Tuesday 21st June 2022

Enjoy your complimentary transfer (the Ghan) to the Mantra on the Esplanade.

Mantra On the Esplanade:
Providing comfort and convenience in the heart of the city, Mantra on the Esplanade is located just a few minutes walk from the CBD in a prime waterfront location on the Esplanade, overlooking Darwin Harbour.

Stay: Mantra on the Esplanade – Penthouse Suite

 

Wednesday 22nd June 2022

After breakfast, walk to pick up your car hire (Toyota Landcruiser 4WD) from city location and head to Kakadu

Kakadu
Kakadu is a living cultural landscape. It has been home to Aboriginal people for more than 65,000 years. Ours is the oldest living culture on earth. We are the largest national park in Australia, covering almost 20,000 square kilometres. That’s nearly half the size of Switzerland!  The park is dual World Heritage-listed for its outstanding natural and cultural values. Kakadu is Aboriginal land. Our people have kept it healthy for thousands of years. Today, we work hand-in-hand with Parks Australia to manage Kakadu, using a mix of traditional ways and modern science. Since the late 1970s Kakadu’s traditional owners have leased their land to the Director of National Parks to be jointly managed as a national park. Joint management is about Bininj/Mungguy and Parks Australia working together, solving problems, sharing decision making and exchanging knowledge, skills and information.

Suggested Stops along the way: Fogg Dam, Windows of the Wetland & Mamukala Wetlands

Sunset Yellow Water Cruise @ 430pm
Yellow Water Cruises take guests through the heart of Kakadu – offering a remarkable journey through the region’s wetlands.

The Indigenous-owned Yellow Water Cruises takes you on a discovery tour through the rich wildlife, dramatic scenery and ever-changing landscape of world-famous Yellow Water Billabong. Sunrise to sunset, the cruise winds its way through distinct ecosystems of Yellow Water Billabong and tributaries of the South Alligator River.  Yellow Water Cruises has exclusive use of Yellow Water Billabong. The cruises offer a year-round spectacle, with the different seasons providing a rich and ever-changing vista.

Back to Cooinda lodge for dinner

Cooinda Lodge
The ultimate base to explore Kakadu.The village style property is located beneath a canopy of trees beside Yellow Water Billabong, home to world-renowned Yellow Water Cruises, where crocodiles and birds are seen on the flood plain amongst Paperbark, Pandanus and Fresh Water Mangroves. With its oasis style atmosphere, Cooinda Lodge offers an inviting shaded swimming pool, bistro-style dining, bars, petrol station and a store that offers locally-made crafts as well a wide range of essentials for touring. The Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre is just five minutes from Cooinda and many local attractions are within easy travelling distance

Activities: Yellow Water Sunset Cruise
Inclusions: breakfast & Yellow Water Sunset Cruise
Stay: Cooinda Lodge 1 x Family Lodge Room (1 Queen & 1 single)

Thursday 23rd June 2022

After breakfast get collected for the full day Spirit of Kakadu Adventure (7:30am)
See the less accessible parts of Kakadu on our full day 4WD adventure tour. Visit the stunning waterfalls and waterholes of Kakadu’s stone country. Depending on the time of year, weather and road conditions the tour itinerary varies so each day is an adventure. Itineraries can include Gubara Rock Pools, Motorcar Falls, Boulder Creek, Ikoymarrwa Rock Holes, Gunlom Falls or Maguk Gorge. This tour requires a moderate to high level of fitness and good mobility. The tour may include walking and climbing over large rocks or boulders and walking a moderate distance from the vehicle to swimming hole.

With an experienced and knowledgeable guide you’ll see and learn things about this amazing part of the world. Included in your tour is a packed morning tea and lunch which you’ll enjoy at the destinations.

What to bring:
Bring your camera and get snapping you won’t want to miss the beauty that is the Kakadu waterfalls and waterholes. Bring some water and stay hydrated through your journey, we’ll be sure to provide your refills. Enclosed shoes are a must to join this tour. We also recommend bringing a hat and sunscreen.

Please remember to carry your Kakadu National Park Pass.

Back to Cooinda lodge for dinner

Activities: Spirit of Kakadu Adventure
Inclusions: breakfast, morning tea & packed lunch
Stay: Cooinda Lodge 1 x Family Lodge Room (1 Queen & 1 Single)

Friday 24th June 2022

After breakfast self drive from Kakadu to Nitmiluk via Cutta Cutta Caves
Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park is located 27km south of Katherine and is easily accessible from the Stuart Highway. The park covers 1499 hectares of limestone landscape, and is home to five species of bats, including the rare Ghost and Horseshoe bats. About 170 species of birds have been recorded within the park, including the Hooded Parrot and the endangered Gouldian Finch. Tropical cave systems like those in Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park are limited in Australia and are therefore of scientific and conservation interest and are the primary season the area has been declared an official Nature Park.
In addition to the Caves system, a Visitor Centre and kiosk, the park offers a Tropical Woodland walk, with information for visitors to experience the open tropical woodland and experience the local flora and fauna.  Allow 10 to 20 minutes to complete the walk.

Continue back to Nitmiluk and upon arrival, check into Cicada Lodge

To understand and be inspired by the ancient culture of the traditional owners of the land, to explore the natural wonders of Nitmiluk Gorge, and to relax and revive in the comfort of Cicada Lodge. Cicada Lodge, your sanctuary from which to embrace the ancient landscapes and indigenous culture within the iconic Nitmiluk National Park.

All 18 rooms are air conditioned and feature full length doors to the private balconies, allowing our Guests the choice of opening the room to the sounds and sights of the native bush or closing them for the cool privacy of their room sanctuary.

Each room features Indigenous artwork from local artists – the rich colours blending with and complimenting the more modern design and fittings. The ancient stories within the paintings weave the modern with the traditional to create a unique blend that is Cicada Lodge.

That evening, join the Nabilil sunset Dreaming Dinner Cruise
Nabilil Sunset Dreaming Dinner Cruise

Considered the jewel in the crown of the Nitmiluk experience, sit back and relax as the tranquil sur-roundings transport you into a spiritual world of the Jawoyn culture and history.
Discover the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people against the magnificent backdrop of the Nitmiluk Gorge, changing colour with the setting sun, and concluding with the shimmering of the stars and the moon. From group celebrations to intimate getaways, the cruise has its own chef and wait staff, so you won’t have to worry about moving from the comfort of your seat as all your food and beverage needs are taken care of.
The Tour includes a three course candlelit dinner, featuring fresh, local Australian produce cooked by one of our chefs on board, accompanied by a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.

Activities: Cutta Cutta Caves Tour & Nabili Sunset Dinner Cruise
Inclusions: breakfast, Cutta Cutta Cave Tours & Nabilii Sunset Dinner Cruise
Stay: Cicada Lodge 2 x King Lodge Rooms

Saturday 25th June 2022

After breakfast, head out for a morning adventure with Nitmiluk ultimate tour 3 hours– extended with 2 special landings
Nitmiluk Heli-Touring is the sole operator permitted to land with-in the National Park and offers a unique selection of breathtaking landing sites, only accessible by helicopter. All flights depart from the helipad, located a three-minute drive from the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre. There are a variety of flights to choose from, all offer magnificent views from the air and include photo or video opportunities of Nitmiluk Gorge, the Arnhem Land escarpment and local wildlife. Embrace the spirit of Nitmiluk as you fly back into the Dreamtime to an authentic Indigenous art site. Landing beneath rock escarpments at your first out-of-the-way site you will feel a deep connection to the land, its history and the traditional landowners – the Jawoyn people, as your pilot/guide explains the rock art to you. Swimming at your very own pristine waterfall at the next landing site is a highlight on this trip, the rock pool is exclusively yours, guaranteed! There is no road access to these spectacular and secluded sites and you will certainly not find them on a map. As you return flying over a horizon that never ends you may even sight wild buffalo, donkeys and other wildlife.

Drive to Lake Bennett Resort – suggested stop along the way: Adelaide River War Cemetery

Activities: Ultimate Heli Tour
Inclusions: breakfast, Heli Tour Adventure
Stay: Lake Bennett Resort 2 x Lakeview Suites

Sunday 26th June 2022

Morning drive through Litchfield National Park to Darwin – suggested Itinerary to pick up a take away lunch and drive via B30 to enjoy the scenic drive through Litchfield. Stop along the way for a picnic takeaway lunch and enjoy the swimming holes along the way.
Arrive at Mantra on the Esplanade for the last night in Darwin.

Inclusions: breakfast
Stay: Mantra on the Esplanade – Penthouse Suite

Monday 27th June 2022

Return car hire at airport & fly to Kununurra

Fly Darwin to Kununarra

Welcome to WA
Western Australia is one of the oldest lands on Earth, and the East Kimberley region boasts a wide variety of environments ranging from semi desert lands, rugged ridges and coastal fringes to lush tropical micro environments, all alive with a wide selection of unique flora and fauna. Aboriginal history and activity in the East Kimberley dates back more than 40,000 years and the Aboriginal rock art that exists in the Kimberley region is recognised as some of the best examples of rock paintings found anywhere in the world.

You will be collected at the airport by private transfer to The Kimberley Grande Hotel

The Kimberley Grande:
Kununurra’s premier luxury resort captures the Kimberley’s sense of ‘place and space’. The colours and textures of the landscape are reflected in the décor, furnishings and original artwork.

Explore Kununurra
Kununurra:
Kununurra is a relatively new town and was only established in 1961 as a service centre for the Ord River Irrigation scheme after the success of the first stage and lots of investment. Kununurra is a local aboriginal word meaning ‘meeting of big waters’.  Kununurra initially sustained a population of 400 people, today the town supports a population of 7500 – this can swell to double during the dry season when the tourists are in town! This number is also set to increase significantly as the area becomes more and more important with further investment into the Ord River Irrigation Area.
One of Kununurra’s most famous landmarks is the Ord River Diversion Dam which was constructed in 1963 at a cost of roughly $20m but plays a big part in controlling the flow of water for the irrigation of crops in the area. The dam wall is 335 metres wide and contains 20 radial gates which can be closed and opened depending on the need for water flow. Water is continually released from Lake Argyle, 55kms down the Ord River, into Lake Kununurra which in turn provides the water for approximately 18000 ha of farmland. The main crops grown in Kununurra are sandalwood, mangoes, chia, citrus and melons. It is the service centre for the east Kimberley region’s economic drivers: agriculture, mining and tourism.

Inclusions: private arrival transfer Kununurra

Stay Kimberley Grande Hotel – 1 x King Rooms

Inclusions: private arrival transfer Kununurra

Tuesday 28th June 2022

After breakfast, get picked up at the hotel by a private car and be transferred to the airport for your private light aircraft charter from Kununurra to our destination; Purnululu National Park, a World Heritage Listed area, celebrated for the valuable cultural and natural assets it holds. We fly over the Bungle Bungle Range, a 350 million year old sandstone massif that rises up to 578 metres above sea level. The range stands 200 to 300 metres above a woodland and grass-covered plain, with steep cliffs on the western face. Elsewhere, particularly where Piccaninny Creek has formed Piccaninny Gorge, the range is cut by deep gullies and breaks up into complex areas of ridges and domes, with prominent orange and black or grey bands.
We land at Bellburn airfield in Purnululu

Bungle Bungle Range
The Bungle Bungle Range, in Purnululu National Park, is one of the most fascinating geological landmarks in Western Australia.
From a helicopter, Purnululu is an imposing sight. The orange and black stripes across the beehive-like mounds, encased in a skin of silica and algae, are clearly visible as you fly over them. As you sweep further over the range a hidden world of gorges and pools is revealed, with fan palms clinging precariously to walls and crevices in the rocks.

Private Guided Day 1 Tour Purnululu National Park with lunch & snacks
Dinner at Lodge

Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, snacks & dinner, Private heli Transfer, Private day tour
Stay at Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge 1 x Ensuite Cabin

 

Wednesday 29th June 2022

After breakfast – Head out for your Private Guided Day 2 Tour Purnululu National Park with lunch & snacks
Dinner at Lodge

Inclusions: breakfast, lunch, snacks & dinner, private guided day tour
Stay at Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge
1 x Ensuite cabin

 

Thursday 30th June 2022

After breakfast, board our private light aircraft charter from Bungle Bungle to Kununurra Airport whereby you will be collected and taken by private road transfer to Lake Argyle Resort.
We depart Purnululu, flying north over the Argyle Diamond Mine, where the rare pink diamonds are found, then over huge Lake Argyle, the biggest manmade lake in the southern hemisphere. It’s volume is said to be over 21 times the volume of Sydney harbour.

Lake Argyle
THE JEWEL OF THE KIMBERLEY
In the far north of Western Australia, in the remote Kimberley region is a vast freshwater lake nestled amongst a rugged billion year old landscape. Brimming with an abundance of wildlife and with an outlook of rich colours, Lake Argyle is truly paradise in the outback!

Lake Argyle Sunset Cruise
Experience the true diversity of the ever changing landscape of Australia’s largest body of fresh water on this 3.5 hour afternoon exploration of Lake Argyle. Departing from the Lake Argyle Resort at 2.10pm, your adventure begins with a close up view of the main dam wall, intake structure and quarry blast site. From there, cruising through ‘the Heads’ leads us to the expanse of Pintpot Bay and beyond.
Whilst providing informative commentary, the Skipper guides the specially designed vessel amongst numerous inlets and bays in search of local wildlife including Freshwater Crocodiles and their many nesting sites. The cruise continues out to Hagen island – the largest of more than 70 islands on Lake Argyle. Hagan Island is over 7 km long and is easily recognised by the landmark ‘Mount Misery’ towering over the now submerged site of the original Argyle Downs Homestead after which Lake Argyle is named. Heading west into the sunset this ancient land will mesmerize. We then stop for a refreshing swim in the tranquil waters of the ‘Bay of Islands’. As the sun sets we serve a cheese platter, dips and crackers with complimentary beer, wine and soft drink. The coach returns you to Lake Argyle Resort at dusk.

Lake Argyle Resort:
All of our Lake view villas are air-conditioned with ensuites in all bedrooms. Each unit has a separate lounge/dining area, small kitchen, tea/coffee making facilities, fridge, microwave, large flat screen TV and a private deck looking over Lake Argyle. Most of these rooms have amazing views over Lake Argyle!

Inclusions: breakfast, private light aircraft charter to Kununurra, private road transfer to Lake Argyle Resort & Lake Argyle Sunset Cruise
Stay Lake Argyle Resort – 2 Bedroom Lakeview Room

 

Friday 1st July 2022

Enjoy your day at Lake Argyle Resort, relaxing and getting ready for your next adventure!

Gourmet Camp Oven Experience
This exclusive experience overlooks the vast Lake Argyle from a private lookout. Soak in the ambiance of a Kimberley sunset as it transforms into a star-lit sky, the perfect setting for your 3 course gourmet dinner.
All dishes are created with an emphasis on flavour and freshness using a combination of bush tucker and locally sourced produce.
Entrée:
Enjoy a potato rosti and local-caught barramundi stack cooked over the coals. Seasoned with native pepperberry and saltbush and served with Ord Valley tomatoes, a balsmaic glaze, a lemon and Kimberley honey drizzle, freshly blended herbs and Ord River lime.
Main:
Crispy skinned pork belly slowly cooked in the camp oven and smoked over Indian Sandalwood embers. Served with an apple and cinnamon sauce, basil infused damper and the Kimberley salad (kapok, chia, melon, mint and rocket, all sourced from the Ord River Valley, with a Kununurra lime dressing).
Dessert:
The specialty dessert is a warm Ord River rum and chocolate brownie. Served with vanilla bean ice cream, salted caramel sauce, wild rosella and dusted with powdered boab.
Dinner is served with a complimentary Matso’s alcoholic ginger beer and live music is played throughout the main course.
BYO alcohol is welcome and ice is provided.

Inclusions: Gourmet Camp Oven Experience
Stay Lake Argyle Resort – 2 Bedroom Lakeview Room

Saturday 2nd July 2022

Float Plane charter from Lake Argyle Resort to Kimberley Coastal Camp

Rise early today to enjoy the fresh Kimberley morning. Your float plane will transfer you to our destination for the next 3 nights, Kimberley Coastal Camp.

Kimberley Coastal Camp:
Kimberley Coastal Camp is an exclusive retreat, a place for the heart and soul, limiting guests to just 16. Kimberley Coastal Camp is unpretentious, laid back and set in an exquisite location. The meals here are fresh and delicious and the fishing, wildlife and rock art will take your breath away. The cabins are set apart so are private. The showers and toilets are shared, set into the rocks a short way from the cabins. They are open to the vast Kimberley sky.

You can choose your wilderness experience. Spend your day fishing for the fabled Barramundi and dozens of other tropical species in the pristine azure waters the area is famous for. Explore this ancient land on foot, or by boat and experience the local birds, wildlife, bush tucker, ancient rock art and bush medicines first hand. You may prefer to take it easy on the boat, cruising and picnicking on deserted islands fringed by Boab trees, or sipping a cool drink from the day bed. The choices are yours.

Inclusions: All meals, drinks and tours included.
Stay Kimberley Coastal Camp – 1 x Bungalows

 

Sunday 3rd July 2022

Kimberley Coastal Camp
These are some elements that you can experience here:
Amazing Wildlife: Wild dingoes, sea eagles, olive pythons, endangered quolls, and many other native animals share this country known to traditional owners as ‘Yalrundair’.
Excellent Fishing: The Admiralty Gulf is recognised as one of the best fishing destinations in Australia with a wide variety of species and fishing options to enjoy.
Culturally Rich: The exquisite art forms that adorn caves and rock panels throughout Yalrundair are what make a visit to Kimberley Coastal Camp truly unique.
Creature Comforts: Featuring a level of amenities and service rarely available in such remote destinations, you can enjoy our patch of paradise in comfort. Gourmet meals and your ‘room with a view’ are just a couple of reasons you will always remember and treasure a holiday experience at Kimberley Coastal Camp.
Eco Friendly: From natural Australian made toiletries to solar power and everything in between, the approach to protecting this unique part of the world is evident.
All Gourmet meals and snacks prepared fresh daily onsite by our chef (all dietary requirements catered for), all non-alcoholic refreshments.
Professional passionate & knowledgeable guides.
Guided fishing, mud crabbing and oyster gathering (tide permitting).
Custom built boats to accommodate blue water, shallow flats, tidal creeks and secret spots! All boats are in commercial survey & carry the approved safety equipment.
Use of quality fishing tackle & equipment (excludes fly fishing).
Guided Ancient Indigenous Art & Cultural Tour with lunch in a secluded location.
Cooking Experience with Jules! *Cooking In Thongs Cookbook available to purchase*
Boat cruises & beach combing, bird watching and feeding. Localised fishing, shark feeding, abundant wildlife, bush and coastal walks, spectacular views, rest & relaxation.
Localised fishing, shark feeding, abundant wildlife, bush and coastal walks, spectacular views, rest & relaxation.
Freshwater Pool and many great games and good reads from the library.
Laundry service available (daily if required)

Inclusions: All meals, drinks and tours included.
Stay Kimberley Coastal Camp – 1 x Bungalows

Monday 4th July 2022

Kimberley Coastal Camp
Spend your day fishing for the fabled Barramundi and dozens of other tropical species in the pristine azure waters the area is famous for. Explore this ancient land on foot, or by boat and experience the local birds, wildlife, bush tucker, ancient rock art and bush medicines first hand. You may prefer to take it easy on the boat, cruising and picnicking on deserted islands fringed by Boab trees, or sipping a cool drink from the day bed. The choices are yours.

Inclusions: All meals, drinks and tours included.
Stay: Kimberley Coastal Camp – 1 x Bungalows

Tuesday 5th July 2022

After breakfast travel by Float Plane from Kimberley Coastal Camp to Kununurra
Private transfer to Kimberley Grande Hotel

Inclusions: All meals, drinks and tours included at Kimberley Coastal Camp, private transfer in Kununurra
Stay: The Kimberley Grande Hotel – 1 x King Rooms

 

Wednesday 6th July 2022

After breakfast enjoy your morning to yourself to unwind, before heading out for an afternoon adventure.

Ord River Explorer with Sunset Cruise
if you have already been to Lake Argyle, then this is the Ord River journey for you! You will be collected from your accommodation at 11.30am and taken by coach to board your Triple J Tour from the Marina. Cruising the 55km to Lake Argyle, you will marvel at the spectacular scenery, wildlife, flora and fauna found along the way, including the elusive freshwater crocodile! Remaining on the boat at the base of the Ord Top Dam, you will cruise back towards Kununurra, stopping for afternoon tea at our riverside camp. Scenic photographers will appreciate the contrast in colours as the light changes the way the gorges and ranges look on the return journey. We will return you to your Kununurra accommodation at around 6.00pm after enjoying an East Kimberley sunset on board the boat.

Inclusions: breakfast, afternoon tea & Ord River Explorer with Sunset Cruise
Stay: The Kimberley Grande Hotel – 1 x King Rooms Stay Kimberley Grande Hotel

Thursday 7th July 2022

After breakfast get collect by private road transfer to El Questro Homestead

EL QUESTRO
Nestled within the Kimberley’s vast and ancient landscape and hidden amongst burnt-orange cliffs and lush, green lawns sits El Questro Homestead, a pocket of luxurious exclusivity where you’re encouraged to make yourself at home.

The Homestead
This ten-suite hideaway is surrounded by avenues of frangipani trees and, once inside, offers chic yet cosy and comfortable interiors where bedrooms are cantilevered over the still and tranquil Chamberlain River.
Each day at the Homestead is likely to start with birdsong and end with a locally sourced three-course dinner, and matched wines, under a blanket of stars. During a stay at the Homestead guests are offered complimentary excursions, allowing for a fully immersive Kimberley experience.
With almost 700,000 acres to explore, the Homestead’s surrounding landscape is dramatic and expansive with something to offer everyone from adventurous explorers down to novice hikers and first-time four-wheel drivers.

El Questro tours and activities form an integral part of every visit to this stunning wilderness destination. The homestead offers a wide range of complimentary excursions that provide opportunities to fully immerse yourself in the natural attractions of the Wilderness Park. The majority are exclusive to Homestead guests, facilitating engagement between the small group and their guide. El Questro’s enthusiastic rangers are adept at personalising your experience to your individual tastes.

Inclusions: breakfast, Homestead – All meals and selected tours are included – reserve list wine and drinks are an additional cost.
Stay: El Questro The Homestead- 1 x Chamberlain Suite & 1 x Homestead Room

Friday 8th July 2022

El Questro

El Questro tours and activities form an integral part of every visit to this stunning wilderness destination. The homestead offers a wide range of complimentary excursions that provide opportunities to fully immerse yourself in the natural attractions of the Wilderness Park. The majority are exclusive to Homestead guests, facilitating engagement between the small group and their guide. El Questro’s enthusiastic rangers are adept at personalising your experience to your individual tastes.

Inclusions: breakfast, Homestead – All meals and selected tours are included – reserve list wine and drinks are an additional cost.
Stay: El Questro The Homestead- 1 x Chamberlain Suite & 1 x Homestead Room Stay El Questro The Homestead

Saturday 9th July 2022

After breakfast get collected for your private road transfer from El Questro The Homestead to Kununurra Airport

Fly from Kununurra to Broome

Private transfer from airport to Hotel

Inclusions: breakfast, private (helicopter) transfer El Questro to Kununurra, arrival transfer Broome

Stay Cable Beach Resort – Ocean Side Studio

 

Sunday 10th July 2022

After breakfast enjoy Cable Beach Resort

Inclusions: breakfast

Stay Cable Beach Resort Club – Ocean Side Studio

 

Monday 11th July 2022

After breakfast head for your day’s adventuring to Horizontal Falls

Inclusions: Day tour to Horizontal Falls

Stay Cable Beach Resort Club – Ocean View Villa

 

Tuesday 12th July 2022

After breakfast get collected by private transfer and head to Broome airport for the flights home.