Untamed Kimberley and West Coast

Trip Type: Guided Holiday
Australia | 21 Days

NZD 17,540.00 /Person

Three weeks of natural drama awaits on this ultimate Kimberley tour and road-trip, covering two states, dozens of gorges, a wonderland of waterfall...

Untamed Kimberley and West Coast

Three weeks of natural drama awaits on this ultimate Kimberley tour and road-trip, covering two states, dozens of gorges, a wonderland of waterfalls and countless encounters with wildlife. Fancy swimming with whale sharks, spotting crocs and meeting dolphins? Then there are the World Heritage Sites, national park trips and blazing sunsets. The ultimate in Northern Territory and Western Australia tours, it’s a journey that puts life in perspective – in the best possible way.

Welcome to Darwin

You’ll fall for the capital of the NT; its balmy tropical climate, fiery sunsets and laid-back locals. Take in the city sights on a tour, learning about the events that have shaped it over the years. Later, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner.

Accommodation:

Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Locations Visited:
  • Darwin

Darwin - Katherine

Nature takes over at Nitmiluk National Park, where you cruise through dramatic Nitmiluk Gorge. There’s no time to catch your breath – you’re off to a cattle station for the Katherine Outback Experience, where you'll be entertained with songs, stories, and a Be My Guest dinner under the stars.

Accommodation:

Contour Hotel Katherine

Locations Visited:
  • Darwin

Katherine - Kununurra

Kununurra exists thanks to the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. The project not only helped water the countryside, but created Lake Argyle. You won’t forget your cruise to sunset.

Accommodation:

Kununurra Country Club Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Katherine

Kununurra

Today is one of decisions: A scenic flight over (or 4WD tour of) the Bungle Bungles (own expense). Or a wander with your Travel Director through Mirima National Park. In between, explore the Waringarri Aboriginal Art Centre on a guided tour.

Accommodation:

Kununurra Country Club Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Kununurra

Kununurra - Emma Gorge

Go behind the scenes at Hoochery Distillery, which not only makes lip-smacking rum, but also delicious rum cake. Get a taste of the Gibb River Road en route to El Questro Wilderness Park, where an oasis of pandanus palms envelops your safari-style accommodation.

Accommodation:

Emma Gorge Resort, Tented Cabin with private facilities

Locations Visited:
  • Kununurra

El Questro Wilderness Park

The Kimberley’s sounds follow you across the mighty Pentecost River to freshwater Chamberlain Gorge, your boat dwarfed by its soaring escarpments while you cruise. Afternoon remedy? A splash in the pool, perhaps, or a dip in the waterhole within Emma Gorge. Take your pick.

Accommodation:

Emma Gorge Resort, Tented Cabin with private facilities

Locations Visited:
  • El Questro Wilderness Park

Emma Gorge - Halls Creek

When you arrive in Halls Creek you'll visit the Yarliyil Art Gallery, an Aboriginal owned enterprise which has more than 100 artist members who practice art in a wide range of styles and mediums. Equally important to Aboriginal communities is the Great Sandy Desert, on the edge of which is Halls Creek. This place is small in population, but big in personality.

Accommodation:

Kimberley Hotel

Locations Visited:
  • Emma Gorge

Halls Creek - Fitzroy Crossing

The Kimberley boasts a geological history that is nothing short of spectacular. Explore the Mimbi Caves with an Indigenous guide to observe the delicate limestone formations, brilliantly vivid colours and crystal-clear freshwater pools that remain from the Devonian Great Barrier Reef that formed over 350 million years ago. Discover ancient rock paintings before listening to songs and hearing the Gooniyandi Dreaming story, while enjoying billy tea and damper. Travel through the Kimberley towards the remote township of Fitzroy Crossing.

Accommodation:

Fitzroy River Lodge

Locations Visited:
  • Halls Creek

Fitzroy Crossing - Broome

The reason Broome was born is because of pearls. Today, it’s just as well known for its sizzling Indian Ocean sunsets, best enjoyed from the Cable Beach sand.

Accommodation:

Cable Beach Club Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Fitzroy Crossing

Broome Free Time

Today is yours to explore. Perhaps veer off to a pearl farm, to witness the precision that goes into growing and harvesting these gems (own expense). Or simply enjoy Broome’s tropical climes, strolling along 22-kilometre Cable Beach, hunting for dinosaur footprints and browsing boutiques.

Accommodation:

Cable Beach Club Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Broome

Broome - Port Hedland

The eye-opening colours of the Pilbara are your backdrop today - rich red earth streaked with mineral deposits. Settle in Port Hedland, home to the world's largest bulk export port.

Accommodation:

Hospitality Port Hedland

Locations Visited:
  • Broome

Port Hedland - Karijini National Park

A frontier like no other, Karijini National Park is a place where gorges seem to cleave off the edge of the Earth, waterfalls tumble from escarpments and remote turquoise rock pools shimmer like precious gems. The wilderness is wilder, the colours brighter, the air clearer. It took billions of years to create the geological wonders you see: the red layered cliffs, the quiet gorges, the soaring gum trees, and distinctive termite mounds.

Accommodation:

Tom Price Motel

Locations Visited:
  • Port Hedland

Tom Price - Karratha

Journey through rugged terrain back towards the coast - destination Karratha. Known for its significant role in the mining and resource industry. Stop in at Ngajarli (Deep Gorge) and follow the trail to see incredible petroglyphs and learn about its indigenous history. Finally, pay a visit to Red Dog Statue, the canine larrikin with a wandering heart, and learn why he is famous in this region.

Accommodation:

Comfort Inn, Karratha

Locations Visited:
  • Tom Price

Karratha - Exmouth

There are a few (hundred) kilometres of Pilbara region to cover between inland Karratha and Exmouth on the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Coast. On your hypnotic journey, just imagine all the magical marine creatures you might glimpse when you dive into Ningaloo Reef – Exmouth is the gateway.

Accommodation:

Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Karratha

Exmouth Free Time

Depending on the time of year, Ningaloo Reef is home to both whale sharks and humpbacks. Opt to snorkel with both (ethically) or book a sunset cruise, sparkling wine in hand. The decision is yours.

Accommodation:

Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Exmouth

Exmouth - Carnarvon

Today’s cruise in a glass-bottomed boat allows you to glimpse Ningaloo’s extraordinary marine life in comfort. Next stop is the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum. Did you know it played a role in the 1969 moon landing?

Accommodation:

Best Western Hospitality Inn Carnarvon

Locations Visited:
  • Exmouth

Carnarvon - Monkey Mia

Prepare yourself for the ‘living fossils’ at Hamelin Pool, home to the most abundant colony of stromatolites in the world. The state’s World Heritage listed Shark Bay is also characterised by Shell Beach, formed from billions of coquina bivalve shells.

Accommodation:

Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Carnarvon

Monkey Mia Free Time

Meet the wild resident dolphins that turn up to the shore every morning, then spend the afternoon at leisure. Optional sunset cruise or scenic flight over the bay, anyone?

Accommodation:

Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia - Geraldton

Kalbarri National Park is known for many things: its gorges, towering coastal cliffs, and rare wildlife that you can witness from the Kalbarri Skywalk. And then there are the wildflowers, which bloom and blanket much of the countryside in spring, transforming it into a floral wonderland. Arriving in Geraldton, pay homage to the 645 Australian sailors who were lost off the WA coast during WWII at the HMAS Sydney Memorial.

Accommodation:

Nesuto Geraldton Apartment Hotel

Locations Visited:
  • Monkey Mia

Geraldton - Perth

Nambung National Park’s Pinnacles are a staggering collection of natural limestone structures, jutting into the sky. It’s a spiritual place, as is Yanchep National Park, where your Aboriginal guide decodes native plants and tells Dreamtime stories on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This evening, join your Travel Director and companions for a Farewell Dinner.

Accommodation:

Crowne Plaza Perth

Locations Visited:
  • Geraldton

Farewell from Perth

It’s hard to believe this epic adventure has come to an end. Three weeks of incredible memories to take home with you.

Locations Visited:
  • Perth
  • • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide • 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Ningaloo Coast & Shark Bay. Plus, Purnululu National Park (optional Bungle Bungles) • Centrally located premium hotels • Shark Bay, Hidden Valley, Karijini, Nitmiluk, Nambung & Yanchep National Parks and El Questro Wilderness Park entrance fees • Arrival and departure private airport transfers
  • Cruise with a local guide down the Ord River from Lake Argyle, to be rewarded with the setting sun over the water in Kununurra.
  • Immerse yourself in outback farming lifestyle at the Katherine Outback Experience.
  • Immerse yourself in outback farming lifestyle and be entertained by award-winning musician Tom Curtin at the Katherine Outback Experience.
  • Discover the culture of the Nyoongar people of Western Australia’s southwest: their seasonal movements, language and how knowledge is passed from generation to generation.
  • The Ningaloo Coast has World Heritage status for good reason – it cradles one of the most biodiverse marine sanctuaries in Australia.
  • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Ningaloo Coast & Shark Bay. Plus, Purnululu National Park (optional Bungle Bungles) Centrally located premium hotels Shark Bay, Hidden Valley, Karijini, Nitmiluk, Nambung & Yanchep National Parks and El Questro Wilderness Park entrance fees Arrival and departure private airport transfers
  • Water bottle Warm layers in cooler months Camera Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
  • Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price. Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 2.00pm into Darwin AirportDay 21 – flights to depart anytime from Perth Airport Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included.
  • Extreme temperatures can be experienced in this remote region of Australia. Guests should be made aware that this trip is recommended to guests with a moderate level of fitness. In addition, the walk to Emma Gorge considered "Difficult" and not all guests will be able to complete the walk. Some sections of Mimbi Caves have very low light and are rocky in parts. A torch is recommended.

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Destination Details
Australia | 21 Days
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Darwin, Australia
Trip Finishes:
Perth (WA Aus), Australia
Countries Visited:
Australia

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