Kimberley Gorges & Aboriginal Art

Discover Ancient Rock Art in Remote Northern Landscapes

Experience 65,000 years of continuous culture in Australia's last great wilderness

Location: Kimberley, Western Australia
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Group Size: Small Groups (Max 12)
Difficulty: Moderate
Wandjina Aboriginal rock art in the Kimberley

Journey into one of the world's last great wilderness areas on this extraordinary 11-day expedition through Western Australia's Kimberley region. This immersive tour takes you beyond typical tourist routes to discover ancient Aboriginal rock art sites that have stood for over 65,000 years, making them among the oldest artistic expressions of human civilization on Earth.

The Kimberley is a land where time moves differently—where ochre-painted Wandjina spirits watch over hidden gorges, where the Bungle Bungle Range rises in striped majesty from endless red plains, and where the oldest continuous living culture on the planet maintains connections to Country through story, song, and ceremony. This tour provides rare access to sacred rock art sites, guided by local Indigenous custodians and expert guides who share the deep cultural significance and creation stories behind these remarkable paintings.

Travel the legendary Gibb River Road, swim in crystal-clear rock pools beneath cascading waterfalls, witness the spectacular Mitchell Falls plunging into turquoise pools, and explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungle Range. Meet Aboriginal elders and artists at community centers, purchase authentic artwork directly from the source, and gain profound insights into the world's oldest surviving art tradition.

Why This Tour is Extraordinary

Tour Highlights

Wandjina Rock Art

Encounter the powerful Wandjina spirits—ancestral beings represented with large eyes, no mouths, and elaborate headdresses. These sacred figures are believed to control weather, water, and fertility, and remain central to contemporary Worrora, Ngarinyin, and Wunumbal spiritual life.

Gwion Gwion Paintings

Marvel at the graceful, stick-figure Gwion Gwion (formerly Bradshaw) paintings—among the world's oldest figurative art. These elegant human figures adorned with tassels, headdresses, and ceremonial objects offer glimpses into Ice Age cultures.

Bungle Bungle Range

Explore the mesmerizing beehive-shaped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park. Walk through Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm, experiencing geological wonders 360 million years in the making.

Mitchell Falls

Witness the spectacular four-tiered Mitchell Falls cascading into turquoise rock pools. Optional helicopter flights provide breathtaking aerial perspectives of this remote natural wonder.

Gibb River Road

Travel Australia's most legendary 4WD track, traversing 660 kilometers of rugged Kimberley landscape through cattle stations, river crossings, and dramatic mountain ranges.

Aboriginal Art Centres

Visit Mowanjum Aboriginal Art Centre in Derby and Imitji community, meeting artists whose contemporary works continue traditions spanning millennia. Purchase unique pieces directly from creators.

Pristine Gorges & Swimming

Cool off in crystal-clear rock pools at Manning Gorge, Bell Gorge, Galvans Gorge, and Zebedee Hot Springs—each offering spectacular scenery and refreshing swimming in remote wilderness settings.

Geike Gorge Cruise

Cruise the Fitzroy River through spectacular limestone cliffs, spotting freshwater crocodiles and learning about the ancient Devonian Reef system visible in the gorge walls.

Tunnel Creek

Wade through the 750-meter-long underground river system where Aboriginal resistance fighter Jandamarra held out against colonial forces for three years.

Windjana Gorge

Walk through this mystical gorge carved through the ancient Napier Range, home to freshwater crocodiles sunbaking on sandbanks and exotic bird life.

El Questro Wilderness Park

Explore this million-acre wilderness park featuring dramatic gorges, thermal springs, and diverse wildlife in a former cattle station converted to conservation.

Stargazing & Campfire Stories

Experience the Kimberley's unpolluted night skies—among the darkest on Earth—while listening to Dreamtime stories around the campfire.

Detailed Itinerary

Gibb River Road Kimberley landscape
1
Broome to Fitzroy Crossing

Depart Broome at 7:30 AM, traveling through vast savannah grasslands dotted with ancient boab trees and powerful mountain ranges of the Western Kimberley. Cross the mighty Fitzroy River near Willare for morning tea.

Visit Derby's historic Prison Boab Tree—a massive hollow boab once used as a temporary lockup in the 1890s. Explore Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Cultural Centre, meet local Worrora, Ngarinyin, and Wunumbal artists, and view contemporary Wandjina art continuing ancient traditions. Witness the extraordinary 10-meter tides at Derby wharf.

Stop at a thousand-year-old boab tree, learning about these endemic trees' cultural and ecological significance. Arrive Fitzroy Crossing for picnic lunch by the Fitzroy River. Afternoon cruise through spectacular Geike Gorge, where sheer limestone cliffs rise from the river—remnants of a Devonian reef system 350 million years old.

Accommodation: Fitzroy Crossing | Meals: BLD

2
Tunnel Creek & Windjana Gorge

Travel through the stunning Napier Range to Tunnel Creek. Wade through this 750-meter underground cave river system featuring spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal formations. Emerge at a beautiful waterhole where Aboriginal freedom fighter Jandamarra (Pigeon) conducted guerrilla resistance against colonial forces for three years in the 1890s.

Continue to mystical Windjana Gorge for lunch and a leisurely 800-meter gorge walk. This sacred "waterhole" carved through the ancient Napier Range is home to numerous freshwater crocodiles basking on sandbanks. Observe exotic bird life including cormorants, egrets, and the distinctive white-quilled rock pigeon endemic to the Kimberley.

As afternoon light transforms the gorge, watch sunset reflections paint the ancient limestone cliffs in golden hues before settling in for the night.

Accommodation: Windjana Gorge camp | Meals: BLD

3
Gibb River Road to Mt Barnett

Begin the legendary Gibb River Road journey, traversing the Lennard River and passing through Queen Victoria Pass in the Napier Range. Cross the rugged King Leopold Ranges & Conservation Park with stops at spectacular lookouts showcasing the dramatic Kimberley landscape.

Visit Imitji Store and Aboriginal community—an opportunity to meet residents and purchase local artwork. Drive through magnificent Kimberley ranges and working cattle stations, experiencing the remote pastoral lifestyle that has shaped this region.

Arrive at Mt Barnett Station, gateway to the stunning Manning Gorge. Afternoon hike to Manning Gorge (approximately 2-hour return), crossing Manning Creek before reaching pristine rock pools beneath cascading waterfalls—perfect for swimming in crystal-clear water surrounded by ancient rock formations.

Accommodation: Mt Barnett Station | Meals: BLD

4
Galvans Gorge & Mt Elizabeth Station

Morning visit to Galvans Gorge—a hidden gem offering short walks to beautiful swimming holes surrounded by towering rock walls. The gorge's layered sandstone formations create a natural amphitheater perfect for swimming and photography.

Continue to historic Mt Elizabeth Station, one of the Kimberley's most remote and spectacular properties. This working cattle station hosts one of the region's most significant Aboriginal rock art sites. Join a guided station tour led by traditional owners or station staff, accessing exclusive rock art sites not available to the general public.

Witness extraordinary Wandjina and Gwion Gwion paintings in spectacular rock shelter settings. The traditional owners share cultural protocols, creation stories, and the ongoing spiritual significance of these sites to their people. Learn how rock art sites are maintained and protected by contemporary custodians.

Accommodation: Mt Elizabeth Station | Meals: BLD

5
Mitchell Plateau & Falls

Early departure for Mitchell Plateau via Drysdale River Station, traveling deeper into remote Kimberley wilderness. The rugged track passes through diverse landscapes—savannah woodlands, spinifex grasslands, and rocky escarpments.

Arrive Mitchell Plateau, home to some of the Kimberley's finest rock art and most spectacular waterfalls. Visit Munurru rock art site featuring exceptional examples of both Wandjina and Gwion Gwion traditions. Uunguu Rangers provide cultural interpretation, explaining the significance and meaning of different art styles and imagery.

Hike to Mitchell Falls (4km return, approximately 3 hours), traversing rocky terrain and crossing creeks to reach the spectacular four-tiered waterfall. The falls cascade into deep turquoise pools framed by palm-filled gorges—one of Australia's most photographed natural attractions.

Optional helicopter flight provides breathtaking aerial perspectives of Mitchell Falls, the plateau, and surrounding wilderness (additional cost).

Accommodation: Mitchell Plateau camp | Meals: BLD

6
King Edward River & Rock Art

Morning exploration of additional Mitchell Plateau rock art sites along walking trails, each location revealing different aspects of Aboriginal artistic traditions and cultural practices.

Travel to King Edward River, crossing this significant waterway that has carved dramatic gorges through sandstone plateaus. Visit remote rock art sites accessible only via 4WD and short walks, featuring both ancient Gwion Gwion figures and more recent Wandjina paintings demonstrating the evolution of artistic styles over millennia.

These sites, rarely visited due to their remote location, offer extraordinary preservation and the opportunity to observe rock art in pristine natural settings. Traditional owners share protocols for approaching sacred sites and explain the ongoing cultural practices connected to these locations.

Afternoon swimming and relaxation at King Edward River's pristine waterholes, surrounded by paperbarks and pandanus palms. The remote location and limited visitor access ensure tranquil swimming in crystal-clear water.

Accommodation: King Edward River camp | Meals: BLD

7
Bell Gorge & Silent Grove

Return journey along the Gibb River Road, traveling through spectacular Kimberley ranges with photo stops at panoramic lookouts. Cross the Durack and Pentecost Rivers—two of the Kimberley's major waterways.

Afternoon visit to Bell Gorge, one of the Kimberley's most beautiful swimming locations. The 30-minute walk through dramatic landscape leads to stunning multi-tiered waterfalls cascading into turquoise rock pools. Swim beneath the falls, scramble over boulders, and photograph one of the region's most photogenic locations.

Camp at Silent Grove, nestled in the King Leopold Ranges. The serene setting provides excellent stargazing opportunities under the Kimberley's famously clear night skies. Evening campfire storytelling shares Dreamtime legends of the surrounding country.

Accommodation: Silent Grove camp | Meals: BLD

8
El Questro Wilderness Park

Enter the million-acre El Questro Wilderness Park—a former cattle station converted to conservation tourism. This diverse property encompasses rugged gorges, thermal springs, riverine forests, and sandstone escarpments.

Morning visit to Zebedee Hot Springs, a series of thermal pools nestled among livistona palms in a secluded gorge. The naturally heated spring water (28-32°C) provides therapeutic soaking surrounded by lush vegetation—a perfect contrast to the Kimberley's otherwise arid landscape.

Afternoon exploration of Emma Gorge, hiking through monsoon rainforest to a stunning 65-meter waterfall plunging into a deep rock pool. The shaded gorge offers cool swimming and spectacular scenery, with towering red cliffs creating a dramatic natural amphitheater.

Optional activities include scenic helicopter flights, guided gorge walks, barramundi fishing, or horseback riding (additional costs apply).

Accommodation: El Questro Station campground | Meals: BLD

9
Kununurra & Lake Argyle

Depart El Questro, traveling to Kununurra—the eastern gateway to the Kimberley. Stop at the Zebra Rock Gallery, showcasing locally found zebra stone—a unique sedimentary rock estimated at 600 million years old, found nowhere else on Earth.

Visit Lake Argyle, Australia's second-largest freshwater lake holding nine times the volume of Sydney Harbour. This massive reservoir, created by damming the Ord River, has become an important inland sea supporting diverse wildlife. Cruise the lake spotting freshwater crocodiles, wallabies, and over 30,000 waterbirds including pelicans, sea eagles, and jabirus.

Tour the Argyle Homestead Museum, showcasing pioneering pastoral history and the region's famous Argyle pink diamonds. Learn about the controversial diamond mining operations and the unique geological conditions that created these rare gems.

Explore Kununurra township, visiting Hidden Valley National Park's stunning rock formations, and the Ord River Irrigation Area—one of Australia's most ambitious agricultural projects transforming red desert into productive farmland.

Accommodation: Kununurra hotel | Meals: BLD

10
Purnululu National Park - Bungle Bungle Range

Early departure for Purnululu National Park, home to the extraordinary Bungle Bungle Range—one of Australia's most recognizable natural icons. Travel 53 kilometers along a rugged 4WD track through remote savannah to reach this World Heritage-listed wonder.

The Bungle Bungle Range consists of hundreds of distinctive orange and grey striped sandstone domes rising up to 300 meters above the surrounding plain. These beehive formations, created over 360 million years through complex geological processes, remained unknown to non-Indigenous Australians until the 1980s.

Explore Echidna Chasm, a narrow gorge where 200-meter-high walls tower overhead, creating a cathedral-like space where dappled sunlight filters through towering palms. The chasm walk follows the gorge floor between soaring walls that narrow to less than a meter in places.

Visit Cathedral Gorge, an enormous natural amphitheater with exceptional acoustics formed over millions of years. The gorge's massive dome interior creates a spiritual space where sound reverberates hauntingly. This sacred site holds cultural significance for the traditional Kija owners.

Witness the incredible color transitions as afternoon light transforms the striped domes—the banding caused by different layers of clay coating permeable sandstone, with orange bands indicating oxidized iron while grey bands show cyanobacterial colonies.

Optional scenic helicopter flight provides breathtaking aerial perspectives revealing the full extent of this massive formation (additional cost).

Accommodation: Purnululu National Park campground | Meals: BLD

11
Return to Kununurra

Final morning exploring Purnululu's southern reaches, visiting additional lookouts and walking trails through the extraordinary landscape. Photograph the Bungle Bungles in morning light when the striped patterns are most vivid.

Return journey to Kununurra with stops at scenic viewpoints overlooking the Carr Boyd Range and Osmand Valley. Arrive Kununurra by late afternoon for connecting flights or onward travel.

Tour concludes approximately 5:00 PM at Kununurra Airport or accommodation. We recommend booking flights departing after 6:30 PM or staying an additional night to explore Kununurra further.

Meals: BL

Understanding Kimberley Rock Art

Gwion Gwion rock art figures

Wandjina Art

The Wandjina are powerful ancestral creator beings central to the spiritual beliefs of the Worrora, Ngarinyin, and Wunumbal peoples of the northwestern Kimberley. These large, haunting figures appear on thousands of rock walls, typically measuring 1-6 meters tall and distinguished by their characteristic features:

Wandjina created the landscape, laws, and living things during the Creation period. They remain present in rock art, clouds, and waterholes. Traditional owners maintain a cultural responsibility to regularly repaint Wandjina images to ensure continued rainfall and fertility of the land—a practice that has continued unbroken for over 4,000 years.

Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) Paintings

Gwion Gwion art (previously called Bradshaw paintings after the European who first documented them) represents the world's oldest known continuous art tradition. These graceful paintings depict elegant human figures in elaborate ceremonial dress:

The Gwion Gwion are named after the Ngarinyin word for a small bird whose call heralds the wet season—the same bird that pecks rock surfaces and "painted" the figures according to Aboriginal tradition. These paintings provide extraordinary windows into Ice Age cultures and artistic practices.

Cultural Protocol & Respect

When visiting rock art sites, we follow strict cultural protocols:

What's Included

✓ Accommodation

10 nights accommodation including permanent tented camps, station accommodation, and hotels. All bedding and camping equipment provided.

✓ All Meals

All meals from breakfast Day 1 to lunch Day 11. Fresh, hearty camp-style cooking with dietary requirements accommodated (advise at booking).

✓ Expert Guides

Experienced guides with deep Kimberley knowledge and established relationships with Aboriginal communities. Maximum 12 guests ensures personalized attention.

✓ Transportation

4WD transportation throughout the tour in purpose-built expedition vehicles. All fuel, permits, and park entry fees included.

✓ Rock Art Tours

Exclusive access to multiple rock art sites with Indigenous cultural guides at Mt Elizabeth Station, Mitchell Plateau, and other locations.

✓ National Park Entry

All national park fees for Purnululu, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Geike Gorge, and other protected areas.

✓ Geike Gorge Cruise

Boat cruise through Geike Gorge with Aboriginal cultural interpretation.

✓ Lake Argyle Cruise

Scenic cruise on Australia's largest artificial lake spotting freshwater crocodiles and waterbirds.

Not Included

Essential Information

Fitness & Difficulty Level

This tour is rated moderate difficulty. While no technical skills are required, participants should be:

The tour involves walking on rocky surfaces, climbing over boulders, and navigating uneven ground. Most walks range from 1-4 kilometers return with some inclines. Reasonable fitness is required, but the tour is achievable for most active adults.

Best Time to Travel

This tour operates during the Kimberley dry season: May to October

The Kimberley wet season (November-April) brings monsoonal rains, extreme heat and humidity, flooding, and road closures—tours do not operate during this period.

What to Bring

Health & Safety

Group Size & Age

Tour Pricing

$7,995
per person twin share

Single supplement: $950 (subject to availability)

Prices valid for 2025 dry season departures (May-October)

2025 Departure Dates

Limited departures ensure intimate group sizes and optimal experiences:

Book Now Request Information

Booking Information

How to Book

  1. Choose Your Departure: Select preferred dates from available departures
  2. Complete Booking Form: Provide passenger details, dietary requirements, fitness declaration
  3. Pay Deposit: $2,000 per person secures your booking
  4. Receive Confirmation: Comprehensive pre-tour information pack sent via email
  5. Final Payment: Due 60 days prior to departure

Cancellation Policy

Group Bookings & Private Tours

We welcome group bookings for families, friends, photography groups, or special interest groups. Private tour departures can be arranged for groups of 6+ with customized itineraries available. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Why Choose Cooee Tours?

Kimberley Expertise

Our guides have collectively spent decades exploring the Kimberley, establishing deep relationships with Aboriginal communities and gaining intimate knowledge of this vast region.

Cultural Authenticity

We work directly with Aboriginal traditional owners, art centers, and communities, ensuring cultural experiences are authentic, respectful, and benefit local people.

Small Group Advantage

Maximum 12 participants ensures intimate cultural experiences, flexibility, minimal environmental impact, and personalized attention from guides.

Comprehensive Experience

Our itinerary balances spectacular natural attractions, profound cultural experiences, adventure activities, and adequate rest—creating a truly complete Kimberley journey.

Safety & Comfort

Purpose-built 4WD vehicles, experienced guides with wilderness first aid training, satellite communications, and comprehensive safety protocols ensure peace of mind.

Sustainable Tourism

We practice Leave No Trace principles, support Aboriginal art centers and communities, and promote cultural and environmental conservation through responsible tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

Absolutely! Many of our guests travel solo. Our small group format creates natural camaraderie, and you'll share experiences with like-minded travelers. Single supplement applies if you prefer private accommodation, or you can share twin accommodation.

What type of accommodation can I expect?

Accommodation varies by location: permanent tented camps with proper beds at some locations, station accommodation (basic but comfortable), hotels in Kununurra and Fitzroy Crossing. All bedding provided. Shared bathroom facilities at most bush camps.

Are meals provided for special diets?

Yes—vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements are accommodated. Advise us at booking so we can plan appropriately. Our camp cooks are experienced in catering for diverse needs.

How physically demanding is this tour?

Moderate fitness required. Most walks range 1-4 kilometers with some uneven terrain and rock scrambling. The Mitchell Falls walk (4km return) is the longest. Hot conditions require good hydration and sun protection. Not suitable for those with serious mobility limitations.

What about crocodiles?

Saltwater crocodiles inhabit some Kimberley waterways. We swim only in freshwater locations away from saltwater croc territory. Freshwater crocodiles (seen at Geike Gorge, Windjana) are generally not dangerous to humans. Our guides assess all swimming locations and provide safety briefings.

Can I take photos of rock art and Aboriginal people?

Rock art photography is permitted at some sites but prohibited at sacred locations—respect cultural protocols. Always request permission before photographing Aboriginal people. Some art centers prohibit photography of certain works. Our guides will clearly explain photography guidelines at each location.

What if I have limited camping experience?

No camping experience necessary! Our guides set up camp infrastructure, provide instruction, and assist when needed. Many guests are first-time campers. The experience is part of the adventure—sleeping under Kimberley stars in pristine wilderness.

Are helicopter flights recommended?

Highly recommended if budget allows! Helicopter flights at Mitchell Falls and Purnululu provide breathtaking perspectives impossible to achieve from ground level. The Bungle Bungle aerial view in particular reveals the extraordinary scale and pattern of this formation. Flights cost approximately $350-$500 per person.

What happens if roads are closed?

Tours operate only during the dry season when roads are reliably open. In the rare event of unexpected road closures, we have alternate itineraries. We monitor conditions constantly and make necessary adjustments to ensure tour quality and safety.

Start Your Kimberley Adventure

This extraordinary journey through the Kimberley offers far more than spectacular scenery—it's an immersion into 65,000 years of continuous human culture, a connection with Australia's last great wilderness, and an opportunity to witness rock art that predates European civilization by tens of thousands of years.

Walking where Aboriginal people walked for millennia, viewing art sites that have inspired generations, swimming in waterholes that served as gathering places for countless centuries—these experiences create profound connections to ancient human history and the Australian landscape.

The Kimberley region faces increasing tourism pressures. Our small group sizes, cultural protocols, and partnerships with Aboriginal communities ensure tourism benefits traditional owners while protecting sacred sites and fragile environments for future generations.

Places are strictly limited to maintain tour quality and cultural sensitivity. Early booking is essential, particularly for peak season departures (June-August).

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