Bungle Bungle RangeTHE KIMBERLEY One of the world's last unspoilt regions, thistime-worn land shelters great beauty in itsrugged isolation. Pristine beaches fringe theIndian Ocean and through the wet season, fromNovember to April, mighty rivers burst to life,thundering in waterfalls and feeding pockets oflush rainforest amongst the arid desert, vastopen plains, complex cave systems and ancientboab trees. The bird and wildlife here isastonishing and the local people are friendly,unpretentious and proud of their history.Broome, Derby and Kununurra are the maingateways, but outside of these areas theexperience of the remote Outback is moreimportant than the accommodation, where yourchoices are limited. Most roads in this area areunsealed and require a 4WD vehicle, so toexplore the area you'll have to choose betweentravelling alone, linking up with a small convoyof vehicles led by an experienced guide orjoining a small group guided tour. Our specialistswill be able to advise which will best suit yourinterests, itinerary and experience. 52Camels at sunset on Cable beachBROOMEOozing with colour, this exotic, laid back townwas once the pearling capital of the world anddrew its population from a range of nationswho came on the promise of pearls. Aflamboyant history has resulted in a uniquelymulti-cultural atmosphere. Set on Roebuck Bayoverlooking the Indian Ocean, Broome is famousfor Cable Beach, a band of pure white sand, justthe place for lazy days or a sunset camel ride.From here you can take pearling tours or visitGantheaume Point where the low tide uncoversancient dinosaur footprints. McAlpine House, BroomeSet amidst verdant tropical gardens this formerresidence of a pearling master has been beautifullyrestored into a small hotel with just eightguestrooms. It offers a heritage setting with a wide,breezy veranda, polished timber floors and even theoriginal 'pearling table', where master pearlers oncestruck many of their deals. The personalised service,swimming pool and welcoming atmosphere makethis a perfect colonial tropical retreat. THE SAVANNAH WAYCrossing this vast continent from west to east,this route linking the historic pearling town ofBroome in Western Australia with Cairns inTropical North Queensland is one of Australia'sgreatest drives: the route is easy to follow withclear signage, interpretative displays and mapsalong the way. Whether you explore just asection or the entire route, you will passthrough an amazingly diverse and spectacularlandscape of wide horizons, ancient gorges,rock pools, salt pans, hot springs and abundantwildlife. These remote Outback regions are justthe place to experience true Australianhospitality, with roadhouses and Outbackstations providing character accommodation.Gantheaume Point, Broome

WESTERN AUSTRALIA53Cape LevequeCruising the OutbackAlthough most visitors to this remarkable wildernessarea travel the inland route, it is possible to cruisebetween the two unique frontier centres of Broomeand Darwin with Coral Princess Cruises. Withspacious ensuite cabins for just 50 guests, theshallow draft of this 35 metre luxury expeditioncatamaran makes her ideally suited to navigate themighty rivers and scenic inlets of the Kimberleycoast. Over a ten-night cruise you will explore thehundreds of islands in Buccaneer Archipelago, thetidal phenomena at Montgomery Reef and theextraordinary horizontal waterfalls near Talbot Bay.An excursion boat lets you navigate the gorges ofthe Mitchell, King George, Prince Regent andHunter Rivers, and it is the abundance of bird lifeand native wildlife that makes this Kimberleyexperience exceptional. tailor-made travelAll our travel arrangements are on a private,individual basis to offer you complete freedom ofchoice. The itineraries and accommodation optionsthroughout the brochure are designed to give you aflavour of what is possible and can be tailor-made tosuit your preferences. Prices vary according toselected accommodation and season. Please callour Australia specialists on 01869 276 345 todiscuss your individual requirements.CAPE LEVEQUE,DAMPIER PENINSULA A string of deserted beaches washed by cobaltblue waters make this remote peninsula ofAboriginal land north of Broome a very specialplace. In this beautiful setting the residentAboriginal communities invite visitors toexperience their lifestyle and learn of theirtraditional fishing methods. Beagle Bay is hometo the delightful Sacred Heart Church, built in1917 by the Pallotine monks, while MiddleLagoon is one of the most beautiful secludedbeaches we have seen. Teetering on the verynorthern tip Cape Leveque itself is resplendent,with sparkling waters that see humpbackwhales on their annual migration (July andOctober) while the sunsets blaze with colour allyear round against the red pindan cliffs. Kooljaman Camp, Cape Leveque Blessed by some of Australia's finest views, thesehilltop safari-style tents are secluded, have largebalconies and an unrestricted outlook over the bay.Each tent has a double bed, ensuite bathroom andbarbeque. Kooljaman is owned by two aboriginalcommunities, and befriending them will give yougreat appreciation for this beautiful slice of theOutback. Some offer tours in search of mud crabsand bush tucker while others tell of the culturalhistory of the area. There is a restaurant on site oryou may like to barbeque your own dinner withproduce supplied by the 'bush butler'. Kooljamanoffers a quiet place to explore the natural beauty ofthe area in simple yet comfortable surroundings.Sightseeing with Coral PrincessKooljaman CampThe Capeand KimberleyCombine a small group guided tour of beautifulCape Leveque with some of the Kimberley's moreaccessible gorges and waterfalls. Travelling along theGibb River Road you will experience a fascinatinginsight into Outback life.Day 1:Arrive in Broome with the rest of the dayfree to explore, strolling along CableBeach or taking a sunset camel ride.Day 2:Leave Broome and head up the DampierPeninsula, stopping at Beagle Bay andMiddle Lagoon. Arrive at Cape Levequein time for the sunset.Day 3:Explore the cape - go swimming, mudcrabbing or perhaps take a scenic flightover the Buccaneer Archipelago.Day 4:Return to Broome. Day 5:Leave Broome and travel to Derby andthe start of the Gibb River Road andWindjana Gorge National Park.Day 6:Explore the national parks and the poolsat Bell Gorge. Day 7:Visit the Dimond Gorge and MorningtonWilderness Sanctuary.Day 8:Travel to Galvans Gorge and BarnettRiver Gorge.Day 9:At Mount Elizabeth station take a rockart tour and then head for El QuestroWilderness Park and Emma Gorge.Day 10:Spend the day at El Questro WildernessPark, admire the majestic ChamberlainGorge. Later travel to Wyndham and takein the view of the Five Rivers Lookoutand then head for Kununurra.Day 11:Explore Kununurra and Lake Argyle.Take a cruise along the Ord River.Day 12:Depart Kununurra.EXTENSIONSExtend your stay in Kununurra to take either ascenic flight over the magnificent Bungle Bunglerange in Purnululu National Park, or continue alongthe Gibb River Road.Fishing at Cape Leveque