KIMBERLEY COAST WITH LE PONANT & OUTBACK STATIONS

Home to thousands of seabirds, the Lacepede Islands are also an important habitat for breeding green turtles. Named as an Important Breeding Area by BirdLife International, the islands are home to brown boobies, Australian pelicans, lesser crested terns, sooty oystercatchers and a host of other bird species. Due to the sensitive nature of the environment here, landings are prohibited. Aboard our Zodiacs, and accompanied by our expedition team, however, we’re afforded a glimpse into this fascinating site as very few others ever will.

This morning, our gradual southward voyage comes to an end as we dock in Broome. We say goodbye to our captain and crew before you join your chosen experience. Alternatively, head straight to Kimberley Sands Resort for a day at leisure.

Following breakfast, we split into two smaller groups. Privately chartered planes meet us, with half of our guests journeying to the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, while the remainder set off for Bullo River Station.

While our first group’s eventual destination is Purnululu National Park, the pilot charts an initial course over Lake Argyle, where our aircraft grants us exceptional perspectives over the vast freshwater lake’s many islands. We then soar over the Bungle Bungle Range; our private plane flying us low for close-up views of the unique domes. After touching down, we make the short trip to our tented accommodation at Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge. We dine here for lunch before heading out on an enthralling adventure. We first head to Osmand Lookout for expansive views of the park’s geological wonders, before wandering between the sheer red cliff faces of mysterious Echidna Chasm. As we navigate a narrow path, we peer up at the light penetrating the narrow crevice above us. Absorb your surroundings further during an open-air dinner at our lodge, before settling in for our first relaxing night in the bush.

Meanwhile, our other plane touches down on the green lawn adjacent to Bullo River Station’s original homestead, now a guest house. The station serves as our base over the next two nights.  From here, you may set off on a variety of excursions at your discretion. You may like to head out on a guided hiking tour, admiring the arresting scenery that makes up this special place. For those tempted by the lure of wildlife encounters, morning and evening safaris reveal native species, including kangaroos, goanna, emus, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species. We enjoy dinner under the stars, beside the campfire and the knobbly trunks of eucalyptus.

For those in Purnululu National Park, begin the day with a morning walk alongside the beehive domes of the Bungle Bungle Range. Absorb the colossal and ancient landscape as we slowly make our way to the awe-inspiring Cathedral Gorge, a magnificent natural amphitheatre carved into the vibrant red rock over millions of years. With the gorge’s welcoming shadows having cooled us, we depart to follow Piccaninny Creek further through the rugged terrain, our efforts rewarded with peerless panoramas. 

Lunch is served back at our lodge before we enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Spend this time in your own way, while continuing to soak up the atmosphere of the bush. For dinner, a three-course meal of regional specialties, served with Indigenous herbs, brings the authentic flavours of the Kimberley together. Matso’s locally brewed beer and Rosabrook Margaret River wines are also available for an added touch.

At Bullo River Station, breakfast is served on the veranda. Fuelled for the day ahead, we waste no time in presenting for our preferred activities. Choose a day out on the land, revelling in the dust, sweat and exhilaration of station life. Scoot around the property in 4WDs, all-terrain vehicles or on horseback. Or perhaps join the team as they take on the day’s list of tasks, including cattle mustering, bore checks and poddy calf feeding. 

A collection of ancient Indigenous rock art sites, discovered within the station’s cliffs and ridges, are thought to have belonged to the Ngarinman people who lived on this land before the arrival of Europeans. Admire their vivid galleries during a tour, arriving by all-terrain vehicles. Freshwater and tidal fishing in the Bullo River is a thrilling experience. At an additional cost, guests can cast off from aboard the station’s boats or along the riverbank in an attempt to lure the prized local barramundi. These are just a few of the experiences available today.

Today, our two groups swap places. Following breakfast, farewell Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge and board a private charter flight to Bullo River Station, landing conveniently in front of its charming homestead. Join the station’s staff, tackling the daily tasks of the station and gaining insight into the operations of this unique accommodation. 

Guests who have already experienced the pastoral pleasures of Bullo River Station board their private charter flight to Purnululu National Park. Along the way, marvel at expansive Lake Argyle and its many islands as you soar over the colossal body of water. Upon reaching our tented accommodation at Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, enjoy two days admiring the ancient natural phenomena of the Outback.

Make the most of your final day, whether at Bullo River Station or in Purnululu National Park. You may like to take a refreshing dip in a remote waterhole, admire Indigenous rock art or simply experience the spirit and serenity of these inspiring landscapes.

After breakfast, privately chartered aircraft deliver our two groups to Darwin. Take a panoramic tour of this tropical city, before checking into the centrally located Hilton Darwin.  We toast our final evening together with dinner at Pee Wee’s at the Point. Freshly caught seafood and award-winning wines enhance the outdoor coastal setting of East Point Nature Reserve, the ideal spot to reflect upon our remarkable journey.

Share one last meal this morning before saying goodbye to your new-found friends. We then make our way to the airport, our journey at an end.