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Experience the bluest oceans, untouched beaches, rugged bush terrain, unique rock formations and striking gorges as you explore the North West and beautiful West Coast of Australia.
Get to know Western Australia inside-out on this three-week roadtrip that travels north from Perth, along the WA coastline, through The Kimberley and into Darwin. Check out the scenery of Kalbarri National Park, feed the friendly dolphins of Monkey Mia and snorkel in search of turtles and whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef. Check out the natural treasures of Karijini National Park, creep through Echidna Chasm in the Bungle Bungles and enjoy a splash in Katherine Gorge. Think of this little ditty as your definitive adventure through Australia’s wild west.
- Start
- Darwin, Australia
- Finish
- Perth City, Australia
- Destinations
- Kakadu & Top End
- Style
- Swag Camping / Hostel
- Theme
- Code
- DP24
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 18
- Group size
- Min 8, Max 20
Why you’ll love this trip
- Discover the breadth of Western Australia on a 6000km adventure.
- Experience the beautiful Kimberley in rugged style with a local guide.
- Travel the full length of the Gibb River Road, then venture off the Gibb to explore gorges, falls and waterholes.
- The red domes of the Bungle Bungle Ranges in Purnululu National Park form one of the most iconic Australian landscapes in existence. You’ll have a whole day to explore the gorges and valleys of the park, not to mention soak up a few fiery sunsets.
- Chill-out in Broome for four days and 5 nights, renowned for its views over the Indian Ocean, Cable Beach, distinct rock formations and long history with pearl farming.
- Check out the underwater aquarium of Ningaloo Reef by glass-bottom boat or snorkel, (and season depending), swim with the gentle giants of the deep – the whale sharks!
Is this trip right for you?
- We DO NOT recommend this trip for passengers that may need access to medical services or communication. The Kimberley region is one of the most remote regions on the planet. If there is an emergency, the guide will be forced to exit the tour and take the whole group to the required aid/services location.
- You’ll spend most nights of the trip sleeping in outback camping grounds. While it’s all a part of the adventure, facilities can be extremely basic.
- This trip requires a HIGH level of fitness as it involves a lot of walking, allowing you to truly enjoy the surrounding nature. Some long hikes will really get the blood pumping and involve wading through water and clambering over rocks. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing.
- On some days of the trip, you will spend several hours driving, often through very sparse areas of the outback. Some drives along off-road tracks can be bumpy as you really get ‘amongst it’. Get to know your fellow travellers and sit back to enjoy landscapes that you would miss in any other form of travel.
- Temperatures in Western Australia are extreme. During the day the weather can be hot (and the Australian sun is strong) so please bring appropriate clothing, use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings temperatures really drop, so ensure you have base layers and warm clothing.
Gallery
Itinerary
Welcome to the tropical city of Darwin, where your Kimberley adventure begins. After meeting up with your group and guide, head south and stop at either Edith Falls for a swim or explore Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. This is where the group will have lunch. Head to your overnight private campsite on the edge of Nitmiluk National Park, where your permanent tent awaits. In the evening, settle down for dinner with the group.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Nitmiluk National Park
Meals Included
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 4.5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 2 kilometres.
After breakfast we stop for a morning dip in Katherine Hot Springs before continuing on to Lake Argyle, which has been created by the Ord River Dam. Admire the sheer size of this 700 square kilometre man-made spectacle. The lake is home to many species of native fish and thousands of freshwater crocodiles. Take an optional sunset cruise before setting up camp at our exclusive campsite on the Ord River.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lake Argyle
Optional Activities
- Lake Argyle Sunset Cruise – AUD100
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 7.5 hours. Total walking distance is around 1 kilometre.
Today we drive through the rugged landscape of Carr Boyd and the Durack Ranges into Purnululu National Park. This park is home-ground of the Bungle Bungles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dominated by massive sandstone karsts that rear hundreds of metres above the surrounding grasslands. Our key attraction inside the park today is an unforgettable walk into Echidna Chasm. We arrive at our bush camp in time to sit back and watch the sun set over the Osmond Ranges. If you’ve had enough of tent camping by now, you might want to spend tonight sleeping out beneath the stars snuggled up in a swag.
Accommodation
- Camping (with basic facilities – no showers) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Echidna Chasm Walk
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving today is around 5.5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 5 kilometres.
Wake up with the knowledge of not having to pack-up. After breakfast prepare for a full day of activities, as the group heads back out to explore the remarkable rock formations of the Bungle Bungles and hike to the enormous Cathedral Gorge. There’s also the opportunity to experience a helicopter flight over the Bungle Bungles (at your own expense). As the sun goes down, head back to your overnight camp.
Accommodation
- Camping (with basic facilities – no showers) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cathedral Gorge Walk (Bungle Bungles)
Optional Activities
- Helicopter Flight – Bungle Bungles – from – AUD350
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 2 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 5 kilometres.
You will once again experience some serious 4WD action as you wind your way out of the Bungle Bungles heading through the East Kimberley region. We spend the afternoon exploring the key attraction of El Questro Station. Tackle the hike into Emma Gorge where you will be rewarded with a stunning waterfall and a swim. We drive onto our overnight stop – our exclusive camp on the Ord River.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Emma Gorge
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 1 kilometre.
Take some time to have a look around the picturesque Ord River system (no saltwater crocs). Your guide will show you around the East Kimberley ‘capital city’ of Kunnunurra with local features such as Hoochery Distillery, Walk at Mirima National Park, In the late afternoon, walk up to an exclusive and stunning lookout over the Upper Ord River system and watch the colours change during spectacular Kimberley Sunset.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Short Hike to 360 degree views of Ord River & East Kimberley
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 45 minutes. Total walking distance is up to 7 kilometres.
After breakfast, its time to hit the road again and start travelling along the legendary Gibb River Road. Fording rivers and weaving through gorges, travel by 4WD along the wild Gibb River Road – a 600-kilometre stretch that winds right through the heart of the Kimberley. We’ve got a fair bit of ground to cover today, so there’s a lot drive time, but we’ll be breaking the journey up with lunch and at a few stop-offs along the way. Tonight’s destination is at Mt Barnett station located very close to Manning Gorge. This evening we camp at Mount Barnett by the banks of a crystal clear fresh-water river, perfect to cool off in after your day hiking.
Accommodation
- Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Gibb River Road
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 6 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 2 kilometres.
We spend the morning exploring the stunning Manning Gorge and enjoy a swim in the pools under Manning Falls. Depending on the season, post-lunch we spend the afternoon exploring Galvan’s Gorge before heading back to camp to relax around the campfire.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Galvans Gorge
- Manning Gorge
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 1 hour. Total walking distance is approximately 6 kilometres.
The western Kimberley region is full of endless stunning gorges that have to be explored and this morning is no exception. After breakfast we venture to Bell Gorge (subject to weather and road conditions) home to a stunning cascade of water flowing from the previous wet season rains that fall in the King Leopold Ranges. The afternoon sees us head to Windjana Gorge, a segment of 375 million-year-old reef that was once underwater. Cut through by the Lennard River, which runs during the wet season then breaks up into little billabongs during the dry, this gorge attracts many species of bird and bat and is a great spot to see wild freshwater crocodiles. We’ll set up camp for the last time together in the Western Kimberley region.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Windjana Gorge
- Bell Gorge
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 4.5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 4 to 6 kilometres.
We continue through the Napier Range on a guided walk-through at Tunnel Creek, a vast cave system that extends 750 metres underground. Inside, shards of sunlight stream in through crevices, little bats flutter about and enormous stalactites rear down from the ceiling. Then make the final drive on to Broome, hopefully arriving in time for a stunning Cable Beach sunset.
Included Activities
- Tunnel Creek exploration walk
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 6 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 4 kilometres. There is NO accommodation included.
Take the opportunity to chill-out during your 4-day stay in Broome. There is no touring included, however you may choose to ride a camel on a Cable Beach sunset tour, visit the stairway to Heaven (seasonal), learn about the rich history of the pearling industry … or get some washing done! There is no accommodation included in Broome, allowing you the flexibility to choose your own level ie stay in a hostel or somewhere a little classier!
Special Information
There is NO accommodation or meals during the stay in Broome.
Welcome to the pearling town of Broome, where your Western Australian adventure begins. Those keen on beach-lazing might like to arrive a few days earlier, as the local beaches are superb. Depart Broome and drive along the edge of the Great Sandy Desert, calling in at Eighty Mile Beach for a stroll along the white sand. Spend the night on a station in the Pilbara Region.
Accommodation
- Hostel (1 night) Pilbara Region
Meals Included
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 6 hours and approximately 525km. Total walking distance is approximately 1 km.
This morning we head toward Karijini National Park with a stop in Port Hedland to check out the iron ore mecca of Australia. If time permits, we may duck into one of the Gorge’s this afternoon. If not, we’ll set up camp in the National Park and get a good nights’ rest before we head in for a full day of exploring tomorrow.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night) Karijini
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 6.5 hours and approximately 520km. Total walking distance can be up to 3 km, some sections may be through water.
This, without any doubt, is one of Australia’s most magnificent national parks (and it’s not like Australia has any shortage of them). Freshwater springs trickle through chasms to form translucent rock pools, walking trails weave between dramatic rock ravines. Spend a full day exploring the gorges, gullies and secluded swimming spots of Karijini. Weano Gorge, Hancock Gorge, Dales Gorge and Oxers Lookout are just some of the better-known sites we’ll get to during our visit to Karijini.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night) Karijini
Included Activities
- Karijini National Park Entrance & Gorge Walks
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is 2.5 hours and approximately 180 km. Total walking distance is approximately 6 km, some sections may be through water.
Pack up your towel and walking shoes and head out for another day exploring Karijini with your guide. Anything you didn’t tick off the list yesterday you can chase up today – whether it’s a snooze in the sun or a strenuous trek to a lookout. Swim in waterholes, hike along rocky trails and splash about in waterfalls. Paradise!
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night) Karijini
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 2 hours and approximately 30 km. Total walking distance is approximately 6 km.
Today is a long day of driving (approximately 9 hours and approximately 750 km in total). Leaving Karijini, travel through the vast bushland and cattle stations of the Pilbara region. This sparsely populated region is known for its red earth and rich mineral deposits.
Accommodation
- Hostel (1 night) Exmouth
Optional Activities
- Snorkel with the Whalesharks (own expense – April to July only)
- Snorkel at Turquoise Bay (own expense)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 9 hours and approximately 750 km. Not much walking today.
Depending on the season, today you’ll have the option (at your own cost) to snorkel or scuba dive in search of whale sharks or manta rays, the largest rays in the world. If not, taking up one of the optional boat tours, perhaps visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, or soak up the sun on the pristine beach at Turquoise Bay. Explore the beauty of Cape Range National Park. This afternoon we’ll take a short trip to beautiful Coral Bay.
Accommodation
- Hostel (1 nights) Coral Bay
Included Activities
- Ningaloo Reef Marine Park
Optional Activities
- Snorkel with the Whalesharks (April to July only)
- Beach snorkelling (own expense)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 3.5 hours and approximately 300km. Total walking distance is approximately 2 km.
Enjoy a day of freedom and relaxation. If you didn’t squeeze a snorkel in yesterday, today you get to; if you did, you get another one. Everyone wins. Ningaloo Reef is one of the world’s largest fringing reefs, meaning that it starts practically from the water’s edge. You just swim out from shore and suddenly you’re in a world of coral, fish, turtles and manta rays. Swimming above these enormous, majestic creatures is really something else. Not much of a swimmer? There’s also the option of taking in the scene on a glass bottom boat tour, along with many other optional activities. We’ll introduce you to the friendly staff at Coral Bay Eco Tours.
Accommodation
- Hostel (1 night) Coral Bay
Optional Activities
- Glass Bottom Boat Cruises
- Whale Watching – 3 hours (seasonal)
- Snorkel with Manta Rays – half day trip
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
There is no driving today, just a short walk to Coral Bay Eco Tours and water activities.
Today we cross over the Tropic of Capricorn. Main stop for the day is Shell Beach, which, much as name would suggest, is a beach made of shells. What’s quite incredible about the place however is the amount of shells that there are. Locals have been using them in various industries for years, yet they still cover a stretch 60 km long and up to 7 metres deep. Tonight we stay in the Shark Bay region.
Accommodation
- Hostel (1 night) Monkey Mia
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 6.5 hours and approximately 600km. Total walking distance is approximately 2 km.
This morning, check out Monkey Mia – part of the Peron Peninsula, which extends into part of the Indian Ocean known as Shark Bay. This popular spot is known for its world-famous dolphins that have been frequenting the beach for decades. Afterwards, continue your road trip down the West Australian coast with a short drive across the Eastern Peninsula. See stromatolites, the oldest living organisms in the world, then head south for the Kalbarri National Park. Time permitting, there’ll be a stop-off along the way at Murchison Gorge, where there’s the opportunity to admire the landscape through Nature’s Window and the Kalbarri Skywalk.
Accommodation
- Hostel (1 night) Kalbarri
Included Activities
- Kalbarri National Park Entrance
- Monkey Mia Dolphins
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 5.5 hours and approximately 470 km. Total walking distance is approximately 5 km.
It’s a driving day today, but a spectacular one. Cruising through the coastal gorges of Kalbarri National Park, we come to the quaint coastal town of Dongara, which sits at the head of the Irwin River. Visit Western Australia’s own Pink Lake at Port Gregory. Head on to Sandy Cape (Lancelin), a vast sand desert peopled by the strange limestone structures of the Pinnacles Nambung National Park. After a walk around here it’s on to Perth, where this adventure winds up.
Included Activities
- Nambung National Park (Pinnacles) Entrance
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information
Today’s driving will take approximately 7 hours and approximately 600 km (with about 2 km of walking). You’ll arrive in Central Perth around 6pm and there is no accommodation planned for this evening.
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Important notes
1. Tour commences in Darwin on Day 1 at 6.30 am and finishes in Perth on Day 24 at approx 6 pm. Onward travel must be booked the following day.
2. This trip is for FIT AND ACTIVE people and involves very basic camping and challenging hikes.
3. This trip requires a sleeping bag.
4. Minimum Age on this trip is 18 years old.
5. Trip runs in reverse, see tour code PD24.
Essential trip information
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