THE OUTBACK DRIVE
Routing: Darwin to Perth
Duration: 23 Days
Code: D09
From AUD$5,600.00* per person, based on standard double/twin share accommodation.
Includes: 22 nights’ accommodation, 23 days unlimited kilometre use of a large 4WD, continental breakfast in Karijini & Carnarvon, Dinner & Breakfast in Bungle Bungle, Mt Elizabeth & Bell Gorge and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps.
DAY 01: Darwin to Katherine (316 km)
Collect your vehicle today and spend some time exploring Darwin. Darwin, the Northern Territory’s vibrant capital, is a city with influences that are as much Asian as they are western. Depart Darwin and head south along the Stuart Highway to Katherine. Stop along the way at the historic town of Pine Creek. Just north of Katherine stop at Edith Falls, a popular swimming spot with pandanus fringed plunge pool. There is a nice walk that can be taken around the falls. Take an afternoon Katherine Gorge Cruise, the best way to see this spectacular Top End attraction (own expense). Note: Afternoon cruises only operation between 01 April and 30 November
DAY 02: Katherine to Kununurra (513 km)
The Victoria Highway will take you through the town of Timber Creek and the Gregory National Park before reaching today’s destination of Kununurra, the vibrant, provincial hub of the East Kimberley. As you cross the border, consider stopping at Lake Argyle. The lake is 72 kilometres from Kununurra.
DAY 03: Kununurra to Purnululu National Park (329 km)
Travel south past Warmun on the Great Northern Highway. Take the Spring Creek Track turn off, which leads into Purnululu National Park. The track can be quite a challenging drive, but you will be rewarded with the stunning landscape of Purnululu. In the heart of Purnululu the Bungle Bungle Range is an inspiring tribute to nature.
DAY 04: Purnululu National Park
Your day is at your leisure to explore the Purnululu National Park. From the air, the black and orange beehive domes of the Bungle Bungle range are an impressive sight, rising 200 metres above the plain and giving way to reveal hidden gorges and pools. Explore Piccaninny Creek and Cathedral Gorge.
DAY 05: Purnululu National Park to El Questro Station (330 km)
Today’s journey takes you back on the Spring Creek Track leading once again to the Great Northern Highway. You will travel north on the sealed highway, but at the T-intersection with the Victoria Highway, you will turn left leading to the Gibb River Road and the iconic El Questro Station.
DAY 06: El Questro Station
Your day is at your leisure to explore this amazing wilderness. A million acres in size, El Questro is located on the eastern perimeter of the Kimberley region, and extends for approximately 80 kilometres into the heart of the region.
DAY 07: El Questro Station to Mount Elizabeth Station (330 km)
Depart El Questro Station today and continue your adventure along the unsealed and corrugated Gibb River Road, past Home Valley. Cross the Gibb River and Hann River on the way to your destination today – the working cattle station property of Mt Elizabeth Station. The homestead is 30 kilometres from the Gibb River Road.
DAY 08: Mount Elizabeth Station to Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge (155 km)
Continue your Kimberley adventure today, departing from Mount Elizabeth Station and travelling once again along the Gibb River Road. Stop at Barrnett River Gorge and Galvans Gorge before arriving at Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge. Saddlers Creek crossing is the entry point for Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge.
Note: Travel through the Imintji township is forbidden. Access the camp from Gibb River Road only.
DAY 09: Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge to Broome (585 km)
Today depart Imintji for the final day of part of your Gibb River Road adventure. We suggest an early start so that you can travel via Windjana Gorge National Park and Tunnel Creek. Join the Great Northern Highway and head west for 356 kilometres to Broome.
DAY 10: Broome
Broome, abundant in natural attractions, is renowned for its pristine beaches and bays and the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean. Broome’s world famous beach – Cable Beach -is a classic example of this beauty and boasts 22 kilometres of white sand and clear tropical waters.
DAY 11: Broome
Another day is at your leisure. Relax on the beach or explore Broome and its surroundings.
DAY 12: Broome to Port Hedland (612 km)
This journey is over 600 kilomeres, so an early start is recommended. Travel on the Great Northern Highway, which runs parallel to the Indian Ocean and Eighty-Mile Beach. The road skirts the The Great Sandy Desert. Port Hedland is the gateway for Australia’s massive iron ore exports from the surrounding Pilbara region.
DAY 13: Port Hedland to Karijini National Park (322 km)
Today’s journey takes you into the depths of the breathtaking Karijini National Park. Depart Port Hedland and travel on the Great Northern Highway, which turns south to take you to Karijini National Park.
DAY 14: Karijini National Park
Explore the winding, jagged gorges of Karijini National Park. Visit Joffe Gorge and enjoy some easy strolls along spectacular lookouts or some more difficult paths among sheer rock cliffs, crystal clear pools and cascading waterfalls.
DAY 15: Karijini National Park to Exmouth (685 km)
Today’s journey is over 600 kilometres, so an early start is again recommended. Depart Karijini National Park and stop for fuel in Tom Price if needed. Continue on through Paraburdoo along the Nanutarra Wittenoom Road then onto the North West Coastal Highway. After a long drive there is time to relax in Exmouth tomorrow and explore the region.
DAY 16: Exmouth
Your day is at your leisure. Exmouth is the gateway to the fantastic coral of Ningaloo Reef and the Ningaloo Marine Park with its underwater viewing platform. This reef is rich in colour and diversity and rivals the Great Barrier Reef on the east coast for diving, snorkelling and viewing pleasure.
DAY 17: Exmouth to Carnarvon (368 km)
Continue your West Coast adventure today as you head south to the coastal hub of the Coral Coast’s north, Carnarvon. Detour to the Blow Holes, 70 kilometres north of Carnarvon which provide a natural spectacle. Located on the Gascoyne River the town supports a thriving horticultural and fishing industry. The 2.5 kilometre Carnarvon Tramway walking trail takes you to the heritage precinct. Stroll along One Mile Jetty built in 1897.
DAY 18: Carnarvon to Monkey Mia (350 km)
Continue south along the North West Coastal Highway and turn right at Shark Bay Road travelling to Denham. Along the way see such sights as Hamelin Pool, a marine reserve that contains the world’s best known colony of stromatolites. We suggest you also make a stop at the stunning 110 kilometre long Shell Beach. From Denham it is 27 kilometres north-east by sealed road to Monkey Mia.
DAY 19: Monkey Mia
Enjoy a day of rest, to relax and experience this beautiful area. Visit the dolphins or just relax on the fantastic beaches. There are also boat tours which leave Monkey Mia to view the dugongs or ‘sea cows’ which graze among the seagrass beds. We recommend an afternoon sunset cruise on the Shotover catamaran.
DAY 20: Monkey Mia to Kalbarri (396 km)
Continue the drive south on the North West Coastal Highway to Kalbarri. This afternoon we suggest a trip to Kalbarri National Park and Murchison River, with its spectacular gorges & abundant wildflowers. Kalbarri is a scenic coastal village on the estuary of the Murchison River.
DAY 21: Kalbarri to Geraldton (153 km)
It is a short drive south today from Kalbarri to Geraldton. Geraldton is the main port and administration centre of the mid west region. It has a year-round sunny climate and mild winters which makes it one of Western Australia’s most popular holiday destinations. Geraldton and the surrounding districts are noted for the beautiful wild spring flowers and the country side.
DAY 22: Geraldton to Cervantes (258 km)
Travel to Cervantes and the Nambung National Park via Dongara and Greenough. From Cervantes it’s only a short drive to the Pinnacles in the Nambung National Park. Spend the rest of the day exploring these amazing rock formations, or try sand-duning.
DAY 23: Cervantes to Perth (254 km)
Today your journey comes to an end with the final drive taking you along the Brand Highway to Perth. Built on the banks of the Swan River and flanked by the Kings Park botanical gardens, the city provides plenty of opportunities for visitors to enjoy their surroundings.
Your car is booked until tomorrow and should be dropped off at the city or airport, by the same time as it was picked up on Day 1, to avoid any additional charges.
*Prices are subject to availability and conditions apply. Valid until 31 March, 2021. For dates after this or if you would like to make any changes, please contact us direct for a quote.
This package only available from 15 May-13 Sep.
