Outback Spirit - Kimberley & Top End Expedition Itinerary

You’ll be welcomed by your friendly and professional touring crew and enjoy a town tour before settling into your room. This evening, meet new friends and enjoy our first dinner together aboard the Charles Darwin on a spectacular sunset dinner cruise. 

Included Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Darwin – 1 Night

Departing Darwin, our first stop this morning is Litchfield National Park, where waterfalls cascade off the Tabletop Range into tranquil waterholes. Explore Florence and Wangi Falls and enjoy a picnic lunch. Next stop, the iconic Kakadu National Park; an enormous biodiverse nature reserve of almost 20,000 square kilometres. It is home to amazing bird and wildlife, including up to 10,000 crocodiles!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Kakadu National Park – 2 Nights

The day begins with breathtaking views over the Arnhem Land floodplains from Ubirr Rock, a sacred site where ancient rock art will be revealed. Then, cross the East Alligator River and venture into Arnhem Land for a visit to the Injalak Arts and Crafts Centre, in Gunbalanya. This afternoon, we return to Cooinda and enjoy the renowned wildlife cruise on Yellow Water Billabong, a birdwatcher's paradise.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Making tracks south, we are bound for Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park, home to Katherine River Gorge. A stunning natural landmark carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River, this deep gorge with towering sheer rock walls is one of the best in the Territory.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Nitmiluk National Park – 1 Night

Time to leave the Territory and cross into Western Australia, the country’s largest state. Pass through Victoria River and Timber Creek before heading to Lake Argyle one of the largest man-made lakes in the southern hemisphere. We’ll stop off at the historic Durack Homestead to learn about the early pastoral settlers of this area. Enjoy a tour through parts of the massive Ord River Irrigation Scheme on Ivanhoe Plains where melons, mangoes, sandalwood and other crops are-plentiful. There’ll also be time to explore Kununurra the gateway to the East Kimberley and see why the name means ‘big water’ in local Aboriginal language. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Kununurra – 1 Night

Before departing Kununurra we enjoy another river cruise, this time down the spectacular Ord River. Learn about the Ord River Irrigation Scheme from your knowledgeable skipper on this extraordinary three-hour adventure. Later this morning we head south, passing through Mabel Downs Station, en route to the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Purnululu National Park – 2 Nights

Explore the wonders of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Purnululu, with a breathtaking scenic helicopter flight (included) over the park, providing a bird’s-eye view of its astounding 350-million-year-old natural features. Afterwards, a guided walk leads us through Piccaninny Creek to the towering Cathedral Gorge before following the Dome Trail for a closer look at the park’s iconic rock formations. This afternoon, we’re excited to explore the stunning northern Bungle Bungle Range, taking in Echidna Chasm, a popular walking trail known for its orange glow gorge walls.

Important Note: Maximum passenger weight limits apply to all scenic or transfer flights.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Retracing our steps north, we pause at Five Rivers Lookout for a scenic picnic lunch before joining the iconic Gibb River Road to venture into the heart of world renowned El Questro Wilderness Park, our home for the next two nights and base to explore the ancient landscapes.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: El Questro – 2 Nights

Spend a relaxing morning in the warm, crystal clear waters of Zebedee Thermal Springs before visiting the hub of El Questro – the station township. This afternoon, enjoy the serene surroundings of Emma Gorge at leisure. You can choose to relax at the resort or take an invigorating guided walk to the breathtaking Emma Gorge waterfall (2.5 hours return - a good level of fitness required, but well worth it). You can choose to refresh and relax by the waterhole’s shady edge or take a plunge in the deep pool. Either choice, time spent in this magnificent Kimberley setting is sure to incite reverence.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, the Gibb River Road reveals its wilder side. Crossing the mighty Pentecost River, we push deeper into the Kimberley, passing remote cattle stations before our journey north takes us onto the rugged Mitchell Plateau track. Winding through lush Livistona Palm forests and fording the King Edward River, we arrive at our exclusive safari camp, the most premium tented camp with ensuite in the Kimberley and our gateway to the spectacular Mitchell Falls. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mitchell Plateau – 2 Nights

Be prepared for an unforgettable day in the Kimberley, we’ll set off on a guided 4km walking tour to the incredible four-tiered Punamii-Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls) with a good level of fitness and agility required. Along the way, we’ll discover incredible Gwion and Wanjina cultural art sites, with interpretation by a Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owner. 

The walk also takes us past Bunjani (Mertens Falls) before arriving at the top of Punamii-Uunpuu. The adventure continues as we take to the skies for a spectacular helicopter flight (included) to marvel at the stunning views and return to where the walk started.

Note: For guests not wishing to do the Mitchell Falls Walk, an optional helicopter transfer is available to the top of the falls with local operators (at an additional cost). You’ll still be accompanied by an Outback Spirit guide for a relaxed exploration of this remarkable site. 

Important Note: Maximum passenger weight limits apply to all scenic or transfer flights.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bidding farewell to Ngauwudu, Mitchell Plateau, we retrace our path to the Kalumburu Road. Along the way, we explore more breathtaking Wanjina rock art sites near the King Edward River. Drysdale River Station makes a convenient overnight stop complete with Bar and Bistro for added comfort. Enjoy the unique and authentic atmosphere of this privately owned one-million-acre station which runs 9,000 head of cattle.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Drysdale – 1 Night

An early start sees us rejoin the Gibb River Road and travel west past Mount Barnett to arrive at Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), a dramatic feature of Wunaamin Conservation Park. Take a guided walk down to the falls (a good level of fitness and manoeuvrability is required) and enjoy a swim in the rock pools at the top of the waterfall. Admire the view down this enormous canyon that eventually flows into Walcott Inlet. Mount Hart Station awaits, steeped in history and located on the lands of the Ngarinyin people. The property was established in 1914 as a working cattle station until it was declassified in 2000. This evening, enjoy a few drinks at the Settlers Bar before dinner. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges – 2 Nights

Step into the remote beauty of Mount Hart in the King Leopold Ranges, where our open-back safari trucks take us off-road to explore vast wilderness and hidden waterholes. Learn about the area’s unique ecology and conservation efforts, take a refreshing swim, or simply soak in the tranquillity of this remote paradise. This afternoon, unwind at camp or wander through the gardens surrounding the lodge.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our journey winds through the striking Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges, leading us to Windjana Gorge National Park. A guided bush walk reveals its impressive ancient limestone walls, and you can spot resident freshwater crocodiles in this unforgettable setting.  Then on to visit Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek), where water has carved a large tunnel through the limestone Napier Ranges. At 750m long and up to 20m in height in places, this was formed 350 million years ago as part of an ocean reef system.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Fitzroy Crossing – 1 Night

As we venture into Derby, we witness the ingenuity of the early farmers visiting Myalls Bore and Cattle Trough, the infamous Boab Prison Tree, and the unusual horseshoe shaped Derby Jetty.   Enjoy a tour of Broome late afternoon, before checking into our accommodation for the final two nights of our adventure and soak in the spectacular sunsets that Broome is renowned for.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Broome – 2 Nights

Start your day early as we set off on an unforgettable full-day adventure to Horizontal Falls and the Dampier Peninsula. Your day includes a breathtaking seaplane flight, offering panoramic views of the stunning Buccaneer Archipelago, before landing in the calm waters of Talbot Bay. Enjoy either a delicious hot breakfast, or locally sourced barramundi lunch prepared by your expert hosts at the Horizontal Falls houseboat.

Throughout the day, experience a scenic cruise through the Horizontal Falls, followed by a refreshing swim in the marine viewing enclosure, where you can get up close to the local marine life. You’ll also visit third generation Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, learning about the rich history and culture of this family-owned business, and explore the Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community, home to the iconic Mother of Pearl Church. After a day full of adventure and discovery, we make our way back to Broome, where the Horizontal Falls team will transfer you back to your accommodation.

Note: this tour may be done as drive first/fly second or fly first/drive second depending on the itinerary offered on that day. The same inclusions and activities are provided in both directions. Important Note: Maximum passenger weight limits apply to all scenic or transfer flights.

Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures seaplanes are governed by individual guests’ weight and therefore all guests must declare their accurate weights (with clothes on) at the time of booking. All guests are weighed upon boarding for weight verification and safe loading of the aircraft. In addition to the individual weights, they also have an upper weight limit of no more than 120kg.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a leisurely morning at Cable Beach Club, soaking in the final moments of your stay. As you say goodbye to new friends, we’ll ensure your smooth transfer to the airport or your next accommodation. 

Included Meals: Breakfast

Itinerary Variations:
The provider strives to improve trip itineraries. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond their control make changes necessary, the provider reserves the right to vary itineraries and to make substitutions.