IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ
This is a small group adventure trip for ADULTS only where you will join other travellers from around the world. This is not a coach/hotel tour and tailor-made itineraries or car hire are NOT available. Trip is exclusively operated by OzXposure.
This tour has everything that Australia is famous for - outback wilderness, amazing coastline, the world’s most pristine reef, aboriginal culture and of course plenty of wildlife. 32 days exploring the Australia you always dreamed of! This tour covers the Western half of Australia and its interior – a trek that will take you well off the beaten track to places few travel to. This trek is a wilderness trip. It includes 4 bush camps and 3 National Park camp sites. Facilities may be sparse though the scenery is outstanding. Swimming is available most days. We will use several different vehicles on this trek.
Our Travel Style:
You will be joining a small group of other like-minded international travelers. Our small group sizes really let you get off the beaten path and escape the crowds. With no more than 25 people on tour you’ll enjoy all the flexibility of traveling with a small group of adventurous, like minded individuals. With our flexible nightstops we can alter our itinerary to take in more of what you want to see. Only possible with a small group of adventurous people from all over the world.
Our tours are designed for adults (18+). However, due to the nature of these tours, they tend to incorporate activities and nightlife that appeal to the young and young at heart. And don't worry about coming by yourself, you'll quickly make friends with other people who are as keen to see and experience Australia and New Zealand as you are.
Accommodation: Camping & Budget Lodging
Never Camped Before?... No worries. We supply everything needed for an easy camping experience. We use large 4 man tents on most of our tours with only 2 people to a tent so there’s loads of room. On some of our more remote tours we stay in permanent camps with comfortable hard top tents or in traditional Aussie Swags for a true outdoors experience. We supply eskys (coolers), gas lights, stoves, tables and chairs, even plates, knives, forks and all other camp accessories
Tour Description:
Day 1: Perth to Goldfields. Our adventure begins with an early start from Perth. Traveling through the Jarrah forests of the Darling Ranges we follow the goldfields water pipeline through rolling farmlands and sleepy country towns. Your guide will tell you the fascinating story behind this engineering marvel constructed over 100 years ago. Soon we pass out of the golden wheatlands and into the historic gold mining areas of Southern Cross, Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie. At Kalgoorlie we take time out to visit the famous ’Super pit’ and for last minute supplies before we head north to set up our first bush camp for the night alongside the road to Laverton.
Day 2: Goldfields to Great Victoria Desert. An early rise this morning - the desert beckons. But first we will explore an old deserted gold mining town. Once thousands of people lived around here in the hectic gold rush era at the turn of the last century - now just a few artifacts remain to mark the passing of a golden era. Leaving the bitumen behind we head into the desert and towards the Red Centre.
The Great Central Road takes us through beautiful breakaway country, past lakes that only contain water after substantial rainfall, aboriginal waterholes and art sites, and abandoned cattle stations that have been rehabilitated back to their natural state. Keep an eye out for the unique Australian wildlife, as well as the wild camels that have roamed this desert area since the early days. Tonight we once again set up a bush camp miles from civilization under the brilliant night skies of the desert.
Day 3: Great Victoria Desert. Our day in the Great Victoria Desert. We journey east through the Great Victoria Desert still following the Great Central Road. Tjukayirla is recognized as one of the most remote roadhouses in Australia. At the isolated Aboriginal community of Warburton we pause for a late morning break and perhaps a chance to visit the local cultural centre, and by afternoon the Rawlinson Ranges appear purple/blue in the distance. This is country traveled by Ernest Giles in 1874. The countryside reveals many fascinating sides today before we set up camp in the late afternoon somewhere near the Schwerin Mural Crescent alongside the Gunbarrel Highway.
Day 4: Great Victoria Desert to Ayers Rock. Today we give you a chance to enjoy sunrise in a truly unique and beautiful setting. After breakfast we pause at the WA / NT border near the Aboriginal settlement of Docker River. Crossing the Docker River (there are no bridges out here) the Great Central Road passes through the magnificent Petermann Ranges and with only six more rivers to cross and a visit to Lasseters Cave, then the majestic Olgas will soon appear pink/purple on the horizon. After a breathtaking walk into the Olgas (Kata Tjuta) and distant views of Ayres Rock (Uluru) it is a short drive to the cultural centre for a close look at the Anangu way of life. Sunset will find us watching the setting sun change the colours of the worlds most famous rock.
Day 5: Ayers Rock to Kings Creek Station. An early rise is required today, not only to watch the sunrise but because the cool of the morning is the best time to for those that wish to climb Ayers Rock. For anyone not wanting to climb the Rock there is also plenty of time to seek out and explore the artwork and culture around the base of the Rock. The comfort of your air-conditioned seat on the coach will be appreciated this afternoon after your strenuous morning as we head around to Kings Creek Station for our last outback camp before reaching Alice Springs. Here there is an opportunity to indulge in some optional activities such as camel ride, 4WD quad bike ride or even a helicopter ride over the George Gill Range.
Day 6: Kings Creek Station to Alice Springs. We depart ’the Station’ early this morning so that we can explore King’s Canyon with its "Lost City" and "Garden of Eden" in the cool of the morning. After our last adventure we have a quick stop to refuel, then its time for the last leg of our journey to Alice Spring before arriving in the late afternoon.
Day 7: Alice Springs. "The Alice" is home to some of the world's best hot air ballooning, complete with a champagne breakfast. Consider taking an optional day trip through the Western MacDonnell Ranges where you can see Simpson's Gap, the Ochre Pits or even hike around Ormiston Gorg; visit the Desert Park, go shopping or just hang out at the pool.
Day 8: Alice Springs to Tennant Creek. Depart Alice Springs and cross the Tropic of Capricorn to see the amazing Devils Marbles; precariously balanced granite boulders sacred to the traditional owners. We also have a chance to visit an Aboriginal art gallery before our overnight stay at Tennant Creek.
Day 9: Tennant Creek to Katherine Gorge. Head to Katherine, home to the majestic Katherine (Nitmiluk) Gorge situated in the Nitmiluk National Park. Spend the afternoon either canoeing or cruising (at own expense) the striking gorge. Dinner and overnight stay is at our permanent camp near Katherine Gorge
Days 10 - 11: Darwin. We head north to the city of Darwin where we will do a quick city tour before checking into the YHA for a bed for the next two nights. Let's head out for a meal on the town tonight and a beer at the Vic Hotel. A free day to sleep in or explore the city at your own pace. Take a sight seeing tour on the "Tour Tub" and leave some time for the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Well worth a look. We might even have a BBQ down by the beach tonight.
Day 12: Darwin to Victoria River. Now we had 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 west ,back towards the Western Australian wilderness, we set up camp beside the Victoria River.
Day 13: Victoria River to Kununurra. 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.
Day 14: Kununurra to Bungle Bungles. 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.
Day 15: Bungle Bungles National Park. 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.
Day 16: Bungles Bungles to El Questro. 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.
Day 17: Gibb River Road & Gorges. 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.
Day 18: Gibb River Road & Gorges. 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.
Day 19: King Leopold Range to Windjana Gorge. We enjoy an early hike and swim at Bell or Leonard Gorge before experiencing the splendor of the King Leopold Range traveling 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.
Day 20: Windjana Gorge to Broome. We view the abundant wildlife of Windjana Gorge including freshwater crocodiles and explore the 350 million year old fossilized reef wall rising 90 meters 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.
Days 21 - 22: Broome. Two 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.
Day 23: Broome to Port Hedland
Day 24: Port Hedland to Karijini National Park. 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 colored 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.
Days 25 - 26: - Port Hedland to Karijini National Park. 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.
Day 27: Karijini National Park to Exmouth. Leaving Karijini behind, we call in at the unique mining town of Tom Price before traveling through the vast bush land and station country of the Pilbara region on our way to Exmouth and our accommodation.
Day 28: Exmouth. 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.
Day 29: Exmouth to Coral Bay. Spend the entire day snorkeling 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.
Day 30: Coral Bay to Monkey Mia. 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.
Day 31: Monkey Mia to Kalbarri. 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.
Day 32: Kalbarri to Perth. Departing via the coastal gorges of the Kalbarri National Park, we head to the picturesque seaside town of Dongara before traveling 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 and the end of our amazing Western Australian adventure. A few beers tonight I think!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included:
- Services of a professional tour leader.
- All transportation bymini-bus & 4WD & vehicles
- All camping equipment (except your sleeping bag)
- Meals as shown above
- Kalbarri/Murchison Gorge, Karijini National Park, Ningaloo Reef & Coral Bay, Tunnel Creek & Windjana Gorge, Gibb River Road, Kununurra and more!
- 4WD Bungles Bungles trip & Dolphins at Monkey Mia
- Entrance fees to all National Parks on the itinerary.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
Australia
National Parks
Snorkeling
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