Outback Spirit - Kimberley & Top End Expedition

The Outback Spirit Kimberley & Top End Expedition is an unforgettable journey through two of Australia's most iconic regions. This fully accommodated tour starts in Darwin and ends in Broome, taking you on a thrilling adventure through the Kimberley and Top End. Experience the breathtaking Horizontal Falls, explore the Mitchell Plateau, discover ancient Aboriginal rock art, and traverse the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley. In the Top End, explore Kakadu National Park, witness the Kakadu escarpment, visit Litchfield National Park, and experience the vibrant culture of the region. This tour features expert driver/guides, small group sizes, and access to exclusive locations, ensuring an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Upon arrival in Darwin today, you will be met and greeted by your friendly and professional Tour Directors. Your journey begins with an orientation tour visiting Cullen Bay, Stokes Hill Wharf and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Later in the afternoon, you'll check into the Hilton Garden Inn, enjoying harbour view rooms along the Darwin Esplanade.
This evening, you will enjoy your first dinner together on the Charles Darwin with a delicious Territory-style sunset dinner cruise.

Starting your day in Darwin, your first destination is Litchfield National Park, where you'll witness waterfalls cascading from the Tabletop Ranges into serene waterholes. You'll experience the beauty of Florence Falls and Wangi Falls, and enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing to the iconic Kakadu National Park. Your base for the next two nights will be Cooinda Lodge.

Your day begins with breathtaking views over the Arnhem Land floodplains from Ubirr Rock The day begins with breathtaking views over the Arnhem Land floodplains from Ubirr Rock . You'll also explore ancient rock art sites. Then, ford the East Alligator River and venture into Arnhem Land for a visit to the Injalak Arts & Crafts Centre, Gunbalanya. Here, you'll watch talented artists create exquisite pieces right before your eyes.

This afternoon, you'll return to Cooinda and enjoy the renowned wildlife cruise on Yellow Water Billabong. You'll be amazed at the diversity of this extraordinary wetland ecosystem and associated wildlife. You'll then return to the lodge for your final night in Kakadu.

Today, you'll be heading south to Katherine and then on to Nitmiluk National Park, home to the stunning Katherine River Gorge. This deep gorge, carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River, boasts towering sheer rock walls and is considered one of the most impressive in the Territory. Tonight, you'll be staying at the luxurious Cicada Lodge, enjoying a well-deserved rest after a day of exploration.

It's time for you to leave the Territory and cross into Western Australia. You'll pass through Victoria River and Timber Creek before heading into Lake Argyle. Along the way, you'll stop off at the historic Durack Homestead. After a picnic lunch at the dam wall, you'll take a tour through parts of the massive Ord River Irrigation Scheme on Ivanhoe Plains, where melons, mangoes, sandalwood, and other crops are grown. You'll also have some time to visit the shops in town before checking into the Kununurra Country Club Resort for your overnight stay.

Before you depart Kununurra, you'll enjoy another river cruise, this time down the spectacular Ord River. You'll learn about the Ord River Irrigation Scheme from your knowledgeable skipper on this extraordinary three-hour adventure downstream.
Later this morning, you'll head south, passing through Mabel Downs Station en route to the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles). Arriving late this afternoon, you'll spend two nights at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, owned by Outback Spirit in partnership with Aviair/Helispirit. The lodge features comfortable cabins with ensuite bathrooms.

Today, you'll explore the wonders of Purnululu, including its unique orange and black beehive-shaped domes. First, you'll enjoy a breathtaking 18-minute scenic helicopter flight over the park, gaining a bird's-eye view of its astounding natural features. Afterwards, you'll enjoy a walk along Piccaninny Creek to the mind-boggling natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge, and then follow the 'dome trail' for a closer inspection of the park's unique geological formations.
This afternoon, you'll head to the northern region of the Bungle Bungles to visit Echidna Chasm before returning to the lodge.

Today, you'll head back out to the Great Northern Highway and then north to Wyndham and the sensational Five Rivers Lookout. You'll enjoy a picnic lunch and admire the views over the Cambridge Gulf before back-tracking to the start of the infamous Gibb River Road. A short drive on 'the Gibb' brings you to the world-renowned El Questro Wilderness Park, where you'll spend the next two nights at Emma Gorge Resort in unique tented cabins.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a better way to start a day than a swim in the warm, crystal-clear waters of Zebedee Thermal Springs! You'll spend a relaxing morning here before visiting the hub of El Questro – the station township. Then, you'll return to Emma Gorge for lunch, followed by an afternoon at your leisure. You can choose to relax in the surrounds of the resort, or take a guided walk up to the stunning Emma Gorge waterfall (2.5 hours return – a good level of fitness required, but well worth it). Either way, you are sure to appreciate some time to yourself in this magnificent Kimberley setting.

Today, your journey along the Gibb River Road gets a bit more serious. You'll cross the mighty Pentecost River and continue past Ellenbrae Station to the ‘Y junction’. From here, you'll follow the Kalumburu Road past Drysdale River Station before turning onto the Mitchell Plateau track. You'll ford the King Edward River and drive through ancient Livistona Palm forests before arriving at your exclusive Ngauwudu Safari Camp, the most luxurious tented camp in the Kimberley. Featuring deluxe safari suites with ensuite bathrooms, quality furnishings, and large balconies, the camp is a magical spot for the next two nights of your adventure and the ideal base from which to discover the Mitchell Plateau and Mitchell Falls.

A big walk today, but also a big highlight! After a short drive to the ranger station, you'll set off on a guided 4km walking tour to the incredible Mitchell Falls (a good level of fitness and mobility is required). Along the way, you'll discover rarely seen Gwion and Wanjina rock art galleries, accompanied by a local expert guide from the Kandiwal Community. The walk also takes you past Mertens Falls before arriving at the top of the Mitchell Falls, one of the most awe-inspiring wonders of the Kimberley.
After a picnic lunch and enough time to admire the falls, you'll take to the skies for a spectacular helicopter flight (included) back to where the walk started. Viewing the falls and surrounding landscape from the air is an absolute highlight and a great way to finish off the experience! Once you're on the ground at the ranger station, you'll return to the camp for a well-earned rest and perhaps a swim in the palm-fringed creek.

This morning, you'll depart the Mitchell Plateau and head back to the Kalumburu Road. Along the way, you'll visit several exceptional Wanjina rock art galleries near the King Edward River and enjoy a picnic lunch.
This afternoon, 1  you'll arrive at Drysdale River Station, a pastoral lease that runs over 9,000 head of cattle across more than a million acres. You'll spend the night in comfortable station cabins with private ensuite bathrooms.   

After an early start, you'll head back to the Gibb River Road and travel west past Mount Barnett to arrive at Bell Gorge, one of the most spectacular gorges in the Kimberley. You'll take a guided walk down to the falls (a good level of fitness and maneuverability is required) and enjoy a swim in the rock pools at the top of the waterfall. Admire the view down this enormous canyon that eventually flows into Walcott Inlet.
After a picnic lunch, you'll make your way back to the Gibb River Road, continuing on to Mt. Hart Station. Steeped in history, the property was established back in 1914 as a working cattle station until it was declassified in 2000 and is now located on the lands of the Ngarinyin people. Your stay for the next two nights is in unique safari-style tents, and this evening you'll enjoy a few drinks at the Settlers Bar before dinner.

Today, you'll explore the beauty of Mount Hart's vast wilderness. Traveling in specially built open-back safari trucks for Outback Spirit, you'll gain a true appreciation of the stunning natural landscape.
Your guides will provide commentary on Mount Hart's National Park programs, and you'll visit Barkers Pool and Dolerite Gorge, enjoying a picnic lunch at one of the waterholes.
This afternoon, you'll return to camp, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure, with the opportunity to walk and explore the gardens near the lodge area.

This morning, you'll travel back to the Gibb River Road and head west through the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges (formerly known as the King Leopold Ranges) to Tunnel Creek. Once the hideout of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal man who led a resistance against white stockmen in the late 1890s, Tunnel Creek features a 750m long underground river that runs through to the other side of the Napier Range. You'll enjoy a walk through this unique geological feature with your guides before continuing on to Fitzroy Crossing, arriving late afternoon. You'll spend the night at the Fitzroy River Lodge.

You'll depart Fitzroy toward Derby for a brief town tour, including Myalls Bore and Cattle Trough, the Boab Prison Tree, and Derby Jetty. You'll also visit an art gallery before arriving late afternoon to check in to the Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa for your two-night stay.

Start your day early as you set off on an unforgettable full-day adventure to Horizontal Falls and the Dampier Peninsula. Your day includes a breathtaking seaplane flight, offering panoramic views of the stunning Buccaneer Archipelago, before landing in the calm waters of Talbot Bay. Enjoy either a delicious hot breakfast or a locally sourced barramundi lunch, prepared by your expert hosts at the Horizontal Falls houseboat.
Throughout the day, you'll experience a scenic cruise through the Horizontal Falls, followed by a refreshing swim in the marine viewing enclosure, where you can get up close to the local marine life. You'll also visit the renowned, third-generation Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, learning about the rich history and culture of this family-owned business, and explore the Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community, home to the iconic Mother of Pearl Church. After a day full of adventure and discovery, you'll make your way back to Broome, where the Horizontal Falls team will transfer you back to your accommodation.
Tonight, you'll gather for your final dinner together and celebrate your adventure through the Kimberley.

This morning your tour concludes after breakfast and you will be transferred to the airport or your accommodation if staying on.