24 Day Perth To Darwin

Departing Perth at 7am, we get out of the city nice and early our first stop is Nambung National Park, home of the Pinnacles Desert.

From here we continue our trek north to Jurien Bay, where you have the opportunity to try sandboarding in the coastal dunes.

We then head to Kalbarri National Park, we explore some of the coastal areas of Kalbarri in the afternoon which can include sections of the Bigurda Trail & Eagle Gorge before heading to our accommodation for the night.

The Pinnacles – Nambung National Park

Bigurda Trail follow the coast of Kalbarri National Park

Highlights

• Nambung National Park
• Pinnacles Desert
• Kalbarri Coast
• Accommodation: Shared Dorm Style
• Activities: Hiking approx 3km
• Meals: LD

From our Kalbarri accommodation we head into Kalbarri National Park where we explore the inland gorges of the park including Murchison Gorge, Z Bend & Natures Window.

From Kalbarri we head north towards Shark Bay and Monkey Mia, we drop into the amazing Shell Beach, which is a beach made of millions of.. you guessed it, shells!

Then we head for Denham near Monkey Mia to check into our accommodation.

Murchison River Kalbarri National Park

Natures Window, Kalbarri National Park

Highlights

• Kalbarri National Park
• Murchison Gorge & Z Bend
• Natures Window
• The Loop Hiking Trail
• Shell Beach
• Accommodation: Shared Dorm Style
• Meals: BLD

We rise nice and early and head for Monkey Mia.

Arriving at Monkey Mia we spend some quality time with the Dolphins and participate in a feeding session.

Wild dolphins have been visiting the shoreline at Monkey Mia virtually every day for over 40 years, making this spot in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area one of the best and most reliable places for dolphin interaction in the world.

The dolphin interactions are regulated by rangers and a few lucky visitors are selected to hand-feed the dolphins a small amount of fish.

From Monkey Mia we wave goodbye to our aquatic friends and head for Coral Bay.

Dolphin Feeding, Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia Dolphin

Highlights

• Shark Bay & Monkey Mia
• Hemelin Pool
• Accommodation: Shared Dorm Style
• Activities: Short Walks, total approx 2km
• Meals: BLD

Coral Bay is only 5 minutes down a bush track. We spend all day at Coral Bay where there is a variety of activities to suit all tastes and budgets, including;

• Relaxing and swimming on the beach
• Hiring snorkels and exploring the bay
• Joining a Manta Ray Snorkeling Boat Cruise
• Joining a Hump Back Whale Cruise (in season)
• Joining a Whale Shark Snorkeling Boat Cruise (in season)

If you are planning on doing a Whale Shark cruise, it is best to wait to book this until you join our tour so that you maximise your chances of a successful cruise. Your guide will look at the weather forecast and will also know where the best place is to see Whale Sharks. Our tour is quite flexible so we have the opportunity to move things around a bit if need be.

If you would like to research cruises we use Coral Bay Eco Tours

Whether you have snorkelled with Whale Sharks or relaxed on the Coral Bay Beach with a good book, it’s another day in paradise!

In the afternoon we head for Exmouth and our first camp of the tour.

Coral Bay Eco Tours

Relaxing at Coral Bay – Photo Credit Steve Chant

Highlights

• Coral Bay – Free day relaxing or optional snorkel hire & boat cruises
• Camp: Permanent Tented Camp with facilities
• Activities: Swimming, Snorkelling & Boat Cruises
• Meals: BLD

Today we spend the whole day exploring the Exmouth Peninsula.

More coastal delights abound including a special place called Turquoise Bay, where the coral reef comes right up to the beach, we spend quality time here exploring the reef where we see tropical fish and if lucky turtles and dolphins.

In addition to Turquoise Bay the Cape Range National Park is home to Yardie Creek, a coastal gorge where there is a great hike and more swimming opportunities.

At the end of the dat we catch an Indian Ocean sunset and then head back to camp.

Snorkelling off the beach at Turquoise Bay

Highlights

• Exmouth Peninsula
• Turquoise Bay
• Yardie Creek
• Camp: Permanent Tented Camp with facilities
• Meals: BLD

Today we say goodbye to the and head inland to the spectacular Pilbara Region and Karijini National Park.

Karijini is regularly voted as a highlight of the trip and we spend the final days of the tour exploring the spectacular gorges and waterfalls of this highly rated destination.

We spend 3 nights at Karijini which gives us easy access to the plethora of amazing places to swim, hike and explore.

On arrival on our first day we normally head to Hamersley Gorge in the North of the Park.

Hamersley is spectacular, there is a steep climb down to beautiful pool where most people stay, however for those keen explorers (that’s us) we can follow the creek up to a few kilometres into further waterholes we have all to ourselves, the landscape is truely amazing and a photographers dream.

Entering Karijini National Park

Hamersley Gorge in Karijini National Park

Highlights

• Karijini National Park
• Hamersley Gorge
• Camp: Campsite with facilities
• Activities: Swimming, Hiking approx 3km
• Meals: BLD

We have the next 2 days to explore the remainder of Karijini National Park.

Slot canyons, deep gorges and waterfalls abound in this outback oasis.

Today normally head into the Weano area where we find;

• Weano Gorge
• Hancock Gorge
• Red Gorge
• Handrail Pool

There is so much to explore and some great hiking and swimming for the whole day.

At the end of Day 7 we head to our National Park Campground and cook up another feast.

Waeno Gorge Karijini National Park

Handrail Pool, Karijini National Park

Fern Pool, Karijini National Park

Highlights

• Karijini National Park
• Weano Gorge
• Hancock Gorge
• Red Gorge
• Handrail Pool
• Camp: Campsite with facilities x 2 nights
• Activities: Swimming / Hiking, approx 5km x 2 days
• Meals: BLD

We bid goodbye to Karijini National park we head for the Pilbara Coast, approx 4 hours drive away, here we check out Port Headland before settling down into our final campsite before hitting civilisation again in Broome.

On the Final day we follow the Indian Ocean Coastline, past 80 mile beach, a stunning beach which is exactly 116 miles long! before arriving at the coastal township of Broome where we’ll spend the next 3 nights relaxing around the pool or exploring Cable Beach.

80 Mile Beach

Highlights

• Fortescue Falls
• Fern Pool
• Dales Gorge
• Camp: Campsite with facilities
• Activities: Swimming
• Meals: BLD

We take a break from the rugged outback and relax in the coastal town of Broome.

There is plenty to do and see in 2 days in Broome, whether it’s a Camel Ride on Cable beach or just relaxing by the pool at your hotel catching up in the outside world.

Note that you are responsible for your own accommodation, food & transport while in Broome.

A Camel ride on Cable Beach is a popular choice when in Broome

Highlights

• Free Time In Broome
• Explore Broome Town
• Relax on Cable Beach
• Take a Camel Ride
• 3 nights shared accommodation

After a relaxing couple of days in Broome it’s time to get back in the Adventure Truck and immediately head east and into the Kimberley.

Our first stop is the famous Boab prison tree near Derby, a huge hollowed out Boab tree which was used as a prison in the early pioneering days, this is not only an amazing natural wonder but also gives us an insight into to challenging relationship between the early settlers and Aboriginal people of the Kimberley.

Next we head to Windjana Gorge, a huge gorge cut into the ranges over millennium to reveal beautiful scenery of high vertical cliffs, sandy beaches and meandering creek. We head off on a hike at Windjana of about 4km and often see freshwater crocodiles swimming in the clear waterholes.

Windjana Gorge is also home to our first campsite at the base of the Napier Range. In the evening, settle down for dinner with the group under the stars.

The Gibb River Road

Windjana Gorge

Highlights

• Depart Broome
• Boab Prison Tree
• Windjana Gorge
• Camp: Windjana Gorge National Park Camp [Showers & Toilets Available]
• Activities: Short Hike approx 2km
• Meals: LD

The mobile phones get packed up with the camping gear as they become useless and we head off nice and early for our first activity, exploring Tunnel Creek.

Tunnel Creek is an amazing natural phenomenon and holds great significance to the local Aboriginal people, and getting there early normally guarantees we have the place for ourselves. It is a 750 metre long stretch of creek, which runs underground through one of the oldest cave systems in Western Australia. Many aboriginal rock paintings are present in the cave and it was a hideout of the Aboriginal warrior, Jandamarra in 1897.

From Tunnel Creek we get on the Gibb River Road, a 700km long outback dirt road which runs between Derby and Kununurra, it’s not the easiest route, the track is often rough, there are a number or deep water crossings and a 4WD vehicle is essential. However it’s an amazing travel route as along the length of the Gibb River Road are vast tracts of wilderness and numerous rivers, gorges and waterfalls to explore.

The first water fall of the Broome to Darwin tour is Bell Gorge. After a short 15 minute walk we come to a beautiful creek, which flows through the centre of this impressive gorge and cascades over numerous falls. A deep swimming hole at the base of the main waterfall, surrounded by shady ledges and high cliffs, is an ideal lunch spot.

From Bell Gorge we push on along the Gibb for a little before finding our 2nd camp at the spectacular Manning Gorge, this stunning campground is set on the banks of the Barnett River where we roll out the swags under the Boabs.

The Spectacular Bell Gorge

Exploring Tunnel Creek

Highlights

• Tunnel Creek
• Gibb River Road
• Bell Gorge
• Camp: Manning Gorge Campground [Showers & Toilets Available]
• Activities: Hike & Swim approx 5km
• Meals: BLD

Today we leave our camp set up and head off on a hike, and what beauty this one is!.

White sandy beaches with a Pandanus tree lined waterway opening into a wide clear waterhole greet us only minutes after starting the walk. We swim or row the small boat across the river before following a trail leading to the top of gorge. The gorge has a waterfall plus a deep wide swimming hole surrounded by granite cliffs & rock outcrops. It is a spectacular setting with hidden examples of Bradshaw Aboriginal Rock Art.

In the afternoon we head out to explore a couple of other smaller gorges, Galvan’s and / or Adcock Gorge.

We return to camp to our familiar spot under the Boabs.

Manning Gorge Falls

Indigenous Rock Art at Galvins Gorge

Highlights

• Manning Gorge
• Galvan’s Gorge
• Adcock Gorge
• Camp: Manning Gorge Campground [Showers & Toilets Available]
• Activities: Hiking & Swimming up to 8km
• Meals: BLD

An early morning swim at Manning is a great way to wake up. From here it’s back on “The Gibb” where we continue on our Easterly trek.

There is a variety great spots to stop and check out, including secluded waterholes and Ellenbrae Cattle Station.

Arriving at the Pentecost River we are presented with an incredible landscape of a wide river surrounded by rugged Cockburn Ranges, a classic Kimberley scene.

Here we need to drive the 4WD through the Pentecost River, driving a vehicle across a 60 metre wide outback river which is occupied by Salt Water Crocodiles is not something you do every day, but it’s only way through so across we go.

Another bush camp under the stars awaits us.

Crossing The Pentecost River

Highlights

• Gibb River Road
• Pentecost River
• Camp: El Questro Station Camp [Showers & Toilets Available]
• Activities: Indigenous Art. Short Hike approx 2km
• Meals: BLD

With a full day to explore El Questro Station, we make to most of it.

Our first activity is to visit Zebedee Springs, and stunning thermal spring comlex at the base of an escarpment surrounded by Livistonia Palm Trees. What a way to wake up for the day!

From Zebedee we head to El Questro Gorge, a narrow gorge following a flowing creek fresh water

Today we push west, there is a variety great spots to stop and check out, including secluded waterholes and Ellenbrae Cattle Station before arriving at Manning Gorge. Camp tonight is either at Manning Gorge, where toilets and showers are available, or back into the bush depending on the preference of your guide.

El Questro Gorge

Cockburn Escarpment on El Questro Station

Highlights

• El Questro Station
• El Questro Gorge
• Zebedee Springs
• Cockburn Ranges
• Camp: El Questro Station Camp [Showers & Toilets Available]
• Activities: Hiking & Swimming approx 5km
• Meals: BLD

Before heading off to Purnululu National Park, we explore one of the other gems of El Questro Station, Emma Falls. Here a hike into the gorge reveals a hidden plunge pool and waterfall, simply stunning!

From here we head to one of the highlights of this Kimberley trip, Purnululu National Park, more commonly known as the Bungle Bungles. Our time in this region is spent hiking and exploring the Gorges and amazing landscapes the area contains.

The long and dusty track into the Bungles is spectacular; it winds its way through valleys, over ranges and through creeks before arriving at what must be one of the world’s most unique landscapes. The day ends with a spectacular sunset from a vantage point at camp where we’ll spent 2 nights.

Emma Falls at El Questro

Sunset at Purnululu

Highlights

• Emma Gorge
• El Questro Station
• Purnululu National Park (Bungles) Sunset
• Camp: Purnululu National Park Camp [Toilets Available]
• Activities: Hiking & Swimming approx 5km
• Meals: BLD

Camping deep within Purnululu we are able to take advantage of a spectacular Bungle Bungles sunrise.

A short drive from camp is the trailhead for the Cathedral Gorge hike, a spectacular hike though the beehive formations to Cathedral Gorge. The gorge itself is one of the most impressive geological formations you are likely to see anywhere.

From here there is the opportunity to take a scenic flight over the Bungles, helicopter rides from 18 minutes are available. From the air the bungles take on a completely new perspective and the open chopper is sensational. Scenic flights are at your own expense and organised on the day.

We then head off for Echidna Chasm for a hike into the domes, following a creek to its source at a narrow passage buried within the Bungles.

At the end of the day we crack another sunset and head back to camp.

Dawn hike at Piccaninny Creek, Purnululu National Park

Happy campers after completing an optional helicopter flight at Purnululu

Highlights

• Purnululu Sunrise
• Cathedral Gorge
• Picaninny Creek
• Echidna Chasm
• Beehive Formations
• Optional Helicopter Flight
• Camp: Purnululu National Park Camp [Toilets Available]
• Activities: Hiking approx 5km
• Meals: BLD

From our bush camp we head for Kununurra, the first sign of civilisation we have seen for a week. As we approach town the mobile phones start beeping and we take the opportunity to catch up on the world with some free time in this classic outback town while your guide replenishes supplies.

From Kununurra we head to Lake Argyle where there is a stunning campground ont he edges of this massive freshwater lake.

Here you can choose to do a sunset cruise out onto the Lake ($100 pid direct to the operator) or swan around in one of the best infinity pools in the universe!

Lake Argyle Infinity Pool

Lake Argyle Sunset from the boat

Highlights

• Kununurra
• Lake Argyle
• Lake Argyle Private Island Camp
• Camp: Campground [Showers & Toilets Available]
• Activities: Boat Cruise & Swimming
• Meals: BLD

Today we leave WA behind and enter the Northern Territory on the last leg of our epic journey.

Today is a big drive but we pass through some amazing country, specifically the Victoria River Valley region.

If time permits we will do the stunning escarpment walk.

Victoria River Valley

Highlights

• Lake Argyle Island Sunrise
• Victoria River Region
• Private Campsite with Permanent Tents [Showers & Toilets Available]
• Activities: Hiking approx 4km
• Meals: BLD

On the final day of the Broome to Darwin tour we explore Edith Falls within Nitmiluk National Park, which offers more adventure, hiking, swimming and spectacular landscapes.

We normally arrive into Darwin at around 5pm, your guide will conclude the tour by dropping you off at your accommodation.

Edith Falls

Highlights

• Edith Falls
• Arrival into Darwin
• Activities: Hiking approx 4km
• Meals: BLD