Darwin to Perth 4WD Adventure

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 on the Darwin to Broome tour 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 land Activities:Swimming & Hiking 3km – 5km

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. Start the day off by meeting Mr. Bill Harney, an aboriginal elder. We will go for a 4wd drive adventure to the back of his property and Bill will show us some rock art, tell stories and sing songs on a personal cultural tour. Learn about his culture and experiences growing up. Tonight 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 the 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

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 the 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 the 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

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

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 Pentecost 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

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 the only way through so across we go. Today we push west, there is a variety of great spots to stop and check out, including secluded water holes 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

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 the gorge. (or cross the water in a pull along tinny boat if unable to swim well) 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

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 among the boab trees. Highlights Adcock Gorge Bell Gorge Camp: Private Wilderness Camp on Station Country Activities: Hiking & Swimming approx 4km

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

We take a break from the rugged outback and relax in style at the Kimberley Klub YHA in Broome. We include 3 nights accommodation in a shared dorm and you have 2 free days to feast on wifi, clothes washing and checking out the township of Broome and Cable Beach. Please note any activities you may choose to do will be at own expense and meals are not included on these 2 days Options Relax on Cable Beach Visit the markets (on weekends) Shopping in town Take a camel ride Visit Gantheaume Point Visit Town Beach Plenty more to do!

We take a break from the rugged outback and relax in style at the Kimberley Klub YHA in Broome. We include 3 nights accommodation in a shared dorm and you have 2 free days to feast on wifi, clothes washing and checking out the township of Broome and Cable Beach. Please note any activities you may choose to do will be at own expense and meals are not included on these 2 days Options Relax on Cable Beach Visit the markets (on weekends) Shopping in town Take a camel ride Visit Gantheaume Point Visit Town Beach Plenty more to do!

Departing Broome nice and early we start our Adventure Today’s job is to get some distance under our belt to make the following days easy. We will stop at 80 Mile Beach for a refreshing swim in crystal blue water or to go for a stroll along the beach. This afternoon we take the back dirt roads and head out to the Pilbara region, take in the beautiful landscapes and scenery through this iron-ore mining area. Tonight we spend our first night bush camping in a remote and beautiful area by a river, get to know each other around the campfire and prepare for the next days ahead.

We wake up with the birds singing and leave our campsite to continue driving through the Pilbara region to arrive in Marble Bar, known as the hottest town in Australia. After a visit in the very small town we continue our journey to get to the famous Karijini National Park. Spend the afternoon exploring Eastern Karijini, this includes hiking and swimming in Fortescue Falls, Fern Pool and Dales Gorge. Tonight we camp in the National Park Highlights ● Fortescue Falls ● Fern Pool ● Dales Gorge ● Join an optional Astronomy tour (own expense) ● Activities: Swimming, Hiking up to 6km

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. Tour participants also have the opportunity to join a canyoning tour (at own expense) enabling them to explore some of the areas restricted to rope access only. At the end of the day we return to camp for the night and cook up another feast. Highlights ● Knox Gorge ● Hancock Gorge ● Weano Gorge ● Joffre Gorge ● Camp: Bush Camp, National Park Facility ● Activities: Swimming & Hiking up to 10km

After an early morning hike at Hamersley Gorge, we say goodbye to the spectacular inland gorges of Karijini National Park and head for the Coast to Exmouth. Arriving here we stop at the Vlaming Head lighthouse to watch the sunset, then we head straight for our bush camp located amongst the Cape Range National Park. Highlights ● Hamersley Gorge ● Exmouth, Vlaming Head lighthouse ● Camp: Bush Camp ● Activities: Swimming & Hiking up to 3km

Spend Today exploring exmouth, You have the option to spend the day with your guide or book on a snorkelling/ diving tour on the Ningaloo Reef with the Whale Sharks. (in season/ own expense) Your guide will take you out to Turquoise Bay, which is voted one of the best beaches in Australia! Snorkel straight off the beach or enjoy some time relaxing on the beach. Exmouth also has some great hiking options, take a walk out in Yardie Creek. Highlights Exmouth Yardie Creek Turquoise Bay Camp: Bush Camp Activities: Swimming & Hiking up to 5km

Today we visit Coral Bay, a beautiful small beach town on a Peninsula amongst part of the Ningaloo Reef. Today is free time for you to enjoy, relax, take a walk, swim in the beach, snorkel on the beach or join in on a snorkeling tour. Coral Bay is lucky to have Whale Shark tours, Mantaray tours and more! (own expense) Late afternoon everyone will re group together again and head to a camp spot for another night under the stars. Highlights Swimming in Coral Bay Optional Snorkel tours (own expense) Visit the shark nursery (seasonal)

Today we are leaving the Ningaloo Reef behind as we continue south to our next destination, a world heritage area called Shark Bay. See why Shark Bay is so special by taking a visit to the impressive Stromatolites and learn why they are so important to us. Next, visit Shell beach, you guessed it, this is a beach made entirely of sea shells. Spend the afternoon swimming in the extra salty and clear salt waters. Tonight, we camp nearby the beach in a private area under the stars. Spend another night around the campfire and cook up a yummy dinner together. Highlights Stromatolites Shell Beach Shark Bay

This morning we will continue to explore Shark Bay peninsula by visiting Monkey Mia. Monkey Mia is a beautiful resort and home to the dolphins. Dolphins have been visiting here for over 50 years now and swim right up to the shore. Join a talk and dolphin experience show run by volunteers as they tell you about the dolphins and select some people to feed a fish to a dolphin. If lucky, you could be the chosen one! This afternoon, we continue down to Kalbarri and do some hiking in the National Park. Walk down to the famous postcard image of Nature’s Window. (You can't do Kalbarri without this one) We also hike the Z Bend down to the Murchison River, take a dip in the river if time allows. Tonight we will be camping in Kalbarri with views to the Indian Ocean. Highlights ● Monkey Mia ● Kalbarri National Park ● Murchison Gorge Z Bend ● Nature’s Window ● Activities: Hiking approx 4 - 6km

The beauty of bush camping is that we rise with the sun and get moving early. As we leave Kalbarri we will visit the Coastal Cliffs and pass by the beautiful pink lake. This afternoon, explore the Pinnacles Desert by visiting the visitor centre to see the displays and take a walk around the Desert. See just how large this area is and see If you can figure out how this was formed! Arriving back in Perth, we will drop you off at your city accommodation Highlights Kalbarri Coastal Cliffs Nambung National Park Pinnacles Desert Pink Lake Activities: Hiking up to 3km