Top End Western Experience

Highlights

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

Itinerary

Day 1 Tue: Arrive Darwin

On arrival in Darwin you will be transferred to your hotel. Later join a city orientation tour. Enjoy a welcome drink this evening with your crew.

Hotel: Travelodge Mirambeena Resort, Darwin

Day 2 Wed: Kakadu National Park

We travel deep into Kakadu National Park stopping at the Bowali Visitor Centre, before continuing to Nourlangie Rock for a short walk to view ancient Aboriginal rock art. This afternoon we join a cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong.

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

Day 3 Thu: Nitmiluk National Park

Travel via the gold mining town of Pine Creek to Katherine. We stop at beautiful Edith Falls where there is time for a swim, before setting up camp in Nitmiluk National Park. Enjoy an afternoon cruise through spectacular Katherine Gorge.

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

Day 4 Fri: Kununurra

Heading west we travel via Timber Creek and Victoria River. Crossing the border into Western Australia, we traverse large cattle stations to the township of Kununurra, which is the hub of local industry for agriculture, tourism and mining in the east Kimberley.

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

Day 5 Sat: Lake Argyle

This morning we explore Mirima (Hidden Valley) National Park and admire the
views from Kelly’s Knob Lookout. Later, visit the historic Durack Homestead and learn about this pioneering family. Later enjoy a cruise on mighty Lake Argyle. An optional Bungle Bungles 4WD adventure or Lirrgarn Argyle Diamond Mine tour are available today.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 Sun: Emma Gorge

We travel along the Gibb River Road to Emma Gorge Resort. There is the opportunity to take a guided walk into the gorge with time for a swim in the crystal clear water at the base of the waterfall.

Camp: El Questro Wilderness Park, 2 nights
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Mon: El Questro ‘Free Time’

Today is free for you to explore El Questro Wilderness Park. Perhaps take an optional cruise through Chamberlain Gorge or visit an Aboriginal rock art site. Ask your Tour Director for details on the many optional activities that are available at the El Questro Station Township.

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

Day 8 Tue: Gibb River Road

Today we journey through some of the harshest terrain of the Kimberley. We skirt the Cockburn Range and cross the King Leopold Range, then continue along the famous Gibb River Road, stopping at Manning Gorge (conditions permitting).

Bush Camp: Gibb River Road
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Wed: Kimberley Gorges

We take a walk into beautiful Galvans Gorge. Later, we inspect the unusual formation at Tunnel Creek (conditions permitting), before continuing on to spectacular Windjana Gorge, parts of which are up to 100 metres in height.

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

Day 10 Thu: Broome

We leave the Gibb River Road, stopping to see the Boab Prison Tree and Myall Bore. We then head south to Derby to visit the Circular Wharf before continuing to Broome. See Chinatown, the Japanese Cemetery, Streeters Jetty and visit Ganthaeume 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 11 Fri: Broome 'Free Time’

A free day to explore tropical Broome.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 Sat: Fitzroy Crossing

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.

Camp: Fitzroy Crossing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 Sun: Geikie Gorge – Halls Creek

Cruise through Geikie Gorge where the river flows beneath the towering limestone cliffs. Watch for freshwater crocodiles and wallabies. Continue along the Northern Highway to Halls Creek.

Camp: Halls Creek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 Mon: Tanami Track

We travel along the Tanami Track before crossing into the Northern Territory.

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

Day 15 Tue: Tilmouth Well

Traverse the ever-changing scenery of the Tanami Desert. Pass Rabbit Flat, Australia’s most remote outback roadhouse, the Granites and the Tanami Mines then continue on to Tilmouth Well.

Camp: Tilmouth Well
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16 Wed: Alice Springs

We travel to the end of the Tanami Track and on 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 17 Thu: Kings Canyon

Travel to Kings Canyon stopping en route at a camel farm for an optional ride on a ‘ship of the desert’. This afternoon for the energetic, a guided climb to the canyon rim will be rewarded with magnificent views of Watarrka National Park. Or you may prefer to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor, an easier walk. The sheer red rock face of the canyon soars over 100 metres above lush palm forests, sheltering them from the surrounding desert conditions. While it was little known to Europeans until recently, the Luritja Aboriginal people have called the area their home for over 20,000 years.

Camp: Kings Canyon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 18 Fri: Ayers Rock

Travel to Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park where you’ll glimpse your first sight of Uluru. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine as you watch the spectacular colours of sunset at Uluru.

Camp: Ayers Rock Resort
Meals: Breakfast

Day 19 Sat: Depart Ayers Rock

Your tour concludes today after breakfast. You will be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport for 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) B,    Lunches (12) L,   Friendly get together at Happy Hour,   Delicious two course dinners (15) D.

Plus

• Complimentary sleeping bag
• Complimentary Camping Essentials Kit
• Travel wallet and map
• Airport transfers
  • Day 1 from Darwin Airport – flights to arrive prior to 2.00pm;
  • Day 19 to Ayers Rock 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.

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.