Gorges Escape Tours, Kimberley, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: Feb 10th, 2003
Surrounded by vast wilderness and rugged terrain, the Kimberly is often described as Australias last frontier.
Three hundred and fifty million years ago the region was under the ocean and as a result a 1000 kilometre barrier reef developed. Today, with the area so harsh and dry, the only reminder of any underwater world lies within its stunning landscape.
The two day Gorges Escape tour begins in Broome. The first stop on the itinerary is a Darngku Heritage Cruise through Geikie Gorge.
This trip takes around three hours, and has been operated by the Bunuba people - natives to the area since 1997. The guides offer a unique perspective of the regions history and culture, and also show visitors how to find proper bush tucker in the area.
The tour incorporates a trek up a steep mountain to Bundura lookout, where some of the most spectacular scenery can be seen. It's hard to imagine, that this dry and craggy terrain visible from the lookout was once an underwater reef.
After a hearty lunch, the next port of call is a quiet spot down by the banks of Fitzroy River. This is the camp spot for the night, and dinner is served under the stars.
Next morning's itinerary includes more exploration of the Kimberley.
The Pigeon Heritage Trail is a walking tour that retraces the legacy of an Aboriginal man named Jandamarra, or Pigeon. In the 1890s he gained notoriety for organising an armed rebellion against European settlers. The group used caves and surroundings of the Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek as hideouts for two years. Today, their tale is told through cave paintings on the tunnel walls.
The tour's last stop is a visit to the Windjana Gorge National Park. The park features a three and a half kilometre winding gorge which snakes its way through another ancient limestone reef. With all its secret passages and hidden caves, it's easy to imagine how the Windjana became the perfect hideaway for Pigeon and his gang of rebels.
The facts
Qantas and QantasLink fly daily to Broome from all capital cities. Prices start from $548 ex Perth and $947 ex Sydney. Prices include charges, levies and taxes.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
The two day Gorges Escape with Kimberley Wild Outback tours cost $360, including meals, the Darngku River Cruise, overnight camping, and transfers to and from Broome.
Kimberley Wild Outback Tours
Tel: 08 9193 7778
