21 Day Perth to Darwin

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 – Perth to Horrocks

DEFAULT PICK UP: Barrack St Jetty, 07:15am

Leaving Perth, we journey to Nambung National Park to explore the mysterious Pinnacles Desert and then discover some massive sand dunes at Jurien Bay, where you’ll have the opportunity to sandboard down the slopes, before continuing on through Geraldton to Horrocks where you stay overnight. (LD)

Day 2 – Horrocks to Shark Bay

It’s a short drive to the Kalbarri National Park where we explore some of the park’s diverse landscapes including Murchison Gorge, Nature’s Window and Z-Bend Gorge. There’s also the option to try some abseiling (own expense). After lunch we visit beautiful Shell Beach, one of only two beaches in the world made entirely from shells, before we get back on the road and travel towards Denham and Shark Bay. (BLD)

Day 3 – Shark Bay to Coral Bay

After a short drive across the Peron Peninsula, we make our way down to the beach and the world famous Monkey Mia dolphins — a unique experience with some fantastic photo opportunities. As we travel towards Carnarvon, we stop to view the fascinating stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. After taking a quick break at Carnarvon, we continue along the highway to Coral Bay, the Jewel of the Northwest. (BLD)

Day 4 – Coral Bay to Exmouth

Enjoy an amazing day to relax explore Coral Bay, which is as idyllic as the name suggests, and the wonders of the Ningaloo Reef and its incredible marine life. You can go snorkelling, cruise on the glass bottom boat, take a quad bike tour or even a joy flight over the reef (all at own expense and subject to availability). Today is a day to relax. Late afternoon and its time for the short drive into Exmouth. (BLD)

Day 5 – Exmouth

Today we visit Yardie Creek in the Cape Range National Park. Have a swim, snorkel or sunbathe at beautiful Turquoise Bay and admire the view from historic Vlahming Head Lighthouse. We return to our hostel late afternoon. (BL)

Day 6 – Exmouth to Karijini National Park

We head inland through the vast cattle stations, our destination being the oasis of Karijini National Park. In the afternoon we pass through Paraburdoo, a little town known for its iron ore mining, before reaching our camp overlooking the magnificent Hamersley Range. (LD)

Days 7 and 8 – Karijini National Park

You have two full days ahead of you to explore Karijini National Park and its amazing gorges. Formed over 2,500 million years ago, the Hamersley Ranges are some of the most unusual landforms on earth. Deep in the gorges you’ll come across cascading waterfalls and still waterholes — perfect for swimming. Dales Gorge, Fortesque Falls, Fern Pool, Circular Pool, Weano Gorge and Hancock Gorge are just some of the stunning areas we’ll get to. (BLD)

Day 9 – Karijini National Park to Pilbara Region

We depart Karijini this morning and travel towards the coast and the iron ore port of Port Hedland. We have time for a quick town tour and to marvel at the sheer size of the iron ore industry. After lunch we continue on towards the Pilbara region for our overnight camp. (BLD)

Day 10 – Pilbara Region to Broome

Up early today to begin the final journey to Broome. We enjoy a leisurely break along the way and take in the glory of the stretching sands of 80 Mile Beach, one of the country’s tourist wonders, at the furthest part of Western Australia. Enjoy a stroll along the white sandy beach and get some fantastic photos, before heading into Broome. (BL)

Days 11 and 12 – Broome

We have 2 free days here in Broome, so you can sit back and relax on the beautiful Cable Beach. With 22 km of white sand and crystal waters it’s the ideal place to watch the sunset. There are also plenty of things to see and do around town. Take a tour out to one of the local pearl farms or view some of the old pearling luggers (Meals and activities on these days are at own expense).

Day 13 – Broome to Windjana Gorge

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

Out of Broome we stop briefly at Willare Bridge, where a rushing torrent of water flows in the mighty Fitzroy River (seasonal). From here we leave the bitumen behind as we head for the Oscar Range and on to Tunnel Creek, where a 750 metre tunnel passes under the Napier Range. The area has a rich bushranger history – ask your guide for the true story! (LD)

Day 14 – Windjana Gorge to Manning Gorge

We explore Windjana Gorge (there’s loads of freshwater crocodiles here!) before we hit the track again to travel along the famous Gibb River Road — a 660km dirt track right in the heat of the Kimberley region. Depending on the time of year, we may be able to explore Galvins or Adcock Gorge before setting up camp at Manning Gorge. (BLD)

Day 15 – Gibb River Road

Today it’s time for swimming and hiking in the Kimberleys! Explore the striking Manning Gorge and time permitting, we head into Barnett Gorge. Your experienced guide will use their local knowledge to determine the best gorges for you to explore. After a full day of exploration you’ll welcome another night under the stars at our bush camp. (BLD)

Day 16 – Gibb River Road to El Questro Station

We pass through some ancient and spectacular country as we travel along the Gibb River Road. Crossing the Pentecost River, we reach the famous El Questro Station — a huge wilderness park over 1 million acres in size. We walk into the beautiful Cockburn Ranges for a swim under the waterfall at Emma Gorge before retiring for the night. (BLD)

Day 17 – El Questro to Bungle Bungles

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 Bungles (Purnululu National Park) just in time to catch sunset over the Osmond Ranges and our overnight bush camp. (BLD)

Day 18 – Bungle Bungles

Get ready for 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 time to get another perspective of the Bungles by helicopter if you choose (at own expense) before we head back to our overnight bush camp. (BLD)

Day 19 – Bungle Bungles to Lake Argyle via Kununurra

It’s time for some 4WD action as we wind our way out of the Bungle Bungles on our way to Kununurra. Time permitting we will have the opportunity to explore the Hidden Valley, just a stones throw from Kununurra township. (BLD)

Day 20 – Lake Argyle to Katherine Region

Today we visit Lake Argyle, created by the Ord River Dam. Lake Argyle is the biggest man-made lake in Australia and is eighteen times bigger than Sydney Harbour! We spend some time here this morning before crossing the state border into the Northern Territory to reach camp in the Katherine region. (BLD)

Day 21 – Katherine Region to Darwin

We’re on the home stretch now! It’s a short hop across to Katherine where we will stop at either Katherine (Nitmiluk) Gorge, or take one last refreshing swim at Edith Falls. We then make our final journey into Darwin. (BL)