Duration: 21 Days
Three weeks of natural drama awaits on this unrivalled road-trip, covering two states, dozens of gorges, a wonderland of waterfalls and countless encounters with wildlife. Fancy swimming with whale sharks, spotting crocs and meeting dolphins? Then there are the World Heritage Sites, national park trips and blazing sunsets. The ultimate in Northern Territory and Western Australia tours, it’s a journey that puts life in perspective – in the best possible way. Day 1
Welcome to Darwin
You’ll fall for the capital of the NT; its balmy tropical climes, fiery sunsets and laid-back locals. Take in the sights on a tour, learning about the events that have shaped it over the years. Later, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2
Darwin - Katherine
Nature takes over at Nitmiluk National Park, where you cruise through dramatic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. There’s no time to catch your breath – you’re off to meet Tom Curtain on a cattle station, where he entertains through song and stories.
Day 3
Katherine - Kununurra
Kununurra exists thanks to the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. The project not only helped water the countryside, but created Lake Argyle. You won’t forget your sunset cruise.
Day 4
Kununurra
Today is one of decisions: An optional early-morning flight over (or 4WD tour of) the Bungle Bungles? Or a wander with your Travel Director through Mirima National Park.
Day 5
Kununurra - Emma Gorge
Go behind the scenes at Hoochery Distillery, which not only makes lip-smacking rum, but also delicious rum cake. From here you’re on the epic Gibb River Road to El Questro Wilderness Park, where an oasis of pandanus and palms envelops your safari-style accommodation.
Day 6
El Questro Wilderness Park
The Kimberley’s sounds follow you across the mighty Pentecost River to freshwater Chamberlain Gorge, your boat dwarfed by its soaring escarpments while you cruise. Afternoon remedy? A splash in the pool, perhaps, or a dip in the waterhole within Emma Gorge. Take your pick.
Day 7
Emma Gorge - Halls Creek
While the Argyle Diamond Mine has stopped producing rare pink diamonds, you can still visit with an Aboriginal guide. Your destination for the night, Halls Creek is small in population, but big in personality.
Day 8
Halls Creek - Fitzroy Crossing
Dive deep into First Nations culture at the Aboriginal art gallery in Fitzroy Crossing, the gateway to Danggu (Geikie) Gorge. This remarkable part of the Kimberley was formed by the Fitzroy River carving the Napier Range. It’s a fertile home for creatures big and small.
Day 9
Fitzroy Crossing - Broome
The reason Broome was born is because of pearls. Today, it’s just as well known for its sizzling Indian Ocean sunsets, best enjoyed from the Cable Beach sand.
Day 10
Broome Free Time
Today is yours to explore. Perhaps veer off to a pearl farm, to witness the precision that goes into growing and harvesting these gems. Or simply enjoy Broome’s tropical climes, strolling along 22-kilometre Cable Beach, hunting for dinosaur footprints and browsing boutiques.
Day 11
Broome - Port Hedland
The eye-opening colours of the Pilbara are your backdrop today. It’s sparsely populated, but there are plenty of local characters to meet over dinner in Port Hedland.
Day 12
Port Hedland - Karijini National Park
Karijini is where gorges seem to cleave off the edge of the Earth, waterfalls tumble from escarpments and turquoise rock pools shimmer like precious gems. You’re hundreds of kilometres from anywhere, so expect dazzling stargazing from your safari tent.
Day 13
Karijini National Park
It took billions of years to create Karijini’s geological wonders: the red layered cliffs, the quiet gorges, the soaring gum trees and distinctive termite mounds. Cooling off under waterfalls is highly recommended.
Day 14
Karijini National Park - Exmouth
There are a few (hundred) kilometres of Pilbara to cover between Karijini and Exmouth on the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Coast. This pocket of the state is also blessed with Cape Range National Park, where gorges and waterfalls beckon.
Day 15
Exmouth Free Time
Depending on the time of year, Ningaloo Reef is home to both whale sharks and humpbacks. Opt to snorkel with both (ethically) or book a sunset cruise, sparkling wine in hand. The decision is yours.
Day 16
Exmouth - Carnarvon
Today’s cruise in a glass-bottomed boat allows you to glimpse Ningaloo’s extraordinary marine life in comfort. Next stop is the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum. Did you know it played a role in the 1969 moon landing?
Day 17
Carnarvon - Monkey Mia
Prepare yourself for the ‘living fossils’ at Hamelin Pool, home to the most abundant colony of stromatolites in the world. The state’s World Heritage listed Shark Bay is also characterised by Shell Beach, formed from billions of coquina bivalve shells.
Day 18
Monkey Mia Free Time
Meet the wild resident dolphins that turn up to the shore every morning, then spend the afternoon at leisure. Optional sunset cruise or scenic flight over the bay, anyone?
Day 19
Monkey Mia - Geraldton
Peregrine falcons swoop over Hawks Head Lookout in Kalbarri National Park, particularly pretty during wildflower season. Arriving in Geraldton, pay homage to sailors lost at the HMAS Sydney Memorial.
Day 20
Geraldton - Perth
Nambung National Park’s Pinnacles are a staggering collection of natural limestone structures, jutting into the sky. It’s a spiritual place, as is Yanchep National Park, where your Aboriginal guide decodes native plants and tells Dreamtime stories on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Day 21
Farewell from Perth
It’s hard to believe this epic adventure has come to an end. Three weeks of incredible memories to take home with you.
- Passion unites the people who work in Kununurra’s thriving sandalwood industry, as well as those who guide you while cruising the Kimberley’s Danggu (Geikie) Gorge.
- The only way to understand life on the land is to visit a working farm. The Katherine Outback Experience is not only eye-opening, but entertaining.
- Sleep soundly knowing your stays at Karijini National Park’s Eco Tents and El Questro’s Emma Gorge Resort are not only stylish, but sustainable.
- The Ningaloo Coast has World Heritage status for good reason – it cradles one of the most biodiverse marine sanctuaries in Australia.
Start Date: 2024-05-07
End Date: 2024-05-27
twin
Adult Price: $17395
Child Price: $15355
twinShare
Adult Price: $17395
triple
Adult Price: $16528
Child Price: $16528
single
Adult Price: $23388
Start Date: 2024-06-18
End Date: 2024-07-08
twin
Adult Price: $17395
Child Price: $15355
twinShare
Adult Price: $17395
triple
Adult Price: $16528
Child Price: $16528
single
Adult Price: $23388
Start Date: 2024-07-02
End Date: 2024-07-22
twin
Adult Price: $17918
Child Price: $15813
twinShare
Adult Price: $17918
triple
Adult Price: $17026
Child Price: $17026
single
Adult Price: $24093
Start Date: 2024-07-09
End Date: 2024-07-29
twin
Adult Price: $17918
Child Price: $15813
twinShare
Adult Price: $17918
triple
Adult Price: $17026
Child Price: $17026
single
Adult Price: $24093
Start Date: 2024-07-30
End Date: 2024-08-19
twin
Adult Price: $17918
Child Price: $15813
twinShare
Adult Price: $17918
triple
Adult Price: $17026
Child Price: $17026
single
Adult Price: $24093
Start Date: 2024-08-13
End Date: 2024-09-02
twin
Adult Price: $17918
Child Price: $15813
twinShare
Adult Price: $17918
triple
Adult Price: $17026
Child Price: $17026
single
Adult Price: $24093
