MELBOURNE TO DARWIN

Welcome to our fabulous 15 day tour of the Kimberley! With chauffeured pickup from home, we travel to Melbourne Airport. At the airport we will be greeted by an O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours representative, who will assist us with check-in and see us onto the plane for our flight to Darwin. Arriving at Darwin Airport, we will be welcomed by our O’Shannessy’s coach crew who will help us with our luggage before we board the coach for our transfer to the hotel.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight

OVERNIGHT:  Double Tree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN

DARWIN SIGHTSEEING

Many people aren’t aware of the importance of Darwin during World War II so we look at the city as it is today and also learn from a local expert of the involvement and history of the bombings of Darwin. We conclude the tour at Stokes Hill Wharf where we can purchase lunch before our visit to the Royal Flying Doctors Service Tourist Facility. This unique facility highlights the magnificent service provided to Outback Australia by the RFDS and also showcases the Bombing of Darwin through Virtual Reality headsets – an amazing experience! This evening we transfer back to Stokes Hill Wharf for our fantastic dinner cruise on Darwin Harbour. What a wonderful way to start our tour as we see the Darwin skyline at sunset.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  Double Tree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN

LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK

This morning, we travel south to the small township of Adelaide River - about 110kms from Darwin. We make a brief stop at Adelaide River War Cemetery, where 432 servicemen and 63 civilians, all of whom died as a result of Japanese bombing raids, are buried. From here we enter Litchfield National Park. The 65,000-ha National Park with its untouched rainforests, hot springs, magnificent waterfalls and stunning scenery has gained a reputation as the jewel of the Northern Territory’s crown. We stop to see the Magnetic Termite Mounds and the magnificent Florence Falls from the lookout platform. We enjoy lunch and visit nearby Wangi Falls where there is time for a refreshing dip - so bring your togs! This evening we watch another sunset as we enjoy dinner at Cullen Bay. It won’t be a late night as we begin our road journey tomorrow.

OVERNIGHT: Double Tree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN

DARWIN TO KAKADU

With an early start, we say farewell to Darwin and travel the Arnhem Land Highway to World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. On our way to Kakadu we join the Jumping Croc Cruise - don’t forget to bring your camera! Continuing our journey, we enter the wonderland of Kakadu National Park. This afternoon we visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre before joining our magical 2-hour Yellow Water Sunset Cruise. Nowhere else will you see such a concentration of so many species of diverse wildlife than here, including Brolgas, Egrets, Jabiru, and hopefully some crocs!  After the cruise, we make our way back to Jabiru where we enjoy a slightly later dinner.

OVERNIGHT: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, KAKADU

KAKADU TO KATHERINE

We have a leisurely morning but for anyone wishing to take an optional scenic flight over the stunning wetlands of Kakadu National Park, here is your opportunity. (These flights can be booked with your Tour Director who will have further details. Optional flights are subject to availability and at your own expense.) Mid morning, we visit Nourlangie Rock and its ancient Aboriginal rock art.  After lunch, we leave the National Park and travel to  Pine Creek before our journey south to Katherine.

OVERNIGHT: Knotts Crossing Resort, KATHERINE

KATHERINE GORGE 

A visit to Katherine would not be complete without a cruise through Katherine Gorge. This morning, we take the two-hour, two gorge cruise through the southern edge of 

Nitmiluk National Park. Sheer walls of sandstone dotted with ancient Aboriginal rock art surround the crystal waters of the Katherine River where freshwater crocodiles can be seen along the banks. After our cruise, we stop at the Visitors Centre where we have time to look at their displays. Back in Katherine, there’s time to purchase lunch and take a look at the township. This afternoon we have a choice - relax at the resort or come with us to unwind in the therapeutic crystal clear waters of the Katherine Hot Springs (32 Degrees Celsius). The main pool has wheelchair access and stainless-steel rails, the walls have been formed out of rock.

Lunch own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: Knotts Crossing Resort, KATHERINE

KATHERINE TO KUNUNURRA

Today we travel west calling at Victoria River and Timber Creek, crossing into Western Australia to arrive at Kununurra. The town was established as the residential and administrative centre of the Ord River Scheme - a huge irrigation scheme that was developed in the 1970s. We take a look at the town centre, the Diversion Dam and Ivanhoe Crossing. We then check into our next three night’s accommodation.

OVERNIGHT: Kimberley Grande Resort, KUNUNURRA

ORD RIVER CRUISE

We make our way to Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the Southern Hemisphere. We stop at the historic Argyle Homestead Museum, constructed as a replica of the original family homestead including the original stone. We then continue to Lake Argyle Resort for lunch before one of the highlights of the region – a cruise from Lake Argyle to Kununurra. Marvel at the spectacular scenery and abundance of Australian native wildlife in their natural habitat. Take in the untamed landscape of the lesser-known but equally incredible Carr Boyd Ranges before enjoying an East Kimberley sunset as we arrive back in Kununurra.

OVERNIGHT:  Kimberley Grande Resort, KUNUNURRA

EXPLORING KUNUNURRA

For those of us who have booked an optional flight over the Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles), we will be collected early morning. For those of us not wanting to fly, this is the perfect opportunity for a sleep-in!  After a slightly later breakfast, we take a tour of Kununurra. Our morning includes a visit to Kimberley Ornamental Stonecraft, it’s here we can see stone art and jewellery skilfully handcrafted from gemstones and unique Kimberley rock including the fine banded Zebra stone. We’ll have plenty of time to look through the gallery before lunch. This afternoon, we visit The Hoochery Distillery, Western Australia’s oldest continually operating legal still. Discover the secrets behind how the rum is made, hear stories collected over the years, and enjoy a slice of their famous Ord River Rum Cake.  What a perfect way to end our day.

OVERNIGHT:  Kimberley Grande Resort, KUNUNURRA

KUNUNURRA TO HALLS CREEK

Before leaving Kununurra this morning, we visit Mirima National Park, often called Hidden Valley. The sandstone formations here resemble the domes of the famous Bungle Bungles (Purnululu National Park), which is why they are sometimes called Mini Bungle Bungles - it’s a perfect opportunity to get an “on-ground” experience!  We’re on the road again now as we travel to Halls Creek, on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert. The town is full of stories and relics as it was the site of Western Australia’s first gold rush. One of the more famous stories is of Russian Jack, a man who carried his injured mate in a wheelbarrow for over 300 kilometres to get medical attention. A statue is dedicated to his amazing feat here in town. Just outside of Halls Creek is the China Wall. The amazing natural white stone formations rise high out of the ground and then disappear back into the earth again, making it look like a miniature Great Wall of China.

OVERNIGHT:  Kimberley Hotel, HALLS CREEK

HALLS CREEK TO DERBY

As we continue west through the magnificent red mountain scenery of the Kimberley, we have a brief stop at the Yiyili Aboriginal Community to view their gallery. After our break, we continue to Fitzroy Crossing where we enjoy lunch at the Lodge. After lunch, we continue on to Derby for the night.

OVERNIGHT: Spinifex Lodge, DERBY

DERBY TO BROOME

This morning we take the opportunity to have a look around this town that sits at the edge of King Sound. Derby is the main base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in the Kimberley and from her long wharf Australia’s highest tides – up to 12 metres can be visualised. The area is also home to the famous Boab Prison tree. Said to be 1500 years old, it has an entrance about one metre wide and two metres high and apparently used as an overnight lock up for prisoners. We will have to make up our own minds however, if this is true or not. We have time here for a group photo before continuing to our early lunch stop at Willare Bridge. As we get closer to Broome our anticipation will grow on finally seeing the Indian Ocean. Broome is situated on the coast at the southern tip of the Kimberley region. It is bounded by wide sandy beaches and turquoise water and enjoys a warm climate with plenty of sunshine. The discovery of rich pearling grounds off the coast in the 1880s led to the foundation of Broome township in 1883. By 1910 Broome was the world’s leading pearling centre. We check into our accommodation for the next three nights.

Lunch own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  Oaks Broome Hotel, BROOME

BROOME SIGHTSEEING

We visit the Pearl Luggers Museum this morning where we learn the history of pearl diving dating back 140 years, followed by a tour of this fascinating town. We’ll see historic Gantheume Point, the Broome Wharf, and of course China Town. After an interesting morning, we stop off at Matso’s Brewery, the Kimberley’s award-winning microbrewery, and a true Broome treasure.  After lunch, we have some time to relax, swim or venture out before making our way to Cable Beach for dinner at the Cable Beach House, overlooking the beach. We arrive just before sunset for a unique photo opportunity. 

OVERNIGHT:  Oaks Broome Hotel, BROOME

WILLIE CREEK PEARL FARM

We’re off to visit the Willie Creek Pearl Farm to learn about pearling techniques and view the pearl panels suspended in the creek. We can gain a comprehensive insight into how the world’s finest pearls are produced with the process of cultured pearling, including the seeding of a live oyster shell. Lunch is included and we also enjoy a cruise aboard the Willie Wanderer. There’ll be more time to relax back at the hotel before dinner this evening.

OVERNIGHT: Oaks Broome Hotel, BROOME

BROOME TO MELBOURNE

Completing our memorable tour of the naturally beautiful Kimberley, we are transferred to Broome Airport for our return flight to Melbourne via Perth. Upon arrival, our chauffeurs will be waiting to transport us safely home with many interesting stories to tell of our Kimberley Adventure.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight