Ardi Cultural Drive

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Let one of the oldest surviving cultures show you their country on the Dampier Peninsula and Cape Leveque. This trip will show you not only the coastal wilderness of the Kimberley region, but also the rich cultural history that belongs to the land and its people. This 4WD adventure is an epic way to explore the incredible Kimberley and build a connection to the locals of the land.

Travel

4 Days


Route

Broome to Broome

438km


Best Time of the Year

May to October

Highlights

  • Mercedes Cove
  • Sacred Heart Church
  • Cape Leveque
  • Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
  • Lombadina

The Journey

Days

1 2 3 4

Tourism Australia

Day 1
Broome to Mercedes Cove

Distance 153km - Driving Time About 2 hours

After getting your 4WD, begin your journey by visiting Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community and the breathtaking pearl shell altar of Sacred Heart Church. Beagle Bay is one of three Aboriginal communities on the Dampier Peninsula north of Broome. This destination is an interesting part of Western Australia's history. The Sacred Heart Church has a rich history, having been built entirely by hand by local Aborigines and Pallotine monks in the 1800s. Continue your day by visiting Whale Song Campground where you can learn all about Australia's native superfoods.

Where to stay: Whalesong Campground

Tourism Australia

Day 2
Mercedes Cove to Cape Leveque

Distance 70km - Driving Time About 1 hour

Head to Kooljaman where you can join the locals in trying your hand at spear making and fishing. Go looking for mud crabs in the mangroves and have the chance to cook your catch. On to Cygnet Bay, discover the art of pear farming – this destination is Australia's oldest pearl farm open to the public. Spend your afternoon on a scenic cruise or flight heading towards the 1,000 islands and islets of the Buccaneer Archipelago and the only Horizontal Waterfalls in the world from Kooljaman and Cape Leveque.

Where to stay: Kooljaman at Cape Leveque

Tourism Australia

Day 3
Cape Leveque to Lombadina

Distance 15km - Driving Time About 10 minutes

Head to Lombadina and meet the indigenous community, where they live on a beautiful stretch of white sand beach. Explore the beach and go fishing, kayaking, whale watching, bushwalking, snorkeling, or even bird watching. Spend the day in Lombadina relaxing and taking in all the beautiful scenery and colours that Kimberley has to offer.

Where to stay: Lombadina Campsite

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Day 4
Lombadina to Broome

Distance 200km - Driving Time About 3 hours

Spend two nights exploring the exotic pearling town of Broome. Indulge yourself in all the beauty of Cable Beach sunset whilst on a camel, and witness the natural phenomenon of the Staircase to the Moon. The staircase to the moon is caused by the rising of a full moon reflecting off the exposed mudflats in Roebuck Bay at low tide – this occurrence creates an incredible optical illusion of a stairway reaching to the moon – occurs from March – November.

Where to stay: Cable Beach Holiday Park