Outback Spirit - Kimberley & Top End Expedition (Reverse)

Experience Australia's untamed north on the Outback Spirit 18-Day Kimberley & Top End Expedition, a reverse journey from Broome to Darwin. This immersive adventure delves into the heart of the Kimberley and Top End, revealing ancient landscapes, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking natural wonders. Traverse the legendary Gibb River Road, explore dramatic gorges like Windjana and Katherine, and discover the rich heritage of Aboriginal communities. Witness cascading waterfalls (weather permitting) and encounter diverse wildlife in their natural habitats. Conclude your journey in Darwin after exploring Kakadu National Park. This expedition, with comfortable accommodations, expert guides, and luxury 4WD transport, offers an authentic outback experience.

Today, you'll be greeted by the Outback Spirit friendly and professional Tour Directors at the specified time and location before checking into the luxurious Cable Beach Club Resort. You'll settle in for the next two nights, with the remainder of the day yours to enjoy at your leisure. As the sun begins to set, prepare to witness a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset from the resort, a truly unforgettable experience. Afterwards, you'll join us for a delightful welcome dinner, the perfect start to your Kimberley adventure.

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, you'll depart Broome for Derby, visiting the Boab Prison Tree and Derby Wharf, followed by an art gallery visit. You'll arrive in Fitzroy Crossing for your overnight stay.

Your highlight for the morning is a visit to Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek), where water has carved a large tunnel through the limestone Napier Ranges. At 750m long and up to 20m in height in places, this was formed 350 million years ago as part of an ocean reef system.
Later, you will continue 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.

Today, you'll journey back along the iconic Gibb River Road, traversing the stunning Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges (formerly known as the King Leopold Ranges), before arriving at the breathtaking Bell Gorge. Here, you'll embark on a guided walk down to the falls, a trek requiring a good level of fitness and manoeuvrability. Your reward? A refreshing swim in the pristine rock pools at the waterfall's summit, and a chance to marvel at the panoramic view down the enormous canyon, which eventually flows into Walcott Inlet. Following a delightful picnic lunch, you'll depart Bell Gorge and continue along the Gibb River Road, passing through Mount Barnett and reaching the Kalumburu Road 'Y' junction. From there, you'll head north, arriving at Drysdale River Station in the late afternoon. You'll spend the night in comfortable station cabins, each with a private ensuite bathroom, and immerse yourself in the unique and authentic atmosphere of this privately owned million-acre station, home to 9,000 head of cattle.

This morning, you'll continue northward along the Kalumburu Road before turning onto the Mitchell Plateau track. After the thrill of fording the King Edward River, you'll be treated to a visit to a series of spectacular Wanjina rock art galleries, renowned as some of the finest examples in the Kimberley. You'll then journey through ancient Livistona Palm forests, a truly captivating experience, before arriving at our exclusive Ngauwudu Safari Camp. This camp, the most luxurious tented accommodation in the Kimberley, features deluxe safari suites, each equipped with ensuite bathrooms, quality furnishings, and spacious balconies. This magical location will be your home for the next two nights, providing the perfect base from which to explore the wonders of the Mitchell Plateau and the majestic 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 bid farewell to the breathtaking Mitchell Plateau and retrace your steps back to the Kalumburu Road before rejoining the legendary Gibb River Road. Continuing eastward, you'll cross the Durack River and then arrive at the mighty Pentecost River, nestled at the foot of the dramatic Cockburn Range. Here, you'll pause to admire the awe-inspiring view of the stunning escarpment, taking a moment to truly appreciate the grandeur of the Kimberley. You'll then continue your journey to the world-renowned El Questro Wilderness Park, where you'll spend the next two nights at Emma Gorge Resort, settling into your unique and comfortable 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, you'll reach the end of the legendary Gibb River Road and journey towards Wyndham, where you'll experience the sensational Five Rivers lookout. Here, you'll enjoy a delightful morning tea while admiring the breathtaking views over Cambridge Gulf. Then, you'll head further south, traveling to the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, also known as the Bungle Bungles. The Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, owned by Outback Spirit in partnership with Aviair/Helispirit, will be your home for the next two nights. You'll settle into your unique cabins, each equipped with ensuite bathrooms, and prepare to explore the wonders of this remarkable landscape.

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.

This morning, you'll depart the captivating Bungle Bungles and travel back up the Great Northern Highway. Your journey will take you through Kununurra and onward towards Lake Argyle, with a fascinating stop at the historic Durack Homestead en route. After a delightful picnic lunch at the dam wall, you'll embark on an exhilarating three-hour cruise down the spectacular Ord River. Your knowledgeable skipper will provide insights into the Ord River Irrigation Scheme, enriching your understanding of this vital waterway. You'll arrive in Kununurra just as the sun begins to set, painting the sky with vibrant hues. You'll then check in to the comfortable Kununurra Country Club Resort for your overnight stay, ready to reflect on the day's adventures.

This morning, you'll depart Kununurra and embark on a scenic journey along the Victoria Highway, heading towards Katherine. You'll cross the border into the Northern Territory, marking another milestone in your adventure. Along the way, you'll pass through the charming towns of Timber Creek and Victoria River, offering glimpses into the region's unique character. Upon arriving in Katherine this afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to participate in a town tour, gaining insights into its history and culture. Your overnight stay will be at the luxurious Cicada Lodge, conveniently located near the stunning Katherine Gorge, providing a perfect setting for your evening.

This morning, you'll experience one of the Northern Territory's most iconic adventures: the Katherine River Gorge cruise in Nitmiluk National Park. You'll marvel at the deep gorge, carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River, with its towering sheer rock walls, a truly breathtaking sight. You'll enjoy a relaxing two-hour cruise in a canopied boat, soaking in the stunning scenery. Afterwards, you'll travel north along the Stuart Highway, before turning onto the Kakadu Highway and entering the iconic Kakadu National Park. This afternoon, you'll check in to the comfortable Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, your home for the next two nights, ready to explore the wonders of this world-renowned natural treasure.

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.

This morning, you'll depart Cooinda and journey to the lush landscapes of Litchfield National Park. Here, you'll witness the spectacular sight of waterfalls cascading off the Tabletop Ranges, plunging into tranquil waterholes. You'll have the opportunity to explore the stunning Florence and Wangi Falls, immersing yourself in their natural beauty. A delightful picnic lunch will be enjoyed amidst this picturesque setting. After lunch, you'll depart Litchfield National Park and make your way towards Darwin. Arriving in the late afternoon, you'll check into harbour view rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn Darwin (formerly The Doubletree by Hilton), your accommodation for the final night of your adventure. This evening, you'll board the Charles Darwin for a memorable Territory-style sunset dinner cruise, a perfect opportunity to celebrate the incredible journey you've undertaken.

This morning enjoy a city sights tour including Cullen Bay, Stokes Hill Wharf and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (subject to opening hours).