22 Day Darwin to Perth Unleashed

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 – Darwin to Katherine Region

DEFAULT PICK UP: Adventure Tours Australia Shop, 52 Mitchell St Darwin, 06:50am

Heading down from Darwin we stop at either Edith Falls for a swim or explore Katherine (Nitmiluk) Gorge (seasonal choice). We travel on to the Katherine region to set up camp. (LD)

Day 2 – Katherine Region to Lake Argyle

Today we visit Lake Argyle, created by the Ord River Dam. We spend time here admiring the beauty and sheer size of the Lake before setting up camp for the night. (BLD)

Day 3 – Lake Argyle to Bungle Bungles

It's time for some 4WD action as we wind our way into the Bungle Bungle massif. It's a rugged ride but the scenery is fantastic and you will enjoy your first Kimberley sunset as we set up our bush camp. (BLD)

Day 4 – Bungle Bungles

It's a full day of exploration today. The rock formations of the Bungle Bungles massif are remarkable and we visit breathtaking Echidna Chasm and magnificent Cathedral Gorge. There's an opportunity to view the Bungles by helicopter (own expense) before we return to camp. (BLD)

Day 5 – Bungle Bungles to El Questro

We travel out of the Bungles to El Questro Station. Sit back and admire the awesome scenery of the Carr Boyd and Durack Ranges as we head to Turkey Creek and onto El Questro to set up camp. (BLD)

Day 6 – El Questro Station to Gibb River Road

Up early we hike into the beautiful Cockburn Ranges for a refreshing swim under the waterfall at Emma Gorge, before starting our journey over the Pentecost River and along the Gibb River Road. (BLD)

Day 7 - Gibb River Road and Gorges

Today it's time for swimming and hiking in the Kimberleys! We explore striking Manning Gorge and Barnett Gorge (time permitting). Your experienced guide will use their local knowledge to determine the most accessible gorges to explore. Tonight we camp at Manning Gorge. (BLD)

Day 8 – Manning Gorge to Windjana Gorge

Today we explore Galvins or Adcock Gorge (seasonal) before making our way to Windjana Gorge, known for its abundant freshwater crocodiles. It's also our camp for the night. (BLD)

Day 9 – Windjana Gorge to Broome

We head towards the Napier Range and the fascinating 750 metre underground tunnel of Tunnel Creek, an area rich in bushranger history. Making tracks, we head towards Broome and stop briefly at Willare Bridge, where a rushing torrent of water flows in the mighty Fitzroy River (seasonal). Late afternoon we arrive in Broome, our aim is to catch up brilliant Cable Beach sunset. (BL)

Day 10, 11 and 12 – Broome

These three days are yours to enjoy at your own pace. Broome is the perfect place to relax and soak up the slow-paced lifestyle that is 'Broome-time'. Swim and chill out on Cable Beach, learn about the fascinating Pearling history, or you can choose to get a little more adventurous with a camel ride along the beach or even skydiving (optional extras, won expense).

Day 13 – Broome to Pilbara Region

PICK UP DAY 13: Kimberley Klub YHA, 06:30am

Departing Broome we cross the Great Sandy Desert, calling in at the coastal oasis of Eighty Mile Beach where we may have time for a quick swim in the turquoise water and a chance to collect some unique seashells. We travel further south through Port Hedland checking out the enormous piles of iron ore and salt, before heading to your overnight station stay. (BLD)

Day 14 – Pilbara Region to Karijini National Park

This morning we make our way to the remote but spectacular Karijini National Park where we spend the next three days exploring the ancient gorges and swimming in emerald coloured rock pools. We begin our Karijini experience with a visit to the Karijini Cultural Centre before heading for Fortesque Falls where you will be rewarded with a refreshing swim. Overnight camp in Karijini. (BLD)

Days 15 and 16 – Karijini National Park

The next two days are spent exploring, swimming and relaxing in the magnificent Karijini gorges. One of the oldest landscapes on earth – the region will amaze you. We will explore a number of gorges including Weano Gorge, Handrail Pool, Oxers Lookout, Hancock Gorge and Hamersley Gorge amongst others. Overnight camp in Karijini. (BLD)

Day 17 – Karijini National Park to Exmouth

Travel through the vast bush land and station country of the Pilbara region on our way to Exmouth and our accommodation. (BLD)

Day 18 – Exmouth to Coral Bay

This morning we explore Cape Range National Park. Take a dip, snorkel or relax on the beach at picturesque Turquoise Bay and take the short hike for stunning views of Yardie Creek. This afternoon we make the short trip to beautiful Coral Bay (BLD).

Day 19 – Coral Bay

Spend the entire day snorkelling the famous Ningaloo Reef accessible from Coral Bay's white sandy beach. Alternatively, you can choose one of the many optional activities including quad biking, coral viewing cruises and scuba diving (at own expense). (BD)

Day 20 – Coral Bay to Monkey Mia

Heading south we cross the Tropic of Capricorn and pass through the town of Carnarvon, famous for its bananas. We call in at unique Shell Beach made up of tiny shells before continuing on to Monkey Mia – famous for the wild dolphins that visit the beach daily. (BLD)

Day 21 – Monkey Mia to Kalbarri

Time this morning to visit with the dolphins before exploring some of the Shark Bay World Heritage area. We stop to view the stromatolites – the oldest living organisms in the world – before heading south for Kalbarri. Time permitting we will be able to view the Murchison Gorge and Natures Window this afternoon before arriving in this seaside resort town. (BLD)

Day 22 – Kalbarri to Perth

Departing via the coastal gorges of the Kalbarri National Park, we head to the picturesque seaside town of Dongara before travelling south through the fascinating landscape of the Nambung National Park and checking out the famous Pinnacle Desert. Then we make our way to Perth arriving in the early evening. (BL)