22 Day Darwin to Perth Overland

Transcription

1 22 Day Darwin to Perth Overland 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. Why you'll love this trip Get off the beaten track as you discover the raw desert landscapes and stunning coastline of Western Australia and the Kimberley in this ultimate overland adventure It may be a cliche, but life is all about the journey. Explore the major highlights between Perth and Darwin at a slower pace, allowing you to really get under the skin of the Australian outback Enjoy the flexibility of a private vehicle, the local knowledge of a passionate guide and the magic of camping under the great southern sky, Australian-style

2 The cattle stations, red earth and mining communities of the Pilbara are reminiscent of the sun-baked Australia much of the world imagines Hike and swim in the ancient gorges and waterholes of Karijini National Park Itinerary Day 1: Darwin to the Katherine Region Welcome to Darwin, where your overland adventure begins. The Northern Territory s tropical capital is also a gateway to numerous wildlife and waterfall-filled national parks and nature reserves. Today, you ll visit Nitmiluk National Park. After meeting your tour leader and travel group, head south to either the cascading streams and pools of Edith Falls or the magnificent, sandstone gorges (there s 13 in total) within the park. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. After a full day spent exploring the ancient surrounds, head to your private campsite at the edge of the national park, where permanent tents with swags await. Total driving time: about 4 hours Total walking distance: about 2 kilometres/1.24 miles Accommodation: Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night) Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner Day 2: Lake Argle After breakfast, begin the drive west to Lake Argyle, the jewel of the Kimberley region. It s about a 6.5-hour drive; as the rugged peaks and cliffs of the spectacular Carr Boyd Range come into view, you ll know you re almost there. Stretch your legs on a walk around it s perimeter on arrival, admiring the sheer size of the 700-square-metre manmade spectacle, which is home to tons of native fish and thousands of freshwater crocodiles. Make sure to bring waterproof hiking boots as the ground near the lake can be quite soft. Take some time to explore the sparse, yet beautiful surrounds before setting up camp nearby for the night. Total driving time: about 6.5 hours Total walking distance: about 2-4 kilometres/ miles Included Activities: Lake Argyle Optional Activities: Lake Argyle Sunset Cruise - AUD100 Day 3: Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle Ranges) Hit the dusty red road for the East Kimberley and its World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park. Here, you ll hop on a 4WD vehicle to get a closer look at the national parks famous, beehive-shaped Bungle Bungles. The sight of these orange and grey striped domes rising some 250 metres above grass-covered plains will blow you away. Discover 2

3 the craggy gorges and red peaks of the Hidden Valley before a free afternoon to explore on your own. Total driving: about 3.5 hours Total walking distance: about 5 kilometres/3 miles Accommodation: Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night) Day 4: The Bungle Bungles Make sure to fill up at breakfast, as a full day of activities await. Begin by returning to the remarkable rock formations of the Bungle Bungles. Take a scenic hike to the thin, red gap of Echidna Chasm enjoying plenty of fantastic photo opportunities as the sun s beams illuminate the chasm to dazzling effect. Another hike leads to Cathedral Gorge, an enormous nature amphitheatre of red rock. 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. Total driving time: about 1 hours Total walking distance: about 5 kilometres/3 miles Accommodation: Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night) Included Activities: Cathedral Gorge Walk (Bungle Bungle), Echidna Chasm Walk Optional Activities: Helicopter Flight - Bungle Bungles - from - AUD350 Day 5: Bungle Bungles and El Questro This morning, set out for El Questro, an accommodation and campsite in the heart of the Kimberley region. Drive through rugged and ancient landscapes, admiring the remarkable scenery of the Carr Boyd and Durack Ranges en route. You ll also stop in the Aboriginal settlement of Warmun for a hike along a vast nature trail and a chance for a refreshing swim. Arrive at your campsite in El Questro in the late afternoon. After settling in, sit down for dinner and unwind with a cool drink. Total driving time: about 3 hours Total walking distance: about 6 kilometres/3.7 miles Day 6: El Questro Station There isn t much travel involved today; instead, you ll spend the day exploring the spectacular surrounds of your exceptionally well-located campsite. Take in the areas scenic gorges and red cliffs in the morning. Later, hike past the towering red cliffs of the Cockburn Ranges, which are shaped like a vast round fortress. Discover its deep gorges and permanent pools, and enjoy a swim beneath the waterfall at Emma Gorge. In the evening, why not crack open a well-earned beer at El Questro s station bar. Total driving time: about 45 minutes Total walking distance: up to 7 kilometres/4.3 miles 3

4 Day 7: Gibb River Road Get back on the road today and make your way west. Today s journey will take you over the Pentecost River and along the famous Gibb River Road. There will be lots of hiking and multiple opportunities to swim. After lunch, head to Manning Gorge, home to gentle waterfall that cascades over large rocks and a gorgeous swim spot. If there s time, pay a visit to Barnett Gorge as well. Keep in mind that depending on weather and accessibility, your tour leader may choose alternative spots to visit. Total driving time: about 5 hours Total walking distance: about 2 kilometres/1.2 miles Accommodation: Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night) Included Activities: Gibb River Road Day 8: Windjana Gorge Spend another day exploring the stunning gorges of the western Kimberley region. Today, you ll visit Bell Gorge, a bit of a hidden highlight. This idyllic spot boasts pictureperfect cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools surrounded by a horseshoe of rugged orange-red walls. Smooth rocks to lounge on welcome areas of shade make it the perfect place to spend a relaxing morning. In the afternoon, head to Windjana Gorge, where you ll find 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. Total driving time: about 2.5 hours Total walking distance: about 4-6 kilometres/ miles Accommodation: Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night) Included Activities: Manning Gorge, Galvans Gorge, Adcock Gorge Day 9: Tunnel Creek and Broome Begin the day exploring the Napier Range. The major attraction here is Tunnel Creek, an extensive limestone cave system that extends 750 metres underground. Inside, shards of sunlight stream in through crevices, little bats flutter about and enormous stalactites rear down from the ceiling. In the late 1800s, an indigenous man called Jandamarra waged a one-man uprising against European settlers, becoming a hero to his people. You ll hear a bit about his legacy during a tour through Tunnel Creek, then make the final drive on to Broome, hopefully arriving in time for a stunning Cable Beach sunset. Note: Total driving time: about 5 hours Total walking distance: about 4 kilometres/2,5 miles Included Activities: Windjana Gorge, Bell Gorge, Tunnel Creek exploration walk 4

5 Day 10: Broome This morning, set out for some sightseeing, learning about Broome s rich history and pearling industry along the way. Afterwards, head to the beach for a picnic lunch. Spend a leisurely afternoon relaxing on the sand, splashing in the water and perhaps playing a few beach games. Included Activities: Broome beach activity day and Broome sights tour Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch Day 11: Broome The next two days are completely free for you to enjoy Broome. Relax on famous Cable Beach, named after the undersea telegraph cable that connected Broome to Singapore in the 19th century. Camel safaris operate up and down the beach at sunset. Town Beach in Roebuck Bay is another great place to swim and soak up the sun. From March to October, witness the optical illusion of the Staircase to the Moon, as the moon rises over the mudflats of Roebuck Bay at low tide. The Staircase Night Market takes place during this period in the Town Beach Reserve, and is an ideal opportunity to pick up some local handicrafts and try the cuisine. Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day. Day 12: Broome Today is another free day to explore. Check out the Broome Historical Museum for a look into the town's fascinating Aboriginal, pearling and wartime history. 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. To see some wildlife, visit the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park and Animal Refuge. In the evening, perhaps check out the buzzing district of Chinatown or catch an outdoor film at the charming Sun Pictures cinema. Accommodation: Cabin (1 night) Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day. Day 13: Broome to the Pilbra Region After a few relaxing days in Broome, it s time to hit the road again in the direction of Karajini National Park. Cross the Great Sandy Desert, stopping at Eighty Mile Beach a white sand beach famous for its abundance of tropical seashells and beach fishing for a stroll along its shore. 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. Before you go to sleep, take a minute to gaze up at one the most magnificent night skies you re ever likely to see. Total driving time: about 4.5 kilometres Total walking distance: about 1 kilometre/0.6 miles Accommodation: Cabin (1 night) Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner 5

6 Day 14: Karajini National Park This morning, make your way to the spectacular Karijini National Park, where you ll spend the next three days exploring. Karajini is the second largest national park in Western Australia. Covered by the Hamersley Ranges, its ancient landscape was caved over 2 billion years and features some of the most unusual landforms on Earth. You ll be able to take some great photos while here. On arrival, visit the Karijini Visitor Centre for a crash course on the natural and cultural history of the park. Then head to Fortescue Falls for a refreshing swim. Tonight, camp in twin-share, permanent tents inside the park. Total driving time: about 4.5 hours Total walking distance: about 3 kilometres/1.8 miles Day 15: Karijini National Park This is truly one of the most spectacular and surprising national parks you re likely to find. There are numerous walks and sights to see, but be sure to put Dales Gorge, Oxers Lookout and Weano Gorge on your to-do list. Spend your free day exploring, swimming, hiking and relaxing in this bush paradise. Total driving time: about 1 hour Total walking distance: about 6 kilometres/3.7 miles Included Activities: Karijini National Park Entrance 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! Total driving time: about 1 hour Total walking distance: about 6 kilometres/3.7 miles Day 17: Exmouth Get ready for a long day of travel as you leave Karijini and travel through the vast bushlands and cattle stations of the Pilbara region en route to the west coast. The sparsely populated Pilbara desert is known for its red earth and rich mineral deposits. Spend the night at an exclusive campsite at Yardie Creek, located near Exmouth in Cape Range National Park. Total driving time: about 6-7 hours Accommodation: Yardi Homestead Caravan Park (1 night) 6

7 Day 18: Coral Bay Enjoy a day of freedom and relaxation in Yardie Creek. Nestled on the shores of the Indian Ocean, it s a great place to soak up some sun and explore the surrounding beaches. Depending on the season, you ll have the option to snorkel or scuba dive in search of whale sharks or manta rays. Perhaps take a walk to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse or simply soak up the sun on Turquoise Bay s pristine beach. In the afternoon, travel to beautiful Coral Bay. Its gorgeous waters contain Ningaloo Reef, one of the largest fringing coral reefs in the world, and a rich diversity of marine life. Total driving time: about 1.5 hours Total walking distance: about 2 kilometres/1.2 miles Accommodation: Hostel (1 night) Included Activities: Ningaloo Reef Marine Park Optional Activities: Snorkel with the Whalesharks (April to July only) from - AUD350 Day 19: Coral Bay Spend the majority of today at Coral Bay, exploring the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. The marine park is home to 250 species of coral and over 500 species of fish. Snorkel, scuba dive or cruise the reef in a glass-bottom boat to observe the tropical life teeming below the surface. You might prefer to take a joy flight over the reef for spectacular views from above, or head out on a quad bike tour of the local area. Snorkel equipment is provided, but all of the other activities will be at your own expense and subject to availability. Total driving time: about 1.5 hours Total walking distance: about 2 kilometres/1.2 miles Accommodation: Hostel (1 night) Optional Activities: Glass Bottom Boat Cruises from - AUD37, Whale Watching (seasonal) from - AUD85, Snorkel with Manta Rays - half day trip - AUD165 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. Your 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. Continue on towards Monkey Mia Beach, famous for its friendly bottlenose dolphins. Total driving time: about 6.5 hours Total walking distance: about 1 kilometre/0.6 miles Accommodation: Hostel (1 night) 7

8 Day 21: Kalbarri In the morning, visit the dolphins again before heading on to explore the World Heritage area of Shark Bay. See the stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. These marine rock formations are some of the world s oldest living fossils, and suggest what the earth might have looked like 3.5 billion years ago. Head south from here to Kalbarri. If time permits, visit Murchison River Gorge and the rocky arch of Nature s Window in Kalbarri National Park. You ll then head to your accommodation for the night. Total driving time: about 4 hours Total walking distance: about 5 kilometres/3 miles Accommodation: Hostel (1 night) Included Activities: Kalbarri National Park Entrance, Monkey Mia Dolphins Day 22: Nambung National Park to Perth Cruise through the coastal gorges of Kalbarri National Park, stopping at Dongara, a seaside town gifted with great surf, soft sand beaches and massive dunes. Here, you ll have the opportunity to test your skill at sandboarding, then it s on to the thousands of limestone pillars that rise out of the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. Wander around and explore the random rock formations and then kick on to Perth, where the trip ends upon arrival (in the early evening). Total driving time: about 4-5 hours Total walking distance: about 2 kilometres/1.2 miles Included Activities: Nambung National Park (Pinnacles) Entrance Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch Special Information No accommodation is provided for tonight. If you plan on spending the night in Perth, please make sure to book your own accommodation prior to departure. Teilnehmer: min 1 bis max. 20 Personen (Mindestalter 18 Jahre) Transport: Geländewagen Includierte Mahlzeiten: 18x Frühstück, 20x Mittagessen, 18x Abendessen Übernachtung: 12 Nächte Camping, 9 Nächte im Hostel Gepäck Limit: 15 kg, please bring a soft sided bag only geeignet für Menschen mit eingeschränkter Mobilität: nein (genauere Informationen auf Anfrage) Rollstuhlgeeignet: nein Diese Tour erfordert eine gute Fitness!! Die Sprache während der Tour ist englisch 8