The Kimberley

THE KIMBERLEY 17 - 29 MAY 2022 THE KIMBERLEY 17 - 29 MAY 2022 THE KIMBERLEY 17 - 29 MAY 2022 THE KIMBERLEY 17 - 29 MAY 2022
Tour Summary

Amaco Small Group Tours invites you to join us as we explore the remote Kimberley region of North-West Australia, departing 17 May 2022.

Travelling through the Kimberley, it’s not hard to be captivated by its history and rugged natural beauty. The region is rich in indigenous culture, being home to Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years with their ancient culture recorded through stunning rock art.

Thanks to a network of lodges and local partnerships, you’ll visit areas in the Kimberley most have never seen with accommodation bases strategically located to explore stunning natural attractions. With a group size guaranteed not to exceed 20 people – this is a truly unique, in-depth exploration of one of the most spectacular regions of Australia.

Your 13-day itinerary will blend our accredited medical and pharma education seamlessly with a range of authentic experiences.

You begin your adventure with a night in Darwin. From here you depart on a chartered high wing scenic flight to the Mitchell Plateau arriving at the luxury Ngauwudu Safari Camp.

Your days will be filled exploring this remote region, visiting Mitchell Falls and the rarely seen Gwion Gwion rock art gallery accompanied by a local expert guide from the Kandiwal community.

Scenic helicopter flights are included back to the ranger station with spectacular views from a different perspective.

Travel the famous Gibb River Road traversing the Durack River and the mighty Pentecost River at the foot of the Cockburn Range.

Spend time exploring El Questro Wilderness Park – travel down Chamberlain Gorge, only accessible by boat, this 3km fresh waterhole is surrounded by the Kimberley’s diverse flora and fauna and eclipsed by towering escarpments.

Discover Kununnura and the Bungle Bungles as you cruise down the Ord River taking in the mesmerising scenery and diverse wildlife.  Another scenic helicopter flight, this time over the Bungle Bungles gives you a bird’s eye view of its astounding features.

It’s then onto Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. From here you visit the Geike Gorge where nature and geology lovers will delight as they glide along the Fitzroy River by cruise winding through ancient limestone where fossils are embedded in the walls of the gorge.

The spectacular scenery continues with an underground river walk at Tunnel Creek and a visit to Windjana Gorge, one of the most spectacular gorges in the Kimberley before arriving into Broome.

Spend 2 nights at Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa while the adventure continues with a sensational adventure to Horizontal Falls by seaplane landing in the calm waters of Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago

Described by Sir David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”, the falls are created when the 2nd largest tide in the world hurtles through two narrow coastal gorges.

Board the fastest boat in the Kimberley, the ‘Jet-Stream’ for an exhilarating ride through the Falls. You’ll be awestruck at the power of the Kimberley tides as your expert skipper gives you an experience you’ll never forget.

A rugged destination requires a sufficiently rugged mode of transportation and we’ve got this covered as well by using the purpose-built 5-star Mercedes Benz 4WD coach, there won’t be a river, or track that we can’t access.

Inside, the air-conditioned vehicle, each guest will be allocated their own reclining seat… with business-class style legroom while the USB charging points at each seat and satellite communication will mean you’re never out of contact with loved ones at home.

In these COVID times, we understand the concerns of our participants and have carefully selected operators who we know will be able to maintain the high standard we expect of them.

Uncompromising cleaning and hygiene practices are already a feature of every Amaco tour and this hasn’t changed. If anything, we’re more fastidious now and ensure that additional cleaning, sanitising, and hygiene practices have been implemented in all areas with particular emphasis on high touch points and hard surfaces.

All coaches, vessels, planes, vehicles, and lodges we will be using are fully equipped with all that you will need. Hand sanitising stations will be available in all public areas and personal hygiene kits will also be provided where appropriate.

We certainly hope that you can join us as we travel through The Kimberley region in May 2022.

Remember… this tour is limited to 20 people. Places will be allocated in the order that completed registration forms and deposits are received.

Why Travel With Amaco Small Group Tours?

  • All Inclusive Travel Packages
  • Small Groups
  • Hand-picked Tours & Activities
  • 25+ Years Experience

Got a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. One of our expert team is available and would be happy to answer any questions you have.

1300 668 149 or +61 3 9545 0906

info@amacotravel.com.au

Destination

The Kimberley

Duration

13 Days / 12 Nights

Value For Money

All Inclusive Travel Package

Start & End Location

Start: Darwin, Northern Territory

Ends: Broome, Western Australia

Start Date & Time

17th May 2022 @ 3:00pm

End Date & Time

29th May 2022 @ 9:00am

Registration Fees

Conference Participant: $995 pp
Non-Conference Participant: $795 pp

Travel Packages

** SOLD OUT **

** WAITLIST CREATED **

Amaco Family Price (for previous Amaco Conference Participants): $14,995 pp

Early Bird Price (if booked on or before 31 September 2021): $14,995 pp

Standard Price (if booked on or after 1 October 2021): $15,995 pp

Single Supplement (if travelling alone): On Application

Price Includes

  • 1 x night accommodation at DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin (17 May 2022)
  • 2 x nights accommodation at Ngauwudu Safari Camp (18 & 19 May 2022)
  • 1 x night accommodation Drysdale River Station (20 May 2022)
  • 2 x nights accommodation Emma Gorge Resort (21 & 22 May 2022)
  • 1 x night accommodation Kununurra Country Club Resort (23 May 2022)
  • 2 x nights accommodation Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge (24 & 25 May 2022)
  • 1 x night accommodation Fitzroy River Lodge (26 May 2022)
  • 2 x nights accommodation Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa (27 & 28 May 2022)
  • 12 x Breakfasts, 11 x Lunches, 12 x Dinners
  • Travel aboard a 5 Star 4WD Mercedes Benz Coach
  • Darwin City Sights Tour (17 May 2022)
  • Scenic Flight to Mitchell Plateau (18 May 2022)
  • Mitchell Falls Guided walking tour (19 May 2022)
  • Scenic Helicopter Flight Mitchell Falls (19 May 2022)
  • Wandjina Rock Art Visit (20 May 2022)
  • Gibb River Road Crossing (21 May 2022)
  • El Questro Wilderness Park Tour (22 May 2022)
  • Emma Gorge Waterfall Guided Walking Tour (22 May 2022)
  • Durack Homestead Museum Visit (23 May 2022)
  • Ord River Cruise (23 May 2022)
  • Purnululu National Park Tour (25 May 2022)
  • Bungle Bungles Scenic Helicopter Flight (25 May 2022)
  • Fitzroy River Cruise (26 May 2022)
  • Tunnel Creek National Park Underground River Walk (27 May 2022)
  • Windjana Gorge Guided Walk (27 May 2022)
  • Broome Town Tour (28 May 2022)
  • Horizontal Falls Seaplane Scenic Flight (28 May 2022)
  • Horizontal Falls Jetboat Adventure (28 May 2022)

Gold Amaco Standard Inclusions

  • Airport transfer as detailed in the itinerary for group arrivals and departures
  • Beverages service (wine, beer, soft drink and mineral water) with all included lunches and dinners
  • Services of specialist guides and naturalist throughout itinerary
  • All applicable entrance fees, taxes, gratuities and porterage throughout the itinerary
  • Amaco staff escort
  • Hassle free luggage management
  • Tips to guides and drivers

Price Excludes

Itinerary

Day 1 (Tue 17 May 2022)Welcome to Darwin

After arriving in Darwin you will be met by Amaco staff and our local operators and transferred to our group hotel. This afternoon you will enjoy a city sights tour including a visit to the Defence of Darwin Experience at East Point. Check in to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, enjoying harbour view rooms along the Darwin Esplanade.

A Welcome Networking Dinner will be held tonight. Here you will have the opportunity to meet other participants and their partners as well as your Amaco hosts.

Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin

Included Meals: Welcome Networking Dinner

Day 2 (Wed 18 May 2022)Scenic Flight to Mitchell Plateau

This morning depart Darwin on your scenic flight to the Mitchell Plateau. Our aircraft for the morning is a state-of-the-art Cessna Grand Caravan, featuring a high wing for excellent visibility, air conditioning and turbine reliability.

On arrival, make your way to the exclusive Ngauwudu Safari Camp, the most luxurious tented camp in the Kimberley. Featuring deluxe safari suites with ensuite bathrooms, quality furnishings and large balconies, the camp is a magical spot for the next two nights and the ideal base from which to discover the Mitchell Plateau and Mitchell Falls.

Overnight: Ngauwudu Safari Camp

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 (Thu 19 May 2022)Exploring Punamii-upuu (Mitchell Falls)

A big walk today, but also a big highlight!

After a short drive to the ranger station set off on a guided 4km walking tour to the incredible Mitchell Falls (good level of fitness and mobility required). Along the way discover rarely seen Gwion Gwion rock art accompanied by a local expert guide from Kandiwal Community. The walk also takes you past Mertens Falls before arriving at the top of the Mitchell Falls, one of the most awe-inspiring wonders of the Kimberley.

After a picnic lunch and enough time to admire the falls take to the skies for a spectacular helicopter flight back to the ranger station. Viewing the falls and surrounding landscape from the air is an absolute highlight, and a great way to finish off the experience!

Return to the camp for Conference Session 1 & 2.

Please Note: For passengers not wishing to do the Mitchell Falls walk there is an option to fly to Mitchell Falls by helicopter. This flight is not included and is at your own expense. Weight limits apply to all scenic flights.

Overnight: Ngauwudu Safari Camp

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 (Fri 20 May 2022)King Edward River - Drysdale Station

This morning depart the Mitchell Plateau and head back to the Kalumburu Road. Along the way visit several exceptional Wandjina rock art galleries near the King Edward River and enjoy a picnic lunch.

This afternoon, you’ll arrive at Drysdale River Station, a pastoral lease that runs over 9000 head of cattle across more than a million acres. Spend the night in top quality station cabins with private ensuite bathrooms.

Overnight: Drysdale River Cattle Station

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 (Sat 21 May 2022)Journey along the Gibb River Road - El Questro Wilderness Park

This morning farewell Drysdale Station and re-join the Gibb.

You’ll continue east and cross the Durack River before arriving at the mighty Pentecost River at the foot of the Cockburn Range.

We stop to admire the view of the stunning escarpment before continuing on to the world-renowned El Questro Wilderness Park where you’ll spend the next two nights at Emma Gorge Resort in unique tented cabins.

Overnight: Emma Gorge Resort

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 (Sun 22 May 2022)Exploring El Questro

This morning head deep into the iconic El Questro Kimberley Wilderness Park to Chamberlain Gorge, a beautiful 3km long fresh waterhole bound by the towering escarpment.

Enjoy a 90 minute Gorge cruise and feed some of the cheeky Archerfish before visiting  Zebedee Thermal Springs for a swim in the warm, crystal clear water.

After lunch, enjoy a guided walk up to the stunning Emma Gorge waterfall. Refresh during a swim in the large rock pool at the base of the falls and marvel at the beauty of the gorge, one of the best in the Kimberley.

Upon returning to the resort, Conference Session 3 & 4 will take place. Regroup for dinner.

 Overnight: Emma Gorge Resort

 Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 (Mon 23 May 2022)Journey to Kununurra

Depart El Questro this morning and travel along the Gibb River Road to Wyndham and the spectacular Five Rivers Lookout, boasting dramatic views over Cambridge Gulf.

This afternoon you will visit the Durack Homestead Museum en route to Lake Argyle, the departure point for a sensational three-hour cruise down the Ord River. Enjoy the mesmerising scenery and diverse wildlife as your skipper takes you downstream to Kununurra, providing expert commentary along the way.

Arrive in Kununurra at sunset. You’ll then transfer to the Kununurra Country Club for your overnight stay.

Overnight: Kununurra Country Club

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 (Tue 24 May 2022)Journey to Purnululu National Park

This morning depart Kununurra and head south to the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles).

Check in to the Bungle Bungles Savannah Lodge for a two-night stay. The lodge features comfortable cabins with ensuite bathrooms.

Located in the heart of Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle), this is the ideal base to explore the towering red gorges and Bungle Bungle domes. You will also find one of the best stargazing spots in Australia from your own private balcony.

Overnight: Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 (Wed 25 May 2022)Exploring the Bungle Bungles

Today explore the wonders of Purnululu, including its unique orange and black beehive-shaped domes.

Enjoy a breathtaking 18-minute scenic helicopter flight over the park with a bird’s eye view of its astounding natural features. Continue with a walk along Piccaninny Creek to the mind-boggling natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge. Follow the ‘dome trail’ for a closer inspection of the park’s unique geological formations.

This afternoon head to the northern region of the Bungle Bungles to visit Echidna Chasm before returning to the lodge for Conference Session 5 & 6.

Overnight: Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 (Thu 26 May 2022)Geike Gorge National Park & Fitzroy River

Bid farewell to the Bungle Bungles and travel through Halls Creek to Fitzroy Crossing.

Continue the Kimberley adventure heading into Geikie Gorge National Park where nature and geology lovers will delight with a cruise on the Fitzroy River. You’ll wind through ancient limestone where fossils are embedded in the walls of the gorge. Retire for the night in Fitzroy Crossing at the Fitzroy River Lodge.

Overnight: Fitzroy River Lodge

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 (Fri 27 May 2022)Explore Tunnel Creek National Park

This morning visit Tunnel Creek National Park for a fascinating underground river walk.

Next, it’s onto the awe-inspiring Windjana Gorge, one of the most spectacular gorges in the Kimberley. In places, the water-streaked walls of the gorge rise majestically to stand 100 metres above the floodplain.

After a guided walk through the gorge depart for Broome, arriving late afternoon to check in to the iconic Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa for a two-night stay.

Overnight: Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 (Sat 28 May 2022)Horizontal Falls Adventure

Get ready for an adventure to the Horizontal Falls. Described by Sir David Attenborough as ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world’, the falls is created when the 2nd largest tide in the world hurtles through two narrow coastal gorges.

Begin the day with a town tour of Broome. Then enjoy a 50-minute seaplane flight, landing on the calm waters of Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago. 

Board the fastest boat in the Kimberley, the ‘Jet-Stream’ for an exhilarating ride through the Horizontal Falls. You’ll be awestruck at the power of the Kimberley tides as your expert skipper gives you an experience you’ll never forget. You then cruise some of the surrounding bays and creeks and have a bite to eat on a commercial houseboat before returning to Broome.

Tonight, gather for our Farewell Dinner together to celebrate new friendships and our adventure through the Kimberley.

Overnight: Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 (Sun 29 May 2022)Broome

Your tour concludes after breakfast this morning with a transfer to the airport.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Travel Options & Extensions

Given everything that has happened in the travel industry of late – you’re correct to be vigilant about where you spend your travel dollar.

Amaco is not just a member of AFTA, the Australian Federation of Travel Agents but we are also ATAS Travel Accredited. This means we have met strict industry financial, operational, and management standards and criteria. Only the best industry agents achieve this accreditation meaning that you can travel with us knowing that you’re in safe and very capable hands.

With almost 30 years’ experience in planning and running conferences, we understand that participants often want to add additional travel destinations and adventures either before or after the all-inclusive packages we provide.

Other operators might discourage you from doing this. Sometimes, it’s because of the added complexity it creates and at other times they’ll try to talk you out of it simply because they don’t have capable or experienced consultants with the breadth and depth of the consultants we employ.

We encourage all participants to make the most of their time away. This might mean departing earlier than the rest of the group and visiting other destinations before meeting up with the main group at the conference or staying on at the conclusion and doing some additional travel.

Either way – our consultants are perfectly positioned to assist you with making these arrangements and will do all the hard work for you – seamlessly combining your personalised itinerary with the group program.

CAN I BOOK MY OWN FLIGHTS?

Yes… not a problem. We understand that people may have a preferred Travel Agent they want to use and we don’t have any issues with you doing so. We’ll advise you of suggested arrival and departure times to allow you to make use of our group transfers.

That said though… we do have experienced consultants who are ready and waiting to help… even if that means just giving you a comparison price – nothing wrong with some competition.

We do ask for a copy of your itinerary so that we can double-check it to ensure that it fits with our program and group itinerary.

One word of warning, however, when booking flights independently – as the non-ticketing Agent we’re not notified of any changes or cancellations to your booking. If anything changes with your booking, it will be up to your agent to contact you and then for you to contact us.

It is also worth pointing out that even though we’ll have experienced staff members escorting the group during the conference, as the non-ticketing Agent we are unable to make contact or deal with the airline on your behalf.

CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN CLASS OF TRAVEL?

We used to include flights in our travel package but found that in many cases the fares were more expensive than the best available daily fares or were not applicable for people who were looking to extend pre or post the main conference travel dates.

We also felt it was unfair on you, as a participant, to unknowingly pay a premium for a more flexible group fare when you are already committed to attending the conference.

By not including the airfare in the package, you are able to work with one of our experienced and knowledgeable Travel Consultants to arrange flights on any airline and from any destination depending on your preferences…. including the class of travel.

CAN I VISIT OTHER DESTINATIONS BEFORE OR AFTER THE CONFERENCE?

In short….. Yes!

You’re encouraged to talk to our experienced travel consultants to learn more about the options open to you either before or after the conference itineraries. We will gladly work with you to put together a personalised itinerary that can include as much or as little as you want.

We believe it is important for your own peace of mind to know that our consultants are all employed directly by Amaco Small Group Tours and are located in our office.

We don’t subcontract out the travel to a third party which means you can be comfortable knowing that whatever arrangements you make through Amaco will be tied together with the conference program to make one continuous, seamless travel itinerary. We’ll put as much care and effort into your extension as we put into the planning of the conference.

Whether it is simply booking some airport transfers with a couple of nights accommodation through to more elaborate arrangements we are perfectly positioned to incorporate any individual travel plans into your overall conference itinerary.

Email or call us so we can put together your perfect itinerary.

WHAT ABOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Much has been said about the value of travel insurance – especially given the broad-based exclusion policies many underwriters have in place which protects them from claims resulting from pandemics and epidemics.

Amaco provides travel insurance from some of the most reputable companies in the industry including Cover-More and nib-SureSave – and always at competitive rates. Over the last few months, there have been a number of enhancements to the policies available which many of the credit card policies do not include.

Please call our office and we will gladly work with you to obtain a quote from any or all of our insurance suppliers.

Education

Amaco is an Accredited Education Provider for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural & Remote Medicine.

Each conference we run includes an education syllabus that assists GP’s, pharmacists and health professionals to improve the quality of care they provide to patients and customers while at the same time providing them with the opportunity to travel to and experience new and exciting destinations.

Our conference will allow delegates the opportunity to earn CPD points based on the content and time in session. As has been the case with past conferences, we will work closely with participants affiliated with other associations to ensure that they receive maximum recognition for attending the conference.

The content of the education sessions will be relevant to GPs, Medical Specialists, Pharmacists, Dentists, Nurses and other health providers. We encourage all attendees to register for the conference sessions.

The Education Committee for the Kimberley Expedition Education Conference will be selected in the coming months with final conference topics to be chosen based on the feedback from our previous conference attendees and with input from the RACGP, ACRRM and Medical Journals. Suitable speakers will be approached based on the topics selected.

Subject to final accreditation, the Kimberley Expedition Education Conference will include an Education Activity (formerly Category 2 Activity) affording delegates the opportunity to earn between 16 – 20 points.

ACRRM members can also expect the education program to be accredited and to earn CPD points. RACGP and ACRRM accreditation will be applied for under the triennium 2020 to 2022.

As has been the case in the past, Amaco will work with pharmacy bodies and those affiliated with other associations to ensure that they receive maximum recognition for attending the conference.

We welcome applications from potential presenters and encourage anyone interested to contact us to obtain further information.

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