Outback Horizons
Outback Horizons is a family owned and operated tour company offering exclusive incomparable tours throughout outback Australia. Our aim is to ensure that you experience the ruggedness, isolation, and grandeur of the Australian outback in safety, splendour, and comfort. We love all the Australian outback has to offer and want to share our experiences in the hope you’ll love it too. With the option to stay in quality accommodation, camp under the stars, or experience a bit of both, we have tour options to cater to your every need. We offer a number of tours running through the Kimberley, Pilbara, Western Deserts, Simpson Desert and Outback South Australia. If you have a specific location or area in mind, we can even organise private charters to take you anywhere in Australia. Our tours are catered to you, how you want to travel and what you want to see. At Outback Horizons, we share our enthusiasm for the Australian Outback with you and strive to provide the highest excellence in knowledge, hospitality and generosity. Our tours are designed and constructed with plenty of time to see the highlights, so you won’t feel you’re rushed off to the next destination. We cater for couples, families or even large groups of friends – you tell us how you wish to travel. Our group Kimberley camping tours are operated with a support vehicle, trailer and second guide to assist in the setup and pack down of camp. This enables you to have more time enjoying what you have come here to see, relax around the camp fire and enjoy the bush for what it is! We seek to provide you with new opportunities, unique experiences, and interesting knowledge while you enjoy your holiday with us.
Please Note: Single supplement applies to all accommodated tour bookings. Please touch base prior to booking as the price varies depending on options.
To start your tour, you will be collected from your Broome
accommodation at 7am by our tour guide. We will firstly call into one of Broome’s
popular cafés, followed by a short sightseeing trip around Broome. Our journey
then begins along the Great Northern Highway to Derby with a stopover at
Willare Roadhouse for Lunch. We visit the Art Gallery in Derby, the Wharf, and
the Boab Prison tree before settling into the Spinifex hotel in Derby.
Overnight: Spinifex Hotel (ensuite motel room, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 — Derby to Bell Gorge
Today we make our way to Tunnel Creek which flows through a water worn
tunnel beneath the limestone of the Napier Range. Tunnel Creek is part of the
350 – 375 million year old Devonian Reef, formed when most of the Kimberley was
covered by the sea and gradually exposed as the sea level fell to its present
level. Tunnel Creek was the hideout for Jandamarra (Pigeon) who led the Aboriginal
resistance against the police and pastoralists until he was tracked down and
killed by a police posse in 1897. We will walk 750 metres through the tunnel,
wading through several permanent pools to the other side of Napier Range. Our
next destination is Windjana Gorge, a stunning gorge cut through the Napier
Range. This site holds special significance to the local Aboriginal people. The
gorge is 3.5 km long and formed by the Lennard River as it winds its way
through the Napier Range. There are primeval life forms fossilised within the
gorge walls. Isolated pools in the ‘dry’ season, support an abundance of
wildlife including freshwater crocodiles, water birds, corellas, and a colony
of fruit bats. We continue through the Wunaamin Miliwundi (King Leopold Ranges)
to our evening destination, the Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge.
Overnight: Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge (ensuite safari tent, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 — Bell Gorge
Following a leisurely breakfast, we take the short drive to Bell Gorge.
Eroded into the King Leopold Range, Bell Gorge is one of the most impressive
gorges in the Kimberley. Bell Creek cascades down through a series of falls and
pools. We hike to 1.2km to the falls. There is time to enjoy a beautiful
morning swim to cool down and relax before we return to our evening
destination, The Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge. The afternoon and evening are
spent relaxing around the lodge.
Overnight: Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge (ensuite safari tent, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 — Bell Gorge to Mitchell Falls
We say goodbye to Bell Gorge Wilderness lodge and re-join the Gibb
River Rd towards Galvans Gorge for an early morning swim followed by Mt
Barnett for fuel and refreshments. Stopping regularly along the way we continue
our journey to the Mitchell Falls Lodge, our evening destination. Today is our
biggest day due to limited accommodation along the way. After settling in we
enjoy a drink around the campfire followed by dinner.
Overnight: Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge (ensuite safari tent, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 — Mitchell Plateau
Departing the lodge for the day, we arrive at the Mertens carpark where
we embark on a short scenic helicopter flight over the Mitchell Plateau and the
incredible Mitchell Falls. The scenery is remarkable, and it gives us a great
perspective before seeing it on the ground. After exploring the top of
the falls, and enjoying a swim, we hike 3.5km back to the carpark, stopping in
at some Aboriginal Rock Art along the way. Once we arrive back at the vehicle,
we take the short drive back to the lodge and relax.
Overnight: Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge (ensuite safari tent, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 — Mitchell Falls to Ellenbrae Station
Today’s drive along Port Warrender Road will be slow and steady back along
the Port Warrender Rd. The roads are a good example of 4WD terrain. Stopping in
at two spectacular examples of Aboriginal Rock Art and joining a
cultural tour of the sites, we immerse ourselves back in time, followed by
Lunch. We continue onto Ellenbrae Station, the wonderful, authentic cattle
station and meet the wonderful hosts and enjoy afternoon tea on the grounds.
Overnight: Ellenbrae Station (safari tent/safari cabin, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 — Ellenbrae Station to El Questro
A leisurely breakfast this morning where the group can relax on the grounds
of the property before jumping back in the vehicle for the day’s drive. Along
the way we will be presented with fabulous views of the Kimberley and Cockburn
Range. Our journey continues along the Gibb River Road to our evening
destination at El Questro.
Overnight: El Questro Wilderness Park (ensuite Safari tent, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 — El Questro
Today we experience the beauty of El Questro Wilderness Park, firstly with
a swim in the magnificent Thermal Pools of Zebedee Springs, followed by a 1.2km
hike into Emma Gorge, in the heart of the Cockburn Ranges. Following the
hike, we enjoy lunch before making our way to a spectacular viewing of a
Kimberley Sunset.
Overnight: El Questro Wilderness Park (ensuite safari tent, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (including sunset drinks and appetizers)
Day 9 — El Questro to Kununurra
Following breakfast, we take a short journey into Kununurra and surrounds
where you will embark on a half day tour of the Ord River and Lake Argyle via
boat, returning to Kununurra just after sunset.
Overnight: Kununurra Country Club (ensuite motel room, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 — Kununurra to Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles)
Following breakfast, we travel into Kununurra to restock supplies and enjoy
some magnificent art galleries. The following leg of our journey takes us
to the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles). The
Bungle Bungle Range is renowned for its striking orange and grey horizontal
banded domes. The distinctive beehive-shaped landforms have been produced by
uplift and erosion over the last 20 million years. Our evening will
consist of a spectacular sunset viewing of the Bungle Bungle Ranges while
enjoying a glass of Champagne, before returning to our evening accommodation.
Overnight: Purnululu (Bungle Bungles) (ensuite safari tent, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 — Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles)
After breakfast, we spend the day walking and exploring the magnificent
beehive formations of this World Heritage Listed region. This will include
hikes into Echidna Chasm, Cathedral Gorge and Piccaninny Creek Lookout. Up
until 1982 the region was largely ‘undiscovered’. Prior to 1982 only local
Aboriginal people and a handful of stockmen knew of the area and in 1987 it
became a National Park. An unforgettable helicopter flight is highly
recommended and available as an option.
Overnight: Purnululu (Bungle Bungles) (ensuite safari tent, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 — Purnululu National Park to Fitzroy Crossing
Leaving Purnululu we make our way to Halls Creek for morning tea and
refreshments. We travel along the Great Northern Highway to Fitzroy Crossing,
stopping for lunch and enjoying the views. Our evening destination, the Fitzroy
River Lodge, is a beautiful oasis nestled along the banks of the river.
Overnight: Fitzroy River Lodge (ensuite motel room, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 — Fitzroy Crossing to Broome
Following an early breakfast, the group embarks on a beautiful, slow and
informative boat cruise down the Fitzroy River through Geikie Gorge. Our last
leg of the day takes us back into Broome mid-afternoon where we will bid
farewell to the group and drop off to their pre-arranged accommodation.
Overnight: Guest pre-arranged accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Please Note: Single supplement applies to all accommodated tour bookings. Please touch base prior to booking as the price varies depending on options.
Day 1 — Broome to Derby
To start your tour, you will be collected from your Broome accommodation at 7am by our tour guide. We will firstly call into one of Broome’s popular cafés, followed by a short sightseeing trip around Broome. Our journey then begins along the Great Northern Highway to Derby with a stopover at Willare Roadhouse for Lunch. We visit the Art Gallery in Derby, the Wharf, and the Boab Prison tree before settling into the Spinifex hotel in Derby.
Overnight: Spinifex Hotel (ensuite motel room, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 — Derby to Bell Gorge
Today we make our way to Tunnel Creek which flows through a water worn tunnel beneath the limestone of the Napier Range. Tunnel Creek is part of the 350 – 375 million year old Devonian Reef, formed when most of the Kimberley was covered by the sea and gradually exposed as the sea level fell to its present
level. Tunnel Creek was the hideout for Jandamarra (Pigeon) who led the Aboriginal resistance against the police and pastoralists until he was tracked down and
killed by a police posse in 1897. We will walk 750 metres through the tunnel, wading through several permanent pools to the other side of Napier Range. Our
next destination is Windjana Gorge, a stunning gorge cut through the Napier Range. This site holds special significance to the local Aboriginal people. The gorge is 3.5 km long and formed by the Lennard River as it winds its way through the Napier Range. There are primeval life forms fossilised within the gorge walls. Isolated pools in the ‘dry’ season, support an abundance of wildlife including freshwater crocodiles, water birds, corellas, and a colony of fruit bats. We continue through the Wunaamin Miliwundi (King Leopold Ranges) to our evening destination, the Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge.
Overnight: Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge (ensuite safari tent, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 — Bell Gorge
Following a leisurely breakfast, we take the short drive to Bell Gorge. Eroded into the King Leopold Range, Bell Gorge is one of the most impressive gorges in the Kimberley. Bell Creek cascades down through a series of falls and pools. We hike to 1.2km to the falls. There is time to enjoy a beautiful morning swim to cool down and relax before we return to our evening destination, The Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge. The afternoon and evening are spent relaxing around the lodge.
Overnight: Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge (ensuite safari tent, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 — Bell Gorge to Mitchell Falls
We say goodbye to Bell Gorge Wilderness lodge and re-join the Gibb River Rd towards Galvans Gorge for an early morning swim followed by Mt Barnett for fuel and refreshments. Stopping regularly along the way we continue our journey to the Mitchell Falls Lodge, our evening destination. Today is our biggest day due to limited accommodation along the way. After settling in we enjoy a drink around the campfire followed by dinner. Overnight: Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge (ensuite safari tent, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 — Mitchell Plateau
Departing the lodge for the day, we arrive at the Mertens carpark where we embark on a short scenic helicopter flight over the Mitchell Plateau and the incredible Mitchell Falls. The scenery is remarkable, and it gives us a great perspective before seeing it on the ground. After exploring the top of the falls, and enjoying a swim, we hike 3.5km back to the carpark, stopping in at some Aboriginal Rock Art along the way. Once we arrive back at the vehicle, we take the short drive back to the lodge and relax.
Overnight: Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge (ensuite safari tent, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 — Mitchell Falls to Ellenbrae Station
Today’s drive along Port Warrender Road will be slow and steady back along the Port Warrender Rd. The roads are a good example of 4WD terrain. Stopping in at two spectacular examples of Aboriginal Rock Art and joining a cultural tour of the sites, we immerse ourselves back in time, followed by Lunch. We continue onto Ellenbrae Station, the wonderful, authentic cattle station and meet the wonderful hosts and enjoy afternoon tea on the grounds.
Overnight: Ellenbrae Station (safari tent/safari cabin, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 — Ellenbrae Station to El Questro
A leisurely breakfast this morning where the group can relax on the grounds of the property before jumping back in the vehicle for the day’s drive. Along the way we will be presented with fabulous views of the Kimberley and Cockburn Range. Our journey continues along the Gibb River Road to our evening destination at El Questro.
Overnight: El Questro Wilderness Park (ensuite Safari tent, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 — El Questro
Today we experience the beauty of El Questro Wilderness Park, firstly with a swim in the magnificent Thermal Pools of Zebedee Springs, followed by a 1.2km hike into Emma Gorge, in the heart of the Cockburn Ranges. Following the hike, we enjoy lunch before making our way to a spectacular viewing of a Kimberley Sunset.
Overnight: El Questro Wilderness Park (ensuite safari tent, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (including sunset drinks and appetizers)
Day 9 — El Questro to Kununurra
Following breakfast, we take a short journey into Kununurra and surrounds where you will embark on a half day tour of the Ord River and Lake Argyle via boat, returning to Kununurra just after sunset.
Overnight: Kununurra Country Club (ensuite motel room, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 — Kununurra to Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles)
Following breakfast, we travel into Kununurra to restock supplies and enjoy some magnificent art galleries. The following leg of our journey takes us to the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles). The Bungle Bungle Range is renowned for its striking orange and grey horizontal banded domes. The distinctive beehive-shaped landforms have been produced by uplift and erosion over the last 20 million years. Our evening will consist of a spectacular sunset viewing of the Bungle Bungle Ranges while enjoying a glass of Champagne, before returning to our evening accommodation.
Overnight: Purnululu (Bungle Bungles) (ensuite safari tent, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 — Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles)
After breakfast, we spend the day walking and exploring the magnificent beehive formations of this World Heritage Listed region. This will include hikes into Echidna Chasm, Cathedral Gorge and Piccaninny Creek Lookout. Up until 1982 the region was largely ‘undiscovered’. Prior to 1982 only local Aboriginal people and a handful of stockmen knew of the area and in 1987 it became a National Park. An unforgettable helicopter flight is highly recommended and available as an option.
Overnight: Purnululu (Bungle Bungles) (ensuite safari tent, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 — Purnululu National Park to Fitzroy Crossing
Leaving Purnululu we make our way to Halls Creek for morning tea and refreshments. We travel along the Great Northern Highway to Fitzroy Crossing, stoppingfor lunch and enjoying the views. Our evening destination, the Fitzroy River Lodge, is a beautiful oasis nestled along the banks of the river.
Overnight: Fitzroy River Lodge (ensuite motel room, twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 — Fitzroy Crossing to Broome
Following an early breakfast, the group embarks on a beautiful, slow and informative boat cruise down the Fitzroy River through Geikie Gorge. Our last leg of the day takes us back into Broome mid-afternoon where we will bid farewell to the group and drop off to their pre-arranged accommodation.
Overnight: Guest pre-arranged accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Upon booking a tour, the customer agrees to the following terms and conditions:
• All bookings must be paid in full at time of booking.
If the above payment terms are not met, the customer risks their seat on the tour being forfeited. The proprietor reserves the right to cancel the customer booking in accordance with the following cancellation procedure if the above terms and conditions are not met. A place on the tour will be confirmed via email upon receipt.
Standard Cancellation Policy:
If the customer cancels their tour booking the following fees apply:
A cancellation of 100 days or more will incur total loss of deposit.
A cancellation fee equivalent to 50% of the tour cost if the customer cancels less than 99 days and more than 61 days from the departure date.
A cancellation fee equivalent to 100% of the tour cost if the customer cancels less than 60 days from the departure date.
All cancellations must be received in writing by Outback Horizons and are not effective until this notification has been received. The above cancellation fees are charged at the proprietor’s absolute discretion and can be waived in special circumstances subject to proprietor’s discretion.
No refund will be given if you fail to join the tour or if you choose to leave the tour (for whatever reason) before the tour scheduled completion except with proprietor’s written agreement.
COVID 19 Vaccination/COVID 19 Restrictions
The customer shall comply with all Government (Federal and State) COVID-19 vaccination, testing or isolation requirements (if applicable). Where the customer does not meet a vaccination or testing requirement (if applicable):
(a) prior to departure from the customer’s home location, the customer will forfeit any and all monies paid; or
(b) for access to the tour service, the customer will not be granted entry and will forfeit any and all monies paid.
Where the customer cancels due to travel restrictions other than vaccination or testing requirements (being enforced). The operator reserves the right to withhold some monies to cover administrative expenses and other losses, dependent on when notice of cancellation is given by the customer.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking the tour. The insurance should cover against illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings or baggage, inability to travel on the confirmed departure date, medical expenses and tour cancellation.
General Exclusion of Liability
Whilst Outback Horizons will take all reasonable steps to provide an enjoyable tour, it accepts no liability for any loss of enjoyment.
Exclusion of Liability Adventure Activity
The tour includes activities such as hiking and swimming, participants should accept that there are degrees of risk involved.
The Insurance Provider does not cover Liability in respect of Personal Injury to any Person where such Personal Injury occurs directly or indirectly out of, or caused by, or in connection with any ‘Adventure Activity’. Adventure Activities include but are not limited to the following examples: rock climbing and/or abseiling, archery, horse riding, shooting, water-based activities (boating, canoeing, sailing etcetera, any other similar activity. Adventure Activities exclusion does not include bush or trail walking.
These tours include optional tour activities, e.g. helicopter flights and boat cruises which are not under the control of Outback Horizons. Whilst all reasonable care is taken in selecting those operators, Outback Horizons cannot accept responsibility for that operator’s conduct or the conduct of their respective employees or any consequence of that conduct.
Outback Horizons takes no responsibility for the loss or damage to personal belongings or baggage.
Itinerary Conditions
Tours will run with a minimum of 2-8 passengers (vehicle and tour type dependant). Outback Horizons reserves the right to cancel a tour if group numbers are insufficient, all monies received under these circumstances will be refunded in full.
As unexpected mechanical breakdowns or the uncertainties of weather and road conditions or other circumstances may be encountered, Outback Horizons reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary of any of its tours.
However, if 1- or 2-days’ delay is experienced through difficult road conditions or mechanical breakdown, consultation may occur with participants to determine if the tour should continue as planned or alternatively be shortened or the tour route altered. No refunds will be given in these circumstances.
In the case of a serious breakdown which prevents the tour from continuing, Outback Horizons may attempt to decide with another tour operator to complete the tour. Should that not be possible we will arrange for transport to the nearest major town and after deducting the cost of such transport, refund the tour cost on a pro-rata basis.
Any costs incurred by a participant as a result of a delay on any tour, including failure to make connections with any other service, are the responsibility of the participant.
If in the event of extreme conditions (eg major floods, road closures, fires) being encountered and in the interests of the safety of our participants, the tour is abandoned, an alternative date and/or destination may be offered. A refund under these circumstances and the amount will be at the discretion of Outback Horizons.
Outback Horizons reserves the right to disembark at the nearest available transport, (after one warning) if any tour participant who acts in a manner that endangers others or themselves, is disruptive, abusive, or in any other way a nuisance to other participants or ignores our rules. No refunds will be given in these circumstances.
Disclaimer
The operator and/or its employees and agents accepts no responsibilities, nor is the operator liable for any act of omission whatsoever (whether inside or outside their control or by neglect or otherwise) for any booking, contract, travel, accommodation or tours which may result in any loss, damage, accident, detention, diversion or theft in regard to luggage or personal belongings, and will be exempt from liability in respect of direct or indirect or consequential loss or damage, death, injury, sickness, irregularity, delay liability and additional expenses, or inconvenience or any other event beyond its control including accident or failure to machinery or equipment, accommodation, transportation or other services, or any acts of God, dangers incident to the outback, fire, acts of government, acts of war or other authorities, delays, strikes or cancellation of itinerary or schedule changes whatsoever, howsoever by whosoever caused.