1. Home
  2. Oceania
  3. Australia
  4. Perth to Darwin Overland (2018)

Discover Outback delights of Western and Northern Australia

Journey through the jaw-dropping landscape of North and Western Australia into the heart of the Outback, on this incredible Darwin to Perth tour. Discover the rugged beauty of the Bungle Bungles, hang with dolphins at Monkey Mia, explore the Kimberlys and tackle some of the toughest 4X4 terrain in Australia, on this epic Outback adventure.

Start
Perth, Australia
Finish
Darwin, Australia
Country
Australia
Style
Basix
Theme
Explorer, Overland
Code
PD22
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18
Group size
Min 1, Max 20

Why we 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 a place

  • 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

  • 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

Is this trip right for you?

  • Accommodation on the first half of this trip and in Broome is multishare, meaning there are no private rooms. You'll spend some nights of the trip sleeping at camping grounds in a swag (Australian bedroll) in twin-share, permanent tents. While conditions can be very basic, this is all part of the adventure.

  • This is a true overland trip, and the journey is a big part of the experience. On some days of the trip, you will spend several hours driving, often through very sparse areas of desert. Crank up the tunes and sit back to enjoy landscapes that you would miss in any other form of travel.

  • This trip requires a decent level of agility and stamina, as it involves a lot of walking, allowing you to really get among nature. The hikes in the Kimberley are particularly challenging. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing.

  • Temperatures in regional Australia can be extreme. During the day the weather can be hot (and the Australian sun is strong) so please bring appropriate clothing, use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings temperatures really drop, so ensure you have base layers and warm clothing.

Red sand, Broome
Bungle Bungles
Pelicans, Shark Bay

Itinerary
Expand All Collapse All

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 April 2018 to 31 March 2019. View the itinerary for departures between 01 April 2017 - 31 March 2018

Welcome to sunny Perth, where your overland journey begins. Leave the city, driving north to Nambung National Park to explore The Pinnacles. These are ancient rock sculptures that rise out of the desert. Journey on to Jurien Bay, where you’ll have the opportunity to sand-board down the massive expanse of dunes. From here continue on through Geraldton to the quiet beach town of Kalbarri, where you’ll stay the night.

Note: Total driving time today is about four-and-a-half hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Nambung National Park (Pinnacles) Entrance
  • Sandboarding Jurien Bay
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Today take a short drive to Kalbarri National Park. Hike around some of the park’s diverse scenery, including Murchison Gorge, the Loop Walk and Nature’s Window. After a steep descent into Z-Bend Gorge, take a refreshing dip in the river. For those seeking even more adventure, there’s also an opportunity to abseil (at your own expense). After lunch visit the beautiful Shell Beach, which is one of only two beaches in the world composed entirely of shells. Get back on the road and continue towards Denham and Shark Bay.

Note: Total driving time today is about four hours. Total walking distance is approximately five kilometres.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kalbarri National Park Entrance
Optional Activities
  • Abseiling in Kalbarri National Park - AUD30
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

After a short drive across the Peron Peninsula, head to the beach and meet the world famous Monkey Mia dolphins. These friendly dolphins are fed by park rangers and often swim up to the shore several times a day. The next stop is Carnarvon where you’ll see the fascinating stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. These marine rock formations are some of the world’s oldest and largest living fossils. After a short break, continue along the highway to Coral Bay, which is known as the ‘Jewel of the Northwest’.

Note: Total driving time today is about five-and-a-half hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Monkey Mia Dolphins
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Today explore picturesque Coral Bay, home to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. Snorkel equipment is available for your use, or you could cruise the reef in a glass-bottom boat to observe the tropical life teeming below the surface. The marine park is home to 250 species of coral and over 500 species of fish. You might prefer to take an optional scenic flight over the reef or get adventurous on a quad bike tour of the local area. Both activities come at an additional cost and are subject to availability. In the late afternoon, it’s a short drive to your exclusive campsite at Yardie Creek in the Cape Range National Park, near Exmouth.

Note: Total driving time today is about one-and-a-half hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.
Accommodation
  • Yardi Creek Camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ningaloo Reef Marine Park
Optional Activities
  • Snorkel with Manta Rays - half day trip - AUD165
  • Whale Watching (seasonal) from - AUD85
  • Glass Bottom Boat Cruises from - AUD37
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Enjoy a day of freedom and relaxation. Depending on the time of year, you have the option to snorkel or scuba dive in search of whale sharks and manta rays. Perhaps take a walk to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, one of the few places in Australia where you can see the sun both rise and set. While away the rest of the afternoon on the pristine beach at Turquoise Bay.

Note: Total driving time today is about one-and-a-half hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.
Accommodation
  • Yardi Creek Camp (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Snorkel with the Whalesharks (April to July only) from - AUD350
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Head inland today through the vast cattle stations of the Pilbara region. The sparsely populated Pilbara desert is known for its red earth and rich mineral deposits. In the afternoon pass through the little town of Tom Price, which is renowned for its iron ore mining. Continue on to your campsite overlooking the magnificent Hamersley Range in Karijini. Before you go to sleep, take a minute to gaze up at one the most magnificent night skies you’re ever likely to see.

Today’s travel will take around six-and-a-half hours in total.
Accommodation
  • Karijini National Park Camp (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Over the next two days explore the almighty gorges of Karijini National Park. Formed over 2,500 million years ago, the Hamersley Ranges feature some of the most unusual landforms on Earth. You’ll be able to take some great photographs while you’re here. Hike deep into the gorges, where you’ll come across cascading waterfalls and fresh waterholes ideal for swimming in. Dales Gorge and Circular Pool, Fortescue Falls, Fern Pool and Weano Gorge are just some of the places you can visit. This part of the journey is a real highlight.

Note: Total driving time today is only around 40 minutes, but you could be walking up to six kilometres.
Accommodation
  • Karijini National Park Camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Karijini National Park Entrance
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Head back into the gorges today for further exploration. Sing a tune in the natural amphitheatre caused by curved gorge walls, then make your way down to Hancock Gorge. Named after the Australian tycoon Lang Hancock, this is a narrow inlet of red rocks leading to a refreshing waterhole.

Note: Total driving time today is only around 30 minutes, but you could be walking up to six kilometres.
Accommodation
  • Karijini National Park Camp (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Depart Karijini this morning and travel towards the coast (approximately four hours in total). Visit the iron ore port of Port Hedland, the second most populated town in the Pilbara. Take a quick tour of the town and gain an understanding of the scale of the iron ore industry. After lunch continue on to a nearby station, where you’ll spend the last night of your trip.

Today we drive for about five hours
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

The drive to Broome will take around five hours. En route, enjoy a leisurely break and stroll along the immense 80-Mile Beach. On arrival into Broome, check into your accommodation and perhaps head down to Cable Beach for a famous Broome sunset - a fitting beginning to the next couple of days off to relax.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Sleep in this morning and perhaps go for a walk into Old Broome Town this afternoon.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today is another day off to recharge your batteries before commencing the next leg of your journey through the Kimberley. Perhaps take the first bus out to Guantheaume Point and see the prehistoric footprints in the rock. Take the famous stroll back to Cable Beach for a morning coffee of fresh juice before spending the day on the beach.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

We will pick you up from the hostel mid-morning and show you around this vibrant outback town and share the history as to why this is such a unique place. Afterwards, we'll head down to the beach where we can drive the truck onto the sand for a picnic lunch and try your hand at the best Aussie outdoor sport - beach cricket! This evening, we'll head back to our accommodation in Broome for some dinner before we hit the road tomorrow morning.

Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Broome beach activity day and Broome sights tour
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

After meeting with your leader and group this morning, leave Broome and, depending on the season, make your first stop at Willare Bridge overlooking the Fitzroy River. From here head out into the great Australian outback towards Oscar Range, and on to Tunnel Creek. The creek has worn a 750-metre tunnel through the Napier Range. Join your guide for a walk through Tunnel Creek, learning about Aboriginal culture and traditions.

Next we head to Windjana Gorge, once an underwater reef just 350 million years ago. During the wet season a river flows all the way through it, but during the dry it’s really more a series of ponds and billabongs. Set out on a bit of an explore, hopefully spotting a freshwater crocodile or two. The western Kimberley region is full of endless stunning gorges that have to be explored and this afternoon is no exception. After lunch, adventure to Bell Gorge – a hidden highlight. This idyllic retreat, considered amongst the most beautiful gorge on the Gibb River Road, boasts cascading waterfalls and crystal clear pools filled with water from the wet season rains that fall in the King Leopold Ranges. Surrounded by a horseshoe of bright orange rock wall, there are smooth rocks to lounge on and welcome areas of shade. We make our way back to camp for dinner and camping under the stars.

Note: Total driving time today is around four hours. Total walking distance is approximately six kilometres.
Accommodation
  • Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Windjana Gorge
  • Bell Gorge
  • Tunnel Creek exploration walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Hit the road again and travel along the legendary Gibb River Road, a 600 kilometre dirt track running through the centre of the Kimberley region. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to explore the gorges of Galvans or Adcock. In the evening, set up camp at Mount Barnett for the night, our campsite near Manning Gorge. Sit in the crystal clear freshwater river that flows by the campsite and watch the sun set as you start to feel like you are in the 'real' Australia.

Note: Total driving time today is around two hours. Total walking distance is approximately six kilometres.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Galvans Gorge
  • Adcock Gorge
  • Manning Gorge
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

In the morning, explore Manning Gorge, taking an invigorating dip in a waterhole before continuing down the Gibb River Road. If there’s enough time, the group will also visit Barnett Gorge. Your guide will point you in the direction of the best gorges to explore. Pass through remote and extraordinary country as you travel through this historic part of Australia. Cross the Pentecost River to reach the famous El Questro Station, where you’ll spend the night camping under the stars.

Note: Total driving time today is around three-and-a-half hours. Total walking distance is approximately five kilometres.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gibb River Road
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Today spend the day exploring the amazing sights of El Questro Station. Take a hike in the beautiful Cockburn Ranges and a swim under the waterfall at Emma Gorge. Tonight enjoy another night at the El Questro campsite, where you might choose to enjoy a well-earned drink at the station bar with your travel mates.

Note: Total driving time today is only around 45 minutes. Total walking distance is up to five kilometres.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

In the morning head out through the peaks and cliffs of the Carr Boyd and Durack Ranges, as you make your way to the remote outback township of Warnum (also known as Turkey Creek). In the afternoon, venture out in a 4WD to take on the challenging terrain of Purnululu National Park, home to the iconic Bungle Bungles. Arrive just in time to catch the sunset over the Osmond Ranges before relaxing into your overnight bush camp for dinner.

Note: Total driving time today is approximately three hours. Total walking distance is approximately five kilometres.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

After breakfast prepare for a full day of activities. Explore the remarkable rock formations of the Bungle Bungle Range. Hike to the constricted, red gap of Echidna Chasm and the immense Cathedral Gorge. You'll also have the opportunity to experience another perspective of the Bungles in a helicopter flight (at your own expense). As the sun goes down, head back to your overnight bush camp.

Note: Total driving time today is around an hour. Total walking distance is approximately five kilometres.
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
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Today, it's time for some serious 4WD as you wind your way out of the Bungle Bungles towards Kununurra. Depending on time, the group will have the opportunity to explore the weather-beaten gorges and red peaks of the Hidden Valley. In the late afternoon, travel down beside the Ord River to make camp at Lake Argyle.

Note: Total driving time today is around three-and-a-half hours. Total walking distance is approximately three hours.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Not long after breakfast this morning, explore the fringes of Lake Argyle. This vast body water has been forged by the Ord River Dam. The biggest manmade lake in Australia, Lake Argyle is 18 times the size of Sydney Harbour. From here, cross the state border into the Northern Territory to reach your campsite in the Katherine Region.

Note: Total driving time today is around five hours. Total walking distance is approximately one kilometre.
Accommodation
  • Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Lake Argyle Sunset Cruise - AUD90
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

On the final day of the trip, the group will either stop at the secluded gorge of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) or take one last plunge into the cool waters of Edith Falls. In the afternoon, make your way to Darwin, where your adventure comes to an end. There are no more activities planned for today and you’re free to explore Darwin, but please book any onward travel the following day.

Note: Total driving today is around four hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Meals

18 breakfasts, 20 lunches, 18 dinners

Transport

All Terrain vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights), Camping (with facilities) (8 nights), Hostel (8 nights), Permanent safari camp (with shared facilities) (2 nights), Permanent, furnished tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)

Included activities

  • Nambung National Park (Pinnacles) Entrance
  • Sandboarding Jurien Bay
  • Kalbarri National Park Entrance
  • Monkey Mia Dolphins
  • Ningaloo Reef Marine Park
  • Karijini National Park Entrance
  • Broome beach activity day and Broome sights tour
  • Windjana Gorge
  • Bell Gorge
  • Tunnel Creek exploration walk
  • Galvans Gorge
  • Adcock Gorge
  • Manning Gorge
  • Gibb River Road
  • Cathedral Gorge Walk (Bungle Bungle)
  • Echidna Chasm Walk

Dates & availability

Trip search is unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Perth to Darwin Overland (2018) trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Jump to a departure month
Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Important notes

1. Tour commences in Perth on day 1 at 7:15am and finishes in Darwin day 22 at approx 6pm. Onward travel must be booked the following day.
2. This trip is for FIT AND ACTIVE people and involves very basic camping and challenging hikes.
3. This trip requires a sleeping bag.
4. Minimum Age on this trip is 18 years old.
5. Trip runs in reverse, see tour code PDP22

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information

Reviews

Our Perth to Darwin Overland (2018) trips score an average of 4.5 out of 5 based on 6 reviews in the last year.

Perth to Darwin Overland, September 2017

Simon Ottner

Review submitted 27 Sep 2017

Perth to Darwin Overland, June 2017

Patricia Ernst

Review submitted 16 Jul 2017

Go to dates