About Bell Gorge | Dimond Gorge & Sir
John Gorge |
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About Bell Gorge | Dimond Gorge & Sir
John Gorge | Galvins Gorge | Lennard Gorge | Mt
Hart in the Kimberley in Western Australia
~ Home ~ Site destination links ~ Kimberley Map ~ Maps© |
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About the Kimberley Gibb River Road The Gibb River road travels some 700 kms through the central Kimberley Plateau from King Sound at Derby to the Cambridge Gulf at Wyndham. The whole road is now the responsibility of Main Roads WA and improvements to creek crossings and jump ups are being made every year. The majority of the road surface is of dirt and gravel construction with only some floodways paved. The Derby Visitor Centre recommends use of high clearance robust vehicles, preferably 4WD, for DRY season (May to October) travel. Towing of any type is not recommended. However, well constructed off road trailers may survive the often corrugated conditions in the DRY. Caravans are definitely NOT recommended. Wet season (November to April) travel can be severely restricted by flooding and road closures as the countryside can become very waterlogged. Access to the gorges is very often not possible and, if travel occurs, is restricted to the Gibb River Road itself and not to the sidetracks into the gorges. A 4WD vehicle equipped with a snorkel is essential once the rains have started. Travellers in breach of official Road Closure and Road Restrictions are subject to fines. Most gorges along the Gibb River Road are accessible between May and October. Travel is restricted November to April due to flooding and road closures. Mt Hart Lennard Gorge Bell Gorge Bell Gorge is one of the most attractive in the West Kimberley and is worth more than an overnight stay. Boab trees line Bell Creek, which cascades through a series of falls through deep gorges. Rock climbing and walking rewards the visitor with spectacular views. Facilities Dry Season Only (April to November dependent on weather conditions) Silent Grove - flushing toilets and showers. Bell Creek - drop toilets Camping Fees apply -Rangers are present April to October dependent on weather conditions Dimond Gorge & Sir John Gorge You can canoe, bird watch and explore the upper reaches of the Fitzroy River. Mornington Wilderness Camp Galvins Gorge ©
source and courtesy of www.hallscreektourism.com.au/ |
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Gibb River Road |
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Darwin to Broome - Bungle Bungle self drive
Broome to Darwin or Darwin to Broome (9 Days and 9 Nights) Day 1 Broome to Fitzroy Crossing Head towards Derby, taking time to explore this historical town with its infamous prison boab tree. You will have a 36 km back track to the Northern Highway with directions to Fitzroy Crossing. Don’t worry, you will have lots of time to experience the Gibb River Road later in your journey. Suggested overnight stay - Fitzroy River Lodge. Day 2 Fitzroy Crossing to Charnley River Station Mornings start early in the Kimberley so enjoy the fresh clean air with an early morning cruise on the Fitzroy River through Geikie Gorge. Leaving Fitzroy, head back 37 kms to the turnoff to Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge. Take the time to explore these two natural phenomena and marvel at the power of nature. At Napier Downs turn right and you are now on the famous Gibb River Road.We suggest you pack a picnic lunch from Fitzroy and enjoy the outdoor facilities at Windjana Gorge National Park.The Park is an ideal spot to get a close look at the abundance of freshwater crocodiles that line the river banks. After lunch make your way towards Silent Grove and Bell Gorge for a late afternoon swim before arriving at Charnley River Station, a fully operational cattle station. No worries about dinner tonight as it is included in your accommodation. Suggested overnight stay - Charnley River Station Day 3 Charnley River Station to Mt Elizabeth After a hearty breakfast (included), again we suggest you stock up for a picnic at the store attached to the station.You are now in the heart of the Kimberley and not much distance has to be covered today so take time to explore Adcock Gorge and Galvin’s Gorge which are within easy reach of the road.The walk into Manning Gorge takes about one hour on a fairly well marked trail.Take your bathers as the water is very inviting and the vista awe inspiring. Have a water bottle with you and don’t deviate from the trail. Once back in your car, its a short drive to Mt. Elizabeth and you can reflect on a truly memorable day by relaxing on the shady verandah. Dinner is again included and take time to listen to the locals describe the many tales of the region. Suggested overnight stay - Mt. Elizabeth Station. Day 4 Mt. Elizabeth to Home Valley Station Today you can have a leisurely breakfast (included) as the distance travelled is not all that great and most of the touring can be done from the car. There are still plenty of opportunities for walks but the day can be as relaxed as you desire. You will cross the Gibb River and as with all river crossings, it is best to keep a slow steady momentum and follow the makers in the river beds.Tonight’s accommodation is one of newer facilities along the Gibb River Road.Tonight’s dinner is included with the tour and is an ideal venue to mix with fellow travellers as well as local characters. Suggested overnight stay - Home Valley Station. Day 5 Home Valley Station to Emma Gorge (El Questro) A hearty breakfast (included) will give you a good start to the day. Upon arrival at El Questro’s Emma Gorge you will be amazed at the colour of the rock.We suggest you take the 45 minute hike up to Emma Gorge and take a dip in its refreshing pool. Make sure you are back to the poolside area in time to enjoy a relaxing drink and watch the sunset change the colour of the rock so it looks like it is glowing.There are plenty of optional extras to do here from helicopter fishing to horse back riding. Make your plans at reception and there is plenty of time tomorrow to get in what you can’t do today. Suggested overnight stay - El Questro Emma Gorge. Day 6 El Questro to Kununurra Within a few kilometres you are back on sealed road and civilisation with a sense of accomplishment as you have conquered one of the world’s last great adventure drives. Kununurra is the capital of the East Kimberley region and the highlights of the area include Ivanhoe Crossing and the Lake Argyle Dam.A jetboat ride (optional) down the Ord River to the dam is a thrilling and interesting way to travel. Stock up on film and supplies as tomorrow will be a big day with an early start. Suggested overnight stay - Mercure Inn Kununurra. Day 7 Kununurra Bungle Bungles Kununurra Board your light aircraft for a journey of a life time. You will get magnificent views of Lake Argyle, the dam that creates this lake, 10 times larger than Sydney Harbour, as well as the Bungles themselves.The cost of the flight is included in your tour but for an optional extra, you can leave the fixed wing aircraft at the landing strip in the National Park and board a helicopter for a spectacular trip amongst the errie domes.With either choice you will be taken back to Kununurra after yet another life time experience. Suggested overnight stay - Mercure Inn Kununurra. Day 8 Kununurra to Katherine As you pass into the Northern Territory, the terrain becomes a little gentler and the rugged rock formation give way to lush vegetation. Timber Creek and Victoria River Downs are ideal points to stop for lunch or snacks. When you cross the bridge at Victoria River, stop for a look because in the wet season, the river regularly flows over the bridge. Suggested overnight stay - Frontier Katherine. Day 9 Katherine to Darwin Another early start but well worth the short drive up to Katherine Gorge. Take the optional boat cruise for a relaxing but spectacular look at this amazing act of nature. Complete this journey in a comfortable pace as your room in Darwin is included in the package and your car will be collected from your hotel. Suggested overnight stay - Mirrembeena. |
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Rugged 4WD AdventuresDuration: 14 days Day 1: Broome to Cape Leveque - 220km / 137miles Day 2: Cape Leveque to Derby - 400km / 249miles Day 3: Derby to Windjana National Park - 152km / 94miles Day 4: Windjana National Park to Bell Gorge - 133km / 82miles Day 5: Bell Gorge / Mount Hart Homestead Day 6: Bell Gorge to Manning Gorge - 86km / 53miles Day 7: Manning Gorge to Drysdale River Station - 168km / 104miles Day 8: Drysdale River Station Day 9: Drysdale River Station to Ellenbrae Station Homestead - 136km / 85miles Day 10: Ellenbrae Station Homestead to El Questro Wilderness Park - 141km / 86miles Day 11: El Questro Wilderness Park Day 12: El Questro Wilderness Park Day 13: El Questro Wilderness Park Day 14: El Questro Wilderness Park to Kununurra - 95km / 59miles
The northern regions of the state are a treasure trove of spectacular landscapes, remote wilderness, isolated lakes, lazy rivers and white, sandy beaches that may never have seen a footprint on them. Day 1: Broome to Cape Leveque Enjoy breakfast overlooking Broome's famous Cable Beach before heading to the historic town of Derby via Cape Leveque. Cape Leveque is a stunning coastal area offering authentic
Aboriginal cultural experiences and tours. It's also well
off the beaten track, taking four hours to drive there from
Broome on dirt roads. Here, the white sand and red cliffs define where the outback meets the ocean. Overnight: Cape Leveque Day 2: Cape Leveque to Derby The journey out of Cape Leveque is four hours on a dirt road and then another two to three hours to Derby. Make sure you take plenty of supplies for the trek! Once in Derby, stock up for the drive across the top, along the legendary Gibb River Road. Be sure to take plenty of video and film. Derby is a small town, famous for its history, friendly hospitality, fishing and massive tides. If you have time, spend another day and enjoy the great fishing - it's superb all the way along the Buccaneer Archipelago. It's also worth taking a flight over the islands which include the amazing Horizontal Waterfall and King Sound. Overnight: Derby Day 3: Derby to Windjana National Park - Gibb River Road Gibb River Road is one of Australia's classic outback drives. The 660 kilometre journey is accessible only between May and October. The rest of year is often rained out or rivers are too swollen to cross. The region is steeped in frontier history with tales of cattle drives, hardship and Aboriginal culture at points along the journey. First stop today is the Windjana Gorge camp site, which will be home for the night. The area is rich in natural wonders and the day on the road provides a relatively soft entry into the sometimes challenging conditions ahead, and a taste of what's in store. The 2134 hectare Windjana Gorge National Park offers a stunning natural retreat and encompasses a three and a half kilometre section of the Lennard River, which flows in the wet season, but evaporates into a series of pools in "the dry". The campsite houses the only facilities in the area and is well serviced with toilets, showers and firewood. The river pools attract a rich selection of bird life and fresh water crocodiles, which are often seen sunning themselves near the water holes. From your camp, take a day trip out to the spectacular natural wonder of Tunnel Creek. Tunnel Creek was formed when lava tubes receded millions of years ago, creating a 750 metre tunnel through which the permanent fresh water creek flows. The cool, dark tunnel creates a stunning contrast to the surrounding landscape and can be explored on foot or by swimming. Take a waterproof torch and sandshoes. The park is for day use only, so visitors will need to return to the Windjana Gorge campsite, where they can set up a protected campfire and settle in for their first night under the stars. The remote location guarantees clear air, while the lack of artificial light makes the skies appear even darker. Stars absolutely blaze from the night, creating an inspiring sky show. Overnight: Windjana Gorge National Park Day 4: Windjana National Park to Bell Gorge After an early morning breakfast, break camp and follow the road deeper into the Kimberley highlands heading towards Bell Gorge, which is considered by many to be one of the Kimberley's finest attractions. A short stop at Lennard Gorge is highly recommended, and the large swimming hole is a welcome sight. The gorge is lined with a steep cliff face on one side, and flanked by a waterfall that flows early in the dry season. Camping is not permitted, so visitors will need to continue a little further on to beautiful Bell Gorge. Bell Gorge is a postcard of cascading waterfalls dropping more than 100 metres through a series of swimming pools, with breathtaking views from the cliff top over the falls. The area makes a fabulous overnight stop where campers can relax to the sound of bubbling waters, before waking for a soothing early morning swim. Those looking for home comforts can travel a little further to Mount Hart Homestead, which offers dinner, and bed and breakfast accommodation. Bookings are essential and camping is not permitted at the homestead. Overnight: Bell Gorge Day 5: Bell Gorge / Mount Hart Homestead Mount Hart Homestead is a good starting point for trips into the King Leopold Range National Park. The park offers visitors the chance to explore untouched nature with short bush walks and the chance to meet some curious dingoes, or canoe down cool, pandanus-lined waterways. Late afternoon sees the shadows strike spectacular patterns on the rocky outcrops - so plan a photo stop here. Check into the homestead for the night to relax and enjoy some Kimberley hospitality at the licensed bar, or simply take time out to wander throughout the tranquil, homestead grounds. Alternatively, you can head back to Bell Gorge for another beautiful night under the stars. Overnight: King Leopold Range National Park Bell Gorge Day 6: Bell Gorge to Manning Gorge Return to the Gibb River Road for the short drive to Galvans Gorge and its spectacular waterhole. Take a walk around the trails before stopping for an early lunch and morning swim. Next stop is Mount Barnett roadhouse, which is about an hours drive from the Bell Gorge turnoff. The roadhouse is a central base for exploring the region. There's a store selling groceries, fuel and takeaway food. Roadhouse staff also manage the camping ground at Manning Gorge (fees payable), and provide information on walk trails up the river to Upper Manning Gorge and to local indigenous rock art sites. Overnight: Manning Gorge Day 7: Manning Gorge to Drysdale River Station Farewell the beauty of Manning Gorge and make your way
slowly down the Gibb River Road towards Drysdale River Station,
enjoying the changing colours of the rocky outcrops and
the abundant wildlife. The peaceful river is alive with birdlife and other native animals including wallabies and dingoes. About 40 minutes further along the Kalumburu Road lies Drysdale River Station - your stop for the night. The station offers cabin-style accommodation as well as camping facilities. Travellers have the option to leave their camping gear packed and dine at the licensed dining room, while enjoying a few sundowners at the bar and chat to the locals. Despite the remoteness, the station attracts visitors from all over the world, so most will be surprised at who they meet over a cold drink. Drysdale River Station is the gateway to the Mitchell Plateau, which is one of the most biologically important areas in Western Australia. The region hosts the spectacular escarpments of the Mitchell Plateau, the Mitchell and Merton Falls, Surveyors Pool, Mitchell and King Edward rivers and is also a significant Aboriginal heritage site, so there is no shortage of things to experience. Overnight: Drysdale River Station Day 8: Drysdale River Station Wake to the sound of farm animals before taking off on a morning charter flight over the spectacular coastal canyons lining the Prince Regent River, to circle the Mitchell Falls and fly low along the dramatic Kimberley coastline. The country surrounding the station is a stunning mix of rainforests, open woodlands, and stands of white gum trees, laced with rivers and creeks, which beckon to the explorer. Station staff will point out the best trails and offer directions and tips on some of the favourite attractions. Overnight: Drysdale River Station Day 9: Drysdale River Station to Ellenbrae Station Homestead Wave goodbye to Drysdale River Station as you head towards tonight's accommodation at Ellenbrae Station Homestead Bush Resort. Nestled between two billabongs and surrounded by trees and wildlife, the homestead offers accommodation, by prior arrangement. Visitors can enjoy dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation, or use the camping facilities, which include hot and cold showers, toilets, undercover kitchen with gas stove, fridge and barbecue. The owners also run a small craft shop selling original bush arts and crafts. The locals are passionate about the region's history and attractions and will have some tips you won't find in a brochure. Overnight: Ellenbrae Station Homestead Day 10: Ellenbrae Station Homestead to El Questro Wilderness Park Today's journey takes you through river and creek crossings, past isolated water holes and to the top of scenic lookouts, as you make your way to the spectacular El Questro Wilderness Park. A short drive from Ellenbrae, visitors will cross the Durack River. The crossing is an ideal spot to stop for a 'cuppa' and rest under the trees. Continue on your journey past Bindoola Creek crossing before stopping to marvel at the expansive views of the Cockburn Ranges from the lookout. Ten minutes east lies the stunning riverscape of the Pentecost River. The fishing is great and saltwater crocodiles are common in the area, making for some exciting photographs. Back on the road, it's a short drive to the one million acre El Questro Wilderness Park. Arriving in the late afternoon, visitors will find a range of nature-experiences waiting. Accommodation varies from self-camping and tented accommodation to self-contained cabins overlooking the Pentecost River and the incredible five-star 'El Questro Homestead' complete with butler service and every luxury. El Questro is a truly Australian wilderness experience, with rangers on hand to guide guests along dozens of well-marked four wheel drive trails, showcasing the best of the Kimberley's awe-inspiring scenery. Set up camp, or hire one of the cabins or tents for the night. The park has a store stocking basic items as well as a steakhouse restaurant that serves three meals a day. Overnight: El Questro Wilderness Park Day 11: El Questro Wilderness Park - Day 1 Spend the day exploring any one of the major attractions within the park. Take a walk through the dense Livingstonia Palms to the thermal ponds, which make up Zebedee Springs. The springs are an amazing place to soak and relax and are a highlight of any visit to El Questro. Pack plenty of film because the landscape here is stunning. In the afternoon, try boating down the Chamberlain Gorge. This three-kilometre gorge is bounded by lush vegetation set beneath towering sheer walled cliffs. The gorge can only be travelled by boat and visitors are rewarded with excellent examples of Windjana Aboriginal rock art. Try your hand at barramundi fishing while there. Overnight: El Questro Wilderness Park Day 12: El Questro Wilderness Park - Day 2 El Questro is so diverse you could spend weeks exploring the park and only scratch the surface. Ranger-guided horse treks are a great way to sneak up on the wildlife and provide an insight into life in the outback, as well as the tough conditions endured by settlers and cattlemen. The region is alive with animals. Brumbies, wild donkeys, bustards, frilled necked lizards, goannas, dingoes, emus, sea eagles, brolgas, jabirus, wallabies, and technicolour parrots, too numerous to name. You may even get the chance to see a saltwater crocodile or two. Overnight: El Questro Wilderness Park Day 13: El Questro Wilderness Park - Day 3 Spend another day exploring the trails and attractions of El Questro. Travellers should spend at least one night in one of the bungalows or tented cabins, to celebrate the end of their four wheel drive journey. The rest of the trip is on graded or tar-sealed roads, where four wheel drive vehicles are not essential. Overnight: El Questro Wilderness Park Day 14: El Questro Wilderness Park to Kununurra Arrive in the East Kimberley town of Kununurra, set against Lake Kununurra and neighbouring the Ord River Dam. Take a flight over the area crossing over Lake Argyle and
south over the incredible striped domes of the spectacular
Bungle Bungle ranges. Note From Kununurra, visitors can head east to Darwin, or follow the highway back to Broome - about a 12 hour trek. Take time to stop off at Fitzroy Crossing on the return journey, and take a guided tour along the canyons of Geike Gorge. Direct flights to Perth are available from Broome or spend a week there to enjoy the stunning beaches and golden sunshine. T NOTE: An adventure such as this requires drivers to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe journey. The vehicle should be properly equipped with a comprehensive tool, puncture repair and first aid kit, as well as sufficient water and food. In the event of a breakdown stay with your vehicle - it is easier to find than an individual. And always inform someone of your travel plans - especially if you intend to go off the beaten track. There is also the option of hiring a vehicle and travelling in the safety of a small convoy led by an expert guide. There are several reputable operators conducting tag-along tours in remote areas of Western Australia. For more information on the Gibb River Road, including
suggested itineraries go to the Gibb River Road section
of the Derby Tourism website. |
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Map of the Kimberley in Western Australia |
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Self drive along the Gibb River Road from Broome or Darwin is a Australia four wheel drive hire camper or wagon. The Gibb River Road was initially constructed as a beef road to transport cattle from the surrounding stations to the ports of Derby and Wyndham.It spans some six-hundred and seventy kilometres from Derby to the junction of the Great Northern Highway between Wyndham and Kununurra. |
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