flights. Melbourne passengers fly direct to Melbourne, passengers returning to other states may fly via Melbourne or other routes depending on schedules. Metropolitan home/hotel transfers available for Melbourne passengers. So concludes a most enjoyable holiday to a fascinating part of Australia – the Kimberley.