Highlights
- Get lost in the beauty of the Australian Outback on this intoxicating tour from the Top End to Western Australia
- Spot wildlife around enchanting Lake Argyle
- Explore the soaring walls of Windjana Gorge
- Hike along narrow paths at Echidna Chasm and cool off in crystal-clear watering holes beneath cavernous gorges
- The Outback is a truly magnetic place - experience it in all its rugged beauty on this 4x4 adventure
Inclusions
- Experienced tour guide
- Meals as indicated: 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners
- Travel in all-terrain 4WD vehicle
- Camping (8 nights), Multishare hostel (1 night)
- Activities as detailed in the itinerary
- National park entry fees
Day 1: Darwin to the Katherine Region
Welcome to the tropical city of Darwin, where your overland adventure begins. After meeting up with your group and leader, head south and stop at either Edith Falls for a swim or explore Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. This is where the group will have lunch (seasonal choice). Head to your overnight private campsite on the edge of Nitmiluk National Park, where permanent tents with swags await you. In the evening, settle down for dinner with the group.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Lake Argyle
After breakfast this morning, continue on to Lake Argyle, which has been created by the Ord River Dam. Admire the sheer size of this 700 square kilometres man-made spectacle. The lake is home to many species of native fish and thousands of freshwater crocodiles. Take an optional sunset cruise before setting up camp nearby for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle Ranges)
Start the morning with some free time for a stroll around the picturesque town of Kununurra. Don’t forget to use this time to stock up on any last-minute supplies before heading out into the remote Kimberley region. Once out of town its time for some 4WD action as your experienced guide winds our specially designed truck across the challenging terrain of the entrance to Purnululu National Park, home of the iconic Bungle Bungles. It’s a rugged ride but the scenery is fantastic. Enjoy an amazing Kimberley sunset at your bush camp.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: The Bungle Bungles
After breakfast, prepare for a full day of activities, as the group heads back out to explore the remarkable rock formations of the Bungle Bungles. Hike to the thin, red gap of Echidna Chasm and the enormous Cathedral Gorge. There’s also the opportunity to experience a helicopter flight over the Bungle Bungles (at your own expense). As the sun goes down, head back to your overnight bush camp.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Bungle Bungles and El Questro
After breakfast, today, get back on the road toward El Questro Station. Admire the remarkable scenery of the Carr Boyd and Durack Ranges, and head along the vast nature trail of Warnum (Turkey Creek). In the late afternoon, head to your campsite in El Questro, a wilderness park since 1991 for dinner and a cool drink at the swinging Arm Bar.
Meal(s) included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: El Questro Station
Spend the day exploring El Questro. Start off with a dip at Zebedee Springs before taking on a hike in the Cockburn Ranges for a swim under the waterfall at Emma Gorge. Tonight, enjoy another night at the El Questro campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Gibb River Road and Mount Barnett
After breakfast, its time to hit the road again and start travelling along the legendary Gibb River Road, a 600-kilometre dirt track running through the centre of the Kimberley. Spend the afternoon exploring the stunning Manning Gorge. The waterfall here is wide and powerful, and there’s a large deep pool. You can swim right up and under the falls. This is the ideal opportunity to take some great pictures of local wildlife, so be sure to have your camera ready. This evening we camp at Mount Barnett by the banks of a crystal clear freshwater river, perfect to cool off in after your day hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: Manning Gorge
Spend the morning exploring the stunning Manning Gorge and enjoy a swim in the pools under Manning Falls. Depending on the season, post-lunch we spend the afternoon exploring Adcock or Galvans gorge before heading back to camp to relax around the campfire. Note: Total driving time today is around 1 hr hours. Total walking distance is approximately 6 kilometres.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Bells Gorge & Windjana Gorge
The western Kimberley region is full of endless stunning gorges that have to be explored and this morning is no exception. After breakfast, we adventure to Bell Gorge home to a stunning cascade of water flowing from the previous wet season rains that fall in the King Leopold Ranges. The afternoon sees us head to Windjana Gorge, a segment of 375 million-year-old reef that was once underwater. Cut through by the Lennard River, which runs during the wet season and then breaks up into little billabongs during the dry, this gorge attracts many species of bird and bat and is a great spot to see wild freshwater crocodiles.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10: Broome sights tour and beach day
Begin the day exploring the Napier Range. The major attraction here is a guided walk through Tunnel Creek, an extensive limestone cave system that extends 750 m underground. Inside, shards of sunlight stream in through crevices, little bats flutter about and enormous stalactites rear down from the ceiling. Then make the final drive on to Broome, hopefully arriving in time for a stunning Cable Beach sunset. If you need to leave Broome today you can book a flight at any time.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Departs: Selected Saturdays from April to September
Pick Ups: Select Darwin accommodation from 6.30am or The Youth Shack between 6.30-7.15am (69 Mitchell St, Darwin)
Returns: Select Broome accommodation early evening day 10
What to Bring:
Sturdy walking shoes
Hat and sunscreen
Water bottle (at least 1.5 litres)
Towel and toiletries
Headlight or torch
Second pair of shoes that can get wet
Towel for swimming
Camera/phone and batteries or charger
Power pack for charging without electricity
A sleeping bag is required - bring your own or pre-purchase at time of booking.
Extra Costs:
A sleeping bag is required for this tour. You can bring your own or purchase one from Adventure Tours
There are optional activities available on this tour, all of which can be booked by your Guide on the bus.