THE OUTBACK DRIVE
Routing: Perth to Darwin
Duration: 23 Days
Code: P23
From AUD$5,340.00* 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 Carnarvon and Karijini, breakfast & dinner in Imintji, Kimberley and Bungle Bungles and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps.
DAY 01: Perth to Cervantes (200km)
Travel to Cervantes and the Nambung National Park. 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 02: Cervantes to Geraldton (223km)
Travel on to Geraldton via Greenough. Geraldton is the main port and
administration centre of the mid west region. Geraldton has 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 03: Geraldton to Kalbarri (156km)
Today head back out to the highway and turn north. Travel along the North West Coastal highway to the Kalbarri National Park and then 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 04: Kalbarri to Monkey Mia (390km)
From Kalbarri continue the drive north on the North West Coastal Highway to Shark Bay and Monkey Mia. We suggest you also make a stop at the stunning 110km long Shell Beach. From Denham it is 27 km north-east by sealed road to Monkey Mia. At Monkey Mia, see such sights as Hamelin Pool, a marine reserve that contains the world’s best known colony of stromatolites.
DAY 05: 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 06: Monkey Mia to Carnarvon (340km)
Depart Shark Bay, rejoin the North West Coastal Highway and travel north to along the coast to Carnarvon, some 900-km north of Perth on the mouth of the Gascoyne River. Carnarvon is the commercial centre of the highly productive Gascoyne River.
DAY 07: Carnarvon to Exmouth (363 km)
From Carnarvon, continue north and turn off towards Coral Bay just past the Minilya Roadhouse. Coral Bay is the gateway to the fantastic coral of Ningaloo Reef and the Ningaloo Marine Park with its underwater viewing platform. Drive north through the splendour of Coral Bay to Exmouth, northern gateway to Ningaloo Marine Park.
DAY 08: Exmouth
Spend the day enjoying Ningaloo Marine Park; snorkel, dive, take a cruise or swim with Ningaloo whale sharks (from April to June). Or discover beautiful Cape Range National Park.
DAY 09: Exmouth to Karijini National Park (640km)
Today’s journey is over 600 kilometres, so an early start is recommended.
Re-join the North West Coastal Highway then continue on through Paraburdoo along the Nanutarra Wittenoom Road. After a long drive there is time to relax tomorrow and explore the region.
DAY 10: 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 11: Karijini National Park to Port Hedland (338km)
Continue on to Port Hedland today, the gateway for Australia’s massive iron ore exports from the surrounding Pilbara region.
DAY 12: Port Hedland to Broome (613 km)
This journey is over 600 km, so an early start is again recommended. Travel on the Great Northern Highway, which runs parallel to the Indian Ocean and EightyMile Beach. The road runs through The Great Sandy Desert. Your destination of Broome is abundant in natural attractions and renowned for its pristine beaches and bays and the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean.
DAY 13: Broome
Enjoy a day at leisure in Broome and explore the town, beach and the beautiful surroundings. 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 14: Broome
Another day at leisure in Broome to give you more time to explore the region.
DAY 15: Broome to Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge (577 km)
Today you will be heading onto the unsealed and corrugated road of the Gibb River Road. Travel northwest to wade through the cool waters at Tunnel Creek National Park and make time to stop at Windjana Gorge National Park. Continue travelling on the Gibb River Road until you reach Saddlers Creek crossing, the entry point for Imintji Safari Camp.
Note: Travel through the Imintji Township is forbidden. Access the camp from Gibb River Road only.
DAY 16: Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge to Mount Elizabeth Station (145 km)
Continue your Kimberley adventure today, departing from Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge and travelling once again along the Gibb River Road. Stop at Barrnett River Gorge and Galvans Gorge before arriving at the working cattle station property of Mt Elizabeth Station. The homestead is 30 kilometres from the Gibb River Road.
DAY 17: Mt Elizabeth Station to El Questro Station (315 km)
Departing from Mt Elizabeth Station, continue your adventure along the Gibb River Road, past Home Valley and follow the turn-off signs to El Questro Station. 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 18: El Questro Wilderness Park
Your day is at your leisure to explore this amazing wilderness.
DAY 19: El Questro Station to Purnululu National Park (330km)
After leaving El Questro today, it’s the last part of the Gibb River Road journey before re-joining the main highway. You’ll travel south past Warmun and onto Spring Creek Track, which leads into Purnululu National Park. In the heart of Purnululu the Bungle Bungle Range is an inspiring tribute to nature.
DAY 20: 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 21: Purnululu National Park to Kununurra (329 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 to Kununurra, the vibrant provincial town of the East Kimberley, where you can restock supplies before heading to the Northern Territory tomorrow.
DAY 22: Kununurra to Katherine (515km)
Your adventure today leads to the Northern Territory and the town of Katherine. As you travel southeast of Kununurra towards the border, consider stopping at Lake Argyle. The lake is 72 kilometres from Kununurra. The Victoria Highway will take you through the town of Timber Creek and the Gregory National Park before reaching today’s destination of Katherine.
DAY 23: Katherine to Darwin (317km)
Head back to Darwin this afternoon. From Katherine it’s a leisurely three and a half-hour drive north on the Stuart Highway back to Darwin.
Note your car is booked until tomorrow and should be dropped off at the city or airport depot, 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.
