Tanami Desert Crossing
Ayers Rock - Broome - Darwin

tOUR hIGHLIGHTS

See sunset at Uluru,   Climb Kings Canyon,   Tour of Alice Springs,   Cross the Tanami Desert,   Cruise through Geikie Gorge,   Relax in tropical Broome,   Walk through Windjana Gorge,   Gibb River Road,   Gorges of the Kimberley,   El Questro Wilderness Park, Hidden Valley National Park,   Historic Durack Homestead,   Wildlife cruise on Lake Argyle,   Cruise on Katherine Gorge,   Explore Kakadu National Park,   Yellow Water Billabong cruise,   Ancient Aboriginal rock art

Itinerary

Day 1 Wed: Arrive Ayers Rock

On arrival in Ayers Rock you will be transferred to your hotel. Watch the changing colours of Uluru at sunset while enjoying a complimentary glass of wine.

Camp: Ayers Rock Resort
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Thu: Ayers Rock – Kings Canyon

Watch the sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. You will be introduced to the natural and cultural landscapes of this remarkable region. Later visit the informative Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre followed by the Mutitjulu waterhole. Travel to Kings Canyon.

Camp: Kings Canyon Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 Fri: Kings Canyon – Alice Springs

For the energetic, a guided climb to the canyon rim will be rewarded with superb views of Watarrka National Park. Or you may prefer to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor, an easier walk. While it was little known to Europeans until recently, the Luritja Aboriginal people have called the area their home for over 20,000 years. This afternoon travel to Alice Springs for a city tour including the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air.

Camp: Alice Springs
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Sat: Tilmouth Well

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Alice Springs before we travel along the Tanami Track.

Camp: Tilmouth Well
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 Sun: Tanami Track

Traverse the ever-changing scenery of the Tanami Desert. The semi-arid desert landscape varies from clusters of native Wattle, Sturt's Desert Rose and Grevillea, to open plains dotted with Spinifex bushes and termite mounds. Pass Rabbit Flat, Australia’s most remote outback roadhouse, the Granites and the Tanami Mines, before stopping at our bush camp.

Bush Camp: Tanami Track
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Mon: Halls Creek

We cross into Western Australia and continue along the Tanami Track to the Northern Highway and Halls Creek, the location of the first gold rush in Western Australia. There is still gold in the area and mineral exploration continues. It is also the hub of a vast cattle industry.

Camp: Halls Creek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Tue: Geikie Gorge

The distinct landscape of the northwest region of the Kimberley becomes obvious today as we journey along the Northern Highway to the town of Fitzroy Crossing. Enjoy an afternoon cruise through Geikie Gorge. Be sure to look out for crocodiles.

Camp: Fitzroy Crossing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Wed: Broome

Our journey continues westward today to Broome. See the sights of Broome including Chinatown, the Japanese Cemetery, Streeters Jetty and visit Gantheaume Point for sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. This evening we watch a breathtaking sunset over Cable Beach.

Camp: Broome, 2 nights
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Thu: Broome ‘Free Time’

A free day to explore tropical Broome.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 Fri: Gibb River Road

Travel north to Derby. Stop to see Myall Bore and the Boab Prison Tree, before travelling along the famous Gibb River Road to Windjana Gorge. Later we inspect the unusual formation at nearby Tunnel Creek (conditions permitting).

Bush Camp: Windjana Gorge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Sat: Kimberley Gorges

This morning we take a walk through Windjana Gorge. Crossing the King Leopold Range, we continue along the Gibb River Road, to Galvans Gorge and Manning Gorge (conditions permitting).

Bush Camp: Manning Gorge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 Sun: El Questro

Today we journey through some of the harshest terrain of the Kimberley, skirting the Cockburn Range and on to El Questro Wilderness Park. Spanning over a million acres, it is home to ancient gorges and pristine waterfalls.

Camp: El Questro Wilderness Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 Mon: El Questro ‘Free Time’

A day at leisure. Perhaps take an optional cruise through Chamberlain Gorge, a fresh waterhole fringed by tropical vegetation and 60 metre tall escarpments.

Camp: Kings Canyon Resort.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 Tue: Emma Gorge

We travel to Emma Gorge with an opportunity for a guided walk and swim in the crystal-clear water at the base of the waterfall. Continue along the famous Gibb River Road to the town of Kununurra.

Camp: Kununurra, 2 nights
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 Wed: Kununurra

This morning we explore Mirima (Hidden Valley) National Park and admire the views from Kelly’s Knob Lookout. See 300 million year old sandstone cliffs, often referred to as the ‘mini Bungles’. Later, visit the historic Durack Homestead and enjoy a cruise on mighty Lake Argyle.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16 Thu: Nitmiluk National Park

Cross the border into the Northern Territory travelling via Timber Creek and Victoria River, traversing large cattle stations to the township of Katherine.

Camp: Nitmiluk National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17 Fri: Kakadu National Park

Enjoy an early morning cruise through Katherine Gorge. We stop at beautiful Edith Falls where there is time for a swim, before travelling via the gold mining town of Pine Creek to Kakadu National Park.

Camp: Kakadu National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18 Sat: Kakadu – Darwin

Cruise on Yellow Water Billabong. At Nourlangie Rock take a short walk to view ancient Aboriginal rock art. We stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre. Continue to Darwin for an orientation tour.

Hotel: Travelodge Mirambeena Resort, Darwin.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 19 Sun: Depart Darwin

Your tour concludes today after breakfast. You will be transferred to Darwin Airport to connect with your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Camping holiday inclusions

Transportation

Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, seatbelts,
reclining seats, panoramic windows.

Professionally Escorted

Tour with an experienced, professional Tour Director, Tour Driver and Safari Cook.

Accommodation

You will be required to erect your own tent in established campgrounds and wilderness bush camps. Enjoy a comfortable hotel stay on 1 night.

Dining Inclusions

Full Breakfasts (18), Lunches (12), Friendly get together at Happy Hour, Delicious two course dinners (15).

Plus

Complimentary sleeping bag, Complimentary Camping Essentials Kit, Travel wallet and map, Airport transfers (Day 1 from Ayers Rock Airport – flights to arrive prior to 3.00pm; Day 19 to Darwin Airport – flights anytime).

Further Information

Bookings and Conditions

To confirm your reservation, a deposit of $200 per person is required. Reservations will be held for 7 days only without deposit. Balance of payment for your holiday is to be paid 42 days prior to departure. The operator reserves the right to accept waitlist clients in place of applicants failing to finalise within the prescribed time.

Sole Use of Tents

Can be guaranteed if requested at the time of booking. A surcharge is applicable, which also includes a single room on any hotel accommodated nights.

Cancellations and Amendments

Cancellation fees will be levied relative to the amount of notice given:

• 42 days or more - Loss of Deposit
• 7-41 days  - 20% PLUS your deposit
• 1-6 days -  50% PLUS your deposit
• Day of Departure -100%

Modification to a confirmed booking may incur a $55 per person amendment fee.

Illness or Absenteeism

In the event of your withdrawal from a tour after commencement for reasons of illness, you must obtain a medical certificate in support of any insurance claim. We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including but not limited to missed meals or sightseeing. The tour operator  makes no representation or guarantees concerning reimbursements of funds paid by you under any insurance claim.

Camping Equipment

Each vehicle has a fully equipped camper trailer containing roomy vinyl floored tents 2.3 metres (7ft approx) high for two persons, foam mattress, stools, camping equipment and eating utensils.

Client Participation

Clients are not rostered for camp duties, although to ensure the success of the tour, client participation is required. Clients erect their own tents. They are easy to assemble and our crew will show you how.

Smoking and Seat Rotation

Government regulations prohibit smoking inside tourist coaches. Please restrict smoking to the ample stops en route. To enable everyone the opportunity of enjoying window and front seats, clients change seats daily during the course of the tour.

Clothing and What to Bring

Casual gear is all that is necessary. Three to four changes of outer garments including shorts, pullover and waterproof jacket, several changes of underwear and socks, rubber-soled walking shoes, swimsuit, towel, warm pajamas or tracksuit (warm sleeping gear is essential as inland nights can be very cold, particularly May to August), hat, torch, camera, a small flask for drinking water, pillow and travel rug. Do not forget your insect repellent for the tropics.