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Day 1 – Arrive Broome, McAlpine House, 2 nights

On arrival in Broome you will be transferred to McAlpine House for your 2 night stay.

McAlpine House was built in 1910, in the traditional and unique architectural style of Broome. Faithfully refurbished by Lord Alistair McAlpine it is one of the best-preserved residences of its era. The house now belongs to the Paspaley families, who have been successful pearlers in Broome and the Kimberley since the 1930’s. They have retained the home's magical charm and nurtured its evolution into an exclusive boutique hotel.

Day 2 – A day to discover

McAlpine House is a reflection of the diversity that is Broome. A walk through the Japanese cemetery is testimony to the town’s strong Asian links. Take a meal in China Town, see a movie at the outdoor picture garden, browse the local markets and buy a pearl memento. Your host will provide a gourmet hamper for a Cable Beach picnic or, on a full moon, celebrate with champagne as the moonrise reflects a golden staircase on the mudflats.

A day spent with a private guide in the Pindan country and on Roebuck Bay will reveal wildlife and Australia’s greatest bird spectacle. From as far away as the Arctic Tundra 800,000 migratory birds arrive annually and along with the residents 310 species have been recorded here.

Day 3 – Kimberley Coast, Faraway Bay, 3 nights

After breakfast, depart Broome via scheduled flight to Kununurra in the East Kimberley, where board your private charter flight to the wild and remote Kimberley Coast. You will be staying with Bruce and Robyn Ellison at their private Bush Camp at Faraway Bay.

After lunch, let Bruce take you out in the boat for a sneak preview of his local area. Perhaps a swim in a waterhole at the foot of the escarpment, which comes right to the edge of the coast here, or looking for one of the pairs of Ospreys, that live nearby. Dinner will be served after watching the sun’s rays disappearing behind the sandstone cliffs of the bay.

Each of the 8 bush-style cabins enjoys a 180-degree view of the ocean. Facilities, while not en suite, are nearby and hot water for showers is always available. There is also a freshwater swimming pool perched on the edge of the cliff looking across the bay.

Day 4 & 5 – The Kimberley Coast                    

The Bush Camp lives up to its location, nestled in secluded Faraway Bay, Bruce and Robyn Ellison have made their home in one of the world’s most deserted and spectacular coastlines.

Cruise along the Kimberley coast in Bruce’s 13 metre Diamond Lass, head for the King George River where the falls cascade over a hundred foot cliff into the gorge below. Enjoy pristine beaches and picnics at Monitor Pool, a magnificent plunge pool at the foot of imposing basalt and sandstone cliffs, and a refreshingly cool and safe place for swimming. There is time for fishing, discovering aboriginal rock art, impressive bird watching, beachcombing and time for doing nothing at all.

Day 6 – To El Questro Cattle Station, 2 nights

After breakfast, your aircraft will arrive to fly you back over the East Kimberley coast to Kununurra where you will be collected and transferred to El Questro, a privately owned wilderness park, via 4WD. (Please note that helicopter and fixed wing transfers are also available at additional cost).

Cantilevered over the magnificent Chamberlain River, the homestead provides absolute comfort. Each room features en suite facilities, a private verandah and unique décor of artefacts and antiques collected from Indonesia and tropical Australia. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the homestead has a freeform swimming pool, spa, and a tennis court. A friendly team provides the highest standards of service and cuisine. Choose to dine privately on a riverside cliff top, on the homestead's verandahs or with other guests in the spacious dining room.

Day 7 – Experience El Questro

El Questro guides tailor your stay to suit your interests. Take a cruise down the Chamberlain Gorge to view fine examples of Aboriginal Wandjina art and spot saltwater crocodiles. On horseback keep an eye out for Kimberley wildlife including bustards, frilled neck lizards, brolgas and jabirus. After a morning in the saddle or out hiking, relax in the soothing thermal waters of Zebedee Springs. Scenic helicopter flights over canyons and gorges, past waterfalls, caves and galloping brumbies culminate with a delicious picnic lunch.      

Day 8 – Darwin, Holiday Inn & Coral Reef by Night

There is still time to explore the area – or perhaps catch that record barramundi – before you are taken back to Kununurra in time for the scheduled afternoon flight to Darwin. Met and transferred to the Holiday inn eslplanade for your overnight stay.

You will be collected from the hotel in the early evening to join John Ostara at Indo Pacific Marine, for a “Coral Reef by Night” experience. The majority of John’s life has been spent in marine and reef research and there are few people in the world with his intimate knowledge of reef ecosystems. In addition to an excellent seafood dinner beside Darwin harbour, John will take you through Australia’s long ecological history, with first-hand experience of a reef ecosystem.

Day 9 – Coburg Peninsula, Seven Spirit Bay, 2 nights

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Darwin Airport for your 45 minute scheduled charter flight to Seven Spirit Bay on the Cobourg Peninsula.

Perched on the very northern tip of the Northern Territory, the Cobourg Peninsula looks out across the glassy tropical waters of the Arafura Sea, lying closer to the islands of Indonesia than any of Australia’s major cities. This coast encountered foreign influence long before Europeans reached Australia’s eastern shores. The wildlife reflects Asia’s proximity and there are buffalo, banteng, Timorese ponies and wild pigs.

Accommodation at Seven Spirit Bay is in unique eco-friendly “Habitats”. Each has two double beds, ceiling fans and louvered shutters that open into the surrounding wilderness. Behind each Habitat, along a short pathway is a private bathroom. Wide decks surround the living areas and the dining area overlooks the swimming pool.

Day 10 - Cobourg Peninsula, Seven Spirit Bay

At Seven Spirit Bay activities are planned to suit your interests and include fishing, wildlife viewing – both on land and at sea, guided walks. An optional visit to the ruins of the Victoria settlement hospital can be arranged.

The marine life is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets – the inviting blue-green waters can be deceptive. Salt-water crocodiles, tiger sharks and, in the summer months, box jellyfish make it safer to swim in the lodge pool! However, spotting huge manta rays or dolphins, searching for mud crabs, watching the small reef sharks hunting over the mud flats, or trawling for Queenfish, provides an endless variety of water based activity.

Towards the end of each day, find a deserted beach overlooking one of the bays to enjoy a quiet sundowner drink, as the rich orange glow of sunset disappears behind the pandanus trees, before heading in for an excellent dinner with the noise of the bush around you.

Day 11 – Safari ends in Darwin.

Return to Darwin this morning via charter plane. Accommodation or onward flights can be arranged as required by you.

• Transfer by fixed wing aircraft or helicopter from Kununurra to El Questro
   
• Take a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungle Massif
   
• Keen birders may like to spend a day on Roebuck Bay and in the Pindan country, escorted by a local expert
   
• Have us arrange a helicopter picnic to a remote location on El Questro’s million acres of wilderness

Per person twin share :
AU$ 6880

Single share :
On application

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The price is inclusive of

• 2 nights McAlpine House with tropical breakfast daily
• 3 nights Bush Camp, Faraway Bay with all meals, beer, wine &
  activities
• 2 nights El Questro with all meals, drinks & activities (except helicopter excursions)
• 1 night Holiday Inn Esplanade Hotel, Darwin with breakfast
• 2 nights Seven Spirit Bay Wilderness Lodge, all meals and guided walks
• Scheduled flights Broome / Kununurra / Darwin
• Charter flight Kununurra / Faraway Bay / Kununurra
• Charter flight Darwin / Seven Spirit Bay / Darwin
• Return airport transfers in Broome
• Return airport transfers by road to El Questro
• Return airport transfer in Darwin
• Coral Sea Experience” seafood dinner in Darwin including transfers
• Most lodge activities at Seven Spirit Bay
• Park entrance fees for El Questro
• 10% G.S.T.

Not included

• Scheduled flights to Broome and from Darwin
• Bar, laundry and personal items
• Meals in Broome other than breakfast
• Activities and drinks other than where mentioned
• Australian visas and comprehensive travel insurance