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Epic 6-day Private Kimberley Helicopter Safari

This 6-day Private Kimberley Helicopter Safari itinerary includes time at the Kimberley’s most iconic and scenic sites, as well as overnight stays in the region’s best luxury lodges and wilderness retreats – Berkeley River Lodge, Kimberley Coastal Camp and El Questro. The tours are private, and travelling by helicopter allows you the flexibility to land and explore remote and otherwise inaccessible areas as you wish. Imagine resting atop a mountain pinnacle to enjoy the sunset with your favourite cold drink, fishing in wild rivers, exploring galleries of the oldest rock art on earth, soaring through gorges and touching down to swim in secret springs and waterfalls…yep, this is definitely one for the bucket list.

Day 1 – Kununurra to Berkeley River Lodge

Lift off from Kununurra to soar over the Ord River following its path west past the huge farms of the Ord Irrigation area. View the incredible patterns in the mud flats surrounding the town of Wyndham where five huge rivers meet, emptying into the Cambridge Gulf where some of the Kimberley’s biggest estuarine crocodiles live.

Cambridge Gulf
Cambridge Gulf

Crossing the Gulf you’ll pass over ancient traditional lands of the Balangarra people. Flying onwards, the ranges rise ahead with the watercourses of the De Lan Court and Berkeley Rivers beneath you. Land at a scenic location to enjoy refreshments in a place where few others have ever been before. Fly low through the gorges of the Berkeley River to the Timor Sea and land at the oceanside helipad of the Berkeley River Lodge in time for breakfast.



 In a completely secluded wilderness location that is accessible only by air or boat Berkeley River Lodge is nestled between the impressive backdrop of the beautiful Berkeley River and the breathtaking Timor Sea and is comprised of 20 luxury 1 bedroom chalets set on the sand dunes with 180 degree ocean or river views.

Day 2 – Berkeley River Lodge to Kimberley Coastal Camp

Lunch in the canypn at Berkeley River Lodge
Lunch in the canyon at Berkeley River Lodge

Lift off after breakfast with a delicious picnic on board, prepared by the Berkeley River Lodge chef. Today’s flight takes in the remote Kimberley‘s northern coastline, with craggy cliffs, white coves and plentiful sealife to view from above. Land atop the twin waterfalls of the King George Falls to explore then visit Kalumburu, an Aboriginal community where the mission is still in place with an astonishing museum curated by the Benedictine monks who have spent their lives here. Rounding the top of WA and flying past Steep Head Island you’ll come in to land on the shell beach at your home for the next two nights, Kimberley Coastal Camp.

Day 3 – Kimberley Coastal Camp

Kimberley Coastal Camp
Kimberley Coastal Camp

An exclusive retreat limited to just 12 guests, Kimberley Coastal Camp is unpretentious, laid back and set in an exquisite location that is again only accessible by helicopter or boat. Jules and Tub are your hosts who will welcome you into their beautiful home at the far north west corner of Australia. Jules is an incredibly talented chef and prepares all sorts of delicious meals. Tub will take you out on the water to fish, explore and forage for oysters, then cook it up for lunch on a pristine beach. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy here on your ‘no fly day’, from fishing – the Admiralty Gulf is recognised as one of the best fishing destinations in Australia – to exploring the hidden galleries of exquisite art forms that adorn caves and rock panels throughout Yalrundair.

Day 4: Kimberley Coastal Camp to Mitchell Falls, Prince Regent River and El Questro

Today’s adventure will take you along the coast first and then inland. Departing after early breakfast you’ll soar over the Mitchell Plateau to orbit over and land at the top of the mighty 4-tiered Mitchell Falls. Your pilot will guide you on a walk to get the best of this iconic Australian feature. You’ll then fly to the coast and may land at Naturaliste Island, to refuel if necessary, where there’s the chance to see turtles. Continue through Prince Frederick Harbour, a natural harbour with bays, coves, spectacular cliffs and mangrove forests.

Mitchell falls
Mitchell falls

View pearl farms, the King Cascades flowing into the Prince Regent River, Mt Trafalgar, Mt Waterloo and much more as you continue over rugged inland pastoral leases to Drysdale River Station to refuel, a remote fuel and accommodation stop on the Kalumburu Road. The last leg for the day takes you over the central Kimberley, flying over parts of the Gibb River Road, Home Valley Station and the famous Pentecost River Crossing. The glow of the afternoon sun on the red rocks of the Cockburn Range makes a stunning backdrop to sunset drinks location on top of one of the pinnacles. On sunset you’ll fly to El Questro landing on the lawn helipad at the Homestead. Over 800,000 acres in size, El Questro extends for approximately 80 kilometres, most of which has never been explored. The Homestead sits amid a cool oasis shaded by palm trees and tropical greenery, perched atop an escarpment that plummets into the Chamberlain River.

Day 5: El Questro

El Questro
El Questro

Today is another ‘no fly’ day, which gives you the chance to relax and enjoy the wide range of complimentary excursions that are included at El Questro – the majority of which are exclusive to Homestead guests.

Day 5: El Questro to Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle), Lake Argyle and Kununurra

Lift off from the El Questro Homestead lawn helipad after breakfast to soar out over the Chamberlain River and fly south passing over the Elgee cliffs bordering the Durack River. Explore vast tracts of cattle station empires and marvel at the tenacity of our early pioneers in settling this rugged land. We pass over the traditional lands of the Kija and Djaru people and their community at Warmun, where many famous Aboriginal artists such as Rover Thomas and Queenie McKenzie lived and worked. Your destination is Purnululu National Park, a World Heritage Listed area, celebrated for the valuable cultural and natural assets it holds including the Bungle Bungle Range, a 350 million year old sandstone massif that rises up to 578 metres above sea level.

Bungle Bungles - HeliSpirit
Fly over the Bungle Bungles

The range stands 200 to 300 metres above a woodland and grass-covered plain, with steep cliffs on the western face. Elsewhere, particularly where Piccaninny Creek has formed Piccaninny Gorge, the range is cut by deep gullies and breaks up into complex areas of ridges and domes, with prominent orange and black or grey bands. Land at Bellburn airfield in Purnululu to join a private overland tour that comprises a drive to the massif and then a guided walk through the striped sandstone domes and further into Cathedral Gorge, named due to its excellent acoustics. Margie is the local guide and her family has lived in the area for literally tens of thousands of years so she knows all the best places. In the afternoon you’ll depart Purnululu, flying north over the Argyle Diamond Mine, where rare pink diamonds are found, then over huge Lake Argyle, the biggest manmade lake in the southern hemisphere. Its volume is said to be over 21 times that of Sydney harbour. The surrounding ranges that hold back the freshwater body will be glowing in the late afternoon light. Land on a mountain pinnacle where you can drink a toast to the Kimberley and its spectacular landscape before flying in to Kununurra and the Ord Valley which is always spectacular, an oasis of lush farms, big waters and colourful ranges – a fitting end to your unforgettable helicopter adventure. Your pilot will transfer you to your Kununurra accommodation and say farewell.

These luxury Kimberley Air Safaris operate from April 1st through to October 15th and do not have set departure dates. April and May offer the best time for Barramundi fishing and the waterfalls will be flowing well. The landscape is still green after the monsoonal Wet season. June to August are cooler months, with September and October starting to warm up ahead of the monsoon season. The fleet is varied and will depart with just 2 people or up to 12 people at a maximum, as the destinations you’ll stay at are small and exclusive.

For more information about this Private Kimberley Helicopter Safari please get in touch.

The Kimberley

The Wild North West (The Kimberley)

The Kimberley is a vast region that is for the most part totally uninhabited. Occupying the north west of Australia it is really only accessible during our winter months from April through to October. The big draw cards are the spectacular coastline, rugged outback wilderness, and the extraordinary assemblage of wildlife. The challenge is always finding a way to explore and experience all three. This is a remarkable part of Australia, and an incredibly unique destination. Below is a crash course on some key regional highlights.

Private yacht charter in Western Australia
Private yacht charter in Western Australia

Broome

This is purely a gateway port to start a journey in the Kimberley. The town itself can be covered in an afternoon or one night so not really much need to stay longer than one night – but could do two if you wanted.

Kimberley Coast – Expedition Cruising

Visit where the big ships can't go on the True North - Kimberley Wilderness Cruise
Visit where the big ships can’t go on the True North – Kimberley Wilderness Cruise

Daily activities can include scenic walks, helicopter flights, fishing, snorkelling, cultural visits, picnics, flora, bird and wildlife watching, diving, exploring and much more… Multiple expedition vessels or ‘tenders’ take guests in small groups to experience the wilderness ‘up close’ and, the luxury of having numerous tenders means that everyone onboard has greater opportunity to do “what they want, when they want”.

Most cruise options feature an onboard helicopter opening up a whole range of options from scenic flights and heli-picnics to overnight camping adventures. Discover virtually unseen and untouched parts of The Kimberley.

Beach Picnic on the True-North - a Kimberley Wilderness Cruise
Beach Picnic on the True-North – a Kimberley Wilderness Cruise

Kimberley Coast – Air Safari

Out of Broome a great way of seeing the Buccaneer Archipelago (one of the most spectacular sections of the Kimberley Coast) is by helicopter or light aircraft. You can fly over this stretch of coast for around three hours and if using a heli could include a stop for lunch at the horizontal waterfalls. The main points of interest include a stop at Cygnet Bay, a working pearl farm, and at the Horizontal waterfalls. True North also covers the same stretch of coast, however doing it by air is a different experience all together, not to mention the time difference. You would then fly down into Mornington Wilderness Sanctuary.

Sunrise at Raft Point by helicopter with True North - Kimberley Wilderness Cruise
Sunrise at Raft Point by helicopter with True North – Kimberley Wilderness Cruise

Kimberley Coast – Kimberley Coastal Camp

Day bed at Kimberley Coastal Camp
Day bed at Kimberley Coastal Camp

‘Crushed coral rustic luxury’ is the best way to describe this property. Located along an impressive stretch of the Kimberly Coast this rustic camp is a great experience with good aboriginal art (including Bradshaw and Wandjina Art), great fishing and beautiful coastal scenery. Hugely popular with all our past travellers due to the uniqueness and personalisation of experience. This really isn’t offered anywhere else in the region – hands on experiences out exploring with your guides. Accommodation is open air ‘shacks’ with bare sand/coral floors and open air ‘windows’ – all looking out onto the water. Small, intimate, and very unique.

Kimberley Outback – El Questro Homestead

Baobab dining at El Questro Homestead in The Kimberley
Baobab dining at El Questro Homestead in The Kimberley

This is a member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, and is by far the most comfortable outback experience in this part of the country. The station has various accommodation options, however the homestead is the only luxurious option. It is a few hours’ drive, or a short heli flight from Kununurra. There are a range of on-site activities included in a stay here, as is all your food and beverages.

El Questro Homestead in The Kimberley
El Questro Homestead in The Kimberley

Kimberley Inland – Mornington Downs Wilderness Sanctuary

A very authentic side to this region. Mornington Downs has good African style safari tents, but there is more specific focus on the wildlife conservation work here. This is run by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy who are doing some impressive work in this region, and will show you a very interesting (and to many unknown) side to the conservation battle in Australia. Mornington is the one place in Northern Australia that has managed to reverse the declining mammal populations and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy is the leading private conservation group in the country. This is an opportunity to experience some of the Kimberley’s wildlife, and is usually a very rewarding visit.

 

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