Departing Broome at 7:00am, we head east towards
the Kimberley gorges. As we travel through the remote and beautiful
landscape, our guide shares stories of local history, people and the
environment. Enjoy a morning tea break at Willare Roadhouse on the
mighty Fitzroy River and visit the notorious Derby 'Boab Prison Tree', a
significant historical site of the West Kimberley. This tree, believed
to be over 1500 years old and measuring almost 15 metres in girth, is a
relic of some cultural sensitivity due to its use as a prison for local
Aboriginals during the era of Kimberley pioneers.
Before long we hit the infamous Gibb River Road, and travel towards the
picturesque Napier Range. Once a Devonian reef, these mountains are over
350 million years old and home to a diverse array of animals and plants.
The perfect place to experience the stunning natural beauty of an
outback oasis is the 3.5km geological wonder of Windjana Gorge. Beneath
gorge walls rising 90m, we search for freshwater crocodiles, local
birdlife and Indigenous bush tucker.
After a picnic lunch, the afternoon is spent exploring Tunnel Creek, a
750-metre cave system carved through the Napier Range, in which we
discover stalactites, secret caves and a large variety of wildlife. It
is here we also learn the legend of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom
fighter who used the tunnel as a hide-out in the late 1800's. A
refreshing swim in an idyllic waterhole is a highlight of the day.
As sunset approaches, we visit the historical ruins of Lillimooloora
Station to appreciate what life would have been like during early white
settlement in the area. On the return journey down the Gibb River Road,
the Napier Range provides an ambient backdrop to this remote Kimberley
cattle country. We stop en route for an optional dinner (own expense),
then after dark, relax and enjoy a movie before arriving back in Broome
at approximately 10.30pm.
