Category: Australia

10 Day Broome to Darwin Four-Wheel Drive Kimberley Safari

Sacred Earth Safaris offers a 10 day four-wheel drive Kimberley  safari through the Kimberley region of Western Australia. This can be taken Darwin to Broome or Broome to Darwin. We chose the latter option to explore this great and remote part of Australia.

Transport is a Tatra four-wheel drive vehicle with 25 seats. Tours are usually limited to 15 passengers so there is plenty of room. There is an additional seat up front next to the driver/guide and you are encouraged to sit there and talk as you drive along. The view there is great and all of the passengers took turns over the ten days.

Where We Visited

• Bell’s Gorge
• Drysdale River Station 
• Emma Gorge 
• Emma Gorge Resort  
  
• Galvans Pool 
• Geike Gorge  
• Lake Argyle 
• Parry’s Lagoon 
• Telegraph Hill 
• The Bungle Bungles 
  • Cathedral Gorge 
  • Echidna Gorge 
• Tunnel Creek 
• Windjanna Gorge 
• Zebeedee Springs

Day 1

The first day of our tour started with pickup at 8:15 from our hotel. With all of the passengers on board we set off.  After an hour on the road we stopped at Willaire for a quick coffee and snacks. This was our first sighting of boab trees. There was a neat row of them planted outside the roadhouse.

At lunch time we stopped by the road side. The guide had a great meal prepared and with tables and chairs from the back of the bus he soon had lunch ready for us.

Geike Gorge

In the afternoon we stopped at Geike Gorge on the Fitzroy River. The Gorge is spectacular with 30m high cliffs on either side. On our trip we saw several fresh water crocodiles. Although the sights were amazing the boat was very crowded. It has seats for 70 people with three one side and four on the other. Only the passengers on the outside seats were able to take good photos. Although you could stand up to get a better view you then obscured someone’s else’s. We still enjoyed the trip, just felt limited with photo opportunities. 

We stayed overnight at Fitzroy River Lodge at Fitzroy Crossing. Accommodation was in safari tents with en suites. These are clean and comfortable but basic. Dinner was at lodge’s restaurant. This was one of the few dinners not included in the tours price. We had the roast buffet which was very nice. Breakfast was also at the lodge with a full buffet available serving a full cooked option as well as cereals and toast.

Day 2

Tunnel Creek

After breakfast at Fitzroy Crossing we drove to Tunnel Creek. This is an amazing area. The creek has eroded a 750 metre long tunnel through the limestone creating a cave like structure with a creek running through it. The walk goes through the creek, so any footwear will get wet. We took crocs which worked fairly well but became full of sand and rocks easily. They were stable for walking and gripped the rocks well and dried quickly after the walk.

A torch is also required as it is pitch dark inside. At places the water came up to our thighs. Walk carefully as the water depth can change rapidly and you might find yourself waist deep. Our guide made sure we went through the best part of the crossing.  We only took our phones to take pictures  as they were in waterproof cases in case they fell in the water. 

Half way along the tunnel the roof has collapsed letting light in and illuminating the inside. The rays of light and plant life form a beautiful contrast to the stark cave. At the far end there are two rock art sites. If you look carefully on both sides you will find them.

Windjanna Gorge

After lunch we drove to Windjanna Gorge. From the car park there is an easy walk into the gorge where there is a large number of fresh water crocodiles. They were sunning themselves, so we were able to get a really good look at them. As you walk along the track, read the signs. One of them shows the location of a fossil nautilus. Look closely on the left hand side; it is quite small.

Overnight was at Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge in safari tents. These were better quality than Fitzroy Crossing. We found that these tents were colder to sleep in even with an extra blanket. The meal was excellent and all of the staff friendly and helpful.

Day 3

Bell’s Gorge

We drove to Bell’s Gorge after breakfast for a short walk and swim. The walk in was very easy and we were rewarded with a beautiful pool and waterfall.  There are two levels with pools on both with a waterfall flowing from the upper to lower pools. There is a track down to the lower pools, where there is more room to swim although the water is colder.

Galvans Pool

After lunch and a drive, we arrived at Galvans Pool. This is smaller than Bells Gorge but pretty. Once again the walk in was quite easy. The pool is surrounded by boab trees and palms. On the walls of the pool is a Wanjana and serpent rock art. To add to the natural beauty of the pool there is a small waterfall on the far side

On our way to our overnight stop we took a break at King Leopold Lookout. This gave a wonderful view out over the surrounding plain. We then drove on to Mt Elizabeth Station. Dinner was basic but filling.  Accommodation was with shared bathrooms in dongas.

Day 4

Drysdale River Station

Today our four-wheel Drive Kimberley safari took us to Drysdale River Station. We had pre-booked a 2 1/2 hour flight over Mitchell Falls and Kimberly Coast with Kingfisher Tours. It was lucky that we had because the flight was booked out. The aircraft was a small Cessna 207 which seated seven. The ride was a little bumpy at times so if you get motion sickness, take tablets beforehand.

The views from the plane were spectacular. Flying over the falls and coastline was an amazing experience and we were really pleased we decided take up the opportunity.

Accommodation at Drysdale River Station was in new dongas with en suites. Very comfortable and quiet.

Day 5

On our drive today we stopped at several very interesting sites. The first was to view aboriginal rock art. This site had a combination of petroglyphs, cupolas and Wanjana figures. We spent some time there while our guide explained the significance of them all. His in-depth knowledge added a whole new dimension to our understanding of aboriginal culture.

Later we stopped at a lookout over Cockburn Ranges and Pentecost River. This was the first location in over three days we had phone reception, which was pretty nice to hear from families, however we still enjoyed the  fantastic views.

Emma Gorge Resort

Overnight we stayed at Emma Gorge Resort on El Questro Station. This was the best accommodation on the trip, consisting of modern and very new tented cabins with en suites. Dinner was at the resort’s restaurant, which had a nice variety of meals and beverages.

Day 6

Zebeedee Springs

We started the day with a swim in Zebeedee Springs thermal pools. These close at noon for the station guests use. There is a series of pools with flowing water, surrounded by palms and bushes. The water is a lovely warm temperature and it would be easy to spend hours there relaxing.

After our swim we went to El Questro for morning tea and relax by rock pool.

Emma Gorge

For lunch we went back to Emma Gorge Resort. In the afternoon we took the walk to Emma Gorge (after which the resort is named). It was a 1.5 hour walk return and quite rocky in places. The track is very well sign posted with arrows and markers at regular intervals. The gorge is beautiful and has some great rock formations on the way in. In the afternoon the red rocks of the gorge walls caught the sun really well. At the end of the walk is a beautiful rock pool, with a waterfall higher up.

We stayed overnight at Emma Gorge Resort for a second night.

Day 7

A big drive today to the Bungle Bungles. There were two fascinating stops on the way. The first of historical significance at Telegraph Hill and then to Parry’s Lagoon for bird watching

Telegraph Hill

Our first stop at Telegraph Hill lookout gave us some fantastic views over the surrounding billabong and wetlands. At the top of the hill are the ruins of the old telegraph station (hence the name) from the early 1900s. All that is left now are a few concrete footings and the chimneys. A sad end to what used to be Australia’s connection to the world.

Parry’s Lagoon

At Parry’s Lagoon bird lookout we stopped to do some bird watching in the purpose-built hides and walkways. There were many different types of water birds there and with patience we managed to get some good photos.

Bungle Bungles Savannah Lodge

Accommodation for tonight was at the Bungle Bungles Savannah Lodge. The units were very nice with double beds and en suite. This is the standard room type, with a more basic room with shared bathrooms also available.

The Lodge has a bar and restaurant serving a buffet dinner. We spent the evening on the bar’s deck around a fire before going to bed ready for some big walks the next day.

Day 8

Bungle Bungles

Helicopter Flight

Started the day with a full breakfast at the Lodge. Then it was off for a 30 minute helicopter flight over the Bungle Bungles with HeliSpirit. A fantastic experience in the four seat Robinson R44 helicopter. Everyone gets a fantastic view as one passenger sits in the front near the pilot with the other two in the rear. So no one has to sit in the middle and miss out. These helicopters do not have doors, so there is no distortion on your photographs. 

Cathedral Gorge

After the scenic flight we drove to Cathedral Gorge for a fantastic walk through the Bungle Bungles. This is where you get close to the fantastic dome and beehive structures. As the trail winds through the gorge the geology that makes up this unique area is very easy to see. The inter-bedded conglomerate and sandstone rocks are spectacular. At the end of the walk you reach the Cathedral which is a large amphitheater. It’s size and acoustics are amazing.

On the way back to the car park we took the alternate Picinnini Lookout track. As well as the lookout the ground you walk over is a little different. There is still a creek bed full of eroded conglomerate pebbles, but also a strangely eroded sandstone river bed. Instead of being smooth and flat it has long tongues of raised rock with deep grooves a metre or so deep.

Remember to take plenty of water and wear a hat and sunscreen. We drank almost two litres each it was so hot.

Echidna Chasm

After lunch we walked Echidna Gorge. This walk starts along a creek bed which is very rocky and sometimes slippery. (Wear good hiking boots) and works it’s way into the gorge which becomes more narrow as you go. The gorge walls extend for over 30 metres above you and the floor is only a metre wide in places (don’t forget to stop and look up and take pictures). There are several tight squeezes to get through and some ladders and rocks to climb over, but nothing a relatively fit person couldn’t manage.

On our way back to  the Bungle Bungles Savannah Lodge, we stopped at a lookout where we could see the sunset lighting up the Bungle Bungles.

Accommodation was again at the Bungle Bungles Savannah Lodge

Day 9

The second to last day of our four-wheel Drive Kimberley safari. Breakfast was a bit earlier this morning so that we could get underway on what was a big day of driving. The first part of the trip is back along the dirt road leading from the Bungle Bungles. If you haven’t taken up the offer to sit in the front seat next to the driver this is a good time do it. The road can be rough, steep and bumpy with some sharp corners and creek crossings. Sitting at the front gives you a real feel for what driving this kind of road is like.

Our first stop was a quick one at Kununurra. Just enough time for a coffee snacks for morning tea before we were off again. We reached our destination of Lake Argyle at 1:00pm and had lunch before going on the sunset cruise over the lake.

Lake Argyle

The four-hour sunset cruise of Lake Argyle was a great way to wind down from our road trip. The tour guide gives a great commentary covering the dam’s construction, the local wildlife and the uses for the dam’s water and electricity. We saw fresh water crocodiles, euros and several types of fish.

Just before sunset the boat is anchored and those who want to can swim in the lake. We were assured that the crocodiles were safe! This was when the beer and Champaign was served along with some very tasty cheese. The sun set as we returned to the wharf providing some get sunset photos.

Dinner was at the Resort’s restaurant at your own expense. They do pub style meals. We had a chicken schnitzel.

Accommodation was at the Lake Argyle Resort.

Day 10

Our final day of our 10 Day Broome to Darwin Four Wheel Drive Kimberley Safari. After an early breakfast we headed to Darwin. There are regular  stops during the day for fuel, coffee and lunch. We passed through Timber Creek, Katherine and Adelaide River.

We arrived at our hotel in Darwin at 7:30pm. As we were flying home the next day we chose the Airport Hotel. If you have the time, this would be an opportunity to explore the Northern Territory’s capital, or extend your trip into Kakadu.

What a fantastic trip.  Thanks to Sacred Earth Safaris excellent planning the four-wheel Drive Kimberley safari went smoothly and we had a fantastic time.