Kimberley Trail
14 Days
Tour Description
Discover Australia’s wild west on a 14-day adventure through the Kimberley region. Hike to gorges and tiered waterfalls, take dips in secluded swimming spots and unwind in natural thermal pools. With time spent in the West Kimberley Gorges, Mitchell Plateau, El Questro Wilderness Park, Lake Argyle and Purnululu National Park, this magical corner of Australia will soon have you under its spell. From the strange beauty of the Bungle Bungles to the sheer size of the Mitchell Falls, landscapes don’t get more vast, rugged or dramatic than this.Priced From:
$ 5184.00pp *
Kimberley Trail
PKRB
Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025
Discover Australia’s wild west on a 14-day adventure through the Kimberley region. Hike to gorges and tiered waterfalls, take dips in secluded swimming spots and unwind in natural thermal pools. With time spent in the West Kimberley Gorges, Mitchell Plateau, El Questro Wilderness Park, Lake Argyle and Purnululu National Park, this magical corner of Australia will soon have you under its spell. From the strange beauty of the Bungle Bungles to the sheer size of the Mitchell Falls, landscapes don’t get more vast, rugged or dramatic than this.
Basix
Overland
Private 4WD vehicle
4
Fitness Level: Advanced This itinerary involves some clambering over rocks, wading in water by torchlight, walking on rocky creek beds that are unstable underfoot and ascending/descending into gorges. The ability to swim and a reasonable level of fitness and being sure on your feet is required to participate.
Kimberley Travellers Lodge departing 07:00am
9a Bagot Street
Broome
AUSTRALIA
The default pick up location for this trip is at 7:00 am at Kimberley Travellers Lodge. The default pick up point is where we will meet you for your tour, unless you or your travel agent requests an alternative location (contact our Reservations team for more information). It is your responsibility to contact us with your preferred pick up point well ahead of departure. We do not take responsibility for missed tours if we have not been advised of an alternative in advance and you are not at the default location on time.
Broome
Broome
AUSTRALIA
START & END TIME This trip starts in Broome with an early pick-up at 7:00am on day 1 at our default pick-up location, unless you request an alternative pick-up location well ahead of departure. The trip finishes at around 6:30pm on the last day. We recommend you arrive a day prior to the trip's departure date and onward travel should not be booked until the following day. TRIP STYLE & SLEEPING BAG Accommodation on this trip is twin share and is a combination of pop-up tents and permanent tents with basic beds. Each traveller will also get a swag (Australian bedroll), so you can opt to sleep under stars, a true Australian experience. Please bring your own sleeping bag or purchase one from us in advance. A pillow, pillowcase, bottom sheet and a swag/canvas bed roll are always provided. SINGLE TRAVELLERS A Single Supplement is not available on this trip. You will be paired up with another single traveller of the same gender.
AUSTRALIA LEADERS All group trips are accompanied by a group leader. In Australia your group leader is often also your driver, taking you from start to finish. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, as well as recommend great local eating venues. They will also introduce you to our local friends along the way. Please be aware they will be juggling many things on your tour and on some days may have less time to spend with you. But they will always be working hard to ensure you and your group have a fantastic time exploring Australia!
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines
REMOTE AREA TRAVEL We carry a satellite phone on all our remote/overland trips to be used by our leaders in the event of an emergency and for your safety. Our leaders are all First Aid trained and certified.
Telstra users will get phone reception in most towns and the occasional remote hot spot. There will be long stretches where we are out of phone range. Power points will be accessible on most nights for recharging cameras and other electronic equipment. We also recommend you bring a personal power bank.
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements All travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia. Failure to do so means you may not be allowed to board your flight to Australia. Most nationalities can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority via the internet before arrival. Please check the following website or with your relevant Australian visa issuing office for your nationalities requirements. http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/
Spend two days exploring the iconic landscapes of the Purnululu National Park, including gorges, valleys and the unusual red domes of the ancient Bungle Bungles.
Enjoy two days at the peaceful Lake Argyle – kayak, stand up paddleboard or simply relax in the infinity pool offering up unforgettable views of the area.
Take your time discovering the unspoiled wonders of El Questro Wilderness Park. Hike to gorges and waterfalls and unwind in natural thermal pools shaded by palm trees.
Explore the rugged terrain of the Mitchell Plateau, including 4WD adventures, a hike to the four-tiered Mitchell Falls and an unforgettable helicopter flight over the landscape.
Escape to the secluded Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), home to a clear pool perfect for swimming, surrounded by a dramatic horseshoe of cliffs and a tiered waterfall.
On some days of the trip, you’ll spend several hours driving through very sparse areas of Australia. Sit back and enjoy landscapes that you would miss in any other form of travel. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. Think of it as a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie. Our leaders know the best spots to watch the sunset, can drive you to your next destination, take you on a guided hike or even whip up dinner for the group on some trips. While they won’t always do all these jobs on every trip, be aware they will be juggling many things on your tour and may have less time to spend with you. They will always be working hard to ensure you and your group have a fantastic time exploring Australia. This trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain, including wading through water and clambering over rocks, and is best suited to travellers with a great level of fitness and mobility. Good footwear and comfortable clothing are recommended. This is a camping trip for those who are looking for the basics. Simple facilities and lack of emphasis on creature comforts make this an authentic experience of the Australian outback. Temperatures in Western Australia are extreme. During the day the weather can be hot (and the Australian sun is strong) so please bring appropriate clothing, use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings temperatures really drop, so ensure you have base layers and warm clothing.
GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.
On most days, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Your leader will prepare most of the meals whilst on tour. Please read the daily itinerary to find out what is included. Due to the often remote nature of our trips, food is basic but plentiful and delicious. PARTICIPATORY CAMPING Our tours are activity and participation based. During your travels with us you will have the opportunity to assist with daily activities such as setting up camp, helping prepare meals and clearing dishes. None of this is difficult however many hands make light work and any assistance provided to crew is always much appreciated. Most people agree that this type of activity helps you feel like less of a tourist and more of an explorer. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS All food for this trip is purchased and packed prior to your group leaving on day one. After we’ve left town it can be very difficult to source special dietary requests. Travellers with special dietary requirements or food allergies are required to advise us at the time of booking. You may be asked to pay for any additional food if you have not advised us of any special dietary requirements. Please don’t hesitate to contact u if you have any specific dietary concerns.
SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.
It is essential that you bring a torch, shoes you don’t mind getting wet – and we mean fully immersed in water: ideally, wet shoes, sandals or old runners, a broad-brimmed hat with a sun visor for all-round protection, sunscreen, swimming costume and towel, good walking/trekking shoes and a personal water bottle. You will also need to bring a sleeping bag – 10ºC sleeping bags are available for sale at $50pp – these must be requested with our office prior to travel and can be kept following your trip or donated to local indigenous communities. Other recommendations include warm clothes for the evening (particularly if traveling May-Aug), personal toiletries and first aid, with any personal medication required.
The Kimberley has a Wet Season (DEC to MAR) and a Dry Season (APR to NOV). During ‘the Wet’ most 4WD roads and National Parks are closed. Our tours operate during ‘the Dry’ when it can get surprisingly cold overnight, depending on where you are – in Broome, it can get down to 12ºC, while in Purnululu, it can fall as low as 5ºC! During the day, we usually enjoy 28 to 30ºC. Note: in September and October, as ‘the Wet’ approaches, temperatures increase accordingly and it can be very hot during the day. It is essential that you are prepared for this!
Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.
Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us ALL general enquiry must be directed to our reservations team. In case of a GENUINE EMERGENCY, or concerns about a missed pick-up on the day of departure ONLY, please contact our local Operations Team on the number listed below: GENUINE EMERGENCIES ONLY: 1300 544 882 or +61 8 6219 5164
Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN As an Australian-owned business with a vision to change the way people see the world, Intrepid is committed to reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. While Intrepid might have done a lot to empower communities, businesses and our partners around the world over the years, there’s still a lot for us to do here at home. We are working towards a better, more inclusive and fairer Australia. You can find more information about our Reconciliation Action Plan here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/reconciliation
Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/
Nights 1, 4, 5, 6, & 13 Camping in National Parks and on Cattle Stations involves dome tents (single/twinshare), swags with fitted sheets & pillows with pillow cases. Some on site ablutions have hot showers and flush toilets however on those nights in which we are camping in National Parks, the ablution facilities can be relatively basic. Nights 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 & 10 Camping in one of our private KWE Safari Camps features tourer-style tents on platforms with twin beds and share ablution facilities nearby. Nights 11 & 12 In the heart of Purnululu National Park, our eco safari tents at the Bungle Bungles Safari Camp boast views of the Bungles Massif from your door. The camp features modern facilities, a covered dining deck with panoramic views and an open air campfire around which you can relax beneath a sparkling Kimberley night sky: chatting, star-gazing and sharing the adventure with like-minded travellers. SLEEPING BAG This trip requires a sleeping bag. SINGLE TRAVELLERS A Single Supplement is not available on this trip. As a single traveller you will have a tent to yourself on most camping nights. In the permanent tented camps you will be paired up with another single traveller of the same gender. BEDDING All accommodation will be provided with twin bedding. If you would prefer double bedding please advise Intrepid as early as possible. Double bedding is on request and is determined by the availability at the accommodation on your trip.
We operate our 4WD Kimberley trips in custom-built, 21-seat 4WD trucks with a PA system and built-in storage (no risky trailers!). These comfortable, strong remote area vehicles allow our small groups extra space (including standing room), are fully air-conditioned and fitted with adjustable air vents, reclinable seats, map pockets and footrests. It is important that when booking a 4WD outback adventure in the Kimberley, you understand that the roads we travel on can be heavily corrugated. Rest assured, these are the conditions for which our 4WD trucks are designed.
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. 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. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. Our Kimberley itineraries are ‘Participatory’ which means the groups rally together and assist the guide – our program is designed to foster a ’group of friends’ dynamic as everyone works together to make it all happen, alongside the leadership of an experienced Tour Leader. This not only makes for a fun adventure shared with like-minded travellers, but also enables us to provide affordable travel options in the Kimberley. On those nights where we are not staying in one of our fantastic private permanent campsites, it is important that travellers participate in setting up camp, though the Tour Leader and (where applicable on selected Kimberley trips) the Tour Host, will also be on hand to help – it is a team effort! The Tour Leader will always appreciate the assistance of one or two group members in preparing/clearing meals. It is essential that all our groups leave the camps they stay in as they found them for the next travellers – the Kimberley is a pristine wilderness and it is our responsibility to ensure it stays this way.
ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. GIBB RIVER ROAD During ‘the Wet’ most 4WD roads and National Parks in the Kimberley are closed, including the Gibb River Road which in the wet season turns into a fully flowing river. Due to the region being mostly inaccessible, we only operate these trips through the dry months, usually April until October. Departures during the shoulder season (usually April/early May and October) are at some risk of road and National Park closures. In most cases we will try and operate an amended itinerary, depending on the extent of the closures. We reserve the right to amend itineraries at short notice, during any time of the year. ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITIES First Nations people have complex community obligations, and at times activities or experiences may be cancelled at late notice due to cultural commitments. In the case that we are unable to include planned activities with First Nations communities, we will endeavour to find a suitable alternative in the same or another destination on your trip.
Camping: shared facilities (5nts),Manning Gorge Camp: shared facilities (2nts),El Questro Camp: shared facilities (2nts),Lake Argyle Camp: shared facilities (2nts),Bungle Bungles Safari Camp: shared facilities (2nts)