22 Day Darwin to Perth

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2021 Operations

From April 2021 we are jointly operating this product with Adventure Tours Australia, most vehicles will contain a mix of West Adventure Tours + Adventure Tours Australia customers and vehicles could be branded as either company. By working together this exciting union will ensure both operators can continue to offer great adventure product and maintain commitments to our customers.

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Tips:

• Just looking for the Kimberley region? Try our sister company: Kimberley Adventure Tours➚
• Just looking for the West Coast? Try: 10 Day Perth to Broome • 10 Day Broome to Perth
• Want the reverse direction? Try: 22 Day Perth to Darwin Adventure

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Tour Inclusions

• 16 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 16 dinners
• All National Park entry fees.
• All camping fees.
• Private property access.
• 4WD vehicle for bush and beach access.
• Dedicated wildlife hiking guide.
• Pick up from your Darwin accommodation and drop off at selected locations in Perth
• All camping gear except sleeping bags.

Tour Exclusions

• 3 nights accommodation in Broome
• Food while in Broome
• Lake Agyle boat cruise and overnight island camp
• Optional Boat Cruises on Ningaloo Reef (Whale Shark, Humpback Whale, Manta Ray Cruises)
• Snorkel Hire Exmouth & Coral Bay
• Sleeping Bags.

 Notes

• Prices quoted are AUD – (Australian Dollars)
• For more information on boat cruises contact Coral Bay Eco Tours ➚
• Warning: Please note that we are West Adventure Tours, not West Comfortable, Predictable or Luxury Tours, travellers should expect adventure, challenges, longer hikes & swims and at times rough 4WD roads. This is not a bus tour.

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Tour Itinerary

• Please Note: The following itinerary is to be used as a guide only, we run extremely flexible tours and can adapt to many factors including weather & road conditions to maximise your tour experience. Activities & Campsite stated below can change. 

 

1.The sun rises early in the Kimberley so there’s no point in sleeping in, we’ll pick you up from your Darwin accommodation at 6am and head for the wilderness.

Leaving the comfort of the city behind we head for what many consider to be one of the last great expanses of rugged wilderness areas remaining in the world, the mighty Kimberley Region of Northern Western Australia.

Our first stop is about 2 hours South of Darwin, Edith Falls in Katherine Gorge National Park, a short 3 km walk to the upper pools brings us to the first of many beautiful waterfalls which we will see over the next 9 days.

After lunch we push west towards the Western Australia / Northern Territory state border and our first bush camp. Bush camping is a great experience whether you are an experienced outback drover or first time city slicker, we have been in the Kimberley for such a long time that we have established relationships with the local land holders, both Cattle Stations and Custodians of Aboriginal Land, and we have permission to camp in wild places that are off limits to the public.

These camping spots are normally in pristine wilderness and remote areas, setting up a campfire, cooking up a feast on the fire and then rolling out the swags in these places is a special experience, and our first camp is a cracker! Tents are provided for those a little nervous about the under the stars experience.

 

Highlights

• Depart Darwin
• Edith Falls
• Katherine Township
• Victoria River
• Private Wilderness Camp on aboriginal community
• Activities:Swimming & Hiking 3km – 5km
• Meals: LD

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2.With no roof over our heads the breaking dawn is our new alarm clock and we rise early. The mobile phones get packed up with the camping gear as they become useless and we head off nice and early for our days activities, exploring the Victoria River Valley and Lake Argyle.

Victoria River Valley is a great destination and there are a number of hikes we can choose from.

From Victoria River we head to Lake Argyle for what is regularly voted as the highlight of the tour. Lake Argyle is a huge freshwater lake teaming with wildlife, from wallabies in the rocky shores, to freshwater crocodiles to birdlife.

We board a boat where a local guide shows us the lake, there is time to swim before we watch sunset from the water and then camp on one of the remote islands. This is a great experience, knowing you are the only people on a single island in the middle of one of the most remote lakes in the world is unforgettable.

We have a campfire, the sky is full of stars and the cool water is inviting to those brave souls who want a midnight swim.

Highlights

• Aboriginal Culture Tour
• Lake Argyle
• Camp: Private Wilderness Camp on Island
• Activities: Boat Cruise, Swimming & Hiking approx 3km
• Meals: BLD

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3.The sunrise from our island camp is unforgettable.

We pack up camp, re-board the boat and head back to our vehicle. From Lake Argyle we head into Kununurra to replenish supplies, as we approach town the mobile phones start beeping and we take the opportunity to catch up on the world with some free time in this classic outback town while your guide replenishes supplies.

From Kununurra we head to one of the highlights of this Kimberley trip, Purnululu National Park, more commonly known as the Bungle Bungles. Our time in this region is spent hiking and exploring the Gorges and amazing landscapes the area contains.

The long and dusty track into the Bungles is spectacular; it winds its way through valleys, over ranges and through creeks before arriving at what must be one of the world’s most unique landscapes. The day ends with a spectacular sunset from a vantage point at camp.

Highlights

• Lake Argyle Island Sunrise
• Kununurra
• Purnululu National Park
• Camp: Bush Camp, National Park Facility
• Activities: Early swimming if keen, walking approx 1 – 2km
• Meals: BLD

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4.

With an early rise we are able to take advantage of a spectacular Bungle Bungles sunrise, from our vantage point we watch the show with a cup of tea or coffee and breakfast from a remote location.

A short drive from the sunrise area is the trailhead for the Cathedral Gorge hike, a spectacular hike though the beehive formations to Cathedral Gorge. The gorge itself is one of the most impressive geological formations you are likely to see anywhere.

From here there is the opportunity to take a scenic flight over the Bungles, helicopter rides from 18 minutes are available. From the air the bungles take on a completely new perspective and the open chopper is sensational. Scenic flights are at your own expense and organised on the day.

We then head off for Echidna Chasm for a hike into the domes, following a creek to it’s source at a narrow passage buried within the Bungles.

After lunch we depart Purnululu and locate our bush camp, this time on a lovely creek with a sandy beach.

Highlights

• Purnululu Sunrise
• Cathedral Gorge
• Picaninny Creek
• Echidna Chasm
• Beehive Formations
• Optional Helicopter Flight
• Camp: Private Wilderness Camp on Station Country
• Activities: Hiking approx 5km
• Meals: BLD

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5.Today we get onto a dirt track, the famous Gibb River Road, a 700km long outback road which runs between Derby and Kununurra, it’s not the easiest route, the track is often rough, there are a number or deep water crossings and a 4WD vehicle is essential. However it’s an amazing travel route as along the length of the Gibb River Road are vast tracts of wilderness and numerous rivers, gorges and waterfalls to explore.

After a short distance we reach El Questro Station, home of many beautiful landscapes, one of which is Emma Falls. A hike through a spectacular gorge takes us to a very high and narrow falls with a deep cool plunge pool where we can swim.

From here it’s back on the “The Gibb” where we continue on our westerly trek. Arriving at the Pentacost River we are presented with an incredible landscape of a wide river surrounded by rugged Cockburn Ranges, a classic Kimberley scene.

Another bush camp and classic Kimberley Sunset awaits at the foot of the Rugged Cockburn Ranges.

Highlights

• El Questro
• Emma Falls
• The Gibb River Road
• Pentecost River
• Cockburn Ranges
• Camp: Private Wilderness Camp on Station Country
• Activities: Hiking & Swimming approx 5km
• Meals: BLD

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6.

From camp our first task is to drive the 4WD though the Pentecost River, driving a vehicle across a 60 metre wide outback river which is occupied by Salt Water Crocodiles is not something you do every day, but it’s only way through so across we go.

Today we push west, there is a variety great spots to stop and check out, including secluded waterholes and Ellenbrae Cattle Station before arriving at Manning Gorge. Camp tonight is either at Manning Gorge, where toilets and showers are available, or back into the bush depending on the preference of your guide.

Highlights

• Gibb River Road
• Ellenbrae Station
• Pentecost River Crossing
• Manning Gorge
• Barnett River Gorge (if time permits)
• Camp: Campground with facilities
• Activities: Hiking & Swimming approx 2 – 3km
• Meals: BLD

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7.Another day of adventure awaits. From camp our daily hike, white sandy beaches with a Pandanus tree lined waterway opening into a wide clear waterhole greet us only minutes after starting the walk. We must swim across the river before following a trail leading to the top of gorge.

The gorge has a waterfall plus a deep wide swimming hole surrounded by granite cliffs & rock outcrops. It is a spectacular setting with hidden examples of Bradshaw Aboriginal Rock Art. The return route from manning Gorge is a little less conventional as we swim and rock hop along the creek before reaching the main waterhole where it started.

Depending on the time available, Galvans Gorge is also visited. On departing Manning we locate our bush camp and set up for another night under the stars.

Highlights

• Manning Gorge
• Galvan’s Gorge
• Camp: Private Wilderness Camp on Station Country
• Activities: Hiking & Swimming up to 8km
• Meals: BLD

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8.The main stop for the day is Bell Gorge, another day, another amazing waterfall to explore! Such is life in the Kimberley.

After a 15-minute walk we come to a beautiful Creek, which flows through the centre of this impressive gorge and cascades over numerous falls. A deep swimming hole at the base of the main waterfall, surrounded by shady ledges and high cliffs, is an ideal lunch spot.

If time permits we also drop into Adcock Gorge today.

Our last wilderness bush camp for the tour is another cracker offering a classic Kimberley sunset and camping amoung the boab trees.

Highlights

• Adcock Gorge
• Bell Gorge
• Camp: Private Wilderness Camp on Station Country
• Activities: Hiking & Swimming approx 4km
• Meals: BLD

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9.By now we are experts to getting up early and on our way, our final watering spot for the tour is Tunnel Creek.

Tunnel Creek is an amazing natural phenomenon and holds great significance to the local Aboriginal people, and getting there early normally guarantees we have the place for ourselves. It is a 750 metre long stretch of creek, which runs underground through one of the oldest cave systems in Western Australia.

Aboriginal rock paintings are present in the cave and it was a hideout of the Aboriginal warrior, Jandamarra in 1897.

Next we head to Windjana Gorge, a huge gorge cut into the ranges over millennium to reveal beautiful scenery of high vertical cliffs, sandy beaches and meandering creek. We head off on a hike at Windjana of 2- 4km and always see freshwater crocodiles swimming in the clear waterholes.

From Windjana Gorge we check out the Boab Prison Tree near Derby and then make our way into Broome. We normally arrive into Broome at around 6pm and head for Cable beach to soak up the last amazing sunset of the tour, your guide will then drop you at your accommodation.

Highlights

• Tunnel Creek
• Windjana Gorge
• Boab Prison Tree Derby
• Broome
• Cable Beach Sunset
• Activities:Caving & Hiking, approx 4km
• Meals: BL

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10 & 11.

We take a break from the rugged outback and relax in the coastal town of Broome.

There is plenty to do and see in 2 days in Broome, whether it’s a Camel Ride on Cable beach or just relaxing by the pool at your hotel catching up in the outside world.

Note that you are responsible for your own food, transport and accommodation while in Broome

Highlights

• Free Time In Broome
• Explore Broome Town
• Relax on Cable Beach
• Take a Camel Ride

 

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12.

Departing Broome nice and early we push South from Broome.

 

Today’s job is to get some distance under our belt to make the following days easy, we stop at 80 Mile Beach for a refreshing swim in a crystal blue water and then get on a network of bush tracks which eventually take us into the heart of the Pilbara.

The Pilbara region includes beautiful landscapes of coastal plains and mountain ranges with cliffs and gorges and is particularly known for its iron-ore deposits.

We pass through Marble Bar, home to the famous IronClad Hotel where we can stop for a refreshment and good Aussie hospitality.

Marble Bar is a unique outback town with a strong history, it also claims the title of Australia’s hottest town, summers are always up there in the high 40’s however back in 1922, long before anyone had invented air conditioning it got to a whopping 49.2C!

The reason we have chosen to use an off road vehicle as opposed to a bus becomes clear as we take on the dirt roads and access a beautiful remote bush camp in a remote outback creek setting, we crank up the campfire and roll out the swags for our first night camping in the wilderness.

                             80 Mile Beach, exactly 109 miles long!

Highlights

• 80 Mile Beach
• Drive through the Pilbara Region
• Camp: Private Wilderness Camp on Station Country – River Side
• Activities: Swimming, Snorkeling & Hiking approx 3km
• Meals: BLD

 

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2.

The big drive yesterday pays off as we reach Karijini National Park mid morning. Slot canyons, deep gorges and waterfalls abound in this outback oasis.

Today we check out the East Karijini delights of Fortescue Falls, Fern Pool & Dales Gorge which are all very close to our National Park Campground.

Each of these gorges typically contain a main pool where the crowds gather for a swim, however for those keen explorers (that’s us) we can follow the creeks for up to a few kilometres into further waterholes we have all to ourselves, the landscape is truely amazing and a photographers dream.

                             Waeno Gorge Karijini National Park

Highlights

• Fortescue Falls
• Fern Pool
• Dales Gorge
• Camp: Bush Camp, National Park Facility
• Activities: Swimming, approx 5km
• Meals: BLD

 

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3.

On day 3 we normally head over the Karijini visitor centre and the Weano area where we find;

 

• Weano Gorge
• Hancock Gorge
• Knox Gorge
• Joffre Gorge

There is so much to explore and some great hiking and swimming for the whole day. 

We normally end up at Hamersley Gorge in the North of the Park. Hamersley is spectacular with again many kilometres or gorge to explore.

At the end of Day 3 we find our secluded bush camp and cook up another feast.

                             Fern Pool, Karijini National Park

Highlights

• Knox Gorge
• Hancock Gorge
• Weano Gorge
• Joffre Gorge
• Camp: Bush Camp, National Park Facility
• Activities: Swimming, approx 5km
• Meals: BLD

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4.Today we say goodbye to the spectacular inland gorges of Karijini National Park and head for the Coast, specifically Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef.

Arriving at Exmouth you can jump in the beautiful waters of Exmouth Bay while your guide stocks up on supplies stock up on supplies, depending on the time we may stop at the Ningaloo lighthouse to watch the sunset, another promise of a beautiful day awaiting. Then, we head straight for our private bush camp located right on the water at Exmouth Bay.

 

Highlights

• Hamersley Gorge
• Exmouth Bay
• Camp: Private Wilderness Camp on Station Country – Coastal
• Activities: Swimming & Hiking approx 3km
• Meals: BLD

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5.

From our Coastal camp we head a short distance Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Reef.

Coastal delights abound including a special place called Turquoise Bay, where the coral reef comes right up to the beach, we spend quality time here exploring the reef where we see tropical fish and if lucky turtles and dolphins.

In addition to Turquoise Bay the Cape Range National Park is home to Yardie Creek, a coastal gorge where there is a great hike and more swimming opportunities.

In the afternoon we make our way to the town of Coral Bay

Tonights campsite is one of our best, this one is very private on Aboriginal Land. On most trips we also participate in a cultural activity where one of the  Aboriginal traditional owners will sit down with us around the campfire and talk about the spiritual significance of the place where their ancestors have lived for many thousands of years. This is always a special experience, on some occasions this activity is not available due to Cultural reasons.

Tonight we sleep under the very same stars that Aboriginal people have been sleeping under for milenia.

 

Highlights

• Hamersley Gorge
• Exmouth Bay
• Camp: Private Wilderness Camp on Station Country – Coastal
• Activities: Swimming & Hiking approx 3km
• Meals: BLD

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6.
Coral Bay is only 5 minutes down a bush track. We spend all day at Coral Bay where there is a variety of activities to suit all tastes and budgets, including;

• Relaxing and swimming on the beach
• Hiring snorkels and exploring the bay
• Joining a Manta Ray Snorkeling Boat Cruise
• Joining a Hump Back Whale Cruise (in season)
• Joining a Whale Shark Snorkeling Boat Cruise (in season)

If you are planning on doing a Whale Shark cruise, it is best to wait to book this until you join our tour so that you maximise your chances of a successful cruise. Your guide will look at the weather forecast and will also know where the best place is to see Whale Sharks. Our tour is quite flexible so we have the opportunity to move things around a bit if need be.

If you would like to research cruises we use Coral Bay Eco Tours ➚

Whether you have snorkelled with Whale Sharks or relaxed on the Coral Bay Beach with a good book, it’s another day in paradise!

In the afternoon we head back to our camp.

Highlights

• Coral Bay – Free day relaxing or optional snorkel hire & boat cruises
• Camp: Private Wilderness Camp on Aboriginal Land – Coastal
• Activities: Swimming, Snorkelling & Boat Cruises
• Meals: BLD

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7. Departing Coral Bay is never easy, what a stunning part of the world!

But, more adventure and beauty awaits, after a morning swim we trek south toward Shark Bay and Monkey Mia.

Stopping off at Carnarvon we then we drop into Hemlin Pool the amazing Shell Beach, which is a beach made of millions of.. you guessed it, shells! Then we head to another awesome little campsite on the coast where we are immersed in total wilderness and surrounded by nature, we can soak it all up around the campfire.

Highlights

• Coral Bay Swim
• Carnarvon
• Shell Beach
• Camp: Private Wilderness Camp on Station Country – Coastal
• Meals: BLD

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8. Arriving at Monkey Mia we spend some quality time with the Dolphins and participate in a feeding session.

Wild dolphins have been visiting the shoreline at Monkey Mia virtually every day for over 40 years, making this spot one of the best and most reliable places for dolphin interaction in the world.

The dolphin interactions are regulated by rangers and a few lucky visitors are selected to hand-feed the dolphins a small amount of fish.

From Monkey Mia we wave goodbye to our aquatic friends and head into Kalbarri National Park where we explore the inland gorges of the park including Murchison Gorge & Nature’s Window where there are some great hiking opportunities.

After some outdoor action, we head to our last campsite which is 100% exclusive on private farming property near Kalbarri National Park.

                             Dolphin Feeding, Monkey Mia

Highlights

• Monkey Mia
• Kalbarri National Park
• Murchison Gorge & Z-Bend
• Nature’s Window
• Kalbarri Coastal Walk
• Camp: Coastal Bush Camp
• Camp: Private Wilderness Camp on Station Country – Coastal
• Activities: Hiking approx 3-6km
• Meals: BLD

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9.

In the morning we head for the coastal areas of the Kalbarri National Park and complete sections of the Bigurda Trail, this is an 8km trail following the coast and pssing some really beautiful gems like Pot Alley, Eagle Gorge and Island Rock.

The beauty of bush camping is that we rise with the sun and get moving early. we’ll head for Nambung National Park, home of the Pinnacles and eventually into the city of Perth where we can drop you at your accommodation.

Highlights

• Kalbarri National Park
• Nambung National Park
• The Pinnacles
• Activities: Hiking approx 3km
• Meals: BLD

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