West Coast Explorer - Darwin to Perth

Tour days: 21
Adult Price: $3075.00
operated by : WesternXposure
departs Darwin: every Sunday from 25/4/10 to 24/10/10

Day 1
Darwin to Victoria River  (BC)

We begin our adventure travelling south down “The Track“ (Stuart Hwy) to Edith Falls where we break for a refreshing swim and some time to get to know each other.  Travelling further south we have a short stop at Katherine Gorge before heading west towards the Western Australian wilderness.  We set up camp beside the Victoria River for our first night together.   Overnight bush camp. (LD)

Day 2
Victoria River to Kununurra  (CP)

Up early this morning as we cross the border into Western Australia.  We visit the largest man made lake in Australia - Lake Argyle and explore the area before heading for the capital of the north – Kununurra and our overnight campsite.  (B,L,D)

Day 3
Kununurra to the Bungle Bungles  (C)

Explore Kununurra, the town of the Ord River Scheme and the scenic Hidden Valley National Park.   Then sit back and admire the awesome views of the Carr Boyd and Durack Ranges as we head to Turkey Creek.   Next it’s time to buckle up and hold on for the challenging 4WD trip into the Bungle Bungle (Purnululu) National Park for sunset over the Osmond Ranges and our camp. (B,L,D)

Day 4
Bungle Bungle NP  (C)

We spend the full day exploring the unusual rock formations of the Bungle Bungle Ranges, visiting the unique Frog Hole, the breathtaking Echidna Chasm, and the magnificent Cathedral Gorge.   There’s also time for an optional scenic helicopter flight (at own expense ) over the Bungles.   We complete our day with another amazing sunset. (B,L,D)

Day 5
Bungle Bungle NP to El Questro (C)

Leaving the Bungle Bungle we take a short break at Turkey Creek before travelling onto Wyndham and the Five Rivers Lookout. Overnight camp at El Questro. (B,L,D).

Day 6
Gibb River Road & Gorges  (C)

We tackle the punishing Gibb River Road stopping to visit the famous El Questro Station, take a walk in the beautiful Cockburn Range and swim under the waterfall in Emma Gorge.  We cross the Pentecost River and travel through the spectacular ranges before heading to our overnight bush camp. (B,L,D)

Day 7
Gibb River Road & Gorges (C)

A day of swimming and hiking as we explore some of these striking gorges: Barnett, Manning, Galvins, or Adcock, depending on the time of year. Overnight bush camp.  (BLD)

Day 8
King Leopold Range – Windjana Gorge (C)

We enjoy an early hike and swim at Bell or Leonard Gorge before experiencing the splendour of the King Leopold Range travelling to Windjana Gorge.  After lunch, we wade through the icy waters of the mysterious Tunnel Creek to explore the incredible limestone formations.  We camp overnight at Windjana Gorge National Park. (B,L,D)

Day 9
Windjana Gorge to Broome  (H)

We view the abundant wildlife of Windjana Gorge including freshwater crocodiles and explore the 350 million year old fossilised reef wall rising 90 metres above the riverbed.  Then we head for Derby, visiting the famous Boab Prison Tree before continuing on to Broome for sunset on beautiful Cable Beach. (B,L) 
 

Days 10 & 11
Broome   (H)

2 Days of leisure in this historic northern pearling Town.   There is plenty to see and do in Broome, time to just relax or laze on the beach in idyllic weather conditions on the famous Cable Beach or view some of the old Pearling Luggers.  We start our time here with a town tour to show you the sights.   (B)

Day 12
Broome to Indee Station  (BC)

Departing Broome we cross the Great Sandy Desert, calling in at the coastal oasis of Eighty Mile Beach where we may have time for a quick swim in the turquoise water and a chance to collect some unique seashells.   We travel further south through Port Hedland checking out the enormous piles of iron ore and salt, before setting up camp at a remote sheep and cattle property, Indee Station.  Tonight, sample some traditional Aussie damper baked in the hot coals of our campfire.  (B,L,D)

Day 13
Indee Station to Karijini NP (C)

This morning we make our way to the remote but spectacular Karijini National Park where we spend the next three days exploring the ancient gorges and swimming in emerald coloured rock pools.  We begin our Karijini experience with a visit to the Karijini Cultural Centre before heading for Fortescue Falls where you will be rewarded with a refreshing swim.  Overnight camp in Karijini.  (B,L,D)

Day 14 & 15
Karijini NP  (C)

The next two days are spent exploring, swimming and relaxing in the magnificent Karijini Gorges.  One of the oldest landscapes on earth this are will amaze you.  We will explore a number of gorges including Weano, Gorge, Handrail Pool, Oxers Lookout, Hancock Gorge and Hamersley Gorge amongst others.  Overnight camp in Karijini.  (B,L,D)

Day 16
Karijini NP – Exmouth  (H)

Leaving Karijini behind, we call in at the unique mining town of Tom Price before travelling through the vast bush land and station country of the Pilbara region on our way to Exmouth and our accommodation.  (B,L,D)

Day 17
Exmouth  (H)

This morning we explore the Cape Range National Park.  Take a dip or relax on the beach at picturesque Turquoise Bay and hike around the vertical red rock walls of the gorge for stunning views at Yardie Creek. (B,L,D)

Day 18
Exmouth - Coral Bay (H)

Spend the entire day snorkelling the famous Ningaloo Reef accessible from Coral Bay’s white sandy beach.  Alternatively, you can choose one of the many optional activities including quad biking, coral viewing cruises and scuba diving.  (B,L,D)

Day 19
Coral Bay to Monkey Mia (H)

Heading south we cross the Tropic of Capricorn and pass through the banana growing town of Carnarvon.  We call in at unique Shell Beach before continuing on to Monkey Mia – famous for the wild dolphins that visit the beach daily.  (B,L,D)

Day 20
Monkey Mia to Kalbarri  (H)

Time this morning to visit with the dolphins before exploring some of the Shark Bay World Heritage area. We stop to be amazed by the stromatolites – the oldest living organisms in the world – before heading south for Kalbarri.  Time permitting we will be able to view the Murchison Gorge and Natures Window this afternoon before arriving in this seaside resort town.  (B,L,D)

Day 21
Kalbarri NP to Perth

Departing via the coastal gorges of the Kalbarri National Park, we head to the picturesque seaside town of Dongara before travelling south through the fascinating landscape of the Nambung National Park and checking out the famous Pinnacles.  Then we make our way to Perth arriving in the early evening.  (B,L)

BC – Bush Camp
C – Campground
CP – Caravan Park
H – Hostel – Shared Facility
SS – Sheep Station

B,L,D – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Please Note - This tour is only for fit and active people, who can hike 5-9kms a day over uneven terrain, often in high temperatures. Temperatures can be extreme i.e. very high during summer days and very cold during winter nights.  WesternXposure reserves the right to assess the fitness capability of passengers prior to tour departure. Tour is not suitable for children. Due to the remote nature of the Pilbara region we use bush camps with limited facilities on some nights. There is a STRICT LUGGAGE LIMIT of 15kgs per person, in a backpack or soft bag.

This tour operates in some of the most isolated areas in Australia. Travel in these areas can, at times, be very unpredictable due to weather, vehicle, road conditions, local conditions etc. Although WesternXposure endeavors to maintain the itineraries and schedules, agents and passengers should be aware that itineraries may change from time to time.