Wandjina Country Air Tour from Kununurra Including Kalumburu Ground Tour and Brunch

Kununurra, Australia

In the culture of the Kimberley people, the Wandjina is a respected and irritable spirit, who brings water and life to a parched land. From your fixed-wing aircraft, explore the heart of the Wandjina country and marvel at the landscapes, river systems and coast that these spirits have nurtured.

Departing Kununurra, track west towards the striking Cockbun Ranges and the Pentecost River. Overfly the El Questro Township and Homestead, the famous Pentecost Crossing, and Home Valley Station before setting course for the Mitchell River Falls, overflying the remote and unpopulated central Kimberley.

Mitchell Falls
The majestic Mitchell Falls, or Punamii-Unpuu, is an iconic landmark in the Kimberley and is significant culturally and spiritually for the Wunambal people who have lived in harmony with this landscape for thousands of years. (Note: Occassionally, you may land at Mitchell Plateau airfield to transfer other passengers). From the falls, track for the coast to Admiralty Gulf, the spectacular Kimberley Coastal Camp and the abandoned early settlement of Port Warrender.

Truscott-Mungalalu Air Base
Enroute, pass by the pearl farms of Vansittart Bay and sometimes glimpse the daily coming and going of sea-planes which carry the precious harvest to Darwin. Truscott historic WWII airbase is now a busy transfer hub for the off-shore oil and gas rigs in the Timor Sea. During the War of course it was a top secret air base from which the allies launched many successful raids to the Dutch East Indies Archipelligo. The Japanese knew of its existence but never discovered its location despite extensive reconnaissance efforts.

Kalumburu
You've now been in the air for 2-hours and it's time for a comfort stop and tour of WA’s most northern settlement – Kalumburu remote Aboriginal community. A courtesy coach conveys you to the lawns and shade of the still active Kalumburu Mission where a gourmet picnic brunch and refreshments are served. You are invited to view the the Mission Museum, a treasure trove of artifacts and history.

King George Falls
Head out from Kalumburu, northwards along the Broome-Napier Bay and the mouth of the mighty Drysdale River. The remote resort of Faraway Bay is next in view, where you may land to transfer guests. The awesome King George Falls spring into view, flowing year-round, the 131-foot (40-meter) twin falls are an unforgettable sight, only accessible by air or sea. These are the falls also featured in Baz Luhrmann’s 2008 film “Australia”.

Timor Sea Coast
Onward along the pristine Timor Sea coast, view the exclusive Berkeley River Resort, rocky headlands, spectacular pockets of white sand beaches and remnant rain forests. If the sea is calm you can sometimes observe large fish and marine mammals along the shoreline.

Finally arrive at the Ord River Irrigation area and its patchwork of farms growing Chia, Sandalwood, Melons, Sorghum, Mangoes and many other crops. Ord Stage 2, currently being developed by its Chinese investor, and the future stage 3 are clearly observed. On approach to Kununurra, view the old Ivanhoe Crossing, and the newer Diversion Dam and irrigation channels which store and deliver the water for agriculture.