20 Day Kimberley, Kakadu, Arnhem Land & Cape York
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
This tour features a combination of escorted and independent travel. Part of your journey will be enjoyed as a group experience, led by expert tour leaders or local guides. The remainder is self-guided—whether by rail, cruise, or overland—allowing you the freedom to travel between destinations independently and explore at your own pace.
✓ Incredible sightseeing, vist the Horizontal Falls by sea and air, fly to the Bungle Bungle, witness crocodiles in Kakadu, see the spectacular Gunlom Falls, try to bush skills in Arnhem Land, tour Cape Tribulation and set foot on Australia’s northernmost landmark
✓ 19 nights accommodation in mostly 4-star hotels
✓ Domestic flights to Kununurra, Darwin & Cairns
✓ Once in a lifetime sightseeing flights over the Horizontal Falls, Purnululu National Park & Cape York
✓ 11 meals throughout
✓ Escorted tours on day 11 - 14 to experience Kakadu, Arnhem Land & Gunlom Falls and day 16 to 18 to visit Cape Tribulation
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Broome! On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. You may like to visit Sunset Bar & Grill famous for their cocktails overlooking the waterfront at Cable Beach.
Today you will take part in the Bagul Bagul Mangroves walking tour. To join the tour, make your way to Matsos Brewery bus stop. Enter into the fascinating eco system of Broome's mangrove forest guided by Bart Pigram. Aside from being a bountiful source of bushfood for the Yawuru people for thousands of years, the mangroves provide a sheltered habitat for fish, crabs, molluscs, and the occasional saltwater crocodile. Scour the mangroves for tasty morsels, see remnants of (Asian) fish traps and hear stories from a bygone era of Broome's pearling days. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Today you will be collected from your hotel to journey deep into the heart of pristine wilderness on a full-day tour from Broome. Experience the Horizontal Falls and more via return scenic flights and fast boat cruise. Be amazed by the incredible forces of one of the world’s largest tidal movements. Your highly experienced skipper navigates your boat back and forth through the Horizontal Falls. Have your camera ready as your one-hour return flight takes off from Cockatoo Island, flying low across the Horizontal Falls for an aerial perspective of your day in the Kimberley.
This morning you will be collected from your hotel for a Willie Creek Pearl Farm Tour. You will follow the progress of the huge Pinctada Maxima shells as they are placed in panels and suspended to feed in the fast flowing tidal waters of Willie Creek. The world’s largest and most precious pearls grow on the Pearl Coast. After your tour including damper and tea, the Willie Creek Showroom reveals more insights into pearls and pearling, as well as offering affordable loose pearls, unique pearl farm jewellery and pearl shell products. Visiting the farm by air-conditioned coach is an excellent way to see some of the countryside with an experienced guide. Your coach captain will take the time to acquaint you with some of the more unusual native plants and wildlife on the 38km trip.
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Broome to relax by the pool, or join in more sightseeing.
The Dampier Peninsula is a delight for travellers seeking a real Kimberley experience that is culturally rewarding in a beautiful environment. As we journey north, travellers will learn about the area’s fascinating place in Australia’s history. Enjoy morning tea in the Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community, home to the Sacred Heart Church and its glimmering pearl shell altar. Completed in 1918, this ‘Mother of Pearl Church’ is inspired by German architecture and a team of Aboriginal women worked under the direction of a German priest to decorate the interior with mother of pearl, cowrie, voulte and olive snail shells to create a unique mosaic that features the totem symbols of the Nyul Nyul, Nimanborr and Bardi people as well as Christian symbols.
We then travel on to the Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. Established in 1946, this is the only working pearl farm open to the public, Cygnet Bay offers an introduction to the history and cultivation of the world’s finest pearls during an in-depth Pearl Farm Tour. Relax and enjoy a delightful lunch prepared by the chef at Cygnet Bay’s licensed restaurant, overlooking the turquoise waters of King Sound. After lunch, head to the One Arm Point Aboriginal Community. Enjoy a refreshing dip at Jologo Beach, spot dolphins and turtles from the Round Rock viewpoint and tour Ardyaloon Trochus Hatchery & Aquaculture Centre, perched right on the tip of One Arm Point overlooking the impressive Buccaneer Archipelago, witnessing the huge tidal flows of the Kimberley – the largest in the southern hemisphere!
We then reboard the vehicle for our journey back to Broome, arriving at approximately 6.00pm.
Tour Starts: approx: 6:30am (return approx 6pm)
Duration: approx: 11.5 hours
Includes: Lunch, Morning Tea and Afternoon Snack.
Throughout June, July & August, departures on a Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday are Guaranteed, while departures on a Monday, Wednesday & Friday require a minimum of 6 travellers to proceed
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Broome to relax by the pool, or join in more sightseeing.
Enjoying full commentary, we begin in Chinatown hearing fascinating stories of this colourful precinct. Learn about the ancient art of pearling from one of the local pearl producers, Cygnet Bay, and enjoy a historical sound show at the famous Sun Pictures, the worlds oldest operating open air picture garden (now listed in the Guinness World Records).
We take a drive through Old Broome to view typical Broome architecture and old Pearling Masters homes then view the aqua waters of Roebuck Bay at Town Beach and learn of Broome’s One Day War. We then stop at Matsos Broome Brewery to sample their hand made ales and famous ginger beer (complimentary tasting included). Afterwards, visit the tranquil Japanese Cemetery and take an easy paced walk at Gantheaume Point known for dinosaur footprints and the story of Anastasia’s Pool.
Then head north of the rocks to meet your camel for this iconic Broome experience as the sun goes down.
Please note: The company that operates this activity is strict when it comes to its weight restrictions and guidelines. The maximum weight limit for the camel experience is 90kgs per person. Your weight will be requested prior to being able to book this for you. Should a passenger be over the required weight limit, they will be unable to participate in this activity.
Any passenger booked and confirmed will be weighed on arrival prior to the commencement of the activity and it is at the supplier’s discretion as to whether you meet their requirements at the time. If you are not below the required weight, the supplier will cancel your booking with no refund available. We apologise for any disappointment caused.
Enjoy a leisurely start this morning. At the appropriate time, make your way to the airport to board your flight to Kununurra.
Kununurra is the gateway town to the East Kimberley, and a great base if you'd like to explore some of Western Australia's most remarkable natural attractions.
On arrival in Kununurra, board your included transfer to your hotel for check-in.
The following itinerary applies between the months of June & August:
Today you will be collected from your accommodation at 9.00am before boarding your boat from the marina. Cruising this spectacular waterway, you will marvel at the spectacular scenery, wildlife, flora and fauna found along the way and maybe even spot a crocodile! Relax a while as we stop at one of our Riverside Camp’s for a buffet lunch, before we then have you cruising up to the Ord Top Dam – an incredible sight when finding yourselves at its water line base on the Lake Kununurra side!
Boarding a coach you will drive across the Ord Top Dam and a stop at a scenic lookout. As we leave the Lake Argyle township, stop at the historic Durack Homestead Museum. The Museum was constructed as a replica of the original family Homestead and uses the original Homestead stone. Reboarding the coach, return to your accommodation in Kununurra through Durack country, arriving at approximately 3.30pm.
The following itinerary applies in the months of April, May & September:
Today you will be collected from your accommodation at 11.30am and taken by coach through Durack country to Lake Argyle. As we near Lake Argyle, we will take a short break at the historic Durack Homestead Museum. This Museum was constructed as a replica of the original family Homestead and uses the original Homestead stone.
Reboarding the coach, you will drive a short distance to Lake Argyle Resort before viewing the enormous Lake Argyle from a scenic look-out. Crossing the Ord Top Dam wall, you will see the Ord Hydro-Power Station before boarding your boat for a scenic journey back to Kununurra. Marvel at the spectacular scenery, wildlife, flora and fauna found along the way, including the elusive freshwater crocodile! Enjoy afternoon tea at our riverside camp before heading back to Kununurra. Take in a colourful East Kimberley sunset before docking back at the Marina and re-boarding your coach for your accommodation, arriving at approximately 6.00pm
Inclusions note. During the months of April, May & September you will enjoy an included afternoon tea instead of a buffet lunch.
Today you’ll be collected from your hotel before boarding a scenic flight that takes you on an unforgettable adventure over the Bungle Bungle Range, Lake Argyle, the Argyle Diamond Mine and the Ord River Irrigation Area. You will also fly over the stunning Carr Boyd and Osmand Ranges, the Ord and Bow Rivers. Reaching Purnululu National Park, you will land at the remote and unsealed Bellburn Airstrip, where you are met by a tour guide and an air-conditioned 4WD bus. From the Airstrip, your guide will drive further into the Park, to begin the guided walk throughout the famous eroded towers and black and orange banded beehive domes of the Bungle Bungle Range. This walk is of moderate intensity, and is about 3-kilometres in distance. Follow your guide into Cathedral Gorge, where towering cliffs open up to form a space with incredible natural acoustics. Whilst in the Gorge, enjoy a tasty picnic-style lunch whilst relaxing in one of the most beautiful spots in the park. After a short rest, walk along the dry creek bed of Piccaninny Creek, before returning to Bellburn Airstrip. You will then board your return scenic flight to Kununurra, with views of the Argyle Diamond Mine along the way.
The sandstone massif of the Bungle Bungle Range is almost 50 times the area of Uluru – there are more stunning features and spectacular landforms to see in this half hour scenic flight than you would imagine possible.
View the hidden red rock gorges of the north-west tip, Piccaninny Gorge from end to end and the unique beehive formations that have contributed to the listing of Purnululu National Park as one of Australia’s World Heritage areas.
Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport to board your flight to Darwin. Most flights depart Kununurra from 3:30pm onwards giving you free time in the morning. On arrival in Darwin, please make your way to your centrally located hotel for check-in.
Depart Darwin at approximately 6.30am and travel through pristine wetland regions to Kakadu National Park. Visit the Warradjan Cultural Center, then join your local guide on a cruise to experience the dramatic scenery of the Yellow Water Billabong. Keep an eye out for saltwater crocodiles, an array of smaller wildlife, and the colorful range of birdlife for which this region is renowned. Stop at Nourlangie, where your Driver Guide will lead you on a walk to view the rock art galleries.
This morning travel by 4WD vehicle into Arnhem Land and the Mikinj Valley. The scenery includes sandstone outcrops, escarpments, forests, floodplains and billabongs. You’ll visit places inaccessible to most, including ancient rock art sites. Learn about traditional land ownership, bush skills, hunting, food gathering and bush tucker preparation. Most tours are accompanied by an Aboriginal guide.
Travel by 4WD through the southern end of Kakadu to visit famous Gunlom Falls, and the plunge pool suitable for a swim, plus the stunning Ikoymarrwa Rock Pool. Finish the day with drinks and canapés by a private billabong.
This morning join your Driver Guide to explore the World Heritage Area of Ubirr, where you’ll climb up through the ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, believed to be 20,000 years old, to the lookout for a view over the surrounding wetlands. Join the Guluyambi Cruise on the East Alligator River. An Aboriginal guide will provide an insight into their culture, including local mythology, the river’s abundant food chain, as well as bush survival skills. With special permission of the local people, you can go ashore in Arnhem Land. Visit the Marrawuddi Art Gallery before returning to Darwin.
Make your own way to Darwin domestic airport for your included flight to Darwin. Hotel staff will be able to assist you book this taxi which normally costs $25-$35.
Once at Cairns airport, please make your own way to your accommodation.
Early this morning you will travel north to the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. First stop is Mossman Gorge for a guided walk in the World Heritage listed rainforest. Other highlights include a one hour wildlife cruise on the Daintree River, Cape Tribulation Beach and a delicious BBQ lunch. In the afternoon, your driver will take you to your accommodation for the night.
This morning at 9:00am you will be met at your accommodation by your guide and will continue your journey to Cooktown - the Last Frontier of North Queensland. Enjoy morning tea on Cape Tribulation beach before continuing north. Travel along the famous 4WD- only Bloomfield track, and stop for lunch at the infamous Lions Den Hotel. You will arrive in historic Cooktown in the early afternoon where we visit Grassy Hill for panoramic views and a driver-guided tour of the town before arriving at your accommodation for the night.
Visit the Heritage listed Cooktown Cemetery and James Cook Museum to learn about this fascinating gold rush town. Explore the Botanic Gardens on a driver/guided walk before a visit to Nature’s Powerhouse. After lunch, depart Cooktown via the Mulligan Highway. Stops are made en-route at Black Mountain, Byerstown lookout and the Palmer River Roadhouse. Marvel at the beauty of the outback savannah country with its vast eucalypt forests and termite mounds. Your driver will return you to your accommodation in Cairns. You can expect to arrive at approximately 07.15pm.
Gear up for a spectacular day as you travel by air and 4WD to the northernmost point of Australia. At the appropriate time, make your way to Cairns airport to meet your pilot and guide for the day. Today’s activities are designed to show you the highlights of Cape York, both from the air and by 4WD. Your scenic flight to Bamaga from Cairns is low level, covering approx. 1100 kms of remote and spectacular reefs, rainforests and outback. You will see parts of Cape York which are inaccessible by vehicles, such as Cape Melville, the silica sands of Cape Flattery, Bathurst Heads, Princess Charlotte Bay and the Flinders Islands Group. The 4WD section of the tour takes you to Australia's Northernmost beach - Frangipani Beach- via the Lockerbie Scrub and a pocket of Northern Rainforest. From Frangipani Beach you walk approximately 1000 metres to the Tip of Cape York - you finally made it! You are now standing on the northernmost tip of the continent. On return to Cairns airport, please make your way to your accommodation.
Unfortunately all good things come to an end. Farewell Cairns today as you make your own way to the airport for your onward flight or to continue the next part of your journey.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability. We appreciate your understanding.
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $3299 per person in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Group Size
This package is made up of multiple components which will be provided by different operators throughout your trip. As such, group size will differ between operators and can be as intimate as 2 people or as lively as up to 60 people, depending on the activity and advertised inclusions. There may be unique cases where your selected travel date exceeds the expected group size for special events or types of activities, particularly during popular times of travel. For packages that include a train or cruise, you will be travelling with other passengers up to the capacity of this component.
When travelling with a group, no matter the size, we ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience.
Bedding requests
We do our best to meet your bedding preference, however, bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and cannot be guaranteed. All efforts will be made to meet your preference, however, any changes are beyond our control and limited by the hotel facilities and availability.
Tour Styles - This package is an Partially Escorted style.
To meet the needs of various types of travellers, we choose to operate various types of tours and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Who is operating this package
We have partnered with a wide range of third party operators who assist in fulfilling your booking and delivering an enjoyable on-tour experience. Each package will consist of multiple operators meaning both guides and fellow travellers may change day to day. But don't worry, regardless of the operator, you'll be in good hands to experience the most out of each destination.