WONDERS OF THE WEST
15 Day Australian Adventure

Day One - McAlpine House
This afternoon on arrival into the tropical oasis of Broome, you will be transferred to the beautifully renovated McAlpine House. Situated in quiet relaxing surrounds in the centre of Old Broome, it boasts historic warmth coupled with modern features. Meet your host Liz Leigh and fall into holiday mode with a relaxing and tasty lunch by the pool.

Broome is a tropical oasis nestled between the blue waters and white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean and the red and green landscape of the Kimberley wilderness. Established as a pearling port in the 1880s, Broome has a romantic and often flamboyant history. It was populated by hearty people of many nationalities - mainly Europeans, Malays, Chinese and Japanese, as well as Australia's Indigenous People - who flocked to the shores of Roebuck Bay in the hope of making their fortune from the pearling industry. The influence of the pearling industry, with its cultural melting pot, has helped to create the distinctive character and charm of Broome.

Dinner this evening is at McAlpine House, take it slow and enjoy the pleasure of Liz's special culinary delights. Your accommodation is exclusively furnished with Javanese furniture and named after Lord McAlpine's favourite birds.
McAlpine House (D)

Day Two - McAlpine House
This morning meet with your local guide and plan your day ahead. Whether your interests lean toward art and culture, history or exploring the great outdoors, there's something for everyone. You may choose to explore the rugged beauty of the Northern Beaches red cliffs and turquoise waters on a 4WD adventure.

Stroll through the town of Broome; dine in one of the delightful local restaurants and relish in the taste sensations of the regional cuisines.
McAlpine House (B) Private touring (L)

Day Three - Kimberley Coastal Camp
This morning you bid farewell to the pearling town of Broome. Board your private charter flight to the Mitchell Plateau, where you will be met by a private helicopter that will transfer you to one of the remotest camps in Australia - Kimberley Coastal Camp.

Kimberley Coastal Camp (KCC) is perched on a pristine white beach surrounded by almost sculptured sandstone formations. Fly over the camp in a circle to announce your arrival and proceed to land in the bay only metres from the camp. Here your hosts for the next four days - Rocky & Liz Terry - will meet you.

Kimberley Coastal Camp is on the remote and pristine shores of Admiralty gulf in the far North Kimberley of Western Australia. Today get to know your hosts and plan your adventures for the next 3 days. You may chose to take in the sights of this unspoilt land, take a dip in the pool or just sit and read a book.

Sunset is the time to relax here, soak up the ambience in the open main living area and dream of the time ahead. Drinks and hors-d'oeuvres are served as a prelude to possibly a platter of freshly caught fish, mud crabs or oysters, followed by delicious desserts.
McAlpine House (B) Kimberley Coastal Camp (L,D)

Day Four - Kimberley Coastal Camp
Today you may wish to escape camp. A scenic boat trip away is deserted islands waiting to be explored with rocky, shell or coral beaches and dozens of treasures awaiting discovery. There are also rivers where you can walk alongside a string of beautiful billabongs.

If exploring is your thing but walking isn't, it is possible to arrange the "Ultimate Off-road Vehicle " (a helicopter), to whisk you off with one of Liz's delicious picnic lunches. A longer flight will take you along the uninhabited coastline, up rarely seen rivers and to surprising gorges, waterfalls and perfect picnic spots by crystal pools.

Perhaps fishing is the way you like to spend your time; you'll find that the fishing in Admiralty Gulf is truly magnificent. Since Kimberley Coastal Camp is so isolated, with access only by sea or air, these really are untouched waters. There is access to huge tidal rivers, mangrove creeks, estuaries, offshore reefs and islands as well as many deep-water options.

Guests are amazed by the variety of species including Barramundi, Mulloway, Mangrove, Jack, Fingermark, Javelin Fish, Threadfin, Salmon (Giant and Blue), Trevally (Giant, Golden and Spotted), Queen Fish, Mackerel, Tuna, Coral Trout, Cod and Blue Bone. Mud crabs and oysters also inhabit these pristine waters. Fishing gear is supplied on a replace if lost basis but it is encouraged that you bring your own favourite rod and reel. You will generally only need light (6 - 10 kilo) gear except for when you hook one of the Giant Trevally that are found amongst the reefs and bommies. Then it's "every person for themself!." Fishing operates on a catch and release basis with only those fish destined for the table being retained from the day's catch.

The purpose built and surveyed, 28 foot boat Warabi, has a lot to offer guests who like to fish but would rather not stand for long hours in the sun fishing from a dinghy. Its special design allows for easy manoeuvring in tight and shallow spots, it has lots of fishing and casting space and has ample shade as well. There also is a 16-foot tender set up for fishing and crabbing in the mangrove creeks.
Kimberley Coastal Camp (B,L,D)

Day Five - Kimberley Coastal Camp
Toady take a gentle stroll or put on a good pair of walking shoes and explore. From the high red cliffs sheltering remnant patches of rainforest to pristine white shell beaches and rugged sandstone country with its rivers and caves - experience this land of contrasts. A half-hour walk from camp will take you to Mackerel Point, from where you can see the whole of Warrender and the nearby islands. Other walks will take you inland through wild terrain with plant and animal life unique to the area. Up on rocky crags, you can see the camp and the sea in the distance.

Kimberley Coastal Camp is the ideal location for wild life and bird watchers. A list detailing the types of birds that have been recorded in the area and which ones you can expect to see is available. There is a wide range of habitats round the camp including marine, mangrove, estuarine, river, rainforest and rugged sandstone. All of which offer sanctuary for a very wide range of bird life. Some of the species that frequent the area include - Great Billed Heron, Chestnut Rails, Grey Goshawks, Brown Tailed Flycatchers, Little Terns, Rufous Owls, Sea Eagles, Sandstone Shrike Thrushes, and many others.

You may want to combine just a little bird watching with other wildlife and scenery watching activities. The area is abundant with a wide range of native Australian fauna. Crocodiles, shy Rock Wallabies, Quolls and other animals can be seen in their natural habitat.
Kimberley Coastal Camp (B,L,D)

Day Six - Kimberley Coastal Camp
Today discovering Rock Art may be on the agenda, the North Kimberley is home to some of the oldest known rock paintings. The best known of these is the delicate and very beautiful Bradshaw paintings. Hidden amongst rock faces and caves scattered over this ancient land, they are simply astounding.

The Bradshaw rock art has been dated at over seventeen thousand years. Many experts in the field of rock art believe that they may even be closer to thirty thousand years. These exquisite paintings, mysterious and intriguing to anyone privileged enough to see them have been amazingly preserved and represent a culture, now lost in time. Walking, boat or helicopter can do visits to the Bradshaw sites.
Kimberley Coastal Camp (B,L,D)

Day Seven - Faraway Bay
This morning you will return to the Mitchell Plateau via helicopter, where your private air charter is waiting to take you to a place so far away, they named it Faraway Bay. The plane ride hugs the spectacular Kimberley coast for a short period before flying inland above a myriad of ravines and sandstone pinnacles. Landing at the strip you will be met by your hosts and transported by 4WD vehicle for the final few kilometres to The Bush Camp.

Spectacularly isolated, your bush-style cabin has a 180-degree view of the ocean. Eagle Lodge is the main building, which comprises the relaxing lounge and dining area, that, overlooks our cliffside freshwater plunge pool and the magnificent Faraway Bay.

After taking in the views and settling into your accommodation you will have the option of being taken in one of the smaller boats to try your hand at some fishing. View the amazing rock formations, visit a beach made of shells and enjoy a picnic lunch. You will arrive back at the Faraway Bay camp in time for a cooling swim in the pool with champagne or cool drinks before dinner.

Following dinner sit and listen to the silence or watch the stars dancing in the jet-black sky, or the full moon's startling appearance over the hills behind.
Kimberley Coastal Camp (B) Faraway Bay (L,D)

Day Eight - Faraway Bay
Sunrise at 530am slowly lights up Faraway Bay and after a leisurely breakfast at 700am (which gives time for early risers to explore or walk along the beach). This morning is the beginning of possibly the highlight of your stay where you will be taken out in the 13-metre cruiser Diamond Lass along the coast to the King George River.

On the journey there you will have the opportunity to visit secluded beaches and learn of Second World War heroics. Then you will cruise into the mouth of the mighty King George River. As you travel further the river narrows to be engulfed on either side with cathedral like spectacular sandstone cliffs, ending with the grand twin waterfalls. If the falls are flowing its time for an invigorating fresh water shower as the Diamond Lass edges up the rock face and directly under the waterfall. After the powerful natural spa, lunch is served on board.
Faraway Bay (B,L,D)

Day Nine - Faraway Bay
Today if you are feeling fit you may decide to hike to the top of the waterfalls to get a true appreciation of the size and majesty. Alternatively, try fishing in the mangrove creeks or at the mouth of the King George River where you can go into a smaller boat. Those who don't want to go fishing can sunbathe on board Diamond Lass.

Return to camp for a well-earned evening drink and then be waited on as the last rays dance across the rocks and water in a kaleidoscope of colour.
Faraway Bay (B,L,D)

Day Ten - Faraway Bay
Today go by boat to a deserted island and be dropped off with fishing rods and a fantastic picnic lunch. Spend the day beachcombing the island for treasures washed ashore. The only footprints you will see are your own in this beautifully remote part of the world. You will be picked up late afternoon and returned to camp. If you are lucky you will spot a dugong, maybe a manta-ray or even a crocodile. Just before arriving home and if the tide is low you may decide to collect fresh oysters from the rocks. Today, you may prefer to visit a fresh water swimming hole at the base of a trickling waterfall. Swim, climb up the waterfall, watch the water monitor sunbathe on the rocks, then enjoy a picnic lunch. On the way home try a spot of fishing for Mangrove Jacks in the mangrove creeks. Your cook may need some smaller fish for the evening meal.
Faraway Bay (B,L,D)

Day Eleven - Bullo River Station
This morning will charter fly you to Bullo River Station. Situated in the top western corner of the Northern Territory, Bullo River Station is a ½ million-acre commercial cattle property. Get acquainted with your hosts - Marlee (nee Henderson) and Franz Ranacher. Bullo has been in the Henderson family since the late 50s when Charles Henderson - a pioneering American - purchased the undeveloped cattle property. On Bullo you will experience cattle station life in a very remote part of Australia. Marlee and Franz will be your guides throughout your stay.

Take a helicopter ride and become familiar with this awesome property. Witness the Bullo River, which meanders for over 50 miles through a spectacular valley on the property. The river runs from the lush fresh water of the Bullo Gorge to the mighty salt-water tidal Victoria River. Depending on seasonal work you may get the chance to participate in a helicopter muster. Experience what it is really like. Or become a 'ringer' bull catching wild scrubbers. This is a must, and a high adrenalin activity flushing the wild bull from the undergrowth and then guiding it with the chopper toward the ground crew to capture in a cut down Land rover.

Bullo can be as daring or tranquil as you choose. Marlee and Franz will find the perfect activity for you. This evening enjoy Dinner in the original homestead. Those who are adventurous will need a good rest this evening for the following days activities.
Faraway Bay(B) Bullo River Station (L, D)

Day Twelve - Bullo River Station
Arise and breathe in the Outback air! Following breakfast this morning take a short flight with Franz to nearby Pt Keats, one of the oldest Aboriginal Missions. View the excellent Aboriginal art gallery with world-class artists that you are able to meet. Discover their vast wetland system; enjoy fishing and catching mud crabs and also the amazing opportunity of Aboriginal bush tucker interpretation.

After your day of adventures in Port Keats, return to Bullo River Station for some well earned rest and relaxation.
Bullo River Station (B, L, D)

Day Thirteen - Bullo River Station
Today, again participate in the station activities or you may choose to go Barramundi fishing. The property has some of the best Barramundi fishing in the area. (Barramundi is Northern Australia's premier angling and eating fish). It is also abundant in bird life and native fauna because of the natural permanent waters. Or go bird watching or search for salt-water crocodiles from your own boat guided by Franz. Take the opportunity to do more exploring, go hiking into the escarpments and to the many secluded private billabongs and waterfalls that dot the landscape. Or simply grab a picnic and cruise down the Gorge in the boat while taking in the landscape that is northern Australia.

This evening return to the homestead and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Outback and great Aussie food and wine.
Bullo River Station (B, L, D)

Day Fourteen - Bullo River Station
Today (depending on seasonal work) you may get the chance to participate in a helicopter muster. Experience what it is really like. Or become a 'ringer' (Australian Cowboy) bull-catching wild scrub Bulls. This is a must, and a high adrenalin activity flushing the wild bull from the undergrowth and then guiding it with the chopper toward the ground crew to capture in a cut down Landrover. Sit back, relax and enjoy!
Bullo (B,L,D)

Day Fifteen Return Home
After breakfast your charter flight will fly you to Darwin to connect with your scheduled flight homewards.