20 Day Coast, Gorges & Kimberley Adventure: Perth to Darwin

Departing Perth 7.00 am. We head north to Nambung National Park where we stop to explore the famous Pinnacle Desert. After lunch at one of the small fishing towns there is a chance for a swim in the Indian Ocean at Hangover Bay, or a nice stroll along deserted beaches. We carry on our journey through Geraldton and along the coastal gorges of the Batavia Coast, the site of many shipwrecks, (ask your guide for the stories). In season, (July - September) check out the wildflowers en route to the Pink Lakes and the Ocean Gorges (Pot Alley). But before this we are now off sandboarding! Have some fun surfing over large natural sand dunes so hang on. We stop to watch the sunset & perhaps spot Humpback whales frolicking in the Ocean (seasonal) and then we head for camp, which is a good time for spotting kangaroos. Tonight we stay in Kalbarri. Hostel, all facilities. We stop at a bottle shop on the way. Traditional Aussie Barbie tonight.

DAY 2 - CP

This morning, we have a short drive to Kalbarri National Park where we begin the day with a bush walk to check out the awesome views of the Murchison River Z-bends and the famous Natures Window. We then continue north through station country, where we cross Meadow and Nerren Nerren sheep stations, en route to Shark Bay. The wild flowers are abundant in season (July/September). Next we stop to visit the Stromatolites (the oldest living things on the planet) and then on to Shell beach, probably the longest shell beach in the world. Next stop Denham (the most westerly town in Australia) for a bottle shop stop before arriving at Monkey Mia Resort for the night. Most companies stay in Denham but we would rather stay at the Monkey Mia resort situated right on the beach; you can relax around the Barbie or swimming pool and spa. You may even see the Dolphins hunting at night for fish along the shore line.

DAY 3 - CP

This morning we visit the famous dolphins of Monkey Mia one of the few places in the world were dolphins from the "wild" come to meet people! The morning is spent interacting with these amazing creatures (dolphin appearances not guaranteed). There is also the opportunity to go sailing or kayaking in the bay (optional extra). Then we bid the dolphin's farewell as we head for one of the costal gorges and the ancient Stromatolites. We have lunch before continuing north; here our journey into the outback really becomes visible with 360 degrees of land, sea and sky. This is called Big Sky country. After a brief stop at the tropical town of Carnarvon, we head for our overnight stay in Coral Bay. The Ningaloo Club all amenities, swimming pool.

  Optional extras you can do in Monkey Mia, (must be booked in advance):
  - Sailing Cruise,
  - Fishing,
  - Kayaking,
  - Visit a Pearl Farm,
  - Aboriginal Bush Walk.

DAY 4 - CP

Today there is time to enjoy this idyllic location Coral Bay the gateway to Ningaloo Reef, with Ningaloo Reef being the largest fringing coral reef in the world. Here we can marvel at the underwater world of multi-coloured fish and corals. All this is just meters from the sandy shore. Enjoy swimming, sunbaking, beachcombing, snorkeling or some optional activities like glass bottomed cruise or quadbikes. Late this afternoon we make our way across the grasslands to Exmouth. Overnight stay Exmouth. 

DAY 5 - CP

Today after breakfast you have 2 options. Option 1 head out into the magnificent Cape Range National Park, making our way towards the secluded beaches of the Ningaloo Reef, where you can snorkel (optional) with a huge variety of soft corals and fish, some different to Coral Bay. First we head off to explore Yardie Creek Gorge and look for rock wallabies, next a swim/snorkel at Turquoise Bay. Option 2 Go diving on Ningaloo Reef (own expense). There are many dive packages to chose from you can even go Swim with whale sharks (April-June). Overnight stay Exmouth.

Optional extras you can do in Exmouth. (Must be booked in advance)
  - Diving tours,
  - Fishing,
  - Whale watching (July-October),
  - Swim with Whale sharks (April-June),
  - Surfing,
  - Quad Bike Tours.

DAY 6 - BC

After an early start drive inland towards the Hammersley Ranges. Look out for kangaroos, lizards - and cows! We stop at Tom Price to get supplies and then head into the Karijini National Park. This is truly unique country, an amazing contrast of red rocks, green trees and blue skies. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. Overnight Karijini: bushcamp.

DAY 7 & 8 - BC

A full 2-days is spent in Karijini, discovering the magnificent ancient gorges and swimming in the waterfalls and pools. Go on a spectacular bushwalk from Dales Gorge to Circular Pool and back along the bottom of the Gorge to Fortesque Falls and the beautiful Fern Pool. Visit the excellent Karijini visitor's centre and learn about the history of this region and its flora and fauna. You will be amazed at stunning Weano Gorge and the viewing spots you can stop at - such as Junction Pool, Oxer's, Joffre and Knox Lookouts. Walk along the bottom of Weano Gorge to Handrail Pool. Overnight Karijini: bushcamp.

DAY 9 - BC

Time to head to the coast again as we leave Karijini National Park and travel north to Port Hedland. Approximately 50 million tonnes of iron ore are exported annually from here. Trains used to transport the iron ore are over 2.5 kilometres long! Tour the town. Stop at the De Grey River on the way to Eighty Mile Beach, a perfect place to look for shells and watch the sunset. Overnight: camping.

DAY 10

Departing 80 mile beach we head for Broome. We'll show you around the town and point out some of the highlights such as Chinatown, the Japanese Cemetery, Gantheaume Point and Anastasia's Pool. Then we head down to Cable Beach; watch the sun slip into the ocean as you celebrate the conclusion of the first stage of your journey.

DAY 11 & 12

These two days are free days, leaving you to explore this cosmopolitan town nestled on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Spend time at the beautiful Cable Beach or visiting some of the other attractions including the Crocodile farm, Pearl farm and Bird Observatory. Meals are not supplied on these days, giving you the chance to try some of the local crusine from the many cafes and resturaunts around town. An optional visit to the Sun Picture Theatre - Australia's oldest open-air cinema, is the ultimate experience for any Movie Buff.

DAY 13 - NP

This morning we head east from Broome along the Great Northern Highway, crossing the massive Fitzroy River. After stopping at the Boab Prison Tree, we branch off along dirt roads and explore by torchlight Tunnel Creek, hideout of the outlaw Pigeon, and then through to our camp at Windjana Gorge looking for some freshwater crocodiles.

DAY 14 - NP

Today we start our trek along the famous Gibb River Road, travelling through the King Leopold Ranges, with our first stop for a refreshing swim at Galvans Gorge before arriving at our camp at Manning Gorge.

DAY 15 - NP

Leaving the Gibb, we travel via the Kalumburu Road, heading for the remote Mitchell Plateau. Tonight we camp on the banks of the King Edward River where we can swim in the refreshing pools and wash off the dust. Later we can look for "eyes" in the river.

DAY 16 - NP

Passing through forests of Livistonia Palms and some of the best views that money can't buy, a full day is set aside to explore this spectacular area at leisure. A trek to Mertens Falls and then on to the famous Mitchell Falls will take you to one of the most remote places in the country. Plenty of time to swim, photograph and just absorb some priceless memories, as the Mitchell River cascades down, forming a massive 4-tiered waterfall. An optional helicopter flight is also available. We camp here this evening.

DAY 17 - CP

This morning we reluctantly leave Mitchell Falls stopping to view Aboriginal rock art, including Wandjina art and the mysterious Bradshaw paintings, before arriving at the King Edward River in time for a swim and lunch.  We trek on to Drysdale River station, with time for a cold beer at a traditional Kimberley cattle station. Camp tonight by the Drysdale river.

DAY 18 - CP

This morning we can relax for a while or try our hand at fishing, before rejoining the Gibb River Rd (one of the roughest roads in the world), navigating through the stunning Pentecost Ranges, while crossing the mighty rivers of both the Durack and Pentecost, en-route to the award winning El Questro station.

DAY 19 - CP

Start the day with a walk through, and a soak in, the palm-fringed Zebedee Hot Springs. Our next visit is to the magnificent El Questro gorge, where we can hike through to the halfway point for a refreshing swim; or, for the more energetic, a trek to the end for the pristine waterfall. This afternoon we end our trek along the Gibb River Road, heading to Kununurra, where you can spend time fishing, canoeing or just relaxing around the pool.

DAY 20

Departing Kununurra for Darwin, you have the option of taking a 1hr flight, (depending on availability) or travelling in a luxury coach north along the Victoria Highway. While the stunning Red Valley Gorge serves as our backdrop, the drive through the Gregory National Park is quite spectacular; on both sides there are escarpment ranges, unique Boab trees and the mighty Victoria River that runs into deep valleys and gorges.

NB: Those taking the Coach option depart Kununurra at 7.15am to arrive Darwin at approximately 10.00 pm local time. Passengers wishing to take the 1 hour flight have several options, depending on availability.

Please Note: The Perth - Broome section of this tour is done in conjunction with another operator.

KEY:
CP = Camping Park, full facilities
NP = National Park, limited facilities
BC = Bush Camp, no facilities