Untamed Kimberley

The balmy Darwin climate sets the pace for your city tour: relaxed. Things don’t happen in a hurry here. Even the fiery sunsets seem to linger. You’ll catch one later, but first an orientation tour to meet locals, discover the city’s architecture and learn about the events that have shaped life, from Cyclone Tracy to WWII when the Northern Territory capital was bombed. Now it’s time to watch the day disappear and meet your fellow adventure seekers for a Welcome Dinner.

As you begin your travels south, yet more reminders of the impact of WWII line the banks of the Adelaide River, where the headquarters of a military base once stood. Then nature takes over at Nitmiluk National Park bordering Kakadu. 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 in this enormous chasm. There’s no time to catch your breath – you’re off to meet larger-than-life character Tom Curtain on a cattle station, where he entertains crowds through song and stories.

Say goodbye to the NT and hello to WA, your introduction to the state the unexpected delights of Kununurra. It’s in 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 family is chronicled at the Durack Homestead Museum, which you’ll visit before enjoying yet another sunset, this time cruising the Ord River and Lake Argyle. Some experiences burn into your memory.

How active and adventurous do you want today to be? Rise early to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the beehive-like rock formations of the Bungle Bungles on an optional scenic flight or stay grounded on a 4WD tour through the national park. Otherwise, lace up your walking shoes and wander with your Travel Director through Mirima National Park, known as the ‘mini-Bungles’ for its rocky resemblance.

It’s not every day that you get to go behind the scenes of a rum distillery with the family that owns it. Discover how Hoochery Distillery makes its lip-smacking, award-winning rums and whiskys. Try a tasting paddle to get your heart started or sit down to a slice of rum cake – morning tea sorted. The Gibb River Road is the stuff road trip legends are made of. You’ll see why, your route to El Questro Wilderness Park covering a few kilometres of the epic expanse. Now exhale – your safari-style tents for the night are surrounded by an oasis of pandanus and palms.

The best way to wake up? With the sun streaming through your tent, wildlife all around. The Kimberley’s sounds follow you across the mighty Pentecost River, a mecca for those who love a spot of barramundi fishing. Arriving at Chamberlain Gorge, an enormous fresh waterhole, your cruise chariot awaits. Jump aboard to feel very small indeed, your boat dwarfed by soaring 65-metre escarpments. When it’s time to cool down, take an afternoon dip, whether in the resort pool or at a waterhole within Emma Gorge. Take your pick.

Until recently, the Argyle Diamond Mine was the world’s largest producer of rare, and dazzling, pink diamonds. While operations have ceased, you can still visit and go behind the scenes. Your Aboriginal guide will not only point out where the magic once happened, but also explain the significance of this land. Equally important to Aboriginal communities is the Great Sandy Desert, which Halls Gap perches on the edge of. This place is small in population, but big in personality.

The remote town of Fitzroy Crossing acts as the gateway to Danggu (Geikie) Gorge. But before you cruise the waterway, continue your deep dive into First Nations culture at the Aboriginal art gallery here. Then embark your boat to discover how this remarkable part of the Kimberley was formed by the Fitzroy River carving the Napier Range, leaving behind a dramatic chasm, home to a plethora of wildlife. Keep watch for freshwater crocs, fruit bats and wallabies.

Among the most multicultural cities in Australia, Broome became a base for fortune-seekers the world over during its ‘pearl rush’. The pristine waters here grow great oysters, and the resulting pearls are prized by lovers of all things that gleam. A city tour will give you your bearings. Then it’s time to settle in for Broome’s other attraction: its sunsets. Follow locals to the sand or find a perch in a beachside bar to salute the end of another spectacular day in WA.

A day of decisions. Head north to feel the full force of nature on an optional scenic flight over (or heart-starting cruise through) the magical Horizontal Falls. You can also enlist to do both. Or simply enjoy Broome’s tropical climes, strolling along 22-kilometre Cable Beach, hunting for dinosaur footprints and browsing the pearl boutiques in town. It’s hard to resist a purchase; even harder when you go straight to the source at a pearl farm, to see how they’re harvested.

Eleven days, countless memories, a bunch of new friends… you’ll leave Broome with your travel wanderlust ignited.