Day 1
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.
Total driving time today is around 4.5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 2 kilometres.
Day 2
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.
Total driving time today is around 7.5 hours. Total walking distance is around 1 kilometre.
Day 3
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.
Total driving today is around 5.5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 5 kilometres.
Day 4
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.
Total driving time today is around 2 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 5 kilometres.
Day 5
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.
Total driving time today is around 5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 1 kilometre.
Day 6
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 Kununurra 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.
Total driving time today is around 45 minutes. Total walking distance is up to 7 kilometres.
Day 7
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.
Total driving time today is around 6 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 2 kilometres.
Day 8
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.
Total driving time today is around 1 hour. Total walking distance is approximately 6 kilometres.
Day 9
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.
Total driving time today is around 4.5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 4 to 6 kilometres.
Day 10
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.
Total driving time today is around 6 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 4 kilometres.
Day 11
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!
Day 12
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!
Day 13
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!
Day 14
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!
Day 15
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 Cape Keraudren.
Total driving time today is around 6 hours and approximately 525km. Total walking distance is approximately 1 km.
Day 16
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.
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.
Day 17
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.
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.
Day 18
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!
Total driving time today is around 2 hours and approximately 30 km. Total walking distance is approximately 6 km.
Day 19
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.
Total driving time today is around 9 hours and approximately 750 km. Not much walking today.
Day 20
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.
Total driving time today is around 3.5 hours and approximately 300km. Total walking distance is approximately 2 km.
Day 21
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.
There is no driving today, just a short walk to Coral Bay Eco Tours and water activities.
Day 22
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.
Total driving time today is around 6.5 hours and approximately 600km. Total walking distance is approximately 2 km.
Day 23
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.
Total driving time today is around 5.5 hours and approximately 470 km. Total walking distance is approximately 5 km.
Day 24
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.
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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