24 Day Perth to Darwin Tour
From the temperate south to tropical Darwin, experience the bluest oceans, untouched beaches, rugged bush terrain, unique rock formations and striking gorges as you explore the north west of Australia.
This is one of our most intense tours and is for people who are after a serious adventure travelling up the West Coast, through the remote Kimberley and into the Top End.
We'll camp under the stars as well as stay in dorm share accommodation. We'll visit Coral Bay, Carnavon, Exmouth, Monkey Mia, Karijini, Broome, the Kimberleys, Kununurra, Bungle Bungles and more!.
- All the best highlights
- Exmouth & Coral Bay
- Monkey Mia & Ningaloo Reef
- Kalbarri & Kununurra
- The Bungle Bungles
- Meals & Enquipment Inc
- Vegetarians catered for
- Camping or Dorms avble
- Experienced & Knowledgable guide
- Small group Travel
- Trip length:
- 24 Days
- Group size:
- 20 Max
- Start:
- Perth
- End:
- Darwin
- Vehicle:
- 4WD Coach
- Sleep:
- Camping
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
Pictures / Videos Itinerary
See MapDay 1: Perth to Kalbarri
Welcome to sunny Perth, where your overland journey begins. Meet your group early this morning and leave the city, driving north to Nambung National Park to explore The Pinnacles. These are ancient rock sculptures that rise out of the desert. Journey on to Western Australia’s own Pink Lake at Port Gregory. From here continue on through Geraldton to the quiet beach town of Kalbarri, where you’ll stay the night.
Accommodation
- Hostel (1 night) Kalbarri
Included Activities
- Nambung National Park (Pinnacles) Entrance
Meals Included
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is about 6.5 hours and approximately 600km. The total walking distance is approximately 2km.
Day 2: Kalbarri National Park to Shark Bay
Today take a short drive to Kalbarri National Park. Hike around some of the park’s diverse scenery, including Murchison Gorge and Nature’s Window. It’s a steep descent into Z-Bend Gorge. After lunch visit the beautiful Shell Beach, which is one of only two beaches in the world composed entirely of shells. Get back on the road and continue towards Denham and Shark Bay.
Accommodation
- Hostel (1 night) Monkey Mia
Included Activities
- Kalbarri National Park Entrance
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is about 5.5 hours and approximately 470km. The total walking distance is approximately 5km.
Day 3: Monkey Mia to Coral Bay
This morning head down to the beach for the Monkey Mia dolphins experience. The idyllic shores around the Francoise Peron National Park are perfect to stretch the legs and admire another slice of Western Australian coastline. The next stop is Hamelin Pool where you’ll see the fascinating stromatolites, these marine rock formations are some of the world’s oldest and largest living fossils. After a short break, continue along the highway through Carnarvon to Coral Bay – known as the ‘Jewel of the Northwest’.
Accommodation
- Hostel (1 night) Coral Bay
Included Activities
- Monkey Mia Dolphins
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is about 6.5 hours. The total walking distance is approximately 2km.
Day 4: Coral Bay to Cape Range National Park
Today explore picturesque Coral Bay, home to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. Snorkel equipment is available to hire (own expense), you could cruise the reef in a glass-bottom boat to observe the tropical life teeming below the surface. The marine park is home to 250 species of coral and over 500 species of fish. You might prefer to take an optional scenic flight over the reef.
Accommodation
- Hostel (1 night) Exmouth
Included Activities
- Ningaloo Reef Marine Park
Optional Activities
- Snorkel with Manta Rays – half day trip
- Beach Snorkelling (own expense)
- Whale Watching – 3 hours (seasonal)
- Glass Bottom Boat Cruises from
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is about 2 hours and approximately 185km. . The total walking distance is approximately 2km.
Day 5: Exmouth and Cape Range National Park
Spend the morning snorkelling right off the beach in the stunning Cape Range National Park. Depending on the time of year, you have the option to snorkel or scuba dive in search of whale sharks and manta rays. Take a visit to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, one of the few places in Australia where you can see the sun both rise and set. Enjoy taking a wander around the town of Exmouth before settling down in our overnight accommodation.
Accommodation
- Hostel (1 night) Exmouth
Optional Activities
- Snorkel with the Whalesharks (own expense)
- Snorkel at Turquoise Bay (own expense)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is about 2 hours and approximately 180km. The total walking distance is approximately 2km.
Day 6: Karijini National Park
Head inland today through the vast cattle stations of the Pilbara region. The sparsely populated Pilbara desert is known for its red earth and rich mineral deposits. In the afternoon pass through the little town of Tom Price, which is renowned for its iron ore mining. Continue on to your campsite overlooking the magnificent Hamersley Range in Karijini. Before you go to sleep, take a minute to gaze up at one the most magnificent night skies you’re ever likely to see.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night) Karijini
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Today’s travel will take around 9 hours in total and approximately 750km.
Day 7: Karijini National Park
Over the next two days explore the almighty gorges of Karijini National Park. Formed over 2,500 million years ago, the Hamersley Ranges feature some of the most unusual landforms on Earth. You’ll be able to take some great photographs while you’re here. Hike deep into the gorges, where you’ll come across cascading waterfalls and fresh waterholes ideal for swimming in. Dales Gorge and Oxlers Lookout, Fortescue Falls, Fern Pool, Weano and Hancock Gorge’s are just some of the places you can visit. This part of the journey is a real highlight.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night) Karijini
Included Activities
- Karijini National Park Entrance & Gorge Walks
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is around 2 hours and approximately 30km, but you could be walking up to 6km.
Day 8: Karijini National Park
Head back into the gorges today for further exploration of this fascinating national park.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night) Karijini
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is only around 2 hours and approximately 180km, but you could be walking up to 6km.
Day 9: Pilbara Region
Depart Karijini this morning and travel towards the coast (approximately four hours in total). Visit the iron ore port of Port Hedland, the second most populated town in the Pilbara. Take a quick tour of the town and gain an understanding of the scale of the iron ore industry. After lunch continue on to a nearby station, where you’ll spend the last night of your trip.
Accommodation
- Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night) Pilbara Region
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is about 6.5 hours and approximately 520km.
Day 10: Broome
The drive to your final destination of Broome will take around six hours. En route, enjoy a leisurely break and stroll along the immense 80-Mile Beach. On arrival into Broome just in time to enjoy an idyllic Broome sunset – a fitting end to the first half of your adventure. There are no more activities planned for today.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information
The total driving time today is about 6 hours and approximately 525km.
Day 11-14 Broome
The next four days are free for you to explore Broome at your own pace. If you’re after more beach time, perhaps head to Cable Beach – named after the undersea telegraph cable that connected Broome to Singapore in the 19th century, or Town Beach in Roebuck Bay. Season depending, it’s possible to witness the ‘Staircase to the Moon’ at Roebuck Bay – a natural phenomenon and optical illusion where a ‘staircase’ appears to lead to the moon during low tide. A weekly Staircase Night Market sets up during this time and is also worth checking out if you happen to be in Broome at this time. Sample local flavours and browse stalls selling handmade products, jewellery, clothing and art while local musicians play.
If you’re after some history, check out the Broome Historical Museum to learn about local Aboriginal culture and for a glimpse into the town's pearling and wartime history. Maybe take a trip to Gantheaume Point to discover 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints or to photograph the contrasting white sand, red cliffs and blue ocean of the area. Another option is the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park and Animal Refuge for some wildlife-viewing. In the evening, the buzzing district of Chinatown is a great place to grab a meal and a drink, or maybe catch an outdoor film at the charming Sun Pictures cinema.
Accommodation
- Hostel (4 nights)
Meals Not Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Days 15 Broome and Windjana Gorge
Welcome to Broome, an easy-going tourist town with a pretty striking strip of coastline. We set off into the West Australian wilds pretty early today, so consider arriving a day or two early if you fancy getting to know Broome better.
After a bit of highway driving we reach the Fitzroy River, then it’s all off-road to the Napier Range. The main attraction here is a guided walk-through Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek), a vast cave system that extends 750 metres underground. After an awesome day exploring its time to kick back at camp in the Western Kimberley around the campfire.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Tunnel Creek Exploration Walk
Meals Included
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is about 8 hours. The total walking distance is approximately three kilometres, including walking through water in Tunnel Creek.
Day 16: Bell Gorge to Mt. Barnett
Today we head to Windjana Gorge, once an underwater reef just 350 million years ago. During the wet season a river flows all the way through it, but during the dry it’s really more a series of ponds and billabongs. Set out on a bit of an explore, hopefully spotting a freshwater crocodile or two. The Western Kimberley region is full of endless stunning gorges that have to be explored and this afternoon is no exception. Bell Gorge (if open) is home to a stunning cascade of water flowing from the previous wet season rains that fall in the King Leopold Ranges. We enjoy an afternoon swim in the large plunge pool before making our way to camp along the Gibb River Road.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Bell Gorge
- Windjana Gorge
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is around 5 hours. The total walking distance is approximately four to six kilometres.
Day 17: Manning Gorge (Mt. Barnett)
We spend the morning exploring Manning Gorge and enjoy a swim in the pools under Manning Falls. After stretching your legs on the hike in you will be rewarded with a swim in a large rock pool at the base of Manning Falls. Spend the afternoon exploring Galvins 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
The total driving time today is around 1 hour. The total walking distance is approximately six to eight kilometres.
Day 18: Gibb River Road to Kununurra
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. Pass through remote and extraordinary country as you travel through this historic part of Australia. Cross the famous Pentecost River and capture that iconic photo before we reach Kunnunurra, where you’ll spend the night camping under the stars at our exclusive camp along the mighty Ord River.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Gibb River Road
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is around 8 hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.
Day 19: Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles)
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
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is approximately 5 hours. Total walking distance is up to 6 kilometres.
Day 20: Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles)
We take advantage of visiting one of the most remote world heritage national Parks on the planet, and enjoy another spectacular walk in the Purnurlulu NP, the Cathedral Gorge walk. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience another perspective of ‘the Bungles’ in a helicopter flight (at your own expense). As the sun goes down, head to your overnight camp near Purnurlulu National Park.
Accommodation
Camping (with basic facilities – no showers) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cathedral Gorge
Optional Activities
- Helicopter Flight – Bungle Bungles – from – AUD350
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is approximately 2 hours. The total walking distance is approximately five kilometres.
Day 21: Bungle Bungles to El Questro's Emma Gorge
We pack up camp before you will once again experience some serious 4WD action as you wind your way out of the Bungle Bungles heading through the East Kimberley. 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 basic facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
Emma Gorge – El Questro Station
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is around 5.5 hours. The total walking distance is approximately five kilometres.
Day 22: Kununarra Region
Wake up with the knowledge of not having to pack-up. 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
- Sights around Kununarra
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is around 1 hours. Total walking distance is one kilometre.
Day 23: Lake Argyle to the Katherine region
Not long after breakfast we stop in for an optional cruise at Lake Argyle. This vast body of water has been forged by the Ord River Dam. The biggest man-made lake in Australia, Lake Argyle is 18 times the size of Sydney Harbour!
After this Stop say goodbye to WA as from here we cross the state border into the Northern Territory. The day is spent enjoying the last views of the Boabs you have fallen in love with as we make our way towards Katherine and it’s relaxing hot springs, before our last camp for the night just outside of Nitmiluk National Park in the Katherine Region.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lake Argyle
Optional Activities
- Lake Argyle Sunset Cruise – AUD100
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is around 8 hours. Total walking distance is around one kilometre.
Day 24: Darwin
On the final day of the trip, stop at either the secluded gorge of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) or take one last plunge for the trip into the cool waters of Edith Falls. In the afternoon, make your way to Darwin, where your adventure comes to an end. Please book any onward travel the following day.
Included Activities
- Katherine Gorge or Edith Falls
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information
The total driving today is around 4.5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.
