Darwin to Perth Overland

Day 1 Darwin/Katherine Region

Welcome to Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting where we'll collect insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. Afterwards, head into Nitmiluk National Park, owned by the Jawoyn Aboriginal people, and make a stop either at Katherine Gorge or Edith Falls (seasonal choice) where you can take a swim or just freshen up. Continue onto your private campsite on the edge of Nitmiluk National Park, where you'll spend the night in permanent tents with swags. Notes: Total driving time today is around four hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.

Day 2 Lake Argle

After breakfast this morning, visit Lake Argyle, which has been created by the Ord River Dam. Admire the sheer size of this 700 square kilometre manmade spectacle with a walk around it. The ground near the lake can be quite soft so it’s a good idea to bring waterproof hiking boots. The lake is also home to many species of native fish and thousands of freshwater crocodiles. Take some time to explore the surrounds before setting up camp nearby for the night. Note: Total driving time today is around five hours. Total walking distance is approximately six kilometres.

Day 3 Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle Ranges)

Today, head out in the 4WD and wind your way through the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park. It’s a rugged ride but the scenery is fantastic. Explore the craggy gorges and red peaks of the Hidden Valley. In the late afternoon, use your free time to further discover the area. Enjoy your first Kimberley sunset at your bush camp. Note: Total driving today is around three-and-a-half hours. Total walking distance is approximately five kilometres.

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. Note: Total driving time today is around one hour. Total walking distance is approximately five kilometres.

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), where you can take a refreshing dip. In the late afternoon, head to your campsite in El Questro for dinner and a cool drink. Note: Total driving time today is around three hours. Total walking distance is approximately six kilometres.

Day 6 El Questro Station

Spend the day exploring the scenic gorges and red cliffs of El Questro Station. Afterwards, hike in the Cockburn Ranges and go for a swim under the waterfall at Emma Gorge. Tonight, enjoy another night at the El Questro campsite where you might enjoy a drink with the rest of the travel group at the station’s bar. Note: Total driving time today is around 45 minutes. Total walking distance is up to seven kilometres.

Day 7 Gibb River Road

Today’s journey will take you over the Pentecost River and along the famous Gibb River Road. There will be lots of hiking today with multiple opportunities to swim. After lunch, visit Manning Gorge and, if time permits, Barnett Gorge as well. Your experienced guide will use their local knowledge to determine the most accessible spots to visit during the day. In the afternoon, set up camp beside the gorge for the gorge for the night. Note: Total driving time today is around three-and-a-half hours. Total walking distance is approximately eight kilometres.

Day 8 Manning Gorge and Windjana Gorge

After breakfast, you may be able to explore the gorges of Galvans or Adcock (depending on the season). Next make your way to Windjana Gorge, which is known for its abundant freshwater crocodiles. This is the ideal opportunity to take some great pictures of local wildlife so be sure to have your camera ready. In the evening, the group will set up camp nearby. Note: Total driving time today is around two hours. Total walking distance is approximately six kilometres.

Day 9 Broome

Head to the Napier Range in the morning and towards the 750-metre underground passageway of Tunnel Creek. This area is rich in bushranger history. Join a local Bunuba indigenous guide for a walk through Tunnel Creek, learning about Aboriginal culture and traditions. Afterwards, head towards Broome, stopping briefly at Willare Bridge, where a torrent of water rushes in the Fitzroy River (depending on the season). Late in the afternoon, arrive into Broome in time to catch a Cable Beach sunset. Spend the next two days in Broome, with accommodation included. Note: Total driving time today is around four hours. Total walking distance is approximately six kilometres.

Day 10 Broome

The next two days are completely free for you to enjoy Broome. Relax on famous Cable Beach, named after the undersea telegraph cable that connected Broome to Singapore in the 19th century. Camel safaris operate up and down the beach at sunset. Town Beach in Roebuck Bay is another great place to swim and soak up the sun. From March to October, witness the optical illusion of the Staircase to the Moon, as the moon rises over the mudflats of Roebuck Bay at low tide. The Staircase Night Market takes place during this period in the Town Beach Reserve, and is an ideal opportunity to pick up some local handicrafts and try the cuisine.

Day 11 Broome

Today is another free day to explore. Check out the Broome Historical Museum for a look into the town's fascinating Aboriginal, pearling and wartime history. Take a trip to Gantheaume Point to discover 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints or to photograph the contrasting white sand, red cliffs and blue ocean of the area. To see some wildlife, visit the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park and Animal Refuge. In the evening, perhaps check out the buzzing district of Chinatown or catch an outdoor film at the charming Sun Pictures cinema.

Day 12 Broome to the Pilbra Region

Depart Broome around 06:30am and cross the Great Sandy Desert, calling in at Eighty Mile Beach for a stroll along the white sand. From here travel south, passing through the mining city of Port Hedland, where you can witness the enormity of the iron ore industry. Spend the night on a station in the Pilbara Region. Note: Total driving time today is around four-and-a-half hours. Total walking distance is approximately one kilometre.

Day 13 Karajini National Park

This morning make your way to the spectacular Karijini National Park, where you’ll spend the next three days exploring. Formed over 2,500 million years ago, the Hamersley Range features a series of gorges and rock formations caused by centuries of erosion. On arrival, visit the Karijini Visitor Centre for a natural and cultural history of the park. Then head to Fortescue Falls for a refreshing swim. Tonight, camp in twin-share, permanent tents inside the park. Note: Total driving time today is around four-and-a-half hours. Total walking distance is approximately three kilometres.

Day 14 Karijini National Park

The next two days are spent exploring, swimming and relaxing in the magnificent Karijini gorges. Bring your camera, as there will be lots of photo opportunities. There are plenty of spectacular gorges to visit, but don't miss Weano Gorge, Oxers Lookout and Hancock Gorge. Note: Total driving time today is around an hour. Total walking distance is approximately six kilometres.

Day 15 Karijini National Park

Pack up your towel and walking shoes and head out for another day exploring Karijini with your guide. Swim in waterholes, hike along rocky trails and splash about in waterfalls. Paradise! Note: Total driving time today is around an hour. Total walking distance is approximately six kilometres.

Day 16 Exmouth

Today is a long day of driving (approximately 6-7 hours in total). Leaving Karijini, travel through the vast bushland and cattle stations of the Pilbara region. This sparsely populated region is known for its red earth and rich mineral deposits. Spend the night at an exclusive campsite at Yardie Creek in the Cape Range National Park, near Exmouth.

Day 17 Coral Bay

Enjoy a day of freedom and relaxation. Depending on the season, you’ll have the option to snorkel or scuba dive in search of whale sharks or manta rays, the largest rays in the world. Perhaps take a walk to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, or soak up the sun on the pristine beach at Turquoise Bay. In the afternoon, take a short trip to beautiful Coral Bay. Note: Total driving time today is around one-and-a-half hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.

Day 18 Coral Bay

Spend the majority of today at Coral Bay, exploring the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. The marine park is home to 250 species of coral and over 500 species of fish. Snorkel, scuba dive or cruise the reef in a glass-bottom boat to observe the tropical life teeming below the surface. You might prefer to take a joy flight over the reef for spectacular views from above, or head out on a quad bike tour of the local area. Snorkel equipment is provided, but all of the other activities will be at your own expense and subject to availability. Note: Total driving time today is around one-and-a-half hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.

Day 19 Monkey Mia

Spend the majority of today at Coral Bay, exploring the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. The marine park is home to 250 species of coral and over 500 species of fish. Snorkel, scuba dive or cruise the reef in a glass-bottom boat to observe the tropical life teeming below the surface. You might prefer to take a joy flight over the reef for spectacular views from above, or head out on a quad bike tour of the local area. Snorkel equipment is provided, but all of the other activities will be at your own expense and subject to availability. Note: Total driving time today is around one-and-a-half hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.

Day 20 Kalbarri

In the morning, visit the dolphins again before heading on to explore the World Heritage area of Shark Bay. See the stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. These marine rock formations are some of the world’s oldest living fossils, and suggest what the earth might have looked like 3.5 billion years ago. Head south from here to Kalbarri. If time permits, visit Murchison River Gorge and the rocky arch of Nature’s Window in Kalbarri National Park. You’ll then head to your accommodation for the night. Note: Total driving time today is around four hours.Total walking distance is approximately five kilometres.

Day 21 Nambung National Park to Perth

Today depart via the coastal gorges of the Kalbarri National Park. Head to the seaside town of Dongara, where you may have the opportunity to sand-board down massive dunes. Travel south through Nambung National Park where you’ll stop to see the ancient limestone formations of The Pinnacles, rising out of the desert. Continue on to your final destination of Perth, arriving in the early evening. Today’s driving will take approximately 4-5 hours (with about two kilometres of walking). There are no more activities planned for today and you’re free to head off to your accommodation for this evening.