Overview
Contrasts of the Kimberley
Fancy a dip in a freshwater swimming hole or even the chance to sleep under the stars with the soothing sounds of wildlife around you? The Kimberley is where your next adventure begins on this 10-day escorted tour. A whopping three times the size of England, with a population of just 40,000, it’s clear why this part of the country is known as one of the world’s last wilderness frontiers. Despite its vast remoteness, it certainly doesn’t lack in great food, friendly locals, unique experiences, and romantic beach towns.Starting in Darwin, you’ll travel west through some of the most vast landscapes you’ll ever encounter, to Broome, with overnight stops in Darwin, Katherine, Kununurra, El Questro Station, Fitzroy Crossing and Broome. From beginning to end, you won’t be short of fascinating vistas on this guided holiday. Visit stunning Katherine Gorge and the expanse of Lake Argyle; Relax in the warm waters of the Zebedee Thermal Springs in El Questro Station, enjoy a cruise through the stunning Geikie Gorge, known for its sheer white and grey walls at Fitzroy Crossing; and, bask in the sunshine and sea-salty air during your stay at beautiful Broome.With endless amounts of adventure and pinch me moments, you won’t return home the same person after experiencing the magic of Australia’s northwest corner.
Highlights of Contrasts of the Kimberley
Notes
This vacation visits remote regions where some facilities are not up to the first-class standards you expect from Globus. However, we have selected the best available hotels that satisfy our high standards of cleanliness and comfort.
Inclusions
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides, to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites!
Product Group
Contrasts of the Kimberley
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific tour dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN DARWIN, AUSTRALIA Welcome to the Northern Territory! Your room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule your flights to arrive by 4pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome meeting and drink.ABORIGINAL-STYLE-DESIGN.jpg
Day 2
DARWIN–ADELAIDE RIVER–KATHERINE Stories & Scenic Wonders Travel from Darwin with a stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetery, home to 435 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War. Later, enjoy a [LF] storytelling session with a local indigenous artist followed by a cruise through dramatic Katherine Gorge. Dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION Meet a [LF] local Aboriginal artist who will delight you with stories about growing up in the bush, explain tribal life, and talk about cultural differences. He’ll share songs played on the didgeridoo and explain the significance of his paintings. Feel free to ask questions and visit the Aboriginal Art Gallery. You’re sure to leave feeling like you’ve met a new friend! TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Discover the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people against the magnificent backdrop of the Nitmiluk Gorge. You’ll experience the two longest gorges, Nitmiluk and Blue Winged Kookaburra. Sit back and relax as you cruise past dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and pristine wilderness. See the hanging gardens and learn about the creation of the gorges. NOTE: The cruise includes a walk between the two gorges of approximately 400m(0.2miles) in length and climbing stairs. KATHERINE-GORGE.jpg
Day 3
KATHERINE–LAKE ARGYLE–KUNUNURRA Top Of The Lake Today, continue across the top end. Stop at Lake Argyle to see the lake which is 21 times larger than Sydney Harbour. Next, a sunset cruise before arriving in Kununurra for a 2-night stay. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Cruise on the Ord River, one of Western Australia's most scenic and significant waterways. Explore the rugged northern end of Lake Argyle while navigating through some of the lake’s 90 islands and inlets. The Skipper will entertain and inform with commentary on the natural history and development of Lake Argyle, The Ord River Irrigation System, and the Aquaculture Industry. You’ll encounter Rock Wallabies, Crocodiles, Wallaroos, and the diverse array of birdlife that call Lake Argyle home. You’ll be delighted and awed by the Archer Fish that shoot water up at your hand with amazing precision. You’ll watch a Catfish feeding frenzy (also known by the fancier term of ‘Silver Cobbler’). With rugged red cliffs reflecting into the blue water, Lake Argyle is the ultimate place to catch the last golden rays of the Kimberley sun. LAKE-ARGYLE.jpg
Day 4
KUNUNURRA Free Wheeling Today is at leisure. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE in Kununurra with an optional excursion and explore nearby UNESCO-listed Purnululu National Park and the dramatic beehive formations of the Bungle Bungle Ranges on a scenic flightseeing tour. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.KUNUNURRA-BUNGLE-BUNGLE.jpg
Day 5
KUNUNURRA–WYNDAM–EL QUESTRO STATION Legendary Landscapes Visit the northernmost town in the Kimberly region and the Five Rivers Lookout. Drive to the famous El Questro Station in the heart of the Kimberley region and covering 283,280 hectares (700,0000 acres) of stunning landscape. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner under the sweeping outback evening sky. (B,D)ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE Choose to relax at your resort or choose to join a walk to Emma Gorge with time to enjoy the tranquil setting and take a relaxing swim to the waterfall. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.NOTE: The optional walk to Emma Gorge is challenging and includes walking on uneven ground and will require some rock scrambling. Suitable footwear should be worn. Please speak to your Tour Director if you are unsure of your ability. TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscape of the rocky, red Cockburn Ranges at the Emma Gorge Resort. You'll sleep under the stars in safari-style tented cabins allowing you to experience the great outdoors in complete comfort. All tented cabins feature en-suite facilities, electricity, ceiling fans (no air conditioning or refrigerator), and coffee/tea maker. The resort has an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, and the stunning Emma Gorge, at your doorstep. EL-QUESTRO-STATION-COCKBURN-RANGES.jpg
Day 6
EL QUESTRO STATION Outward Bound Today is at leisure. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE Choose to explore more of the walking tracks, go horseback riding, or take a scenic helicopter flight. You may also choose to visit Zebedee Thermal Springs where you can relax in the warm waters. These and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.NOTE: The optional visit to Zebedee Springs happens in the morning. If you wish to participate in additional activities these should be planned after 1pm. NOTE: The optional walk to Zebedee Thermal Springs is a short walk over flat and uneven ground. Suitable footwear should be worn. Please speak to your Tour Director if have any questions. EL-QUESTRO-STATION-ZEBEDEE-THERMAL-SPRINGS.jpg
Day 7
EL QUESTRO STATION–FITZROY CROSSING Into The Outback Continue across the vast Top End. Arrive in Fitzroy Crossing set on the banks of the mighty Fitzroy River. It’s a true outback town full of pioneer and aboriginal history. After dinner tonight, there is time to explore on your own. (B,L,D)FITZROY-RIVER.jpg
Day 8
FITZROY CROSSING–BROOME Grand & Gorge-Ous! Start your day with a cruise through the stunning Geikie Gorge. Arrive in Broome which began as a pearling town in the 1880s. Today it is a multicultural melting pot and the gateway to the Kimberley, one of the world’s great wildernesses. Enjoy an orientation tour followed by an evening at leisure. Why not take a stroll on the beach, wander through Chinatown, or shop for pearls? (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Over 39 million years old and carved out over thousands of years by the Fitzroy River, the Geiki Gorge is known for its stunning scenery and sheer white walls. On your cruise, your guide will share information on the gorge's history and geology plus share the cultural significance. Have your cameras ready for a chance to spot local wildlife such as crocodiles, sea eagles, rare, purple-crowned fairy-wrens, and wallabies.BROOME-OYSTER-PEARL.jpg
Day 9
BROOME Views & Brews Today is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a craft beer tasting followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. The perfect way to end your Kimberley holiday! (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Visit [LF] Australia’s most remote brewery and enjoy a tasting of their local beers. Try their traditional beers but also make sure to save room for their unique flavors like mango, ginger, and chili. Here’s your chance to hang out with the locals, relax, unwind and “slip into Broome time.” ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE You may choose to take a fun camel ride on Cable Beach, a scenic helicopter flight over the area, a boat cruise of Roebuck Bay, or just sit back and relax by your resort’s pool.These and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time. BROOME-BEER-TASTING.jpg
Day 10
BROOME Until We Meet Again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)BROOME-RIDDEL-BEACH.jpg
Departures
| # | Air Start Date | Land Start Date | Land End Date | Land Only Price | Discount | Final | Departure Code | Status |
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | H on Smith Hotel | Locally designed and built, H on Smith Hotel is centrally located on Smith Street in the Darwin CBD. The stylish property offers 186 guestrooms and features an on-site restaurant and bar serving seasonal and modern Australian cuisine, outdoor pool, rooftop gym, and complimentary Wi-Fi. | Darwin | 81 Smith St | Superior First-Class |
| 2 | Contour Katherine | Situated near the Katherine town center, the Ibis Styles Katherine features 100 comfortable guestrooms, a restaurant, bar, pool, tennis court, barbecue area, and complimentary Wi-Fi. | Katherine | 9 Cyprus St | Superior Tourist-Class |
| 3 | The Kimberley Grande Hotel | The Kimberley Grande Resort is a homestead-style riverfront hotel that offers guests a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere, with the colors and textures of the landscape reflected in the décor, furnishings, and original artwork. The hotel features a restaurant, sports bar, outdoor swimming pool and lounge area, laundry with washers and dryers, a large surrounding garden, and complimentary Wi-Fi. | Kununurra | 20 Victoria Hwy | First-Class |
| 4 | Emma Gorge Resort | At the Emma Gorge Resort, sleep in canvas safari-style tents and immerse yourself in the picturesque landscape of the rocky, red Cockburn Ranges at Emma Gorge where nature is right at your doorstep. The resort features a swimming pool, open air restaurant, bar, and picnic area. | El Questro Station | 75 Coolibah Drive Kununurra | First-Class |
| 5 | Fitzroy River Lodge | Located in the heart of the Kimberley on the banks of the Fitzroy River, the Fitzroy River Lodge offers 50 acres of natural bushland with shady trees, a refreshing pool, fully licensed bar, and restaurant. | Fitzroy Crossing | Great Northern Hwy 277 | Moderate First-Class |
| 6 | Oaks Broome | Featuring manicured gardens and sparkling swimming pools, Oaks Broome occupies a central position in the heart of Roebuck Bay. The hotel offers a restaurant and bar, two resort pools, laundry facilities, and easy access to Town Beach. | Broome | 99 Robinson St |
