Walk Western Australia's Kimberley

Welcome to Broome! Today, we hit the road in search of all kinds of Outback adventure. First on the agenda, we’ll stop to discover the ‘Boab Prison Tree’ - this incredible tree is over 1,500 years old, with a circumference of over 14 metres. You’ll learn about how it got its name after being said to have been used as a holding area for prisoners being transported to Derby in the early 1900’s. From here, we’ll continue on before making our next stop at Tunnel Creek – a cave system carved through the limestone of Napier Range. You’ll learn about this fascinating place, once part of an ocean reef system some 350 million years ago, as you walk through the tunnel that reaches up to 20m high and 15m wide in some parts. Look up in awe as stalactite rock formations cling from the cave walls and rays of light pierce through from above. You’ll also learn the intriguing story of the legend of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hideout in the late 1800’s. This evening, you’ll settle in for a night camping under the glorious Kimberley starlit sky.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll pull on your walking shoes and get ready to trek into Windjana Gorge where you’ll spend some time exploring this impressive area. Keep your eyes peeled – you might even catch a glimpse of local wildlife like crocs or kangaroos. After some time traversing the area on foot, we’ll hit the Gibb River Road again and travel to Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge) which is a hidden highlight of this area. Expect the cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear-clear pools (formed millions of years ago) to sweep you up in their beauty. You’ll be lucky to spend two days exploring this area, as we set up camp by a billabong on Mount Barnett Cattle Station.

After breakfast today, you’ll get a chance to continue exploring the West Kimberley Gorges – discover the cool waters of lily-laden Galvans Gorge and Adcock Gorge. Take a refreshing dip and swim across the Manning River before embarking on a short trek into Manning Gorge. The calming sound of cascading water and a cool pool to dip your toes in will be a welcomed reward after your walk. Today, just as yesterday, will be filled with swims in natural streams, boab trees that over-hang the waters edge, perhaps native wildlife that catches your eye in the distance and plenty of time to relax and soak up the serenity of this ancient landscape.

After breakfast today, we pack up our waterfront campsite and make our way to El Questro Station – an icon of the Kimberley. A private campsite nestled amongst 700,000 acres of Outback wilderness, boab trees and rugged landscapes is where we’ll call home for the next three nights. The next three days will consist of plenty of adventure. You’ll walk to the Zebedee Hot Springs, naturally heated pools framed by rocks and towering palm trees – like an outback oasis to unwind in. You’ll also get a chance to take a walk into Emma Gorge, where you can enjoy a cool dip in the refreshing waterhole surrounded by greenery and striking red rocks. The Emma Gorge waterfall features a small trickle of geothermally heated water which can be found in some places while swimming amongst the rocks. You’ll also take on more challenging treks to the rewarding El Questro Gorge and Champagne Springs.

After breakfast today, kiss your campsite goodbye as we travel to Kununurra. On the way, explore the Savannah Woodland in Mirima National Park, often known as the ‘mini Bungle Bungles’, on the Gerliwany-gerring Banan Trail. After lunch, travel on to 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. You might like to enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim in the Infinity Pool, with a magnificent view across the lake. If there is time, a sunset boat cruise on the lake is highly recommended (approx AU$100pp, own expense), or alternatively you can take a late afternoon walk along one of the idyllic trails in the area.

Today journey south down the Great Northern Highway to Purnululu National Park, home to the curious Bungle Bungles. Spending two nights here, you’ll get the chance to walk the creek bed into Echidna Chasm and trek through to the incredible Bungle Bungle domes which were created by rivers some 20 million years ago. Notice the unique orange and black sandstone stripes in the beehive-like formations. A long-held secret of the Kimberley region, only the locals knew of this fascinating location until the 1980’s when it was then declared a national park in 1987. Discover Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks create a natural amphitheatre. Explore Whipsnake Gorge, a small shady gorge framed by ferns, figs and brittle gums. Over the next two days you’ll have plenty of time to explore this captivating region. There’s even time to take an optional scenic helicopter flight, to enjoy a birds-eye view of the beehive domed area.

You’ll enjoy a scenic walk through Mini Palms this morning, before we make our way to Halls Creek and the rugged Tanami Track. From here, you’ll head to the famous Wolfe Creek Crater, known as Kandimalal. It’s believed this natural wonder was created some 120,000 years ago when a meteorite collided with earth during the Pleistocene period. In the afternoon, you’ll hike to the crater rim to soak up a magical sunset and watch as the surrounding landscapes turn a fierce red before retiring to our campsite underneath a blanket of desert stars.

Rise bright and early today to experience sunrise over the crater and then hit the Tanami Track, northbound. Keep an eye out for native wildlife like kangaroos and wallabies on the journey today. After lunch explore the Mimbi Caves, one of the largest cave systems, in the heart of Gooniyandi Country. Learn about how these are one of the oldest sites of human occupation and delve into Dreamtime with a local Gooniyandi guide who shares traditional stories and reveals the secrets of Mimbi Caves, a sanctuary of crystal clear pools, rare fossils and ancient rock art. Tonight, you’ll set up camp nearby but not without enjoying some fresh damper and billy tea with the Gooniyandi traditional owners first.

This morning, you’ll join a local Darlgunya guide for a walk from the old river crossing through to the Old Fitzroy Crossing and the old Pioneer’s Cemetery. Listen carefully and you’ll gain an expansive local insight into the history of this area. And keep an eye out for local crocs on your walk. From here, it’s time to rest your legs and watch on as the savannah passes by your window as we journey back to Broome where your Kimberley walking adventure will come to an end.