9 Night ‘Elise & Dom’ Kimberley Safari

Operates: Late April-Late October

Departs: Kununurra

Accommodation: Hotels, Homesteads, Safari Cabins (no camping)

your guide:

Note: This tour is guided by Kimberley Spirit Tours. Elise and Dom aren’t your guides - this tour just follows the itinerary that we took them on.

about this tour

“On this tour, we re-trace the steps from one of my all-time favourite Kimberley tours. As is the way with many of my tours, guests Domenic Palumbo and Elise Cook came to the Kimberley as strangers and left as great mates. And during their time with Kimberley Spirit Tours they experienced many highlights of the East Kimberley - both places and people. We look forward to taking you to these same spots so that you, too, can experience the magic of the Eastern Kimberley”.

Elise Cook and Domenic Palumbo, Lake Argyle. Pic by Scott Connell

“When we arrive at his house, we instantly click. His name is Scott Connell, but he’s known as Scotty... it turns out that he’s a private tour guide in The Kimberley. He made it his mission to know the Kimberley better than anyone, has walked all over it, and is set on lighting up the Kimberley Spirit in people’s lives.

Our time in The Kimberley was honestly life changing, and we urge you to make sure that at some point in your life, you get out there and experience it.”

— Elise Cook

Night 1: Kununurra Resorts Stay
Arrive into Kununurra and join the hotel's bus transfer to your accommodation. Some free time in Kununurra today to relax by Lily Lagoon or wander through town.
Overnight: Kununurra Resorts Stay

“We’ve been told many times on our journey up north that there’s “something” about the land in the Kimberley, but you can’t quite explain it to anyone. Here, we get it.

The best way I can describe it is that out here, the land is so untouched. There’s no separation between you and your life, and nature. It’s all one. We’re all one. You feel it. You can’t ignore God out here.”

— Elise Cook

Day 1/Night 2: Gibb River Road, El Questro: Zebedee springs, El Questro gorge, Home Valley
Cross Kununurra's Diversion Dam and enter the famous Gibb River Road. This morning's highlights include: Zebedee thermal springs, a series of pools cascading into each other set within sheer cliffs and local vegetation; El Questro gorge - walk to a picturesque swimming hole known as 'halfway pool' then (depending on your fitness level) on to Mackmicking Pool. This afternoon we depart El Questro and stop for photos at the spectacular Pentecost River enroute to Home Valley Station. Relax in the shaded pool area and then watch sunset at Luhrmann's Lookout, named after film director Baz Luhrmann who's movie 'Australia' was primarily set in this part of the Kimberley.
Overnight: Home Valley Station

Dom and Elise at El Questro Gorge. Image by S. Connell

Day 2/Night 3: Emma Gorge, El Questro swimming, scenic lookout
After breakfast at Home Valley Station we'll head to Emma Gorge where we will walk to the picturesque amphitheatre waterfall (approx 40 mins -1 hour walk each way) for a swim and morning tea. Those who don't want to hike can enjoy the shaded poolside cafe area at Emma Gorge Resort. Morning exploring El Questro then lunch at the famous Steakhouse Restaurant and a swim in the nearby waterhole, then we'll head up to a scenic lookout for sundowners before retiring to our warm bed and hot shower in El Questro's million acre wilderness park.
Overnight: Emma Gorge Resort or El Questro Station Township

Scotty, Dom, Elise about to jump into a chopper to Miri Miri Falls.

Dom and Elise at Miri Miri Falls. Image by S. Connell

Day 3/Night 4: Miri Miri Falls, Lower Ord River, Lake Argyle sunset
This morning we jump in the chopper and head to the far reaches of El Questro wilderness park to one of the most beautiful spring-fed waterfalls in the Kimberley … Miri Miri Falls (additional cost). In Elise’s words:

“This was my first time ever on a helicopter, and flying over The Kimberley and seeing it from the air, the huge expanse of land and the tropical valleys and waterfalls… it was magic.

We get dropped at the base of a Miri Miri Falls, a 50 metre waterfall in a truly remote corner of El Questro.
We swim, chat and catch fish in the deep pool at the base.

Knowing there isn’t another soul for hundreds of kilometres around us is an incredible feeling.”

— Elise Cook

After flying back to Emma Gorge in the chopper, we enjoy lunch and then continue our journey onward to the Lower Ord River. Here, we join an adventure with local man Greg ‘Hairy Dog’ Harman, Barra fishing (or for those who don’t like fishing) exploring the scenery of the Lower Ord and spotting for salties. We cross the famous Ivanhoe river crossing on the way back to Kununurra.

“We hopped in his boat and began cruising towards one of his favourite spots, and along the way we see a number of GIANT salt water crocs...

We have a good couple of hours of great conversation but unsuccessful fishing, and I’m getting way too hot and say, “right, that’s it, I’m catching one now.”

And lo and behold, I pull in one great big barramundi.”

— Elise Cook

This afternoon we head to Lake Argyle. Lake Argyle is Western Australia's largest and Australia's second largest freshwater man-made reservoir by volume. Discover the massive dam wall and listen to stories about the building of the dam before enjoying sundowners by the infinity pool. The view from this pool is truly breathtaking!
Overnight: Lake Argyle tourist village

Days 4 + 5/Nights 5 + 6: Ord River canoe trip
This morning you depart from Lake Argyle and join the gently flowing Ord River, cutting through the magnificent Carr-Boyd Range in a 2 person Canadian Canoe. Paddle, explore secluded hideaways, swim in crystal clear waterholes and spot for freshwater crocs. Stay overnight at the riverside Cooliman Camp, which features BBQ facilities (with firewood supplied) plus gas burners, water and shower facilities fed by a natural spring, eco-toilet and above ground sleeping platforms. We also supply swags, mosquito domes, cooking and eating utensils and another larger barrel for you to pack your clothes, food, drinks and any other items that you bring along. Your second day is spent exploring, with the help of the map supplied, indicating where to find waterfalls, swimming holes, bird-life and sandy beaches - At 4pm a boat will pick you up for your scenic journey back to Kununurra.

Overnight night 5: Ord River camp; Overnight night 6: Kununurra Resorts stay

***Note - Dom and Elise didn’t canoe the river, they went in a boat. But the Ord canoe trip is a must-do, so we’ve included it in this itinerary***

Canoeing Lake Kununurra / The upper Ord River. Image by Salty Wings.

Lake Kununurra (upper Ord River). Image of Elise Cook captured by Domenic Palumbo

Days 6 & 7/Nights 7 & 8: Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles)
We drive south from Kununurra to explore the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park for the next two days. Marvel at the majesty of Cathedral Gorge and test out the acoustics of this natural amphitheatre. Enjoy breathtaking views from Piccaninny Creek lookout and admire the striped patterns of the beehive domes. Travel to Echidna Chasm, a spectacular natural cleft in the rock. For a unique aerial perspective of the national park there is an option to join a helicopter flight (additional cost). Witness the rocks change colour at sunset and fall asleep to the sounds of the bush under a blanket of a million stars.
Overnight: Bungle Bungles Lodge

Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles). Image of Elise Cook captured by Domenic Palumbo

Day 8/Night 9: Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles), Warmun art centre, local waterfall, Kununurra
We continue to explore Purnululu National Park this morning before exiting the park and heading to Kununurra, via Warmun Aboriginal art centre (if open). Warmun gallery displays and sells outstanding paintings by emerging and established artists. We'll drop in for a refreshing dip and a relax at a beautiful swimming hole / waterfall this afternoon. We'll then cross the Diversion Dam and travel through to Kununurra where we will say farewell.
Overnight: Kununurra Resorts Stay

Farewell, Kununurra. Photo of Elise Cook at Lake Argyle by Domenic Palumbo.

Day 10: Farewell Kununurra
Sadly, it's time to say farewell to Kununurra for your onward flight (there are daily flights to Darwin and Broome, or regular flights to Perth). Kununurra Country Club include your airport transfer.

We can assist in arranging additional accommodation or booking your onward flight.

enquire now

2024 earlybird Rates

Pay deposit before 31 Dec. 2023

Private Tour (2 people)
$12,880 per person

2 couples (4 people booking together)
$10,300 per person

All rates based on twin room share.

Families with Kids

Our Landcruisers carry 4 in comfort, with 2 additional back seats suitable for children (6 total). Please enquire for cost.

Bigger Groups

Two Vehicles are available for larger groups travelling together. Above rates apply per vehicle.

Luggage Limit

Strict luggage limit of 15kg per person in soft bags.

Inclusions

An experienced, local guide
Ord canoe trip
Lower Ord boat tour
Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Bungle Bungles
Accommodation as indicated on itinerary
Towels
National Park fees

Not Included

Alcohol
Flights to/from the Kimberley (we can assist in arranging)
Meals (can be purchased at restaurants of each accommodation we stay at). Meals are included while in Bungle Bungles.

Note: Whilst we try our best to adhere to advertised itineraries, sometimes itinerary variations may occur at the discretion of the tour guide dependant on current weather conditions etc. The end of the Wet Season can be unpredictable, with some roads being closed right up until mid May in previous Wet Seasons. In this case, your guide will arrange alternative touring, taking you to other places. No refund is offered for altered itineraries or attractions missed. In the instance of Purnululu (Bungles) road being closed, we usually add an additional day of touring at El Questro and a scenic flight in to the Bungles.

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