Australia: Adventure Tour of the Northwest

Broome is a popular seaside resort town in Western Australia’s red-soil country of Kimberley. This pretty coastal town is overlooked by a spectacular landscape of creeks and bays teeming with marine life, emerald mangroves, and mudflats – all washed by the cerulean blue waters of the Indian Ocean. As the farthest spot on Kimberley’ s Dampier Peninsula, Broome is part of ancient rock formations. Dinosaur tracks found on the red rocks lying beneath the beach reveal the region’s true age. This is the ancient land of the Aboriginal Yawuru people. Tourists troop to the beautiful white sands of the town’s massive Cable Beach, famous for surfing and romantic camel rides at sundown. The town’s historic Chinatown, Roebuck Bay and cruises to local pearl farms are popular attractions.

Enjoying a full commentary, we begin in Chinatown hearing fascinating stories of this colourful precinct. Learn about the ancient art of pearling from one of the local pearl producers and enjoy a historical sound show at the famous Sun Pictures, the worlds oldest operating open air picture garden (now listed in the Guinness World Records). We take a drive through Old Broome to view typical Broome architecture and old Pearling Masters homes then view the aqua waters of Roebuck Bay at Town Beach and learn of Broome's One Day War. We then stop at Matsos Broome Brewery to sample their hand made ales and famous ginger beer (complimentary tasting included). Afterwards, visit the Japanese Cemetery and Broome Port, the base for many of today's Pearling vessels. Then travel by the Broome Race Course, before taking an easy paced walk at Gantheaume Point known for dinosaur footprints (only viewed at extremely low tides) and hear the story of Anastasia's Pool. We then drive down onto Cable Beach for sunset (subject to beach conditions). Relax and enjoy a stroll, swim or light refreshments (included) as you watch the sun disappear into the horizon. A drop off to your accommodation is provided or you may like to enjoy a cocktail or dinner at one of the nearby cafes at approximately 6.00 pm.

Fitzroy Crossing owes its name to the mighty Fitzroy River, set up where the Great Northern Highway crosses it. This small town is in the red soil region of Kimberley, Western Australia. Lying between Broome and Halls Creek, it is an Aboriginal Outback town, home to the indigenous Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Nyikina, Walmajarri and Wangkatjunka people. The town functions as an excellent base for travelers headed to the Devonian Reef National Parks of Tunnel Creek, Geikie Gorge, Windjana Gorge as well as the Mimbi Caves. Fitzroy Crossing also offers a handful of fine art and craft studios showcasing Aboriginal art and culture.

Discover spectacular natural beauty and abundant wildlife in the Danggu Gorge National Park, situated at the junction of the Oscar and the Geikie ranges. Marvel at the 30-meter deep gorge that has been carved by the Fitzroy River into the remains of the ancient limestone barrier reef dating back to the Devonian period. Notice the white bleached bottom part of the walls caused by the frequent flooding and receding of the river. Set off on exciting walks along the many trails and explore the region to your heart's content. You could even launch your own boat or join one of the boat cruises guided by a Bunaba Aboriginal ranger. Gain insights into the native flora and fauna, and the rich history of the 30,000 year old local Aboriginal culture. Afterward, settle in for a picnic or a barbecue meal in one of the picnic shelters. (Self-exploring activity; Not included: Guides, transfers and meals)

Halls Creek is a small settlement in the heart of the East Kimberley region of Western Australia, lying between the towns of Fitzroy Crossing and Turkey Creek. This predominantly Aboriginal settlement is home to the indigenous Kija, Jaru and Gooniyandi people. The Moola Bulla Lookout to the north of town is an important Aboriginal site, which offers panoramic views of Halls Creek and its surrounding arid countryside at the edge of Australia’s Great Sandy Desert. The sunset views from Moola Bulla Lookout are particularly popular with local tourists. Heritage walks around the town reveal an old European settlement of miners, now largely abandoned. Halls Creek forms an excellent base for travels to the Purnululu National Park (or Bungle Bungles), Wolfe Creek Crater and the Mimbi Caves.

Kununurra lies between the coastal towns of Broome and Darwin near the border between Western Australia and the Northern Territory, along the northern coastline washed by the Timor Sea. Part of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme, the extremely fertile farmlands neighboring Kununurra are famous for its fragrant tropical fruit orchards, sandalwood plantations, and superfood farms. This modern settlement with its laidback ambiance is the perfect base for travelers headed to the more than half a dozen nature reserves surrounding Kununurra. These conservation areas include the Jemarnde-wooningim Conservation Park, Keep River National Park, Barrbem Conservation Park, Ngamoowalem Conservation Park, the Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve and the Ord River Nature Reserve.

Explore Purnululu National Park, a World Heritage Site, by air and on foot. On an hour-long scenic flight, appreciate the rugged wilderness of the Bungle Bungle Range. Fly over the Ord River, Ord Irrigation Area and Ord Hydro Power Station at the top dam wall. Upon landing at the remote Bellburn Airstrip in the reserve, meet your guide and drive to a trailhead in the Bungle Bungle Range. Proceed for a hike and take in the splendor of massive orange-and-black sandstone formations. Admire the iconic beehive-shaped domes that dot the semi-arid landscape high above the savanna. Meander your way into Cathedral Gorge, which features a rock amphitheater with incredible acoustics. Stop at the Picaninny Creek Lookout for views over the mountain range. While rambling through the narrow Echidna Chasm, your guide will point out a fault and explain how it formed into a fissure. Finally, check out the Argyle Diamond Mine, which mined more than 865 million carats of rough diamonds during its 37-year run. (Duration: full day; Seasonal: 15th Apr-24th Sept, daily; Time: 0600 hrs; Shared activity & transfers; Group size: max 10 ppl; Meals included: tea and picnic lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; En route activity: no)

Popularly known as the town, where “The Outback meets the Tropics”, Katherine is an important settlement of the Northern Territory. Its scenic location on the Katherine River makes it the perfect base to explore striking natural formations like majestic gorges, shimmering waterfalls and lush overhanging gardens, found in the World Heritage-listed Nitmiluk National Park as well as many other nature sanctuaries. Learn all about the ancient ways of the Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman people, the traditional custodians of the land. Listen to exciting creation stories and how the Gorges got their names. Stop by the art galleries for a wider appreciation of the many aboriginal cultures that have enriched the region. Opt for a change of scene with outback experiences like horse breaking and working dog demos in cattle stations, perhaps rounded off by a bonfire under the stars and a traditional campfire dinner of roasts, stews and damper.

Discover Darwin, a laidback and tropical capital city of the Northern Territory situated along the 'Top End' coast in Australia. Home to the indigenous Larrakia people and a gateway to adventures of the wild outback, Darwin now thrives as a cosmopolitan center with rich historical bearings. Between interactive museums showcasing Australian aviation heritage, immersive experiences of aboriginal culture, and tours of WW II oil storage tunnels under Darwin’s cliffs, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Crocodile parks and wetland cruises on the Adelaide river are star attractions. Enjoy the lively waterfront neighborhoods, whether you’re browsing through the seasonal Mindil Beach Sunset Market, sailing across the Darwin harbor at sundown over the Timor Sea, or savoring fresh barramundi delicacies at the wharf and myriad food trucks. Watch Mitchell Street come alive after dusk with nightlife and entertainment, or catch a classic flick at the beachfront Deckchair Cinema under the stars!

The Charles Darwin cruise is the perfect way to get a panoramic view of the famed and strikingly beautiful Darwin sunset. Your tour will take place in the Bridge Deck of the large, tri-level catamaran, in which you can sail in complete air-conditioned comfort. Climb up to the Sun Deck on the top for the best views of the setting sun. Your cruise will be accompanied by insightful commentary on the harbor and Darwin’s rich history as well. The wide selection of drinks available for purchase from the onboard licensed bar, accompanied by bar eats, make for the perfect sundowner experience! (Duration: 2.5 hrs; Time: 1800 hrs; Shared Activity).