Day 1: Perth to Kalbarri (L, D)
We depart Perth and head North through market gardens and vineyards to join up with Highway 1 on our way to Nambung National Park and the fascinating Pinnacles Desert. After exploring these unique formations we continue our journey northwards along coastal roads to Geraldton.
After a short break we head out to some local sand dunes for an adrenalin rush sand boarding down these huge slopes. From here we continue on towards Kalbarri and our overnight accommodation.
Day 2: Kalbarri to Shark Bay (B, L, D)
After an early rise we have a short drive to Murchison Gorge in Kalbarri National Park. Here we take time to view Natures Window, the Loop and discover the wonders of the Z-Bend Gorge. At Z-Bend Gorge it is an exhilarating 150 metre descent into the heart of the gorge – well worth the effort – where there is time to explore and swim in the tranquil fresh water pools. For the adventurous there is even an opportunity to try your hand at abseiling (optional activity at additional cost).
This afternoon it’s time to make our way toward Monkey Mia, stopping at the beautiful Shell Beach and then onto Denham for our overnight stop.
Day 3: Shark Bay to Coral Bay (B, L, D)
After a short drive across the Peron Peninsula we make our way down to the beach and the world famous Monkey Mia dolphins – its a unique experience and there are some fantastic photo opportunities. Almost as famous as the dolphins are Monkey Mia’s pelicans. Check them out during the dolphin feeding.
Soon it is time to leave and head towards Carnarvon, however before we leave the Shark Bay area we stop at the fascinating stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. A take a well earned break at Carnarvon before we finish the day by driving the highway Coral Bay, the Jewel of the North.
Day 4: Coral Bay to Exmouth (B, L, D)
Today is yours to explore Coral Bay and the wonders of the Ningaloo Reef and its fantastic marine life. You can go snorkeling, cruise on the glass bottom boat, take a quad bike tour or even a joy flight over the reef (all optional extra’s). Today is a day to relax.
Late afternoon and its time for the short drive into Exmouth.
Day 5: Exmouth (B, L, D)
A full day to explore Exmouth. After breakfast it’s time to jump on the bus and head out to Yardie Creek in the Cape Range National Park. Then we start our slow return to Exmouth. Have a swim or sunbathe at beautiful Turquoise Bay and discover this northern part of Ningaloo Reef, Enjoy spectacular views from historic Vlahming Head Lighthouse, stroll along pristine beaches. We return to our hostel late afternoon.
Day 6: Exmouth to Karijini National Park (B, L, D)
We head inland today towards the oasis that is Karijini. We will take on extra provisions in the iron ore mining town of Tom Price this afternoon before setting up our camp overlooking the magnificent Hamersley Range in time for a spectacular sunset.
Day 7: Karijini National Park (B, L, D)
You will see why we have allowed the next two days to explore and bask in the magnificence of this National Park area and it’s Gorges. The Hamersly Ranges were formed over 2,500 million years ago and are some of the most unusual landforms on earth. From cascading waterfalls found deep in the gorges to fresh still pools ideal for swimming, we experience it all. Some of the gorges are so narrow that you can touch both sides at once.
Day 8: Karijini National Park (B, L, D)
Another day in the spectacular Karijini exploring the magnificent gorges, lookouts and swimming holes.
Day 9: Karijini National Park to Pardoo Station (B, L, D)
We depart Karijini this morning and take a leisurely drive out of the park towards outback Pardoo Station before spending our last night together before heading for Broome.
Day 10: Pardoo Station to Broome (B, L)
On route to Broome today we enjoy a leisurely break and take in the glory of the stretching sands of 80 mile beach. Enjoy a stroll along the beach before we embark on our final leg into Broome.
Day 11: Broome (No Meals)
2 Days of leisure in this historic northern pearling Town. There is plenty to see and do in Broome, time to just relax or laze on the beach in idealic weather conditions on the famous Cable Beach or view some of the old Pearling Luggers. We start our time here with a town tour to show you the sights.
Day 12: Broome (No Meals)
Another day of leisure in the capital of the north.
Day 13: Broome to Windjana Gorge (L, D)
After leaving Broome we stop briefly at Willare Bridge to gaze in awe at the size of this river and the amount of water that flows in the mighty Fitzroy River during the wet season, continuing on we leave the bitumen behind as we head for the Oscar Range and on to Tunnel Creek, a 750 metre tunnel that passes under the Napier range rich in bush-ranger history: just ask your guide for the true story.
Day 14: Windjana Gorge to Manning Gorge (B, L, D)
After spending a few pleasant hours exploring Windjana Gorge with its abundance of freshwater crocodiles it’s time to hit the track again as we travel along the famous Gibb River road to Manning Gorge and to watch the sunset over the Barnett Range.
Day 15: Gibb River Rd and Gorges (B, L, D)
A great day of swimming and hiking as we explore some of the Kimberley’s striking gorges - maybe Barnett, Manning, Adcock or Galvans depending on the time of year. Overnight bush camp.
Day 16: Gibb River Rd to El Questro (B, L, D)
We continue along the rugged Gibb River Road, travelling through some ancient and spectacular country before crossing the Pentecost River and heading to the famous El Questro Station. We walk into the beautiful Cockburn Ranges for a swim under the waterfall at Emma Gorge before retiring for the night.
Day 17: El Questro to the Bungle Bungles (B, L, D)
Today sit back and admire the awesome scenery of the Carr Boyd and Durack Ranges as we head to Turkey Creek. We take a challenging 4WD trip into the Bungle Bungle (Purnululu) National Park for sunset over the Osmond Ranges and our overnight camp.
Day 18: Bungle Bungles (B, L, D)
We spend a full day exploring the unusual rock formations of the Bungle Bungles mastiff, visiting the unique Frog Hole, the breathtaking Echidna Chasm and the magnificent Cathedral Gorge. We have time for an optional scenic helicopter flight (at own expense) over the Bungles before heading to our overnight bush camp.
Day 19: Bungle Bungles to Kununurra (B, L, D)
This morning we engage 4WD to wind our way out of the Bungle-Bungles before heading to the capital of the North - Kununurra. This afternoon we explore Hidden Valley – just a stones throw from Kununurra township. Tonight you may have the luxury of a shower!!
Day 20: Kununurra to Victoria River (B, L, D)
This morning we drive out to Lake Argyle and the Ord River Dam. Time to take in the magnificent expanse of the largest man made lake in Australia. This afternoon we cross the border into the Northern Territory. Time permitting we may have a look in at the Keep River National Park before heading to our camp on the Victoria River.
Day 21: Victoria River to Darwin (B, L)
We begin our final leg this morning with the short leg to Katherine where we have a brief visit to Katherine (Nitmiluk) Gorge. Heading north now we stop at Edith Falls for a final refreshing and relaxing swim before heading into Darwin where sadly we farewell our new found friends.