TWENTY TWO DAY GREAT WESTERN SAFARI REVERSE - DARWIN TO
PERTH
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HIGHLIGHTS
· Dinner at Finlays in Kalbarri
· Explore the Nambung National Park – Pinnacles
· Meet the dolphins at Monkey Mia
· Aboriginal Cultural Night Tour in Monkey Mia
· Explore the gorges of Karijini
· 3 nights to explore Broome
· Trek Tunnel Creek
· Travel the challenging Gibb River Road
· Visit El Questro Reserve
· 4WD touring through the Bungle Bungles
· Small group of 18 passengers
ITINERARY
DAY 1: DARWIN
Darwin being the capital city of the Northern Territory
is the perfect place to commence your Great Western Safari with us.
Today you can explore at your own pace. You and your fellow travellers
will arrive in Darwin from all corners of the globe today, so there’s no
group activity planned. The noticeboard at your accommodation provides
many sightseeing and activity options should you arrive early. Why not
head to the Territory Wildlife Park* to learn more about Australian
Native animals or to the new attraction in downtown Darwin, Crocosaurus
Cove. If you’re feeling energetic head out on the historical city walk -
a leisurely discovery of Darwin city, through 17 historically
significant sites and buildings within walking distance of the CBD.
Included is the British Australian Telegraph house (Lyon's Cottage), the
Wharf Precinct, Myilly Point Historical Precinct and the new Parliament
House. You’ll also find information about our first group meeting, held
this evening at approximately 5pm. Please make every effort to attend
this meeting.
OVERNIGHT Travelodge Mirambeena (Hotel) Darwin
DAY 2: DARWIN TO TIMBER CREEK
Today the real adventure begins as we head off in our
purpose built 4 wheel drive. We’ll be covering some rugged country over
the next few days and will needing this extra grunt! Have a refreshing
swim at Edith Falls located in the Nitmiluk National Park and then
travel on to Katherine - land of the traditional Jawoyn Aboriginal
people. This afternoon we head past Gregory National Park and onto the
small community of Timber Creek (pop. 300)! Experience the real
“Territory” and with a bit of luck you may have the opportunity to spot
a croc. Crikey!
OVERNIGHT Circle F Caravan Park (Camping)
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3: TIMBER CREEK TO BUNGLE BUNGLES
Today we cross the border into Western Australia, but
before we’re permitted entry, we will be searched for all sorts of nuts,
honey, fruit and vegetables as it’s illegal to carry these from state to
state due to quarantine reasons, to protect local produce industries. We
visit the massive expanse of water at Lake Argyle (containing 12 times
the water volume of Sydney Harbour!). Next stop today is the township of
Kununurra situated on the Ord River. With year-round warm weather and
plentiful water, Kununurra is lush and fertile. After restocking
supplies, We test the terrain conquering ability of our rugged 4 wheel
drive vehicle. A rough 50km track off the Great Northern Highway leads
to the spectacular Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park. Once
at the Bungle Bungles, we will settle into our very own permanently
established camp at Walardi, where we’ll spend two nights and get to
view outback sunsets in style.
OVERNIGHT Walardi (Camping) Bungle Bungles
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 4: BUNGLE BUNGLE NATIONAL PARK
A day to explore the amazing striped rock domes that
comprise the Bungle Bungles. Over the last 20 million years erosion and
river movements have formed huge black and orange striped domes. As
unbelievable as it seems, this area was kept a secret by locals until
1982, and was made a national park in 1987. Specifically, we will visit
the very impressive Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm. Today you’ll have
the option to take a scenic flight* over this spectacular region – it’s
an absolute must!! Then it’s back to camp to review the days’
activities.
OVERNIGHT Walardi (Camping) Bungle Bungles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5: BUNGLE BUNGLES TO EL QUESTRO
We make tracks to the tiny settlement of Turkey Creek,
where we once again do some more 4 wheel driving and head out to further
examples of stunning outback scenery at El Questro Wilderness Reserve
immersed in the Cockburn Ranges**. Spanning 1 million acres in size,
this is one of the world’s last unspoilt frontier. On arrival we set up
camp for the next two nights.
OVERNIGHT El Questro Wilderness Reserve (Camping)
Kununurra
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 6: EL QUESTRO
This morning we’ll explore Zebedee Springs which is a
short walk off the graded road through dense palms to a series of
thermal pools, a fabulous place to soak and relax. This afternoon our
exploring continues at one of the many gorges. Tonight enjoy a drink
with the locals at the El Questro Outback Bar.
OVERNIGHT El Questro Wilderness Reserve (Camping)
Kununurra
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7: EL QUESTRO TO THE GIBB RIVER ROAD
This morning we break camp and make our way out of El
Questro and head further into the heart of the Gibb River Road. Tonight
we’ll experience a bush camp deep within the Kimberleys.
OVERNIGHT Gibb River Road (Bush Camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 8: KIMBERLEY/ GIBB RIVER ROAD & GORGES
The challenge of exploring the Gibb River Road continues
today. It dissects some of the most rugged country on earth and gives
access to spectacular wildlife and rugged scenery. We will visit one of
the most outstanding Gorges in the region, with probably the best known
and most striking being Manning and Galvins Gorges.
OVERNIGHT Gibb River Road (Bush Camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 9: KIMBERLEYS/GIBB RIVER ROAD TO WINDJANA GORGE
Our journey this morning takes further in to the heart
of the Kimberley – one of the world’s great wilderness areas. It has
fewer people per square kilometre than almost any other place on earth!
As we trek further west the beautiful King Leopold Ranges present
themselves offering Bells Creek Gorge. A refreshing swim in the Lower
Plunge Pool is a welcome site before we head to our night spot Windjana
Gorge. This is an area where sheer cliffs tower above white sands and
freshwater crocodiles are often seen sunning themselves in the afternoon
sun.
OVERNIGHT Windjana Gorge (Camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 10: WINDJANA GORGE TO BROOME VIA TUNNEL CREEK
Tunnel Creek is our next attraction, so make sure you
have your flash light as our 750 metre underground discovery walk is
dark, wet and fascinating!! We travel via the regional township of Derby
and visit the infamous Boab Prison Tree, once used as a temporary prison
for the local Aborigines. We continue on to cosmopolitan Broome. From
its rough and tumble, romantic pearling history to the cosmopolitan
character of Chinatown, to the turquoise waters, red sandstone cliffs
and the endless expanse of white....the colours and moods of Broome will
blow you away. This afternoon take a camel ride* on the longest and most
photographed camel train in the Kimberley. Tonight you’re free to
explore this multi-cultural town with a meal out at a local restaurant.
OVERNIGHT Roebuck Bay Caravan Park (Camping) Broome
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 11: BROOME
Make the most of a sleep in this morning and time to
recharge. After lunch you’ll join a Half Day Tour that takes in the
multicultural heart and soul of Broome. This is a perfect introduction
to Broome for travellers who are keen to explore a different side of
this diverse outback town. Our afternoon epicurean adventure explores
the highlights of this remote Kimberley oasis and its fascinating
history while indulging in its best culinary secrets. Along the way,
your guide will also reveal the town’s favourite restaurants and their
signature dishes, providing real local insight into eating out in
Broome. Visit the Kanagae Estate to see the mango orchards and taste
some of their delicious local produce. Sample fresh oysters at the
Broome jetty and taste local beers at the Matsos Boutique Brewery. Enjoy
a bush tucker walk and try a local recipe at Minyirr Park, a cultural
corridor of native habitat bordering Cable Beach. Indulge in a
Japanese-infused treat of sushi or pearl meat (when available) en route
to the Japanese Cemetery. We finish the day with a cocktail style BBQ
platter sitting at the water’s edge, while the sun sets on Cable Beach.
What an awesome way to experience this colourful town!
OVERNIGHT Roebuck Bay Caravan Park (Camping) Broome
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 12: BROOME
Today’s your day to relax and recharge the batteries.
Enjoy the expanse of awesome Cable Beach, explore some of the many other
activities* available or just chill out, Broome style! The local
shopping precinct is full of shops and cafes, so it is also a good time
to restock. Tonight we’ll be heading down to Cable Beach for a picnic
dinner as the sun sets on the Indian Ocean.
OVERNIGHT Roebuck Bay Caravan Park (Camping) Broome
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 13: BROOME TO 80 MILE BEACH
First up this morning we show you some key highlights,
including a visit to the historic Japanese Cemetery, Gantheaume Point,
and tour past the many pearling house’s in town. After a vehicle change
over leaving the grunt of the 4WD behind, we continue southwards and
join the Great Northern Highway. Today is one corker of a drive! A good
opportunity to catch a few zzz’s and recharge the batteries. Our camp
tonight is on the sweeping shores of 80 Mile Beach with views of the
Indian Ocean.
OVERNIGHT Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park (Camping)
Eighty Mile Beach
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 14: 80 MILE BEACH
TO KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK
Onto Karijini National Park via Port Hedland - a town
whose prosperity has been built on the iron-ore boom of the 1960’s.
Here, iron-ore from some of the world’s largest iron-ore mines is loaded
onto the world’s biggest ore carriers for international consumption.
Port Hedland is renowned for its Indigenous culture and history, long
trains, big ships, salt piles and red dust. Inland we head to the rugged
but beautiful Karijini National Park. Haunting in its red beauty and
unbeatable for adventure, the park is famous for its sheer gorges,
waterfalls and cool swimming holes. Our campsite here, deep in the
Aussie Outback is special.
OVERNIGHT Karijini National Park (Bush Camping)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 15: KARIJINI
NATIONAL PARK
Rise and shine early today so that we have plenty of
time to explore this intriguing and spectacular National Park. We'll
visit Joffre Gorge, Oxers Lookout, Weano Gorge and take a dip in this
spectacular area. For the more adventurous, the challenging ‘spider
walk’. Tonight we'll swap stories back at camp.
OVERNIGHT Karijini National Park (Bush Camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 16: KARIJINI
NATIONAL PARK TO CORAL BAY
An early morning start gives us the opportunity for a
relaxing afternoon at Coral Bay. This is the perfect destination for
anyone seeking relaxation, adventure or simply something different. Well
known for its marine life, Coral Bay is a great place to see whale
sharks, humpback whales, dugongs, manta rays, turtles and an abundance
of fish species (seasonal). Great swimming, snorkelling* and scuba
diving* are available all year round.
OVERNIGHT Peoples Park Caravan Village (Camping) Coral
Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 17: CORAL BAY
Today is a leisurely day to enjoy the wonders of
Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. This is not only Western Australia's largest
fringing coral reef, but one of the largest reefs worldwide that can be
reached just by stepping off the beach. Awesome!!! Swim and snorkel in
the crystal clear waters, do a once-in-alifetime manta ray swim* or get
up close and personal with the largest the biggest fish in the ocean the
Whale Shark*! (seasonal) Everything is BIG in WA!!!!!!
OVERNIGHT Peoples Park Caravan Village (Camping)Coral
Bay
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 18: CORAL BAY TO
MONKEY MIA
This morning enjoy the colourful coral formations from a
scenic submersible craft – a great way to start off the day. Our drive
then takes us via Carnarvon to Monkey Mia, home of the wild dolphins.
Since the early 1960s, a pod of wild bottle-nosed dolphins began what
has now become a ritual. Every day a number of dolphins swim into the
clear shallows of the bay to interact with humans. Tonight we’ll join an
aboriginal cultural walking tour to discover the ancient wisdom of
Gulgadagudu (Shark Bay) through Aboriginal eyes.
OVERNIGHT Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort (Lodges) Monkey Mia
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 19: MONKEY MIA
Relax, enjoy the surroundings and wait for Monkey Mia’s
famous visitors to arrive. Since the early1960s, a pod of wild
bottle-nosed dolphins began what has now become a ritual. Every day a
number of dolphins swim into the clear shallows of the bay to interact
with humans. It shouldn't be missed and will be a real highlight of your
trip. This afternoon you have time to try one of the many activities*
available on land or sea!
OVERNIGHT Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Monkey Mia
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 20: MONKEY MIA TO KALBARRI
Relax, enjoy the surroundings and wait for Monkey Mia’s
famous visitors to arrive. It can’t be missed and will be a real
highlight of your 21 days. This morning we will make a brief stop to see
stromatolites – the beginners of life. On to Kalbarri, gateway to
arguably one of the best National Parks in Australia. The park covers
186,096 hectares and offers some of the most spectacular scenery in
Western Australia. For the next two nights we’ll be staying on a farming
station situated on the Murchison River. Here you’ll find plenty of
native wildlife, horses and plenty of wide open spaces to enjoy. Tonight
we head to Finlays in Kalbarri - an absolute must when in the area and
highly recommended by the locals! The unusual setting in an old ice
works where at times, includes occasional fireside ballads - Finlay’s on
a balmy night is a treat.
OVERNIGHT Big Ranch Farm Stay (basic farm quarters -
shared bathrooms) Kalbarri
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 21: KALBARRI TO
PERTH
This morning it’s an early start as we will head south
to Nambung National Park, home of the famous “Pinnacles”. Here a
moonscape of coloured quartz, studded with fascinating limestone pillars
makes a pretty bizarre picture! A definite Kodak moment! Making our way
through the Swan Valley, with the Indian Ocean to the west, we head to
Perth the capital city of WA. We suggest you head out tonight to explore
Perth's colourful nightlife.
OVERNIGHT Goodearth Perth (budget hotel) Perth
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 22: PERTH
The noticeboard at your Perth accommodation provides
many sightseeing and activity options should you arrive early. Maybe
check out Rottnest Island, take a trip to Fremantle or explore the parks
and waterways around Perth city. This is where your journey with us
comes to an end and you are free to depart Perth at any time this day.
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