Darwin to Perth via Broome
Western Safari

Highlights

• Dinner at Finlays in Kalbarri
• Explore the Nambung National Park – Pinnacles
• Meet the dolphins at Monkey Mia
• Aboriginal Cultural Night Tour in Monkey Mia
• Explore the gorges of Karijini
• 3 nights to explore Broome including ? day Taste of Broome Tour
• Trek Tunnel Creek
• Travel the challenging Gibb River Road
• Visit El Questro Reserve
• 4WD touring through the Bungle Bungles
• Small group of 18 passengers

Overview

Australia’s West is one of the last remaining wilderness regions and during this 20 Day Safari we’ll take you on a journey into the heart of this spectacular country. From the magnificent coastal villages with reefs on their doorstep to gorges, waterways and rock formations that must be seen to be believed. With most meals included, unique camping locations and accommodation already sorted, expert guides and plenty of outdoor adventure – this is the perfect travel option that will help you explore the very unique land, people and spirit of Western Australia.

Itinerary

Day 1 - 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: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Circle F Caravan Park, Timber Creek, NT (Camping),

Day 2 - 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 very own

permanently established camp at Walardi, where we’ll spend two nights and get to view outback sunsets in style.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Walardi, Bungle Bungles   (Camping)

Day 3 - 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: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Walardi, Bungle Bungles  (Camping)

Day 4 - 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 the world’s last unspoilt frontier. It is not rare to feel the sense of discovery that you are the first to arrive here. On arrival, a chance for an afternoon swim or a drink with locals at the El Questro outback bar.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: El Questro Wilderness Reserve, Kununurra  (Camping)

Day 5 - 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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: El Questro Wilderness Reserve (Camping)

Day 6 - 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: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Gibb River Road (Bush Camp)

Day 7 - Kimberleys / Gibb River Road & 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: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Gibb River Road (Bush Camp)

Day 8 - Kimberleys / Gibb River Road to Windjana Gorge

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: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Windjana Gorge (Camping)

Day 9 - Winjana 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: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Roebuck Bay Caravan Park (Camping), Broome

Day 10 - Broome

Make the most of a sleep in this morning and time to recharge. After lunch you’ll join a Half Day Tour that takes in the multicultural heart and soul of Broome. This is a perfect introduction to Broome for travellers who are keen to explore a different side of this diverse outback town. Our afternoon epicurean adventure explores the highlights of this remote Kimberley oasis and its fascinating history while indulging in its best culinary secrets. Along the way, your guide will also reveal the town’s favourite restaurants and their signature dishes, providing real local insight into eating out in Broome. Visit the Kanagae Estate to see the mango orchards and taste some of their delicious local produce. Sample fresh oysters at the Broome jetty and taste local beers at the Matsos Boutique Brewery. Enjoy a bush tucker walk and try a local recipe at Minyirr Park, a cultural corridor of native habitat bordering Cable Beach. Indulge in a Japanese-infused treat of sushi or pearl meat (when available) en route to the Japanese Cemetery. We finish the day with a cocktail style BBQ platter sitting at the water’s edge, while the sun sets on Cable Beach. What an awesome way to experience this colourful town!

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Roebuck Bay Caravan Park (Camping), Broome

Day 11 - Broome to 80 Mile Beach

Today’s your day to relax and recharge the batteries. Enjoy the expanse of awesome Cable Beach, explore some of the many other activities* available or just chill out, Broome style! The local shopping precinct is full of shops and cafes, so it is also a good time to restock. Tonight we’ll be heading down to Cable Beach for a picnic dinner as the sun sets on the Indian Ocean.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Roebuck Bay Caravan Park (Camping)

Day 12 - Broome to 80 Mile Beach

First up this morning we show you some key highlights, including a visit to the historic Japanese Cemetery, Gantheaume Point, and tour past the many pearling house’s in town. After a vehicle change over leaving the grunt of the 4WD behind, we continue southwards and join the Great Northern Highway. Today is one corker of a drive! A good opportunity to catch a few zzz’s and recharge the batteries. Our camp tonight is on the sweeping shores of 80 Mile Beach with views of the Indian Ocean.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park (Camping)

Day 13 - 80 Mile Beach to Karijini National Park

Onto Karijini National Park via Port Hedland - a town whose prosperity has been built on the iron-ore boom of the 1960’s. Here, iron-ore from some of the world’s largest iron-ore mines is loaded onto the world’s biggest ore carriers for international consumption. Port Hedland is renowned for its Indigenous culture and history, long trains, big ships, salt piles and red dust. Inland we head to the rugged but beautiful Karijini National Park. Haunting in its red beauty and unbeatable for adventure, the park is famous for its sheer gorges, waterfalls and cool swimming holes. Our campsite here, deep in the Aussie Outback is special.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Karijini National Park (Bush Camping)

Day 14 - Karijini National Park

Rise and shine early today so that we have plenty of time to explore this intriguing and spectacular National Park. We'll visit Joffre Gorge, Oxers Lookout, Weano Gorge and take a dip in this spectacular area. For the more adventurous,the challenging ‘spider walk’. Tonight we'll swap stories back at camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Karijini National Park (Bush Camping)

Day 15 - Karijini National Park to Coral Bay

An early morning start gives us the opportunity for a relaxing afternoon at Coral Bay. This is the perfect destination for anyone seeking relaxation, adventure or simply something different. Well known for its marine life, Coral Bay is a great place to see whale sharks, humpback whales, dugongs, manta rays, turtles and an abundance of fish species (seasonal). Great swimming, snorkelling* and scuba diving* are available all year round.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Peoples Park Caravan Village, Coral Bay (Camping)

Day 16 - Coral Bay

Today is a leisurely day to enjoy the wonders of Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. This is not only Western Australia's largest fringing coral reef, but one of the largest reefs worldwide that can be reached just by stepping off the beach. Awesome!!! Swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters, do a once-in-alifetime manta ray swim* or get up close and personal with the largest the biggest fish in the ocean the Whale Shark*! (seasonal) Everything is BIG in WA!!!!!!

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Peoples Park Caravan Village, Coral Bay (Camping)

Day 17 - Monkey Mia to Kalbarri

This morning enjoy the colourful coral formations from a scenic submersible craft – a great way to start off the day. Our drive then takes us via Carnarvon to Monkey Mia, home of the wild dolphins. Since the early 1960s, a pod of wild bottle-nosed dolphins began what has now become a ritual. Every day a number of dolphins swim into the clear shallows of the bay to interact with humans. Tonight we’ll join an aboriginal cultural walking tour to discover the ancient wisdom of Gulgadagudu (Shark Bay) through Aboriginal eyes.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort (Lodges)

Day 18 - Monkey Mia

Relax, enjoy the surroundings and wait for Monkey Mia’s famous visitors to arrive. Since the early 1960s, a pod of wild bottle-nosed dolphins began what has now become a ritual. Every day a number of dolphins swim into the clear shallows of the bay to interact with humans. It shouldn't be missed and will be a real highlight of your trip. This afternoon you have time to try one of the many activities* available on land or sea!

Meal: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

Day 19 - Monkey Mia to Kalbarri

Relax, enjoy the surroundings and wait for Monkey Mia’s famous visitors to arrive. It can’t be missed and will be a real highlight of your 21 days. This morning we will make a brief stop to see stromatolites – the beginners of life. On to Kalbarri, gateway to arguably one of the best National Parks in Australia. The park covers 186,096 hectares and offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Western Australia. For the next two nights we’ll be staying on a farming station situated on the Murchison River. Here you’ll find plenty of native wildlife, horses and plenty of wide open spaces to enjoy. Tonight we head to Finlays in Kalbarri - an absolute must when in the area and highly recommended

by the locals! The unusual setting in an old ice works where at times, includes occasional fireside ballads - Finlay’s on a balmy night is a treat.

Overnight: Big Ranch Farm Stay, Kalbarri  (basic farm quarters)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 20 - Kalbarri to Perth

This morning it’s an early start as we will head south to Nambung National Park, home of the famous “Pinnacles”. Here a moonscape of coloured quartz, studded with fascinating limestone pillars makes a pretty bizarre picture! A definite Kodak moment! Making our way through the Swan Valley, with the Indian Ocean to the west, we head to Perth the capital city of WA.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Further Information

Trip Notes

Please note that some activities within Australia’s national parks are dependent on weather and the observance of cultural traditions, therefore itineraries are subject to change.

Experienced guides will tailor all of the activities based on seasonal & cultural conditions throughout the year, to maximise your experience and enjoyment. Any deviation from this itinerary will be made with serious consideration and your best interests and safety our priority.

Price Includes

All applicable park entrance fees, meals as indicated, accommodation,
camping fees & equipment per the itinerary.

Maximum people: 18

Luggage

All vehicles have limited space therefore please keep luggage to a minimum
(i.e a small soft bag).

What to bring

For most tours you will need the following: towel, water bottle, flash light, small pillow, 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. Furthermore sleeping bags are required on this tour. You can hire them from the crew for A$25 per person or bring your own.

NOTE

Due to the remote regions explored on tour, passengers must have good health and fitness. Furthermore any passengers over the age of 60 must complete a suitability form prior to the commencement of the tour.