Darwin to Perth Overland
22 days
from Darwin to Perth
From
$ 3655
Duration22 days
Unearth the rugged beauty of the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Journey through the natural wonders, vast expanses and jaw-dropping landscapes of northern and western Australia on this incredible 22-day tour from Darwin to Perth. Visit some of the region’s best national parks where you'll hike through stunning red rock landscapes and swim beneath waterfalls in the most beautiful spots. Discover the striped beauty of the Bungle Bungles, explore the glorious gorges of the Kimberleys, hang with dolphins at Monkey Mia Beach and swim above corals the World Heritage-listed Coral Bay. The distances are immense but the pace is leisurely, making this the perfect Outback adventure.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 22 daysService level: Basic
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Starts in: DarwinPhysical Grading: Demanding
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Ends in: PerthAges: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Darwin - Katherine Region
Start place: Darwin
Welcome to the tropical city of Darwin, where your overland adventure begins. After meeting up with your group and leader, head south and stop at either Edith Falls for a swim or explore Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. This is where the group will have lunch (seasonal choice). Head to your overnight private campsite on the edge of Nitmiluk National Park, where permanent tents with swags await you. In the evening, settle down for dinner with the group.
Note: Total driving time today is around four hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.
Note: Total driving time today is around four hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.
Meals: L, D
Day 2: Lake Argyle
After breakfast this morning, continue on to Lake Argyle, which has been created by the Ord River Dam. Admire the sheer size of this 700 square kilometre man made spectacle. The lake is home to many species of native fish and thousands of freshwater crocodiles. Take an optional sunset cruise before setting up camp nearby for the night.
Note: Total driving time today is around seven and half hours. Total walking distance is around 1 kilometre.
Note: Total driving time today is around seven and half hours. Total walking distance is around 1 kilometre.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle Ranges)
Start the morning with some free time for a stroll around the picturesque town of Kununurra. Don’t forget to use this time to stock up on any last minute supplies before heading out into the remote Kimberley region. Once out of town its time for some 4WD action as your experienced guide winds our specially designed truck across the challenging terrain of the entrance to Purnululu National Park, home of the iconic Bungle Bungles. It’s a rugged ride but the scenery is fantastic. Enjoy an amazing Kimberley sunset at your bush camp.
Note: Total driving today is around five and a half hours. Total walking distance is approximately five kilometres.
Note: Total driving today is around five and a half hours. Total walking distance is approximately five kilometres.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: The Bungle Bungles
After breakfast prepare for a full day of activities, as the group heads back out to explore the remarkable rock formations of the Bungle Bungles. Hike to the thin, red gap of Echidna Chasm and the enormous Cathedral Gorge. There’s also the opportunity to experience a helicopter flight over the Bungle Bungles (at your own expense). As the sun goes down, head back to your overnight bush camp.
Note: Total driving time today is around 1 hour. Total walking distance is approximately 5 kilometres.
Note: Total driving time today is around 1 hour. Total walking distance is approximately 5 kilometres.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Bungle Bungles and El Questro
After breakfast today, get back on the road toward El Questro Station. Admire the remarkable scenery of the Carr Boyd and Durack Ranges, and head along the vast nature trail of Warnum (Turkey Creek). In the late afternoon, head to your campsite in El Questro, a wilderness park since 1991 for dinner and a cool drink at the swinging Arm Bar.
Note: Total driving time today is around five hours. Total walking distance is approximately 1 kilometre.
Note: Total driving time today is around five hours. Total walking distance is approximately 1 kilometre.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: El Questro Station
Spend the day exploring El Questro. Start off with a dip at Zebedee Springs before taking on a hike in the Cockburn Ranges for a swim under the waterfall at Emma Gorge. Tonight, enjoy another night at the El Questro campsite.
Note: Total driving time today is around 45 minutes. Total walking distance is up to 7 kilometres.
Note: Total driving time today is around 45 minutes. Total walking distance is up to 7 kilometres.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Gibb River Road and Mount Barnett
After breakfast, its time to hit the road again and start travelling along the legendary Gibb River Road, a 600 kilometre dirt track running through the centre of the Kimberley. Fording rivers and weaving through gorges, travel by 4WD along the wild Gibb River Road – a 600-kilometre stretch that winds right through the heart of the Kimberley. We’ve got a fair bit of ground to cover today, so there is a fair bit of drive time, but we’ll be breaking the journey up with lunch and at a few stop-offs along the way. Tonight’s destination is at Mt Barnett station located very close to Manning Gorge. This evening we camp at Mount Barnett by the banks of a crystal clear fresh water river, perfect to cool off in after your day hiking.
Note: Total driving time today is around 5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 2 kilometres.
Note: Total driving time today is around 5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 2 kilometres.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Manning Gorge
We spend the morning exploring the stunning Manning Gorge and enjoy a swim in the pools under Manning Falls. Depending on the season, post-lunch we spend the afternoon exploring Adcock or Galvans gorge before heading back to camp to relax around the campfire.
Note: Total driving time today is around 1 hr hours. Total walking distance is approximately 6 kilometres.
Note: Total driving time today is around 1 hr hours. Total walking distance is approximately 6 kilometres.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Bells Gorge and Windjana Gorge
The western Kimberley region is full of endless stunning gorges that have to be explored and this morning is no exception. After breakfast we adventure to Bell Gorge home to a stunning cascade of water flowing from the previous wet season rains that fall in the King Leopold Ranges. The afternoon sees us head to Windjana Gorge, a segment of 375 million-year-old reef that was once underwater. Cut through by the Lennard River, which runs during the wet season then breaks up into little billabongs during the dry, this gorge attracts many species of bird and bat and is a great spot to see wild freshwater crocodiles.
Note: Total driving time today is around 4.5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately four to six kilometres.
Note: Total driving time today is around 4.5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately four to six kilometres.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Broome
Begin the day exploring the Napier Range. The major attraction here is a guided walk through Tunnel Creek, an extensive limestone cave system that extends 750 m underground. Inside, shards of sunlight stream in through crevices, little bats flutter about and enormous stalactites rear down from the ceiling. Then make the final drive on to Broome, hopefully arriving in time for a stunning Cable Beach sunset.
Note: Total driving time today is around 4 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 4 kilometres. Any onward travel must be booked for the following day after the tour finishes.
Note: Total driving time today is around 4 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 4 kilometres. Any onward travel must be booked for the following day after the tour finishes.
Meals: B, L
Day 11: Broome
The next two days are free for you to explore Broome at your own pace. If you’re after more beach time, perhaps head to Cable Beach, named after the undersea telegraph cable that connected Broome to Singapore in the 19th century, or Town Beach in Roebuck Bay. Between March and October (the exact time period varies each year), it’s possible to witness the ‘Staircase to the Moon’ at Roebuck Bay, a natural phenomenon and optical illusion where a staircase appears to lead to the moon during low tide (in reality, the staircase is the reflection of the bay’s exposed mudflats). A weekly Staircase Night Market sets up during this time and is also worth checking out. Sample local flavours and browse stalls selling handmade products, jewellery, clothing and art while local musicians play.
Day 12: Broome
Today is another free day to explore. If you’re after some history, check out the Broome Historical Museum to learn about local Aboriginal culture and for a glimpse into the town's pearling and wartime history. Maybe take a trip to Gantheaume Point to discover 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints or to photograph the contrasting white sand, red cliffs and blue ocean of the area. Another option is the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park and Animal Refuge for some wildlife-viewing. In the evening, the buzzing district of Chinatown is a great place to grab a meal and a drink, or maybe catch an outdoor film at the charming Sun Pictures cinema.
Day 13: Broome to the Pilbra Region
Welcome to the pearling town of Broome, where your Western Australian adventure begins. Those keen on beach-lazing might like to arrive a few days earlier, as the local beaches are superb. Depart Broome and cross the Great Sandy Desert, calling in at Eighty Mile Beach for a stroll along the white sand. From here travel south, passing through the mining city of Port Hedland, where you can witness the enormity of the iron ore industry. Spend the night on a station in the Pilbara Region.
Note: Total driving time today is around four-and-a-half hours. Total walking distance is approximately one kilometre.
Note: Total driving time today is around four-and-a-half hours. Total walking distance is approximately one kilometre.
Meals: L, D
Day 14: Karajini National Park
This morning we head toward Karijini National Park with a stop in Port Headland to check out the iron ore mecca of Australia. If time permits, we may duck into one of the Gorge's this afternoon. If not, we'll set up camp in the National Park and get a good nights rest before we head in for a full day of exploring tomorrow.
Total driving time today is around six hours. Total walking distance can be up to three kilometres, some sections may be through water.
Total driving time today is around six hours. Total walking distance can be up to three kilometres, some sections may be through water.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 15: Karijini National Park
This, without any doubt, is one of Australia’s most magnificent national parks (and it’s not like Australia has any shortage of them). Freshwater springs trickle through chasms to form translucent rock pools, walking trails weave between dramatic rock ravines.. Spend a full day exploring the gorges, gullies and secluded swimming spots of Karijini. Weano Gorge, Hancock Gorge, Dales Gorge and Oxers Lookout are just some of the better-known sites we’ll get to.
Note: Total driving time today is one hour. Total walking distance is approximately six kilometres, some sections may be through water.
Note: Total driving time today is one hour. Total walking distance is approximately six kilometres, some sections may be through water.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 16: Karijini National Park
Pack up your towel and walking shoes and head out for another day exploring Karijini with your guide. Swim in waterholes, hike along rocky trails and splash about in waterfalls. Paradise!
Note: Total driving time today is around an hour. Total walking distance is approximately six kilometres.
Note: Total driving time today is around an hour. Total walking distance is approximately six kilometres.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 17: Exmouth
Today is a long day of driving (approximately 6-7 hours in total). Leaving Karijini, travel through the vast bushland and cattle stations of the Pilbara region. This sparsely populated region is known for its red earth and rich mineral deposits. Spend the night at an exclusive campsite at Yardie Creek in the Cape Range National Park, near Exmouth.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 18: Exmouth
Enjoy a day of freedom and relaxation. Depending on the season, you’ll have the option to snorkel or scuba dive in search of whale sharks or manta rays, the largest rays in the world. Perhaps take a walk to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, or soak up the sun on the pristine beach at Turquoise Bay. In the afternoon, take a short trip to beautiful Coral Bay.
Note: Total driving time today is around one-and-a-half hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.
Note: Total driving time today is around one-and-a-half hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 19: Coral Bay
If you didn’t squeeze a snorkel in yesterday, today you get to; if you did, you get another one. Everyone wins. Ningaloo Reef is one of the world’s largest fringeing reefs, meaning that it starts practically from the water’s edge. You just swim out from shore and suddenly you’re in a world of coral, fish, turtles and manta rays. Swimming above these enormous majestic creatures is really something else, they might even put on an acrobatics show for you! Not much of a swimmer? There’s also the option of taking in the scene on a glass bottom boat tour, along with many other optional activities. We'll introduce you to the friendly staff at Coral Bay Eco Tours
There is no driving today, just a short walk to Coral Bay Eco Tours and water activities.
There is no driving today, just a short walk to Coral Bay Eco Tours and water activities.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 20: Monkey Mia
Today we cross over the Tropic of Capricorn. You probably won’t notice it, but what crossing this latitude means is that from here on south the sun will never be directly above you. You should still wear a hat though. Main stop for the day is Shell Beach, which, much as name would suggest, is a beach made of shells. What’s quite incredible about the place however is the amount of shells there are. Locals have been using them in various industries for years, yet they still cover a stretch 60 km long and up to 7 metres deep. Tonight we stay in Monkey Mia.
Note: Total driving time today is around six and a half hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.
Note: Total driving time today is around six and a half hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 21: Kalbarri
Moving on, we arrive in Monkey Mia, where bottlenose dolphins have been showing up every day for a free feed going on forty years. These are probably the tamest wild dolphins you’ll ever meet.
Up early this morning for a short drive across the Eastern Peninsula. See stromatolites, the oldest living organisms in the world, then continue south for Kalbarri. Time permitting, there’ll be a stop-off along the way at Murchison Gorge, where there’s the opportunity to admire the landscape through Nature’s Window.
Note: Total driving time today is around five and a half hours. Total walking distance is approximately five kilometres.
Up early this morning for a short drive across the Eastern Peninsula. See stromatolites, the oldest living organisms in the world, then continue south for Kalbarri. Time permitting, there’ll be a stop-off along the way at Murchison Gorge, where there’s the opportunity to admire the landscape through Nature’s Window.
Note: Total driving time today is around five and a half hours. Total walking distance is approximately five kilometres.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 22: Nambung National Park to Perth
It’s a driving day today, but a spectacular one. Cruising through the coastal gorges of Kalbarri National Park, we come to the quaint coastal town of Dongara, which sits at the head of the Irwin River. Anyone keen to give sandboarding a shot will get the chance at Sandy Cape/Lancelin, a vast sand desert peopled by the strange limestone structures of the Pinnacles Nambung NP. After a walk around here it’s on to Perth, where this adventure winds up.
Today’s driving will take approximately 7hours (with about two kilometres of walking). There are no more activities planned for and you’re free head to your accommodation for the night.
Today’s driving will take approximately 7hours (with about two kilometres of walking). There are no more activities planned for and you’re free head to your accommodation for the night.
End place: Perth
Meals: B, L
Inclusions
Included
- Lake Argyle
- Cathedral Gorge Walk (Bungle Bungle)
- Echidna Chasm Walk
- Gibb River Road
- Manning Gorge
- Galvans Gorge
- Adcock Gorge
- Windjana Gorge
- Bell Gorge
- Tunnel Creek exploration walk
- Karijini National Park Entrance
- Ningaloo Reef Marine Park
- Kalbarri National Park Entrance
- Monkey Mia Dolphins
- Nambung National Park (Pinnacles) Entrance
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Transport
All Terrain vehicle -
Accommodation
Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights), Camping (with facilities) (8 nights), Hostel (9 nights), Permanent safari camp (with shared facilities) (1 night), Permanent, furnished tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)