11 Day Darwin to Broome 4WD Camping Safari

Summary

"Australia's North West is one of the last remaining wilderness regions and during this 11 Day Safari we'll take you on a journey into the heart of this spectacular country - from the magnificent coastal villages with rich red soil to rock formations that must be seen to be believed."

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Darwin

Darwin being the capital city of the Northern Territory is the perfect place to commence your Safari with us. Today you can explore at your own pace. You and your fellow travellers will arrive in Darwin from all corners of the globe today, so there's no group activity planned. The noticeboard at your accommodation provides many sightseeing and activity options should you arrive early. Why not head to the Territory Wildlife Park* to learn more about Australian Native animals or to the new attraction in downtown Darwin, Crocosaurus Cove. If you're feeling energetic head out on the historical city walk - a leisurely discovery of Darwin city, through 17 historically significant sites and buildings within walking distance of the CBD. Included is the British Australian Telegraph house (Lyon's Cottage), the Wharf Precinct, Myilly Point Historical Precinct and the new Parliament House. You'll also find information about our first group meeting, held this evening at approximately 5pm. Please make every effort to attend this meeting.

Overnight: Travelodge Mirambeena (Hotel) , Darwin

Day 2: Darwin to Timber Creek

Today the real adventure begins as we head off in our purpose built 4 wheel drive. We'll be covering some rugged country over the next few days and will needing this extra grunt! Have a refreshing swim at Edith Falls located in the Nitmiluk National Park and then travel on to Katherine - land of the traditional Jawoyn Aboriginal people. This afternoon we head past Gregory National Park and onto the small community of Timber Creek (pop. 300)! Experience the real “Territory” and with a bit of luck you may have the opportunity to spot a croc. Crikey!

Meals: L, D

Stay: Circle F Caravan Park (Camping) , Timber Creek NT

Day 3: Timber Creek to Bungle Bungles

Today we cross the border into Western Australia, but before we're permitted entry, we will be searched for all sorts of nuts, honey, fruit and vegetables as it's illegal to carry these from state to state due to quarantine reasons, to protect local produce industries. We visit the massive expanse of water at Lake Argyle (containing 12 times the water volume of Sydney Harbour!). Next stop today is the township of Kununurra situated on the Ord River. With year-round warm weather and plentiful water, Kununurra is lush and fertile. After restocking supplies, We test the terrain conquering ability of our rugged 4 wheel drive vehicle. A rough 50km track off the Great Northern Highway leads to the spectacular Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park. Once at the Bungle Bungles, we will settle into our camp where we'll spend two nights and get to view outback sunsets in style.

Meals: B, D

Stay: Purnululu National Park (Camping),  Bungle Bungles

Day 4: Bungle Bungle National Park

A day to explore the amazing striped rock domes that comprise the Bungle Bungles. Over the last 20 million years erosion and river movements have formed huge black and orange striped domes. As unbelievable as it seems, this area was kept a secret by locals until 1982, and was made a national park in 1987. Specifically, we will visit the very impressive Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm. Today you'll have the option to take a scenic flight* over this spectacular region – it's an absolute must!! Then it's back to camp to review the days' activities.

Meals: B, L, D

Stay: Purnululu National Park (Camping) , Bungle Bungles

Day 5: Bungle Bungles to El Questro

We make tracks to the tiny settlement of Turkey Creek, where we once again do some more 4 wheel driving and head out to further examples of stunning outback scenery at El Questro Wilderness Reserve immersed in the Cockburn Ranges**. Spanning 1 million acres in size, this is one of the world's last unspoilt frontiers. On arrival we set up camp for the next two nights.

Meals: B, D

Stay: El Questro Wilderness Reserve (Camping) , Kununurra

Day 6:  El Questro

This morning we'll explore Zebedee Springs which is a short walk off the graded road through dense palms to a series of thermal pools, a fabulous place to soak and relax. This afternoon our exploring continues at one of the many gorges. Tonight enjoy a drink with the locals at the El Questro Outback Bar.

Meals: B, L, D

Stay: El Questro Wilderness Reserve (Camping) , Kununurra

Day 7: El Questro to the Gibb River Road

This morning we break camp and make our way out of El Questro and head further into the heart of the Gibb River Road. Tonight we'll experience a bush camp deep within the Kimberleys.

Meals: B, L, D

Stay: Gibb River Road (Bush Camp)

Day 8: Kimberley / Gibb River Road and Gorges

The challenge of exploring the Gibb River Road continues today. It dissects some of the most rugged country on earth and gives access to spectacular wildlife and rugged scenery. We will visit one of the most outstanding Gorges in the region, with probably the best known and most striking being Manning and Galvins Gorges.

Meals: B, L, D

Stay: Gibb River Road (Bush Camp)

Day 9: Kimberleys / Gibb River Road to Windjana George

Our journey this morning takes further in to the heart of the Kimberley – one of the world's great wilderness areas. It has fewer people per square kilometre than almost any other place on earth! As we trek further west the beautiful King Leopold Ranges present themselves offering Bells Creek Gorge. A refreshing swim in the Lower Plunge Pool is a welcome site before we head to our night spot Windjana Gorge. This is an area where sheer cliffs tower above white sands and freshwater crocodiles are often seen sunning themselves in the afternoon sun.

Meals: B, L, D

Stay: Windjana Gorge (Camping)

Day 10: Windjana Gorge to Broome via Tunnel Creek

Tunnel Creek is our next attraction, so make sure you have your flash light as our 750 metre underground discovery walk is dark, wet and fascinating!! We travel via the regional township of Derby and visit the infamous Boab Prison Tree, once used as a temporary prison for the local Aborigines. We continue on to cosmopolitan Broome. From its rough and tumble, romantic pearling history to the cosmopolitan character of Chinatown, to the turquoise waters, red sandstone cliffs and the endless expanse of white....the colours and moods of Broome will blow you away. This afternoon take a camel ride* on the longest and most photographed camel train in the Kimberley. Tonight you're free to explore this multi-cultural town with a meal out at a local restaurant.

Meals: B, L

Stay: Roebuck Bay Caravan Park (Camping) , Broome

Day 11: Broome

Make the most of a sleep in this morning and time to recharge the batteries after your 11 day adventure. You are free to leave Broome at any time this day. If you have some free time, get out and about and explore this colourful town.

Meals: B

Further Information

Tour Inclusions

4 wheel driving on the Gibb River Road and Bungle Bungles, Two nights at El Questro Wilderness Reserve, Experience colourful Broome, Trek through Tunnel Creek, Dinner at Cable Beach in Broome watching a stunning Indian Ocean sunset, Travel the challenging Gibb River Road, Explore the gorges of the West Kimberley including Windjana, Bells and Manning, Experience outback bush camping, Visit Kununurra and Lake Argyle, Small group of 18 passengers, Experience outback camping bush style, Applicable park entrance fees, Meals as indicated, Sleeping bags may be hired for $25 or bring your own .

Tour Includes

All applicable Park Entrance Fees, Meals as Indicated, Accommodation, Travel Pillow, Towel, Camping Fees and Equipment per the Itinerary .

What to Bring

Swimming Towel, Water Bottle, Flash Light, Toiletries and Items of a Personal Nature, Hat, Sturdy Walking Shoes, Sun Screen, Camera and Film, Warm Clothing for Night Time in Winter Months and Wet Weather Gear, Sleeping Bags are required on this tour. You can hire them from the Crew for A$25 per person or bring your own. .