ITINERARY

DAY 1 - Saturday 24 June 2023 – arrive in Kununurra

The adventure starts in style! After settling into your hotel, enjoy an amazing night 3 course gourmet camp oven dinner under the stars with stunning scenery, good company, and great food (voted No 1 for the area on Trip Advisor).

12.10pm - Assuming most people will arrive on the Virgin flight at 12.10pm - you will be transferred to Cambridge Hotel (note flights at your own cost - see flight section above).  If you are already in town (if you decide to come earlier) or arriving on a different flight, please let Louise know with plenty of notice – 0403 343 303 art@artoutdoors.com.au.

1.30pm - At the Cambridge Hotel - welcome, intro, distribution and overview of art materials being supplied and itinerary review (light lunch will be supplied).

4.30pm - Pick up at the Hotel and transferred to the location for the Gourmet Camp Oven dinner (and transferred back to the hotel after).  You will enjoy the ambiance of Kimberley sunset drinks in a scenic location and then a delicious three 3 course gourmet camp oven dinner – all dishes are created using a combination of locally sourced produce and bush tucker with an emphasis on flavour and freshness.  Live Music played during the main course.  A truly magical Kimberley evening.

Night 1 - Accommodation in Chamberlain Rooms at the Cambridge Hotel, Kununurra.

DAY 2 - Sunday 25 June - Kununurra

The art really starts today.  Immerse yourself in the creative process at the beautiful Mirima National Park then spend the afternoon and evening enjoying some of the highlights of Kununurra.

7.00am - Breakfast at The Cambridge Hotel.

7.45am - Transport to Mirima National Park.

8.00am to 12pm - en plein air (outdoor) art workshop in Mirima, includes morning tea.  Louise will be providing advice, tuition and demonstrating techniques to get the best result from your oil painting palette.

12.15pm - Transport to the Hoochery for optional lunch, Rum tastings etc (food and beverage at your own cost).

2.00pm - Pick up from the Hoochery and a short tour of the highlights in and around Kununurra before returning to the Cambridge Hotel.

4.30pm - Transport to the Pump House Restaurant overlooking Lake Kununurra for Kimberley sunset – drinks, nibbles, dinner available a la carte style (food and beverage at your own cost).

Approx 8.30pm to 9pm - Transport back to the Cambridge Hotel.

Night 2 - Accommodation in Chamberlain Rooms at the Cambridge Hotel, Kununurra.

DAY 3 – Monday 26 June – Head to Lake Argyle

A very interesting day today!  First off to some of the fabulous art centres and galleries in Kununurra before heading on a 75km road trip to Lake Argyle – the scenery along the way is breathtaking and you’ll have time for a quick swim in the amazing infinity pool at the Lake Argyle Resort before heading off on a wonderful sunset boat cruise on the lake.

8.00am - Breakfast at The Cambridge Hotel.

9.00am - Transport to Waringarri Aboriginal Arts.  It was established in the 1980’s and sits on Miriwoong country; it is a living, growing art centre showcasing culture and country – see the amazing art works produced by the artists, visit the onsite galleries and shop.  Artists specialise in natural ochre paintings on canvas and paper, limited edition prints, wood carvings and sculpture.

10.00am - Transport from Waringarri to Artlandish Aboriginal Art Gallery and Artopia Gallery where you will have the opportunity to view a diverse selection amazing artworks before being picked up for the journey to Lake Argyle.  

11.00am - Bus transfer to Lake Argyle (75km / approx. 50 mins). 

12.00pm - Lunch at the Resort Restaurant and Cafe (at your own cost).  Opportunity to look around the Resort and maybe have a dip in the amazing infinity pool before heading off on the Sunset Cruise.

2.10pm - Sunset Cruise on Lake Argyle – transfer bus picks up from the resort at approximately 2.10pm and returns to the resort at approximately 6pm.  Includes afternoon tea and sunset drink and nibbles.  You will be astounded by the size and beauty of the lake!

Evening - Optionally meet at the Lake Argyle Restaurant & Cafe for dinner (at your own cost).  Note that the Studio Cabins do have small kitchenettes with gas rings, microwave and fridge if you prefer to prepare your own food (bring food from Kununurra).

Night 3 - Accommodation in Standard Studio Cabins, Lake Argyle Resort.

DAY 4 – Tuesday 27 June – Lake Argyle

It is definitely worth starting your day with an outside yoga session offered at the resort, before getting into the rest of the day which is all about the art!  A whole day’s workshop today where you will have the opportunity to paint ‘en plein air’ (there is a wonderful view).  Louise will be demonstrating techniques and providing you with tuition and advice along the way.

7.00am - Optional yoga with a view on the cliff overlooking the lake (subject to confirmation from the Resort – at your own cost; pay cash on the day).

8.00am - Continental breakfast (supplied in your room).

8.30am – 4.00pm - Art session on the cliff – this is a big art day with ample time to paint the amazing view and to learn some news skills and techniques with oil paints.  You may also want to use some of the time to put finishing touches on your paintings from Mirima National Park.

12.30pm - Break for lunch (at your own cost, either in the Resort Café or make your own in your room with provisions brought from Kununurra).

4.30pm- Sunset Drinks and nibbles on the cliff overlooking the lake.

Evening - Optionally meet at the Lake Argyle Restaurant & Cafe for dinner (at your own cost).  Note that the Studio Cabins do have small kitchenettes with gas rings, microwave and fridge if you prefer to prepare your own food (bring food from Kununurra).

Night 4 - Accommodation in Standard Studio Cabins, Lake Argyle Resort.

DAY 5 – Wednesday 28 June – Lake Argyle to El Questro Station

Wow! This is a very busy day, jam packed, full adventure and magnificent scenery. You will travel from Lake Argyle to Kununurra, 55km down the Ord River to Lake Kununurra, then hop aboard a bus transfer to Emma Gorge (part of El Questro). Here you can enjoy the beautiful setting, facilities, restaurant, swimming pool, gift shop etc and then optionally walk up the gorge to the stunning waterfall and deep pool where you can have a refreshing swim in the bracing fresh water.  An El Questro 4WD vehicle will then transfer you to the El Questro Station where it’s finally time to relax with sunset drinks and check in to your air-conditioned Station Tent.  Optionally finish the day at one of the restaurants and Swinging Arm Bar.

7.00am - Continental breakfast (supplied in your room).

7.30am - Check out of your Lake Argyle cabin.

7.45am - Transfer from the Lake ArgyleResort, over the dam wall to the Ord River boat ramp at the bottom of the dam.

8.00am to 11.00am - Cruise 55kms down the magnificent Ord River (it must be one of the most scenic rivers in Australia) to Lake Kununurra on a private charter with Triple J tours. Enjoy fast boat cruising, soak up the amazing scenery with stops along the way, abundant bird and wildlife and morning tea at Triple J’s secluded river camp.

11.00am to 12.00pm - Bus Transfer from Kununurra to Emma Gorge.

12.00pm to 1.00pm - Lunch at Emma Gorge Restaurant (a la carte - at your own cost).

1.00pm to 4.15pm - Free time to optionally walk Emma gorge and have a dip in the magnificent waterfall and pool (you will need a reasonable level of fitness and mobility to do this (return journey with a swim at the end pool, allow 2.5 to 3 hours), alternatively have a swim in the Emma Gorge Resort swimming pool and relax in this beautiful location, a great place to get your sketch book out.

4.30pm - 4WD transfer to El Questro station.

5.00pm - Sunset drink and nibbles.

Evening - Dinner – optionally choose from two eating places – Cantina or the Steakhouse a la carte (at your own cost), relax afterwards at the Swinging Arm Bar.

Night 5 - Accommodation in the air-conditioned El Questro Station Tents.

DAY 6 - Thursday 29 June – El Questro Station

Kicking off with an art session by the river at the Station – a very relaxing and creative day topped off by a fabulous Sunset Tour taking in Explosion Gorge and Branko’s Lookout for sunset drinks and nibbles.

7.30am - Packed breakfast supplied by El Questro.

8.00am – 3.00pm - Art session by the river – choose to paint en plein air from your surrounds or use your sketches and reference material to paint something from your travels of the previous few days.  Again, Louise will provide demonstrations and further tips and techniques for getting the best results with your oil paints.

12.00pm - Break for lunch (at your own cost).

3.00pm to 4.00pm - Free time.

4.00pm - Depart for Explosion Gorge and Branko’s Lookout Sunset Tour.  One of El Questro’s 4WD open safari vehicles will drive you along a 4WD track past some spectacular scenery including the Elgee Cliffs and then into Explosion Gorge and cruise along it.  Following this the safari vehicle will take you up to Branko’s Lookout where you can enjoy magnificent views for sundowner drinks and nibbles.

Evening - Dinner – optionally choose from two eating places – Cantina or the Steakhouse a la carte (at your own cost), relax afterwards at the Swinging Arm Bar.

Night 6 - Accommodation in the air-conditioned El Questro Station Tents.

DAY 7 - Friday 30 June – El Questro Station

A free morning to relax or maybe explore some more of El Questro (optional walks, scenic helicopter rides, horse rides available subject to availability and at your own cost).  Alternatively, Louise will be on hand to assist anyone who’d like to spend the time finalising artworks or sketching.  Late morning, head off on an El Questro tour to the amazing thermal waters and oasis of Zebedee Springs (an El Questro highlight!).  Here you will be able to enjoy a restorative soak, then on to a Beef and Barra lunch followed by a cruise on the Chamberlain Gorge. A fantastic tour to finish on.

7.30am - Packed breakfast supplied by El Questro.

8am to approx 11am - Free time to explore or spend some extra time with Louise finalising your artworks.

Approx 11.30am - Half Day El Questro tour to Zebedee Springs followed by Beef and Barra lunch then on to a cruise along the Chamberlain Gorge.

Approx 5.00pm - Sunset drink and nibbles.

Evening - Dinner – optionally choose from two eating places – Cantina or the Steakhouse a la carte (at your own cost), relax afterwards at the Swinging Arm Bar.

Night 5 - Accommodation in the air-conditioned El Questro Station Tents.

 DAY 8 - Saturday 1 July – El Questro Station

Sadly, it’s time to pack bags and for the tour to finish.  After breakfast, savour the stunning scenery along the Gibb River Road as you travel by 4WD transfer back to Kununurra airport (or your accommodation if you’ve decided to stay on in Kununurra). 

7.30am - Packed breakfast supplied by El Questro.

Approx 9.30am - 4WD transfer to Kununurra Airport (drop off’s into Kununurra if you are staying on longer). This transfer is scheduled to arrive at the airport in ample time for the departing 12.50pm Virgin flight.

12.00pm - Lunch available to purchase (at your own cost) at the airport café before you departure.