West Coast Explorer - Perth to Darwin

Tour days: 21
Adult Price: $2990.00
operated by : WesternXposure
departs Perth: Departs every Monday & Friday from 13/4/09 to 16/10/09   

Day 1
Perth – Kalbarri (H) 

We depart Perth and head North through market gardens and vineyards to join up with Highway 1 on our way to Nambung National Park and the fascinating Pinnacles Desert. From here we continue on to Kalbarri and our overnight accommodation.  (L,D)

Day 2
Kalbarri – Shark Bay (H) 

After an early rise we have a short drive to Murchison Gorge in Kalbarri National Park. This afternoon it’s time to make our way toward Monkey Mia, stopping at the beautiful Shell Beach and then onto Denham for our overnight stop.  (B,L,D)

Day 3
Shark Bay - Coral Bay (H)  

After a short drive across the Peron Peninsula we make our way down to the beach and the world famous Monkey Mia dolphins.  Heading further north we visit the Stromatolites and then on past Carnarvon.  We finish the day by driving the highway  to Coral Bay, the Jewel of the North.   (B,L,D)

Day 4
Coral Bay & Exmouth   (H)  

Today is yours to explore Coral Bay and the wonders of the Ningaloo Reef and its fantastic marine life. Today is a day to relax.  Late afternoon and its time for the short drive into Exmouth.  (B,L,D)  

Day 5

Exmouth    (H)

A full day to explore Exmouth. After breakfast it’s time to jump on the bus and head out to Yardie Creek in the Cape Range National Park.. We return to our hostel late afternoon. (B,L)

Day 6

Exmouth to  Karijini National Park  (BC)

We head inland today towards the oasis that is Karijini.  We will take on extra provisions in the iron ore mining town of Tom Price this afternoon before setting up our camp overlooking the magnificent Hamersley Range in time for a spectacular sunset.    (B.L.D.)

Day 7 and Day 8 

Karijini National Park    (C)

The Hamersly Ranges were formed over 2,500 million years ago and are some of the most unusual landforms on earth.  From cascading waterfalls found deep in the gorges to fresh still pools ideal for swimming, we experience it all.  Some of the gorges are so narrow that you can touch both sides at once.  (B.L.D.)

Day 9

Karijini National Park to Indee Station (BC)

We leave the oasis of Karijini behind and today we will pass through the mining port of Port Hedland on the way to Indee Station.  A town tour of Port Hedland will have you marveling at the way the iron ore industry works.     (B.L.D.)

Day 10

Indee Station to Broome   (CP)

A leisurely morning either swimming or taking a stroll along the massive expanse of virgin beach before we head into Broome  (B.L)

Day 11 & 12

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 idealic 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 13

Broome to Windjana Gorge (BC)

Heading east we pass Derby and then leave the bitumen behind as we head for the Oscar Range and on to Tunnel Creek, a 750 metre tunnel that passes under the Napier range.       (B.L.D.)

Day 14

Windjana Gorge to Mt Barnett  (C)

After spending a few pleasant hours exploring Windjana Gorge with its abundance of freshwater crocodiles it’s time to hit the track again as we travel along the famous Gibb River road to Manning Gorge and to watch the sunset over the Barnett Range.     (B.L.D.)

Day 15

Gibb River Rd and Gorges  (BC)

A great day of swimming and hiking as we explore some of the Kimberley’s striking gorges - maybe Barnett, Manning, Adcock or Galvans depending on the time of year. Overnight bush camp. (B,L,D)

Day 16

Gibb River Rd to El Questro   (CP)

We continue along the rugged Gibb River Road, travelling through some ancient and spectacular country before crossing the Pentecost River and heading to the famous El Questro Station. We walk into the beautiful Cockburn Ranges for a swim under the waterfall at Emma Gorge before retiring for the night. (B,L,D)

Day 17

El-Questro to Bungle Bungles      (C)

We start the day with a hike to Emma Gorge, where we have a swim in the crystal clear water and to sit under the trickle of water dropping 60 metres from the ledge above. Then its time to head off to the magnificent tiger striped domes of the Bungle-Bungles.   (B.L.D.)

Day 18

Bungle-Bungles       (C)

The experience of a lifetime is available today with the optional* helicopter ride over, through, around and in between this unique 400 metre high Bungle-Bungle Range.  We need all day here to explore this magical site known as “Purnululu” to the Aboriginal people.  We will visit areas known as Cathederal and Picanniny Gorges and Echidna Chasm.    (B.L.D.)

Day 19

Bungles-Bungles to Kununurra  (C)

This morning we engage 4WD to wind our way out of the Bungle-Bungles before heading to the capital of the North - Kununurra.  This afternoon we explore Hidden Valley – just a stones throw from Kununurra township.  Tonight you may have the luxury of a shower!!  (B.L.D.)

Day 20
Kununurra to Victoria River  (BC)

This morning we drive out to Lake Argyle and the Ord River Dam.  Time to take in the magnificent expanse of the largest man made lake in Australia.  This afternoon we cross the border into the Northern Territory.  Time permitting we may have a look in at the Keep River National Park before heading to our camp on the Victoria River.      (B.L.D.)

Day 21

Victoria River to Darwin

We begin our final leg this morning with the short leg to Katherine where we have a brief visit to Katherine (Nitmiluk) Gorge.  Heading north now we stop at Edith Falls for a final refreshing and relaxing swim before heading into Darwin where sadly we farewell our new found friends.    (B.L.)

*  For more detailed itineraries see separate Perth to Broome and Broome to Darwin tour components.

BLD - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
H - Hostel
C - Campsite
CP - Caravan Park
SS - Sheep Station
BC - Bushcamp

Note: Tour operates in both directions Perth to Darwin or Darwin to Perth.

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 itinerary and schedules agents and passengers should be aware that itineraries may change from time to time.