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

EXPLORING DARWIN

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. Our first stop on our way to Kakadu is 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 return to our accommodation for dinner.

OVERNIGHT: Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, 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 (25 degrees celsius).

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.

OVERNIGHT: Kimberley Hotel, HALLS CREEK

HALLS CREEK TO DERBY

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. We make a brief stop here before continuing through dramatic landscapes of boab trees, red earth and open plains, heading to our lunch venue at Fitzroy Crossing. This afternoon, we travel through remote cattle country and pause at the historic Prison Boab Tree near Derby. 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! 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.

OVERNIGHT: Spinifex Lodge, DERBY

DERBY TO BROOME

This morning, we begin with a visit to the Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Cultural Centre, where the traditions of the Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunambal peoples come to life through vibrant art and storytelling. We stop for an early lunch break at Willare Bridge before continuing our journey west. Excitement builds as we near the coast and catch our first glimpse of the Indian Ocean. Arriving in Broome, a coastal town at the southern edge of the Kimberley, we’re greeted by sweeping beaches, turquoise waters and warm sunshine. Once a booming pearling centre, Broome's unique charm still captivates. 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 Chinatown. Chinatown has been the multicultural heart and soul of Broome since the pearling crews set up their first camps and corrugated tin sheds in the 1880s. Today Broome has developed into an iconic Western Australian tourism town and Chinatown is its heart and soul. After an interesting morning, we stop 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 to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean. For anyone wishing to ride a camel, this will be your opportunity (own expense). Enjoy the sunset and a unique photo opportunity before returning to the hotel for dinner.

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 inhouse 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. 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