10 Day Kimberley Trek & Paddle

Kimberley Tour Trek & Paddle Itinerary

2012 Schedule

Day 1 – Kununurra

Arrive in Kununurra; Airport pick up and transfer to accommodation. Join your fellow adventures tonight for an evening meet and greet and a program brief. Early arrivals can try their luck at catching a Barramundi at Ivanhoe crossing on the Ord River. Our accommodation tonight is in the luxurious Kununurra Country Club Resort.

Day 2 (L,D) – Carr Boyd Ranges

Today will be your first taste of the magnificence of the Kimberley. After breakfast we will transfer to our Helicopter for our flight into the Carr Boyd Ranges. As we fly across the plains and escarpments below enroute to our starting point you will be in awe of the scenery and ruggedness of the environment we are about to enter. We set up camp on a majestic waterhole surrounded by towering red cliffs and the iconic Boab Trees. The remainder of the day is free to swim, fish and explore our surroundings. Overnight: Camping

Day 3 (B,L,D) – Trekking

An early morning start to experience the changing colours of the rugged gorges as the suns rays creep over the high cliffs and enter the valley in which we walk. Our journey begins with a swim through our campsite waterhole to our starting point along a dry river bed that will eventually lead us to its headwaters. We will set up our overnight camp alongside a small waterhole that will provide fishing opportunities for those so inclined. We can take a side trip up one of the many gorges in this area and explore an environment that few people have ever seen. Overnight: Camping

Day 4 (B,L,D) – Trekking

Abundant birdlife will greet us as we wake to start our day. Our trek continues along the river bed until we climb over the range. As we ascend the escarpment the views of the surrounding rages are a photographers dream. Spectacular gorges and ragged mountain ranges appear around every corner. Tonight we camp by a small freshwater creek surrounded by towering Paperbark trees and Pandanus plants. Overnight: Camping

Day 5 (B,L,D) - Trekking

As we make our way over the escarpment and meander along the high ground, the country continually changes. A long slow trek down to the watercourse below sees us pass through ancient palm trees and massive paperbark stands. The views to Lake Argyle are breathtaking. More fishing opportunities greet us at tonight’s campsite as we set up our tents under a million star canopy. Overnight: Camping

Day 6 (B,L,D) – Lake Argyle

Today we complete the trekking component of our trip, and make our way to the shores of Lake Argyle to await our boat pick up. We will be greeted by Greg and his dog “Gus”, well known identities of the Lake Argyle area. Greg is an avid birdwatcher and fisherman and will point out many points of interest as he transports us to our overnight destination. Enroute we will have the opportunity to feed fish at our secret location on Lake Argyle. Tonight, we set up camp on our own island and watch the magnificent sunset from our own private beach. Overnight: Camping

Day 7 (B,L,D) – Ord River

This morning we will be collected from our island accommodation and taken on a tour of the lake before arriving at the dam wall at Argyle Tourist village. We will spend some time participating in a skills demonstration and getting some practice for our canoeing leg. Some time for a safety brief and to ensure our gear is securely water proofed and tied in to our canoes. The Ord River is slowly moving and as we drift along we pass Pandanus and Melaleuca stands which often house thousands of fruit bats. After a half day’s canoeing down the Ord River, we will appreciate the beauty of our overnight camp on a beautiful white sandy beach. Overnight: Camping

Day 8 (B,L,D) – Carlton Gorge

Once again we will be woken by the sounds of the abundant water birds surrounding our camp. A day of leisurely paddling down the Ord; we will be awed by the spectacular Carlton Gorge with its towering cliffs and splendid ever changing colours. We will enjoy looking up at majestic cliff faces and beautiful cascading waterfalls before moving to our last campsite. A short walk into a secret waterfall for an icy cold swim helps make this a day to remember. Overnight: Camping

Day 9 (B,L) – Kununurra

We finish with a short easy paddle to our end point, where we are picked up by boat and taken back to Kununurra. We are transferred back to our hotel to enjoy a hot shower and cold drink! Tonight we can relax around the pool and recount our recent adventures before enjoying a well deserved meal in the Hotels restaurant. (Own expense) Overnight: Kununurra Country Club Resort

Day 10

Return to home capital city.

What’s Included?

• 10 day fully escorted tour ex Kununurra, West Australia
• Airport pick up and overnight accommodation in Kununurra
• Helicopter charter to trek start point
• Kimberley experienced leader
• All food whilst on trek (supplemented with freshly caught fish)
• Boat pick up and transfer to island and Canoe start point
• Canoe (Canadian canoe) hire and associated equipment
• Qualified and experienced canoeing instructor (s)
• Mosquito dome

Not included

• All items of a personal nature, including trekking equipment
• Meals other than those specified on itinerary
• Flights to Kununurra
• Travel insurance

Trek Price: $ 3,595.00* (based on minimum 6 participants)

• Trek price has increased $100 to include scenic helicopter flight at beginning of trek.

Your Safety Is Our Priority

To ensure your journey is memorable for all of the right reasons, our attention to safety is next to none. Getaway Trekking staff are experienced trekkers and paddlers in the Kimberley and all have Wilderness First Aid training. We have an excellent support network in Kununurra, and are in regular contact via satellite phone to our logistics base. Getaway Trekking can assist you in your physical preparation and help you with the correct selection of clothing and equipment.