2023 KIMBERLEY AIR SAFARI, MONDAY 1 to SUNDAY MAY 14

  DAY ONE, Monday, May 1

A welcome drink awaits under the Moreton Bay fig tree at Drysdale River Station, after spending the last few days, most likely traversing a significant chunk of the Australian continent.

To inform family and friends you got here, Communication is possible via an Optus 3G mobile, Satellite phone or a payphone housed in a small fridge! 

  DAY TWO, Tuesday, May 2

Early start today to visit  the multi tiered Mitchell Falls Waterfall, or Punamii-Uunpuu as it known to the Wunambal People.  Helicopters are really the only convenient way of getting from the Mitchell Plateau Airstrip to the falls.

Once at the falls, you can go for a swim in the rock pools and, or take a hike to Little and Big Mertens Falls, and see some of the fine examples of early Aboriginal rock art.

After lunch the relay of helicopters will take you back to the airstrip.  This includes an orbit of the falls for some additional phot opportunities.

  DAY THREE, Wednesday, May 3

The route from Drysdale River Station will take you over some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in  Australia.  First you will pass the distinctive Mount Hann, before following the many gorges of Prince Regent River with Kings Cascade at its mouth.

Continuing on, you pass Mount Trafalgar, Kuri Bay Pearl Farm, Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Waterfall and the many islands of Buccaneer Archipelago with its 800 to 1,000 rocky islands with small embayments and secluded white sandy beaches, before reaching Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm.   A truly memorable flight! 

  DAY FOUR, Thursday, May 4

After settling in for the first night, today we visit Broome which is about a 2 hour round trip by air.  

A tour of Broome will take us to Cable Beach, Roebuck Bay, Gantheaume Point and the town centre which has the historic Sun Picture Gardens.  

This will be followed by lunch, with Cable Beach views, before being dropped off your aircraft for the flight back to Cygnet Bay.

  DAY FIVE, Friday, May 5

With the tidal range at its greatest, today is a good time to go on the Waterfall Reef Sea Safari.   Boarding your boat from a "land dock", an amphibian vessel, transfers you to the boat moored offshore that will do the tour.

On reaching, the reef  you will witness the spectacle of water cascading of an exposed reef at low tide. 

That evening enjoy the spectacle of seeing the full moon's reflection on the tidal flats, while enjoying drinks and canapés from the Luna Bar.

  DAY SIX, Saturday, May 6

The day trip, today, will take us to Windjana Gorge about 70 nautical miles east of Derby.  The airstrip is a short walk to the start of the Gorge.

The Gorge Trail follows the long languid pools and sandy riverbed of the Lennard River, surrounded by 300 metre high walls, where you are  likely to see numerous fresh water crocodiles.

  DAYS SEVEN AND EIGHT,  Sunday and Monday, May 7 and 8

  For the remaining two days at Cygnet Bay, one suggestion is to go on Terry Hunter's enjoyable Borrgoron Coast to Creek Tour.  Learn traditional methods how to find fresh water and food on the tidal flats, as well as being regaled with a few stories.

Find some time to learn about Pearling, visit Shell Island ore just relax by the pool.  

  DAY NINE, Tuesday, May 9

Today, we journey east to Kununurra.  The direct route will take you over past the Horizontal Falls for another scenic opportunity.  Ellenbrae Station which is about two thirds of the journey, is well worth dropping in for a delicious lunch. 

The fresh scones included with lunch, have achieved a well earned reputation with Gibb River Road travellers.

  DAY TEN, Wednesday, May 10

The activity for this day, is a scenic flight to the mighty King George Falls, which is Western Australia's highest twin waterfall.   First stop is Wyndham  about a  half hour flight from Kununurra for lunch.  The scenic route to get to the falls is to track up the Cambridge Gulf and then follow the coast in a north westerly direction.  

The flight Wyndham to King George Falls and back to Kununurra should take about three hours, getting you back to Kununurra late afternoon. 

  DAY ELEVEN Thursday, May 12

 Flying to Bellburn today, the highlight today is the Cathedral Gorge Tour. The track into the magnificent Cathedral Gorge follows the sandy bed of Piccaninny Creek, which flows only in the wet season. 

 Purnululu National Park is noted for its distinctive striped beehive domes. It is one of the only nineteen heritage listed locations in Australia.  That evening we will celebrate the end of the Kimberley Air Safari with farewell drinks.

  DAY TWELVE,  Friday May 12

A full day can be spent exploring the Lake Kununurra and Lake Argyle by boat.

The first cruise takes you up Lake Kununurra, with its many gorges and myriad of bird and marine life.  Many freshwater crocodiles can be seen on this journey.

This is followed by a dam wall crossing which takes you to Lake Argyle Village and the historic Durack Homestead Museum. 

Then board another boat for a cruise of North Lake Argyle,  where there will be time for a swim, along  with enjoying the sunset on the water. 

  DAY  THIRTEEN Saturday, May 13

 A ninety minute road trip from Kununurra gets you to El Questro.  Before reaching El Questro, we will stop off at Emma Gorge, which is set beneath 65-metre cliffs with a droplet waterfall.  Lunch will follow at the Emma Gorge resort. 

During the afternoon, cruising on tranquil Chamberlain Gorge, you are likely to come across see cheeky spitting Archerfish and large Barramundi swimming near the boat. 

 DAY FOURTEEN Sunday, May 14

A fairly early start is probably required for the long journey home, which in itself is an adventure.  For planning purposes, Hooker Creek is probably the most convenient fuel stop,