Kimberley Highlights No 1 2020
EXPERIENCES / KIMBERLEY
Kimberley Highlights No 1
Overview
- Five sections, any of which can be done on its own.
- 1) Bungle Bungles: One of the most spectacular gorge systems in Australia.
- 2) El Questro: off the beaten rack, waterfalls and gorges non-walkers will never see.
- 3) Carr Boyd Range: Spring fed creeks trickle through deep, cool gorges and lovely pools bounded by a lush vegetation.
- 4) Keep River National Park: an area of spectacularly rugged rock formations and rock pools perfect for swimming.
- 5) Ord River Canoe: a leisurely four day paddle is a prefect way to finish.
We created this trip to give you the most variety possible. Every section is spectacular in its own way. Every section includes beautiful pools, perfect for swimming. More than just walks, this trip is an experience you'll never forget.
On 14 December 2021, we were suddenly informed that the new owners of El Questro might no longer permit the walk we had scheduled for section two. Worse, we might not know for sure whether or not it would be possible until March.
If you are interested in the trip, please contact us for information about the possible changes.
KIMBERLEY
May 15- June 11 2022
1) Bungle Bungles
Although the 330 km drive from Kununurra takes most of the day, we should arrive in time to walk the first few km up Piccaninny Creek. The next day we continue upstream to a base camp about 12-13 km up Piccaninny Gorge, by far the largest gorge in the Bungles. The sheer red cliffs silhouetted against the clear blue skies of the dry season provide views non-walkers can barely imagine.
We spend three or four nights there using the days to explore the many fascinating side gorges. These gorges offer a variety of delights — some are palm filled, some are very narrow and require swimming, some have caves which require the use of a torch. There is at least one gorge that allows us to reach a high point.
2) El Questro Gorges
We begin by walking up El Questro Gorge toward an area called the Lost City. From there we head roughly south, keeping to the relatively easy high ground before dropping into another creek system where we do a detour, without packs, to a nice waterfall.
Continuing south, we stop at Miri Miri Falls before continuing past numerous pools and waterfalls before swinging back to the north east to Amaroo Falls where we get picked up by helicopter and brought back to our vehicles.
3) Carr Boyd Range
From the road, the Carr Boyds present a forbidding face, dry, barren, rugged beyond belief. Up close, they show a different nature. Spring fed creeks trickle through deep, cool gorges and lovely pools bounded by a lush vegetation.
3) Carr Boyd continued
A boat ride up the Ord River brings us to a drop off on Cooliman Creek. A relatively flat walk of about 4 km gets us to the first of the many waterfalls and pools we get to enjoy on this walk. One waterfall follows another as we make our way up one creek, then overland and down another. Along the way we stop to enjoy numerous swims and take time to simply relax and look at nature around us.
We exit the range near Packsaddle Creek where we are met by the pick up vehicle that brings us back to Kununurra.
We exit the range near Packsaddle Creek where we are met by the pick up vehicle that brings us back to Kununurra.
4) Keep River National Park
Geologically part of the Kimberley, the orange and grey banding on the rocks cause some to compare it to a smaller version of the Bungles.
We walk in to a base camp from which we explore some of the beautiful gorges and other parts of the rugged massif, visiting art sites, taking refuge from the heat of the day in the same rock shelters and pools that the Aboriginal people have used for thousands of years.
4) Keep River continued
This ancient land demands time. Every turn brings a new vista, a new opportunity for a photo, or perhaps a broad panorama of spectacularly contrasting light which no camera can ever hope to capture. All too soon, our time is over and we walk over the massif and back to the vehicles.
5) Ord River Canoe
A relaxing end to a wonderful trip. Using canoes allows us to carry more with less effort — a good way to carry a few little luxuries you wouldn't put into a pack. It also allows us to get closer to large numbers of birds than is normally possible and get access to some otherwise inaccessible waterfalls and pools.
From Kununurra we are driven to Lake Argyle where we put the canoes in the river just below the main dam. The next four days are spent doing a leisurely paddle back to Kununurra, stopping to do a few day walks up into the hills through which we are passing. We plan to make our camps well off the main river, in quiet spots that we will have to ourselves.
Details
DATES
May 15 - June 11
PRICES
Full price: A$5695
Sec 1: A$1495
Sec 2: A$1895
Sec 3: A$995
Sec 4: A$995
Sec 5: A$995
Combine sections and save. Sec 2-5: A$4395 or Sec 3-5: A$2695
GROUP SIZE
4 - 12 guests
CAMP SITES
Mix of sand and rock ledges. Most sites are good to excellent. You are unlikely to see anyone else along most of the the walks.
ART
We visit a variety of art sites
SWIMMING
good swimming on all five sections.
WILDLIFE
Birds are always present but spread out at this time of year. You are unlikely to see many large animals. The Ord Canoe section gives you the best birds as well as a good chance to see small freshwater crocodiles.
CLIMATE
Usually very dry, average daytime max 30-31ºC, average nighttime minimum is 15-16ºC but can get down below 5ºC. Rain is very unlikely.
COOKING
The Bungles is a stove only area. We should be able to have campfires on the other sections.
WALK RATING - MODERATE
Terrain
Highly varied. Every section is different. Please see the PDF trip notes for details.
Vegetation
Much of the walking is through relatively flat, open woodland with a grassy understorey.
Distance
4-6 hours per day
Pack Weight
You need to carry up to 6 days of food.
Itinerary
*This itinerary is subject to change
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