Wonders of the Kimberley

You’re about to spend the next 11 days with a group of similarly minded adventure-seekers who will likely become best friends before you even leave tonight’s dinner venue. Break the ice over a few cool drinks and a suitably dazzling Broome sunset that sinks into the Indian Ocean with a sizzle.

Which direction should you choose to venture today? Head north deep into the Kimberley where the Horizontal Falls reveals the power of nature. Get some perspective of the tides here on a scenic flight. Or perhaps veer off to a pearl farm, to witness the precision that goes into growing and harvesting these gems (both own expense). Or simply enjoy Broome’s tropical climes, strolling along 22-kilometre Cable Beach, hunting for dinosaur footprints and browsing boutiques.

At Gantheaume Point, the magnificence is on a grand scale, even in the remnants of ancient dinosaurs. Over 125 million years ago, these prehistoric creatures left their footprints along the coastline, leaving a fascinating legacy. Take a moment to catch a glimpse of their stomping ground before embarking on a journey towards Fitzroy Crossing, a remote town that serves as a gateway to captivating natural wonders. The Kimberley boasts a geological history that is nothing short of spectacular. The rugged terrain showcases a diverse range of natural wonders, including towering ancient rock formations, dramatic gorges, cascading waterfalls, and expansive river systems.

This morning, on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, explore the spectacular 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 hearing Dreamtime stories while enjoying billy tea and damper.

More Aboriginal history and culture awaits at the Yarliyil Arts Centre in Halls Creek. The Yarliyil Art Centre provides a place for local cultural expression by ensuring the ethical production and sale of Indigenous art. Yarliyil artists paint in a variety of styles and palettes, depicting stories that embody a rich culture of country, history and lifestyle. Get a taste of the Gibb River Road before arriving to El Questro Wilderness Park, backdropped by the rusty red Cockburn Range. Hidden among the pandanus and palms are a string of slick safari-style tents. Which means you can gaze at the stars while you drift off to a chorus of frogs and cicadas. When darkness falls, expect a bedazzlement of stars overhead.

The best way to wake up? With the sun streaming through your tent, wildlife all around. Travel to Wyndham this morning, the most northerly township in Western Australia. Discover this small outback town and surrounding landforms and wetlands. When it’s time to cool down, take a dip in the resort pool. Be back on your patio in time for sundowners.

It’s not every day that you have the privilege of glimpsing the inner workings of a rum distillery with the family that owns it. Thanks to our AAT Kings connections, we’ve organised for you to meet the makers and discover how Hoochery Distillery prepares its lip-smacking, award-winning rums and whiskys. Perhaps try a tasting paddle to get your heart started (own expense), and later sit down to morning tea. Kununurra is 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 such family is chronicled at the Durack Homestead Museum, revealing how the property was dismantled then reassembled on higher ground when much of the countryside was flooded for the dam. The project not only helped water the countryside, but created Lake Argyle. An afternoon cruise here, surrounded by freshwater crocs and birds, is something you won’t forget in a hurry.

Today is one of decisions: A scenic flight over (or 4WD tour of) the dramatic World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, home to the Bungle Bungles (own expense). Or wander with your Travel Director through Mirima National Park, known as a ‘mini Bungles’, while hearing about how the landscapes were formed.

Say goodbye to WA and hello to your time in the Northern Territory, your introduction to the state the vast pastoral lands that characterise the outback here. Locals come with plenty of country swagger, as you’ll discover at the Katherine Outback Experience, celebrating the Northern Territory’s unique pastoral history and culture. You'll be entertained with songs and stories. It’s not a show or a tour but an immersive adventure! One that is real, raw, and funny at times.

Nature reigns supreme at Nitmiluk National Park. This is Jawoyn land, and a place where you’ll feel your spirit soar. Particularly when you’re cruising through dramatic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, your boat the only sound echoing around this enormous chasm. Remarkably, this is one of 13 gorges carved through the national park, and at every bend in the river, the sun casts soaring sandstone cliffs a different colour. As you ease north, reminders of the impact of WWII line the banks of the Adelaide River. The headquarters of a military base once stood here, and there’s a cemetery nearby to remember those who lost their lives here. It’s a sobering sight. The balmy Darwin climate sets the pace for your city tour: relaxed. Discover the city’s architecture and learn about the events that have shaped life in the Top End, from Cyclone Tracy to WWII when the Northern Territory capital was bombed. Gather this evening for dinner and exchange email addresses with your new friends.

Eleven days. Countless adventures. A bunch of new friends. And a renewed appreciation for the wild side of Australia. What a journey this has been.