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3–4 April 2004 Regions 13–14 March 2004 Who’s in the know Perth Information Centre School holidays PERTH weather
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For many Australians who retire and plan that big Aussie odyssey, the Kimberley is on their wish list. There's also the option of flying to Broome or Kununurra and touring from there. Three times the size of England, this huge and ancient
landform stretches from the north-west coast of Western Australia
to the Northern Territory border. The amazing wildlife includes
crocodiles, kangaroos, flying foxes and an abundance of birds, and
there are more than 2,000 Broome gateway
During the day, get a bird's-eye view of the coast
on a helicopter ride with Chopper 1. Or to view the birds, stay
on the ground and look around with Kimberley Birdwatching Tours. Getting off road The next stopping point is Halls Creek, an old goldrush
town on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert. This is a good base
to visit Wolfe Creek Crater, the world's second largest meteorite
crater created 300,000 years ago, and Purnululu National Park. Commonly
known as the Bungle Bungles, Purnululu is one of the most popular
destinations in the Kimberley. The best way to view the beehive
domes is by air. Bird’s-eye or ground level For a cheaper alternative, when you reach Kununurra,
take a walk through the 350 million-year-old Mirima (Hidden Valley)
National Park, which is promoted as the 'mini-Bungle Bungles'. Must-see unique features The last stop on the highway is Wyndham, the most
northerly WA town, where five rivers meet. You can admire the views
at the lookout or visit the museum and crocodile park. The quest ends here Regarded as an oasis of luxury in the middle of 'nowhere',
this destination is anywhere but nowhere - it is somewhere unlike
everywhere else! For many it is regarded as a 'must-see' on any
journey to the Kimberley.
On Saturday nights at the station township, don't miss rodeo champion / actor / drover / ringer / ranger Buddy Tyson and his singing, yarn-spinning, whip-cracking, one-man show. The nearby Emma Gorge resort is popular with seniors
and those on coach trips with AAT Kings and APT Tours. You can watch
a video to decide if you can do the walk that leads to a droplet
waterfall and swimming hole. From budget to luxury The Kimberley is not a place to rush through. From
Broome to Kununurra, by sealed roads is more than 1,000km and each
main town deserves at least a couple of days. Some people spend
weeks in one location, often leaving the caravan Visitor information Local attractions Astro Tours has two-hour astronomy shows including
hot drinks and transfers for $59 with 10 per cent off for Seniors
Card holders. Chopper 1 operates scenic and sunset helicopter
flights, 10 per cent discount for Seniors Card holders. El Questro Wilderness Park provides accommodation
and activities in comfort. The full-day tour departs from the station
store for guests ($110; duration nine hours) or from Kununurra for
day visitors ($145; duration 12 hours). Kimberley Birdwatching gives 10 per cent off
tours to seniors who book direct. Slingair Heliwork flies over the Bungle Bungles
and can be combined with a walk or 4WD tour. The Crossing Inn, at Skuthorpe Road, Fitzroy
Crossing, has a Triple J Tours runs half-day cruises on the
Ord River for $100 including lunch and afternoon tea. Climate Getting there By coach Australian Pacific Touring and AAT Kings offer a range of guided coach tours, including a two-night stay at El Questro, websites: www.aptours.com.au; www.aatkings.com By air Qantas
provides regular services to Broome with connecting flights from
the eastern states via Alice Springs. Virgin Blue provides a weekly
flight between Adelaide and Broome. Or fly to Darwin and connect
to an Airnorth flight to Kununurra (see above). 14-15 August 20-29 August |
 
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The
Kimberley is one of the world's unspoilt wilderness areas, featuring
rocky ranges, gorges and vast desert areas, as well as rivers, waterfalls
and beaches. It's one of the least populated places on the planet,
and often described as 'the last frontier'.
If
it's a full moon, go to Town Beach to witness the 'Staircase to
the Moon', where the moonlight reflects off the mudflats to create
this natural phenomenon. For a closer look at the heavens, enjoy
a guided astronomy night tour with Astro Tours using telescopes
to view the moon, planets and a clear sky full of stars.
Tours,
walks and fishing, boat and helicopter trips are available at the
site, as well as two restaurants, bars and a shop.