Departing Darwin, our first stop this morning is Litchfield National Park, where waterfalls cascade off the Tabletop Ranges into tranquil waterholes. Explore Florence & Wangi Falls and enjoy a picnic lunch before heading on to Kakadu National Park. Our base for the next two nights is Cooinda Lodge. (B,L,D)
The day begins with breathtaking views over the Arnhem Land floodplains from Ubirr Rock, where you’ll also explore ancient rock art sites. Then, ford the East Alligator River and venture into Arnhem Land for a visit to Injalak Arts and Crafts, Gunbalanya. Here, watch renowned artists create exquisite pieces right before your eyes. This afternoon we return to Cooinda and enjoy the renowned wildlife cruise on Yellow Water Billabong. You’ll be amazed at the diversity of this extraordinary wetland ecosystem and associated wildlife. We then return to the lodge for our final night in Kakadu. (B,L,D)
Today we’re heading south to Katherine and on to Nitmiluk National Park, home to Katherine River Gorge. Carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River, this deep gorge with towering sheer rock walls is one of the best in the Territory. Enjoy a two-hour cruise in a canopied cruise boat before checking in to the luxurious Cicada Lodge. (B,L,D)
This morning we enjoy a tour of Kununurra’s surrounding farming country. Drive through parts of the massive Ord River Irrigation Scheme on Ivanhoe Plains, where melons, mangoes, sandalwood and other crops are grown. You’ll also have some time to visit the shops before departing for the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles). Arriving late afternoon, we spend two nights at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, owned by Outback Spirit in partnership with Aviair/HeliSpirit. The lodge features comfortable cabins with ensuite bathrooms. (B,L,D)
Today we head back out to the Great Northern Highway and then north to Wyndham and the sensational Five Rivers Lookout. Enjoy a picnic lunch and admire the views over Cambridge Gulf before back-tracking to the start of the infamous Gibb River Road. A short drive brings us to El Questro Wilderness Park, where we’ll spend the next two nights at Emma Gorge Resort in unique tented cabins. (B,L,D)
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to start a day than a swim in the crystal clear 30°C water at Zebedee Thermal Springs! Spend a relaxing morning here before visiting the hub of El Questro - the station township. We then return to Emma Gorge for lunch, followed by an afternoon at your leisure. You can choose to relax in the surrounds of the resort, or take a guided walk up to the stunning Emma Gorge waterfall (2.5 hours return - a good level of fitness required, but well worth it). Either way, you are sure to appreciate some time to yourself in this magnificent Kimberley setting. (B,L,D)
Today our journey along the Gibb gets a bit more serious. Cross the mighty Pentecost River and continue past Ellenbrae Station to the ‘Y” junction. From here we follow the Kalumburu Road past Drysdale River Station before turning onto the Mitchell Plateau track. Ford the King Edward River and drive through ancient Livistona Palm forests before arriving at our exclusive Ngauwudu Safari Camp, the most luxurious tented camp in the Kimberley. Featuring deluxe safari suites with ensuite bathrooms, quality furnishings and large balconies, the camp is a magical spot for the next two nights of our adventure and the ideal base from which to discover the Mitchell Plateau and Mitchell Falls. (B,L,D)
This morning we depart the Mitchell Plateau and head back to the Kalumburu Road. Along the way we’ll visit several exceptional rock art sites near the King Edward River. This afternoon we arrive at Drysdale River Station, which runs 9000 head of cattle across more than a million acres. We spend the night in top quality station cabins with private ensuite bathrooms. (B,L,D)
After an early start we head back to the Gibb River Road and travel west past Mount Barnett to arrive at Bell Gorge, one of the most spectacular gorges in the Kimberley. Enjoy a guided walk down to the falls and a swim in the rock pools (good level of fitness and manoeuvrability required). Then, it’s on to Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary, deep in the heart of the Kimberley on the upper Fitzroy River. Once a dominant cattle station, this 800,000-acre sanctuary is owned and operated by Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) and is one of the largest non-government protected areas in Australia. For the next two nights we stay in unique safari tents overlooking Annie Creek. Enjoy a few drinks around the campfire before dinner. (B,L,D)
This morning it’s back to the Gibb River Road before heading in to Windjana Gorge National Park. Teeming with wildlife, Windjana Gorge has been created by the Lennard River cutting its way through the limestone of the Napier Range. Enjoy a guided walk through the towering gorge which rises more than 100 metres above the floodplain. Next, we visit Tunnel Creek National Park for a fascinating underground river walk. This afternoon we arrive in Fitzroy Crossing for our overnight stay at the Fitzroy River Lodge.(B,L,D)
Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely morning at Cable Beach Club. We’ll then make sure you’re transferred to wherever you need to go. Bon Voyage! (B)
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At Outback Spirit, we’re continuing with what we’ve done for the past 22 years, which is connecting you – our guests – to Australia’s most remarkable landscapes, unique touring experiences and some very special communities. We’ve always made guest safety paramount – and we continue to do so with our experienced guides who are the best in the business and subtle changes to protect us in this new world of travel. Our journeys incorporate the finest accommodation available, specialised vehicles, fine food and wine and something we could all do with a little more of – and that’s perspective. When you realise you’re one of a handful of people to see exquisite rock art that’s thousands of years old, or you’re overlooking a rugged outback landscape once covered by sea, you gain a sense of perspective that prevails over everything else.