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Kimberley Stations Agricultural Tour Darwin - Katherine - The Kimberley - Kununurra - Purnululu National Park – Fitzroy Crossing – Derby - Broome

17 Days / 16 Nights

27 July 2019 - 12 August 2019

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Accommodation

Accommodation Destination Start End Duration

Travelodge Resort Darwin Darwin 27 Jul 29 Jul 2 Nights

Knotts Crossing Resort Katherine 29 Jul 31 Jul 2 Nights

Home Valley Station by Voyages The Kimberley 31 Jul 2 Aug 2 Nights

Kununurra Lakeside Resort Kununurra 2 Aug 5 Aug 3 Nights

Kimberley Hotel Purnululu National Park 5 Aug 6 Aug 1 Night

Jubilee Downs Station The Kimberley 6 Aug 8 Aug 2 Nights

King Sound Resort Hotel The Kimberley 8 Aug 9 Aug 1 Night

Mercure Broome Broome 9 Aug 12 Aug 3 Nights

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Day 1: Travelodge Resort Darwin, Darwin (Sat, 27 July)

Day Itinerary

Depart your home port and fly to Darwin. On arrival at the airport meet your Swagman Tours driver and guide then transfer to your hotel to settle in before enjoying a seafood smorgasbord dinner with magnificent sunset views over Cullen bay.

Darwin is a tropical seaport in the Northern Territory of Australia that serves as a convenient access point to Katherine Gorge, Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park. The city is a melting pot of different cultures, with more than 50 nationalities represented here. With a strong Asian influence, you can expect a kaleidoscope of cuisines and a cultural blend of Thai, Sri Lankan, Japanese, Indian, Chinese and Malaysian. Darwin's city centre buzzes with a lively tourist vibe, while unique museums celebrate the city's past and galleries showcase the region's rich indigenous art. Sail to the intriguing Tiwi Islands, take a speedboat ride or go fishing in a tinny – the local version of a small boat.

Overnight: Travelodge Resort Darwin

Surrounded by tropical gardens, with swimming pools and a waterfall at its centre, Travelodge Resort Darwin offers a tropical oasis in the heart of Darwin city centre. Free WiFi is provided. All rooms are air-conditioned and include cable TV, in-room safe, bathroom with shower, and a refrigerator. Some accommodation features a kitchenette and separate lounge/dining area. Guests at Travelodge Resort Darwin can relax by the swimming pools surrounded by palm trees. Facilities include a fitness room and a 24-hour reception.

Included

Dinner.

Day 2: Travelodge Resort Darwin, Darwin (Sun, 28 July)

Day Itinerary

This morning a representative from the Northern Territory Cattleman’s Council will speak about the state of play of the pastoral industry in the Top End (subject to confirmation). Afterwards travel out of Darwin to visit an export mango farm that produces mangoes and starfruit to supply the major supermarkets throughout the country. After lunch travel to Berry Springs and visit the Territory Wildlife Park in time to see the Birds of Prey presentation. This expansive park has three main areas; the Wetlands with its aquarium, lagoons and billabongs housing tropical fish, turtles, and both species of crocodile. A Monsoon Vine Forest which hosts a 1km boardwalk gently lifting toward the canopy of natural bushland to view the array of birdlife and finally a Woodland area that includes a Nocturnal house, where you have the opportunity to see animals rarely seen in the wild. This evening is free to dine out (own expense).

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Included

Breakfast & Lunch.

Day 3: Knotts Crossing Resort, Katherine (Mon, 29 July)

Day Itinerary

After an early breakfast head south along the Stuart Highway toward Litchfield National Park. Spend time in this pristine area marvelling at the spectacular double waterfall of Florence Falls and enjoy a swim at the popular Wangi Falls. See the unique architectural feat of the magnetic termite mounds before stopping at the solemn but beautiful Adelaide River War Cemetery and then continue down the Stuart Highway to Katherine.

Katherine is a serene town located just outside the borders of the Nitmiluk National Park, which is owned by the indigenous Jawoyn Aboriginal people and jointly managed with the local Parks and Wildlife Commission. Tourists use Katharine as a base from which to explore the Edith Falls, scenic Jatbula Trail and the Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park. Alternatively, visit the Top Didj Cultural Experience to take in authentic Aboriginal art and culture, relax in the crystal clear Katherine Hot Springs, or take a walk along the river bed on a path that leads to Katherine Low level Nature Reserve.

Overnight: Knotts Crossing Resort

Knotts Crossing Resort is situated in the picturesque Katherine Region of Australia’s Northern Territory. Approximately 320 kms from Darwin and Kakadu National Park in the Top End of Australia, the resort is set amongst acres of stunning tropical gardens and is just a two minute walk from the Katherine River. Knotts Crossing Resort offers a range of comfortable, well priced options for accommodation including suites, cabins, caravans and camping. Facilities at the resort include a restaurant, bar, outdoor garden bar, two swimming pools, three outdoor barbeques, two huest laundries, wireless internet and wake up calls. Katherine’s town centre is just a 10 minute stroll and has a shopping complex, tourist information centre, boutique shopping, a cinema, restaurants and cafes.

Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

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Day 4: Knotts Crossing Resort, Katherine (Tue, 30 July)

Day Itinerary

Local managers of Elders and Landmark will assist in organising property visits today. Properties will most likely be commercial cattle producers with stock bred for the live export trade. We will also visit the Katherine Research Station to see their research and development on pasture/grass management along with an export feed cubing plant, export stock yards and handling facility plus see the pivot irrigation area growing feed for the cube plant. Later in the day visit the Katherine Ag College to see a practical outback educational experience.

Included

Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 5: Home Valley Station by Voyages, The Kimberley (Wed, 31 July)

Day Itinerary

Join the Victoria Highway passing through some of the largest station properties in the Top End. Stop off at Timber Creek on the mighty Victoria River and cross the border into Western Australia entering the picturesque Kimberley landscape of rivers, gorges, red ochre colours and wide open spaces heading for our two night stay at Home Valley Station. Enter the heart of the Kimberley as the going gets tough but the scenery is superb travelling along the Gibb River Road through the Cockburn Ranges.

The Kimberley is one of the world's last great wilderness areas. Sandwiched between a remarkably rugged coastline and hauntingly beautiful deserts in the northernmost region of Western Australia, the Kimberley is unfathomably vast - it encompasses an area approximately twice the size of the U.K! The majority of the region’s inhabitants reside in small towns such as Kununurra and Wyndham in the east and Broome and Derby in the west. The area offers an unprecedented abundance of natural wonders including sprawling spinifex plains dotted with boabs, palm-clad gorges, breathtaking waterfalls, towering mountain peaks and the incredible UNESCO world heritage Purnululu National Park, with its multitude of unusual dome-shaped sandstone formations. Other popular tourist attractions in the area include: numerous aboriginal paintings, some of which are believed to be around 50 000 years old; Broome’s famous Cable Beach, where visitors can admire the sunset while riding camels; and the renowned Windjana Gorge National Park, which is brimming with incredible gorges featuring a host of perfectly preserved prehistoric fossils.

Overnight: Home Valley Station by Voyages

Home Valley Station is located close to the mighty Pentecost River, at the foot of the majestic Cockburn Range. The station’s spacious Grass Castles accommodation on idyllic Bindoola Creek are generously appointed, providing guests with the ultimate in outback lodging. Guesthouse Rooms provide a comfortable retreat and are ideal for couples and

P a g e | 6 families. The safari style Eco Tents, located in a quiet bush setting, will impress those seeking to connect with nature. Those wishing to roll out under the stars will enjoy the Gibb River Road's camping facilities at the Station Campground and the Pentecost River Bush Camp. The Dusty Bar & Grill is an iconic part of the Home Valley Station, serving quality Australian cuisine against a backdrop of authentic station memorabilia.

Included

Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6: Home Valley Station by Voyages, The Kimberley (Thu, 1 August)

Day Itinerary

A free morning to enjoy this Aboriginal run cattle station property with time to stroll along the station tracks, perhaps go barra fishing on the Pentecost River of just soak up the surroundings of this wonderful place. After lunch travel to Bindoola Gorge and walk into this rugged and unique area. Enjoy sundowners overlooking the three fingers of the Cockburn Ranges this evening.

Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Kununurra Lakeside Resort, Kununurra (Fri, 2 August)

Day Itinerary

This morning cross the Pentecost River traversing El Questro Station and time for a stroll in picturesque Zebedee Springs set amongst the palm trees with its circular backdrop gorge wall and crystal clear rock pools. Afterwards cross the Lake Argyle dam wall that holds the water for the gravity fed Ord irrigation scheme. Board your cruise boat this afternoon for the Ord River cruise into Kununurra, enjoying a spectacular Kimberley sunset over the Carr Boyd Ranges and Lake Kununurra

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Located close to the confluence of the Ord and the Dunham rivers, in the far north of Western Australia, Kununurra is the largest town north of Broome. The town is set amongst rugged hills, mountain ranges, and abundant lakes. The main attraction in the area is Lake Argyle, Australia's largest artificial lake, which is just 70 kilometres south of Kununurra. Visitors can look forward to a wide variety of activities including: exploring the nearby Purnululu National Park, a World Heritage Site; soaking up a sunset view from Kelly’s Knob viewpoint; or taking an exciting boat trip up the Ord River to spot crocodiles, kingfishers, eagles, bats and more. Other popular activities include: horse riding, fishing, swimming as well as 4x4 outback adventures and scenic flights.

Overnight: Kununurra Lakeside Resort

Kununurra Lakeside Resort is situated alongside the stunningly unique Lily Creek Lagoon, 2 km away from the town centre. It offers a tranquil relaxing environment to stay in while exploring the raw wildness of the Kimberley region. Set among three acres of lush green lawns, at the lake’s edge, the property houses 24 premier king rooms, 18 self-catering rooms and 8 standard motel rooms. All rooms are air conditioned with en suite bathrooms, remote control TV, refrigerator, tea, coffee and ironing facilities.

Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 8: Kununurra Lakeside Resort, Kununurra (Sat, 3 August)

Day Itinerary

A local stock agent will join us today and take us to a cattle station with river and coastline frontage. Time with station management to learn about the separate breeding and fattening operation and how they live with the salt water crocodile and cattle losses. This afternoon our local guide joins us for a tour of the town itself, the Ord River irrigation scheme farms, Ivanhoe Crossing, Diversion Dam, Indian sandalwood plantations, hybrid seed production plus chia, melon and pumpkin crops.

Included

Breakfast & Dinner

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Day 9: Kununurra Lakeside Resort, Kununurra (Sun, 4 August)

Day Itinerary – Day at Leisure or OPTIONAL BUNGLE BUNGLE FLY IN - $850 per person

This scenic flight takes you on an unforgettable adventure over the Bungle Bungle Range, Lake Argyle, the Argyle Diamond Mine and the Ord River Irrigation Area. You will also fly over the stunning Carr Boyd Ranges, Osmand Ranges, the Ord River and Bow River. Once reaching Purnululu National Park, you will land at the remote and unsealed Bellburn Airstrip, where you will be met by a tour guide and an air-conditioned 4WD bus. From the Airstrip, your guide will drive you further into the Park, where you will then disembark and enjoy a guided walk throughout the famous eroded towers and black and orange banded beehive domes of the Bungle Bungle Range. This Domes Walk is of moderate intensity, and is about 3-kilometres in distance. From here, you will follow your guide on the walk into Cathedral Gorge, where towering cliffs open up to form a space with incredible natural acoustics. Whilst in the Gorge, enjoy a fresh picnic-style lunch whilst relaxing in one of the most beautiful spots in the Park. After a short rest, you will walk along the dry creek bed of Piccaninny Creek, before returning to Bellburn Airstrip. You will then board your return scenic flight to Kununurra, with views of the Argyle Diamond Mine along the way. Throughout the day, your total flight time will amount to two hours. Enjoy dinner out this evening (own expense).

Included

Breakfast & Lunch.

Day 10: Kimberley Hotel, Purnululu National Park (Mon, 5 August)

Day Itinerary

Depart Kununurra after breakfast and join the Great Northern Highway, passing vast cattle stations toward the historic township of Halls Creek. Lying on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert, Halls Creek is a busy service town for surrounding pastoralists, Aboriginal communities and travellers. Upon arrival travel out to the original Old Halls Creek site where gold was discovered in 1885 and see the crumbling mud brick ruins plus the China Wall – a natural quartzite formation. Also visit the statue in the town park known as ‘Russian Jack’ and hear about his heroic act.

Also known as the Bungles National Park, this exceptionally scenic World Heritage park is comprised of the Bungle Bungle mountain range, one of the most striking geological landmarks in Western Australia. This remote stretch of wilderness is famous for its striking sandstone domes striped with orange and grey bands, often likened to giant beehives. Visitors can marvel at this incredible natural wonder on a scenic flight, an exhilarating hike, or an adventurous four-wheel-drive tour. Aboriginal people are thought to have lived in this region for more than 40,000 years, and the park holds rich, enduring traces of their occupation such as ancient rock art and burial sites. The park also features an abundance of rare wildlife, tropical pools, craggy gorges, beautiful waterfalls and the lovely Ord River.

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Overnight: Kimberley Hotel

The Kimberley Hotel is conveniently located adjacent to the local airport and approximately 500 meters away from the town centre. It offers stylish Kimberley accommodations and boasts large motel units. Set among maintained gardens, with wide verandas and pathways that connect the accommodation building to the reception complex, the Kimberley Hotel is an oasis in the rugged outback landscape. Hotel facilities include an attractive colonial style sports lounge, saloon bar, cocktail bar, restaurant and in ground pool.

Included

Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 11: Jubilee Downs Station, Fitzroy Crossing (Tue, 6 August)

Day Itinerary

This morning travel through open flat grassland cattle stations on the way to Fitzroy Crossing. Stop off for lunch then enter a different landscape with the unique bottle or boab trees becoming a predominant feature. This afternoon relax with a cruise on Geikie Gorge on the mighty Fitzroy River to see the abundant birdlife and freshwater crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks. Continue on to our two night station property stay.

Overnight: Jubilee Downs Station

Jubilee Downs is a homestead just off the Fitzroy River Road in northeast Western Australia and one of the northernmost homesteads in Western Australia.

Included

Breakfast & Dinner.

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Day 12: Jubilee Downs Station, Fitzroy Crossing (Wed, 7 August)

Day Itinerary

This morning property owner Keith Anderson will join us after breakfast and show us around the property, in particular his unique droughtmaster cattle. This afternoon can be spent relaxing in the lounge/dining area of the old homestead or take a stroll along a station track.

Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 13: King Sound Resort Hotel, Derby (Thu, 8 August)

Day Itinerary

Travel along the western end of the Lennard Ranges to visit Windjana Gorge. On with the walking shoes for a stroll into the gorge – a fossilised barrier reef with walls soaring 90 metres above the river bed. See freshwater crocodiles in the pools then continue to Tunnel Creek to walk through the underground stream, marvelling at this unique stream in its arid environment. End the day travelling into the small settlement of Derby on King Sound. See the Prison Boab Tree and Myall Stock Trough. Dine out this evening watching sunset over King Sound enjoying fish and chips or seafood at the ‘el fresco’ dining spot.

Overnight: King Sound Resort Hotel

Located close to amenities, a recreation centre and the Derby shopping precinct, King Sound Resort Hotel is an ideal base from which to explore and discover the attractions of Derby. Take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool, or simply relax in the tropical surroundings. The King Sound Resort Hotel, Derby offers a bistro, a cocktail bar and a Palm bar as well as a beer garden, to relax and enjoy a meal or drink. Choose between a selection of air conditioned, serviced hotel rooms and enjoy private bathroom facilities and room service.

Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

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Day 14: Mercure Broome, Broome (Fri, 9 August)

Day Itinerary

After breakfast travel through vast station properties heading along the Great Northern Highway toward the cosmopolitan pearling township of Broome on the Indian Ocean where we will stay for the next three nights. This evening enjoy a poolside BBQ at the accommodation.

Clinging to the peninsula overhanging the gorgeous Roebuck Bay, the historic outback town of Broome is the largest town in the vast outback area of Kimberley. Known for its colourful gardens, gorgeous powder-white beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters, and its abundance of frangipani and coconut trees, Broome offers an oasis of paradise in this otherwise desolate landscape. The town is brimming with creative energy as a thriving community of artists and entrepreneurs have set up a host of impressive galleries, craft stores, quaint cafes and breweries. The town boasts an unusual fusion of colonial Australian and Asian architectural styles, some remarkably friendly and laidback locals as well as a vibrant Saturday morning market in the immaculate tropical gardens of the Court House. With its world-famous beaches, its wonderfully relaxing atmosphere and its exceptionally scenic natural surroundings, Broome is the perfect place to 'slip into Broome time' - as the local saying goes - and unwind in an idyllic holiday destination.

Overnight: Mercure Broome

Located on beautiful Roebuck Bay, Mercure Broome is positioned in tropical gardens and set between red desert and azure sea. Located 1km from the town centre, the recently-refurbished Mercure Broome features 136 rooms, plus a restaurant, two bars and a swimming pool and offers friendly, affordable accommodation in a truly breathtaking setting. Perfect for relaxation or adventure, this Broome hotel is the ideal base from which to explore the gateway to the Kimberley region.

Included

Breakfast & Dinner.

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Day 15: Mercure Broome, Broome (Sat, 10 August)

Day Itinerary

This morning see the highlights of Broome including Chinatown, the Sun outdoor theatre, the Japanese Pearl Divers Cemetery, Antastasia’s Pool, Gantheaume Point and the Dinosaur’s footprints. After lunch activities will be organized by both a local pastoral company and your tour leader, and will involve visiting a property on the edge of town plus seeing the marshaling/loading of cattle from Broome Port (subject to confirmation) for the live export trade into the Pacific Rim, Middle East and South East Asia. Dinner out this evening (own expense).

Included

Breakfast.

Day 16: Mercure Broome, Broome (Sun, 11 August)

Day Itinerary

A free day for private sightseeing. Maybe take the opportunity to go fishing. The day is yours to do as you please and to soak up the colour and atmosphere of this pearling town.

Included

Breakfast.

Day 17: End of Itinerary (Mon, 12 August)

Day Itinerary

Have the opportunity for last minute shopping to buy mementos or take a final stroll or swim along Cable Beach before transferring to Broome airport for you flight home, so ending a memorable trip to the Kimberley region.

Included

Breakfast.

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COST: $8,995 per person twin share

Subject to a minimum of 12 passengers travelling

*Tour cost is subject to air/tax increases plus currency fluctuations.

Non-refundable deposit required: $500 per person

Balance required no later than: 01 June 2019

Single Supplement: $1,600

Main Tour cost includes:

Economy airfares Mel/Syd to Darwin and Broome to Mel/Syd.

Air-conditioned restroom equipped coach travel throughout with experienced driver/guide & hostess.

Twin share accommodation with ensuite facilities throughout.

Meals as per itinerary: B = Daily Breakfast, L = 7 x Lunch (bush style, salad rolls etc), D = 12 x Dinner.

All entry fees to sightseeing activities, farm & technical visits as per the itinerary.

Main Tour cost does NOT include:

Travel Insurance – this is COMPULSORY to have in place prior to travel

Items of a personal nature (eg laundry/phone/souvenirs) and any optional extras listed in the itinerary

Beverages and any meals not listed in the itinerary

IMPORTANT NOTES: The tour cost is subject to change due to currency fluctuations, visa fee increases, airfare, fuel surcharges and / or tax increases. As this is a group package, all passengers must travel on the same outbound flight to Dublin. Post touring options are available and will incur an amendment fee of $75.00 per person plus extra touring and insurance costs.

FARM & TECHNICAL VISITS: A fully furnished list of confirmed visits both to farming properties and technical stops will be given with your ticket wallets approximately 2-3 weeks prior to your departure.

* Changes and alterations may take place from details listed in the itinerary *.

Lvl 1, 13a Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218 (PO Box 7473)

1800 202 491 // 03 5222 2855 groups@swagmantours.com.au

www.swagmantours.com.au