Explore the best walking trails of the Kimberley from Kununurra to Broome (some itineraries travel in the opposite direction) on this fabulous 11-day Pack-Free guided walk.
We’ll begin our journey in the Eastern Kimberley area that showcases an outstanding diversity of landscapes from rugged sandstone ranges to rainforest pockets, stunning gorges, and palm-fringed waterholes. Some itinerary variations will venture to Lake Argyle, located in the remote Kimberley region in the far north of Western Australia. The vast freshwater lake nestled amongst a rugged billion-year-old landscape is brimming with an abundance of wildlife and breathtaking colorful vistas. We then experience the Bungles Bungles where we’ll explore the upper reaches of Piccaninny Gorge with a spectacular heli-hiking experience. From here we head to Halls Gap and Fitzroy Crossing with walks through striking Tunnel Creek, Mimbi Caves, Windjana Gorge and Geikie Gorge. We’ll enjoy a scenic flight from Derby over the mighty Horizontal Falls to the Dampier Peninsula where we explore a Pearl Farm and enjoy a unique cultural tour along the stunning coast before ending this awe-inspiring journey in Broome where we stay for two nights at a relaxed pace to take in the beautiful surrounds.
See the Departure tab for tour variations.
Carry as little as your water and lunch
We specialise in Pack-Free walks ensuring on all our journeys you aren’t burdened with carrying a heavy pack with your clothes, food or overnight gear. With Life’s An Adventure, walk with a small day pack carrying as little as your water bottle, lunch and camera each day.
Cruise to Lake Argyle
Why drive when you can cruise to Lake Argyle. Our tour includes a fabulous cruise up the stunning Ord River from Kununurra to Lake Argyle, stopping along the way for a riverside lunch. Marvel at the spectacular scenery, wildlife, flora and fauna we’ll see along the way.
including a private charter to your walk
This tour includes several cruises so you can experience the best of the Kimberley. Our private charter boat takes us to Pintpot Bay on Lake Argyle where we join a special walk through this stunning region in the Carr Boyd Ranges.
Save 9 hours of driving
To access the Bungle is normally a 9 hour return journey from Kununurra, with 3 of those hours on rough bumpy terrain. On this journey we want you to enjoy every minute of this special place, which is why we have included a return flight from Kununurra into the Bungles. The added bonus is you will see the Bungles and Purnululu National Park from the air and see the magnitude and grandeur of this spectacular region.
Explore the remote Bungles
Enjoy a spectacular heli-hiking experience into the Bungles to explore the upper reaches of Piccaninny Gorge. To experience this area, would normally take 3 days hiking with overnight camping supplies in a heavy pack. (Including one day to reach the mouth of the gorge, then another day to explore the gorge and then another day to retrace your steps and hike back to the start). With OUR journey we will access this area in a day with our helicopter dropping us at the mouth of the gorge, allowing us the day to explore the best areas of this enormous gorge, that cuts through the Bungle Range. The helicopter will then pick us up for a unique return journey.
An experience to remember
Our Horizontal Falls experience will involve a scenic air safari providing a visual scenic feast flying over King Sound, Horizontal Waterfalls, Talbot Bay, Buccaneer Archipelago, Cape Leveque and the Dampier Peninsula coastline.
Cygnet Bay
Cygnet Bay is celebrating over 75 years of the Brown family’s involvement in the pearling industry. Enjoy a unique experience with a walk through the farm towards the pearl harvest and hatchery area where operations in pearl culturing are explained.
Vast freshwater lake
This property is only used on some itineraries due to limited availability for our departure dates.
The vast freshwater Lake Argyle is nestled amongst a rugged billion year old landscape is brimming with an abundance of wildlife and breath-taking colourful vistas. Enjoy the delights of this property including the stunning infinity pool! 35 metres of infinity wet edge, spa, and some of the most breath-taking scenery of the Kimberley’s! Stay in a Lakeview Villa designed and constructed specifically for the stunning Kimberley landscape overlooking the lake.
See departure timetable for any variations in accommodation.
The Bungle Bungles
This property is only used on some itineraries due to limited availability for our departure dates.
The Bungle Bungles are a remote region and as such most visitors that come here have to camp. With Life’s An Adventure, you’ll enjoy the comfort of staying in modern cabins with ensuites at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge. Enjoy the delights of this property including a large outdoor deck and bar to enjoy pre-dinner drinks and a large pool to cool off after a day’s walking. At night enjoy hearty dinners in the restaurant.
See departure timetable for any variations in accommodation.
Eastern Kimberley Region
Home Valley Station and / or Emma Gorge Resort (part of El Questro Station is in the remote Kimberley Region. Guests will mainly stay in Homestead Rooms (some departures have Riverview Suites availability) at Home Valley Station or Tented Cabins at Emma Gorge Resort (part of El Questro Station).
See departure timetable for any variations in accommodation.
Kununurra town stay
In Kununurra we’ll stay at Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments.
The property is within a 5-minute drive of the airport and Artlandish Aboriginal Art Gallery. Guests enjoy free laundry service and free Wi-Fi access.
The air-conditioned apartments offer a kitchen or a kitchenette with a microwave, kitchenware and a fridge. Amenities include ironing equipment, a DVD player and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.
The property has a resort-style pool, a 24-hour reception and guests can enjoy a barbecue by the poolside.
See departure timetable for any variations in accommodation.
Outback experience
Spend one night in the remote outback at Kimberley Hotel. At the end of a day enjoy warm hospitality including a swimming pool. Guests will stay in deluxe rooms.
On the remote and tranquil banks of the Fitzroy River
Situated on 50 acres of natural bushland and on the remote and tranquil banks of the Fitzroy River lies the character-filled Fitzroy River Lodge. Guests will enjoy their stay here with its refreshing pool and fully licensed bar. In the evenings dine at the Riverside Restaurant featuring fresh cuisine with a focus on locally inspired flavours. Dinner will also be accompanied with Australian wines.
In the heart of the Kimberley
In the heart of the Kimberley lies our accommodation at Derby Lodge. Remote and quaint describes this property. Enjoy a lovely 2 -course dinner served with Australian wine at the charming Neap Restaurant
On the Dampier Peninsula
This property is used instead of Eco Beach Resort on some itineraries due to limited availability for our departure dates.
Located opposite Cygnet Bay, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm features a restaurant and a BBQ area. Set in a secluded location, it offers unique accommodation including safari tents and historic cottages originally built for pearl farmers. The farm is Australia’s oldest fully operational pearl farm open to the public.
Offering al fresco dining, Cygnet Bay Bistro offers a menu based on seasonal produce. Guests can relax with a glass of beer or wine after a day of sightseeing.
All room types include linen, towels and a private bathroom with a shower and a toilet. Some rooms also have a private balcony with bay views.
See departure timetable for any variations in accommodation.
Set amongst the pristine & wild Kimberley Coast south of Broome
This property is used instead of Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm on some itineraries due to limited availability for our departure dates.
Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat is set amongst the pristine & wild Kimberley Coast, 130 km from central Broome which is a 90 minute drive away. Guests will stay in Garden View Tents. All are designed to be environmentally friendly, using renewable energy sources. Facilities include an ocean front swimming pool, Dragon Fly Day Spa and Jack’s Bar and Restaurant.
Accommodation by the sea
During your stay in Broome you will stay at the Mantra Frangipani. Located close to Cable Beach. This hotel offer superb luxury accommodation including two designer swimming pools, one with a waterfall. Guests will stay in a one bedroom apartment.
and Australian wines
Our tours include 2-course a la carte dining at each location. Sample cuisine featuring flavours with a local twist. Each evening your dinner will be included with Australian wines, included in the price of the tour.
Make new friends on the trail
Our tours are designed to be personal and intimate. We love the clients we attract on a Life’s An Adventure walking experience. Happy, down to earth people, who are passionate about walking and simply excited to be on holidays. We find our guests often form lifelong friendships on tour as they are travelling with wonderful like-minded people.
Chief Experience Officers
Our guides are truly exceptional at what they do. We call them our CEOs – Chief Experience Officers and it’s their job to ensure your tour exceeds your expectations. Our guide’s caring attitude and wonderful outgoing nature ensure your tour is relaxing, fun and informative.
We ensure our walks have everything included so you won’t be surprised with any hidden extras. During your evening meals, you will enjoy a la carte dining as well as wine with dinner each evening.
No Credit Cards fees.
This is an all-inclusive tour with no hidden extras:
Tours which include Eco Beach Resort also include:
The following itinerary is the 29 July 2023 tour. All departure dates have slight variations to the itinerary. See departure dates for more information.
SUGGESTED PRE-TOUR ACCOMMODATION: Freshwater Apartments, Kununurra
Today is an arrival day. Fly into Kununurra (own expense) and make your way to your accommodation at the Freshwater Apartments, with the rest of your day at leisure. Why not visit the local galleries or diamond shops that sell the rare Argyle Pink Diamonds. A good suggestion is to head out to the local Gin Distillery for lunch and tastings. Taxis can be called to take you out there. Tonight join one of your guides for a welcome dinner in the Kimberley Grand Hotel Restaurant (next door to the Freshwater Apartments) at 7.00pm served with wine to chat about the adventure ahead.
TRAIL NOTES: Emma Gorge: 3.5kms. Grade: Easy. El Questro Gorge: 3 kms. Approx 2 hours. Medium. Terrain: Some section rocky creek bed requiring good level of fitness & agility. Walking poles suggested.
ITINERARY: This morning we’ll drive out to El Questro in the Eastern Kimberley where we’ll walk both Emma Gorge and El Questro Gorge. We’ll start by walking Emma Gorge – an easy grade, partially shaded, one hour walk, and be rewarded at the end with a large cooling waterhole, perfect for a well-deserved swim. After this walk, we’ll head to Emma Gorge resort for a sit-lunch. Afterwards, we’ll walk El Questro Gorge along its narrow spring-fed creek through palm and fern clad escarpments to a small, crystal clear swimming hole. Here we can relax and take in the beauty of the rainforest. This walk features cliffs on the western and northern side that rise up to 375m and are mostly made up of ancient sandstone. There is an option to only walk a portion of this trail, however it is totally worth the walk if you are able as once you reach the top you’ll be rewarded with cooling pools, lush scenery and a cascading waterfall. At the end of the walk enjoy a dip in the beautiful freshwater pools surrounded by lush vegetation AND a much easier walk back down! Afterwards, we will head to Home Valley Station for the night. Tonight enjoy dinner served with wine.
ITINERARY: Please note our different departure dates have alternative itineraries. You will either fly in and out of the Bungles or drive in for a 2 night stay. See departure tab for details.
DRIVE IN ITINERARY:
Today we travel south to the spectacular Purnululu National Park. Travel by 4WD into the park crossing rivers and taking in your first views of the spectacular landscapes. The Bungle Bungle Range is an intricate maze of beehive-shaped peaks, narrow gorges lined with majestic Livistona fan palms and soaring cliffs with seasonal waterfalls and rock pools. After lunch, we enjoy an afternoon walk into the Bungle Bungles exploring the Southern Region of Purnululu National Park. Our walk takes us past banded domes towering majestically around you. We head to stunning Cathedral Gorge a spectacular natural amphitheatre with a pool reflecting the soaring sandstone beehives guarding the entrance. This afternoon we arrive at our accommodation at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge where we stay in modern cabins with ensuites for two nights. Enjoy time to cool off with a refreshing swim in the pool or relax on the outdoor deck and enjoy pre-dinner drinks (own expense). Tonight join the group for a wonderful hearty dinner and chat about the day’s adventures.
FLY IN ITINERARY:
Our Fly in itineraries gets you to the Bungles quicker and therefore give you additional 2 days to see Lake Argyle and stay at Lake Argyle Resort before heading to the Bungles by plane instead of road,
ITINERARY: Please note our different departure dates have alternative itineraries. You will either fly in and out of the Bungles or drive in for a 2 night stay. See departure tab for details.
TRAIL NOTES: Walk 10kms. Medium. Rocky creek bed requiring a good level of fitness & agility. Walking poles suggested.
DRIVE IN ITINERARY:
This morning we are up early to have breakfast. We join our helicopter for our heli-hike and fly over the Bungle Bungles and land in the heart of the Bungles. This area of the gorge is set deep inside the Bungle Domes and normally takes 3 days round trip to access. With our journey our helicopter drops us at the mouth of the gorge, allowing us the day to explore the best of this enormous gorge that spreads into five fingers as it cuts through the Bungle Bungle Range. Your guide will lead the hike into the gorge and tell you about the area’s cultural significance to the indigenous people and its unique history. After our walk, we fly back by helicopter and transfer to our accommodation in the Bungles. Enjoy a swim and a relaxing dinner with friends. Our evening meal served with Australian wine.
FLY IN ITINERARY:
This morning we are up bright and early to fly from Kununurra to the Bungles. Once we land we join our helicopter for our heli-hike and fly over the Bungle Bungles and land in the heart of the Bungles. This area of the gorge is set deep inside the Bungle Domes and normally takes 3 days round trip to access. With our journey our helicopter drops us at the mouth of the gorge, allowing us the day to explore the best of this enormous gorge that spreads into five fingers as it cuts through the Bungle Bungle Range. Your guide will lead the hike into the gorge and tell you about the area’s cultural significance to the indigenous people and its unique history. After our walk, we fly out of the gorge by helicopter and then transfer to our flight back to Warmun to continue our journey to Halls Creek. Tonight enjoy a relaxing dinner served with Australian wine.
DRIVE IN ITINERARY – ONLY:
TRAIL NOTES: 6.4kms. Medium. Rocky underfoot requiring good fitness and agility. Walking poles suggested.
This morning we enjoy an early morning start and head to the Northern Region of the Bungles for our morning walk. Our walking tour today takes us to Echidna Gorge and Mini Palms Gorge. We start with a walk into Echidna Gorge a spectacular 200m gorge with varying hues. The Gorge takes its name from echidna found nearby. We head along a dry pebbly creek bed to the entrance of the chasm, passing Livistonia palms that grow along the banks. We head through the impressive chasm taking in the dramatic views of the sheer cliff walls. We then head to Mini Palms Gorge over sand and spinifex along the base of the main range. This walk features soaring cliffs, dramatic palms and a natural amphitheatre and cave. A gentle breeze in the cave comes from the hidden opening of an inaccessible gorge upstream. The magnificent contrasts of the red cliffs and green palms make for a dramatic view. After lunch, our journey takes us to Halls Creek. Tonight we stay at Kimberley Hotel. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks (own expense) then join the group for a wonderful hearty dinner and chat about the day’s adventures.
WALK GRADE: Mimbi Caves walking tour – 3 hours Easy Grade. Jarrambayah Trail
TERRAIN: Flat walking on dirt and sandy tracks, with some sections of uneven, rocky and unmodified terrain.
WALK ITINERARY: This morning after breakfast, we enjoy an early start and head to the ancient limestone country around Fitzroy Crossing with its hidden caves and spectacular gorge. You will start with an enlightening tour of the hidden Mimbi Caves guided by the traditional owners, the Gooniyandi people, who share a strong connection with Mimbi Caves and the surrounding country. On the walk, your local guides will share ancient Dreaming stories as well as traditional knowledge of local bush tucker, bush medicine and the native flora and fauna found around the cave system. Enjoy traditional Billie Tea and damper, made the traditional way using native seeds and cooked on a campfire while listening to the Gooniyandi Dreaming story of the Blue Tongue Lizard and the Mud Lark. From here we depart Mimbi and make our way to Girlorloo Gorge for lunch before travelling to the spectacular Geike Gorge where we will enjoy a cruise through this scenic and rare limestone-walled gorge. After the cruise, we head to our accommodation at Fitzroy River Lodge. Tonight we dine in the lodge restaurant, renowned for its focus on fresh, locally-inspired cuisines in conjunction with classic Australian favourites served with Australian wines.
WALK GRADE: Windjana Gorge Walk – 7km, 3 hours Easy to Moderate Grade. (Tunnel Creek Walk – currently closed – 2km, 1.5 hours easy to Moderate Grade – when it reopens we will also do this walk)
TERRAIN: Flat walking. Windjana Gorge varies between sections of uneven, rocky and unmodified terrain and sandy riverbed walking. (currently closed – Tunnel Creek Walk can be wet, rocky and uneven underfoot, torches are essential).
WALK ITINERARY: After breakfast, we will then explore Western Australia’s oldest cave system in Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park. Tunnel Creek is currently closed, however once it reopens we will do this walk. In the meantime, we shall still visit this area and talk about the history of the caves. This landmark feature is famous as the hideout used by Aboriginal warrior, freedom-fighter and leader Jandamarra, who was labelled an outlaw and killed outside its entrance in 1897. At Dimalurru you walk through an underground tunnel, formed by the flowing creek, and out the other side of the Napier Range. The track runs underground for 750 metres. Afterwards, we’ll continue travelling further north to walk in the gorgeous, shady reaches of Windjana Gorge. This is one of the Kimberley’s most stunning gorges, with water-streaked walls that rise majestically to heights of 100 metres. The Lennard River runs through Windjana Gorge in wet weather, but in the dry season it forms calm pools surrounded by shady trees. Here you can see fossilised marine life within the limestone of the gorge walls. It is then time to enjoy the remote scenery of the Kimberley, dotted with the dramatic silhouettes of huge boab trees, as you experience the renowned Gibb River Road heading west to Derby. Enjoy a night’s rest at the Derby Lodge with a sumptuous meal at Neaps Restaurant served with wine, where the staff produce amazing food in this small outback town.
TRAIL NOTES: Pearl Farm Tour. 60-minutes walking tour. Easy Grade
WALK ITINERARY: After breakfast, this morning we’ll depart early for a scenic flight over Horizontal Falls and the Buccaneer Archipelago before landing at the Dampier Peninsula. The Horizontal Falls are a fast-moving tidal flow through two narrow, closely aligned gorges of the McLarty Range, located in Talbot Bay north of Broome. The direction of the flow reverses with each change of tide. As tides in the Kimberley can reach 10 metres, a peak tide gives rise to a significant difference in the sea level on either side of each gorge. Once in the Dampier Peninsula we’ll have lunch at Cape Leveque before experiencing a Pearl Farm Tour at Cygnet Bay. Cygnet Bay is celebrating over 75 years of the Brown family’s involvement in the pearling industry. This land-based tour gives visitors an insight into the fascinating history of pearling in Cygnet Bay and how we cultivate some of the most sought-after and beautiful pearls in the world. Our knowledgeable tour guides will demonstrate a pearl harvest giving a glimpse into a fully operational pearl farm. Our tour concludes with an in-depth pearl grading and appreciation session that will leave you feeling like a pearl expert! It’s with these exquisite gems that Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm is honoured to share a unique and coveted treasure with seekers of true natural beauty. After the 60-minute tour we will head to our accommodation for the night at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. Enjoy a lovely dinner served with wine.
TRAIL NOTES: Aboriginal cultural walk: 4km walk. Easy walk along a creek and coastline.
WALK ITINERARY: After breakfast, we’ll embark on an inspirational Aboriginal cultural walk with Bolo along the stunning coast of the Dampier Peninsula. Join Bardi Jawi man Bolo Angus and his family on an inspirational journey through his traditional country on the Dampier Peninsula at Lullumb. We’ll learn about Bardi Jawi’s culture and experience hunting and gathering techniques passed down through the generations. We’ll walk through mangroves, paperbark forests, salt plains, creeks and drink from a sacred freshwater spring as well as enjoy a lunch on this journey with Bolo. Around 3pm we’ll travel to Broome. Our accommodation for the next two nights is at the Mantra Frangipani Apartments located close to Cable Beach. This hotel offers superb luxury accommodation including two designer swimming pools, one with a waterfall. Guests will stay in a one bedroom apartment. Tonight we’ll enjoy dinner accompanied by wine.
TRAIL NOTES: Walk part of the Lurujarri Heritage Trail.
WALK ITINERARY: After breakfast we walk part of the Lurujarri Heritage Trail. This 90km coastal trail follows a traditional songline through the land of the Goolarabooloo community. It was developed in 1987, by young indigenous leader Paddy Roe as a way to encourage members of the Goolarabooloo community to be walking the Country again, but also as a means of waking up non-Aboriginal people to a relationship with the land; to foster trust; friendship and empathy between the indigenous community and the wider Australian and International community. You will walk the section of trail that starts amongst the fascinating sculpted rocks of Gantheume Point before finishing back at our accommodation. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore Broome on your own. Later in the afternoon we’ll go to Cable Beach to watch the famous sunset with a celebratory glass of wine or champagne before enjoying a fabulous dinner accompanied with wine.
Important 2023 Update: We are unable to run this tour due to the ongoing effects from the floods in the Kimberley region. However, we are still operating our 7-day Kimberley Explorer walk.
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Alternative Itineraries for selected departure dates:
Please note our tours run in two directions. Starting in Kununurra and ending in Broome OR the reverse. See full details of accommodation variations on below for specific departures.
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PRIVATE GROUPS:
Date of your choice is available for groups of 10 -12 people. Subject to availability.
Please contact us for more details on (02) 9975 4553 or email: groups@lifesanadventure.com.au
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Departure of your choice |
PRIVATE GROUPS Departure date of your choice PRICES Departure date of your choice is subjective to availability. A minimum group size of 10 required. Prices are equal to Past Travellers’ discounted rates. Additional Past Traveller’s’ discount not available for groups. Based on twin share – see details about Single Supplement and upgrade extras. |
PAST PASSENGER DISCOUNT: Those who have travelled with Life’s An Adventure previously, receive a past passenger discount of $100. This discount will automatically be deducted from future bookings when you book online using the same email address used for past bookings.
EARLYBIRD & SPOT SPECIAL CANCELLATIONS: Refunds or cancellations are not permitted for Earlybird Deals or Spot Specials, however, transfers to another date are permitted 8 weeks or more prior to departure. We advise taking out travel insurance, in case unexpected circumstances prior to the trip, prevent you from joining this tour. Early bird or Spot Special discounts cannot be used in conjunction with another offer. To receive these special discounts, full payment must be made at the time of initial booking. Flexiwalk Add-On option not available on these tickets.
We strongly advise our clients travelling within Australia to take out Travel Insurance. We have partnered with Cover-More to provide travel insurance to our guests. To get a quote or purchase travel insurance directly with them CLICK HERE .
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