Untamed Kimberley
Untamed Kimberley
Tour Overview
The Top End of Australia, from the Northern Territory to Western Australia, was made for postcards. The yawning gorges, mirror-like waterholes, immense rock formations, wild national parks… All wrapped in millennia strong First Nations culture that guides any tour through the region. From Darwin to Broome, things are steamy most of the time. Thankfully, there are Kimberley rock pools and clifftop waterholes to cool off in, whether at Emma Gorge or the Ord River.
Highlights
- Support local Aboriginal artists with a visit to a Kimberley Indigenous Art Gallery and discover why art is so important to maintaining culture.
- Cruise down the spectacular Ord River from Lake Argyle with a local guide, to be greeted by the setting sun over the water in Kununurra.
- Inside Mimbi Caves, hear fascinating stories as your Gooniyandi guide takes you to a time when Aboriginal people inhabited these caves, carved out of an ancient fossilised reef system.
- Learn about the Jawoyn people, traditional landowners of Nitmiluk National Park, their stories of how the gorge was formed, and about how they live and work today.
- Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide UNESCO World Heritage Site – Purnululu National Park (optional Bungle Bungles tours) Hidden Valley, Nitmiluk National Parks and El Questro Wilderness Park entrance fees Centrally located premium hotels Arrival and departure private airport transfers
- Water bottle Warm layers in cooler months Camera Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price. Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 2.00pm into Darwin AirportDay 11 – flights to depart anytime from Broome Airport Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included.
- Extreme temperatures can be experienced in this remote region of Australia. Guests should be made aware that this trip is recommended to guests with a moderate level of fitness. In addition, the walk to Emma Gorge considered “Difficult” and not all guests will be able to complete the walk. Some sections of Mimbi Caves have very low light and are rocky in parts. A torch is recommended.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Darwin
Location: Darwin
Accommodation Name: Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront
The balmy Darwin climate sets the pace for your city tour: relaxed. Things don’t happen in a hurry here. Even the fiery sunsets seem to linger. You’ll catch one later, but first an orientation tour to meet locals, discover the city’s architecture and learn about the events that have shaped life, from Cyclone Tracy to WWII when the Northern Territory capital was bombed. Now it’s time to watch the day disappear and meet your fellow adventure seekers for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Darwin - Katherine
Location: Darwin
Accommodation Name: Contour Hotel Katherine
As you begin your travels south, yet more reminders of the impact of WWII line the banks of the Adelaide River, where the headquarters of a military base once stood. Then nature takes over at Nitmiluk National Park bordering Kakadu. This is Jawoyn land, and a place where you’ll feel your spirit soar. Particularly when you’re cruising through dramatic Nitmiluk Gorge, your boat the only sound in this enormous chasm. There’s no time to catch your breath – you’re off to the Katherine Outback Experience, where you'll be entertained with songs, stories, and a Be My Guest dinner under the stars.
Day 3: Katherine - Kununurra
Location: Katherine
Accommodation Name: Kununurra Country Club Resort
Say goodbye to the NT and hello to WA, your introduction to the state the unexpected delights of Kununurra. It’s in the middle of nowhere, and only exists because of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. Before it was a twinkle on the map, farming pioneers came here to establish vast cattle stations. The life of one family is chronicled at the Durack Homestead Museum, which you’ll visit before enjoying yet another sunset, this time cruising the Ord River and Lake Argyle. Some experiences burn into your memory.
Day 4: Kununurra
Location: Kununurra
Accommodation Name: Kununurra Country Club Resort
Today is one of decisions: A scenic flight over (or 4WD tour of) the Bungle Bungles (both own expense). Or a wander with your Travel Director through Mirima National Park. In between, explore the Waringarri Aboriginal Art Centre on a guided tour.
Day 5: Kununurra - Emma Gorge
Location: Kununurra
Accommodation Name: Emma Gorge Resort, Tented Cabin with private facilities
It’s not every day that you get to go behind the scenes of a rum distillery with the family that owns it. Discover how Hoochery Distillery makes its lip-smacking, award-winning rums and whiskys. Try a tasting paddle to get your heart started (own expense) and then sit down to morning tea. Get a taste of the Gibb River Road before arriving at El Questro Wilderness Park. Your safari-style tents for the night are surrounded by an oasis of pandanus palms.
Day 6: El Questro Wilderness Park
Location: El Questro Wilderness Park
Accommodation Name: Emma Gorge Resort, Tented Cabin with private facilities
The best way to wake up? With the sun streaming through your tent, wildlife all around. The Kimberley’s sounds follow you across the mighty Pentecost River, a mecca for those who love a spot of barramundi fishing. Arriving at Chamberlain Gorge, an enormous fresh waterhole, your cruise chariot awaits. Jump aboard to feel very small indeed, your boat dwarfed by soaring 65-metre escarpments. When it’s time to cool down, take an afternoon dip in the resort pool.
Day 7: Emma Gorge - Halls Creek
Location: Emma Gorge
Accommodation Name: Kimberley Hotel
When you arrive in Halls Creek you'll visit the Yarliyil Art Gallery, an Aboriginal owned enterprise which has more than 100 artist members who practice art in a wide range of styles and mediums. Equally important to Aboriginal communities is the Great Sandy Desert, on the edge of which is Halls Creek. This place is small in population, but big in personality.
Day 8: Halls Creek - Fitzroy Crossing
Location: Halls Creek
Accommodation Name: Fitzroy River Lodge
The Kimberley boasts a geological history that is nothing short of spectacular. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, explore the Mimbi Caves with an Indigenous guide to observe the delicate limestone formations, brilliantly vivid colours and crystal-clear freshwater pools that remain from the Devonian Great Barrier Reef that formed over 350 million years ago. Discover ancient rock paintings before listening to songs and hearing the Gooniyandi Dreaming story, while enjoying billy tea and damper. Travel through the Kimberley towards the remote township of Fitzroy Crossing.
Day 9: Fitzroy Crossing - Broome
Location: Fitzroy Crossing
Accommodation Name: Cable Beach Club Resort
Among the most multicultural cities in Australia, Broome became a base for fortune-seekers the world over during its ‘pearl rush’. The pristine waters here grow great oysters, and the resulting pearls are prized by lovers of all things that gleam. A city tour will give you your bearings. Then it’s time to settle in for Broome’s other attraction: its sunsets. Follow locals to the sand or find a perch in a beachside bar to salute the end of another spectacular day in WA.
Day 10: Broome Free Time
Location: Broome
Accommodation Name: Cable Beach Club Resort
A day of decisions. Head north to feel the full force of nature on a scenic flight over the magical Horizontal Falls (own expense). Or simply enjoy Broome’s tropical climes, strolling along 22-kilometre Cable Beach, and browsing the pearl boutiques in town. It’s hard to resist a purchase; even harder when you go straight to the source at a pearl farm, to see how they’re harvested (own expense). This evening, join your Travel Director for dinner.
Day 11: Farewell From Broome
Location: Broome
Eleven days, countless memories, a bunch of new friends… you’ll leave Broome with your travel wanderlust ignited.
What's Included
What's Not Included
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Flights to and from the start/end of the trip
Flights to and from the start/end of the trip are not included in the trip price.
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Optional Bungle Bungles tours
Optional tours in the Bungle Bungles are not included.
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Extreme temperatures and fitness requirements
Guests should be aware that extreme temperatures can be experienced, and a moderate level of fitness is recommended.
The walk to Emma Gorge is considered 'Difficult' and not all guests will be able to complete it. -
Torch for Mimbi Caves
A torch is recommended for some sections of Mimbi Caves that have very low light and are rocky in parts.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy private airport transfers upon arrival and departure. Travel between destinations in a comfortable coach, with optional scenic flights and 4WD tours available.
Accommodation
Stay in centrally located premium hotels, including Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront, Contour Hotel Katherine, Kununurra Country Club Resort, Emma Gorge Resort, Kimberley Hotel, Fitzroy River Lodge, and Cable Beach Club Resort.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of fitness level is required for the Untamed Kimberley tour?
The Untamed Kimberley tour is recommended for guests with a moderate level of fitness. Some activities, such as the walk to Emma Gorge, are considered difficult and may not be suitable for all guests. Additionally, some sections of the Mimbi Caves have very low light and are rocky, so a torch is recommended.
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Are flights included in the Untamed Kimberley tour package?
No, flights to and from the start and end of the trip are not included in the trip price. Guests are advised to arrive in Darwin Airport by 2.00pm on Day 1 and can depart from Broome Airport anytime on Day 11. However, return airport to hotel transfers are included.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes centrally located premium hotels and unique accommodations such as safari-style tents at El Questro Wilderness Park. Specific accommodations mentioned include Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront, Contour Hotel Katherine, Kununurra Country Club Resort, Emma Gorge Resort, Kimberley Hotel, Fitzroy River Lodge, and Cable Beach Club Resort.
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What are some of the key highlights of the Untamed Kimberley tour?
Key highlights include a cruise down the Ord River from Lake Argyle, visiting a Kimberley Indigenous art gallery, exploring Mimbi Caves with a Gooniyandi guide, learning about the Jawoyn people in Nitmiluk National Park, and optional tours in Purnululu National Park. Guests will also experience the Katherine Outback Experience, a visit to the Durack Homestead Museum, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hoochery Distillery.
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What should I pack for the Untamed Kimberley tour?
Guests should pack a water bottle, warm layers for cooler months, a camera, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. A torch is also recommended for exploring the Mimbi Caves.
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What kind of weather can I expect during the tour?
Extreme temperatures can be experienced in this remote region of Australia. Guests should be prepared for varying weather conditions and pack accordingly.
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What kind of activities are available on the free day in Broome?
On the free day in Broome, guests can choose to take a scenic flight over the Horizontal Falls, stroll along the 22-kilometre Cable Beach, browse pearl boutiques in town, or visit a pearl farm to see how pearls are harvested. These activities are at the guests' own expense.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
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Low Deposit
AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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