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Hike, swim and camp on an epic road trip through Australia's wild west

Journey through the natural wonders, vast expanses and jaw-dropping landscapes of northern and western Australia on this incredible 22-day adventure 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. Discover the striped beauty of the Bungle Bungle Range, explore the glorious gorges of the Kimberleys, snorkel the vibrant reefs of Ningaloo and swim in World Heritage-listed Coral Bay. The distances are immense, but the pace is leisurely, making this the perfect Outback adventure.

Start
Darwin, Australia
Finish
Perth, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Basix
Theme
Explorer, Overland
Code
PDP22
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18
Group size
Min 1, Max 20

Why you'll love this trip

  • Take guided hikes through some of Australia’s most rugged and remote landscapes, like the red domes of the Bungle Bungle Ranges and the ancient gorges of Krinjini National Park.

  • Cool off with swim breaks in some of the most pristine waterfalls, swimming holes and beaches in the world, including Manning Falls and Ningaloo Marine Park.

  • This trip offers heaps of opportunities to encounter rare wildlife, like whale sharks, dolphins, crocodiles and kangaroos.

  • Go underground for a guided walk through Tunnel Creek, an extensive limestone cave system that extends 750 metres below the earth.

  • Experience the Outback on a journey through the cattle stations and mining communities of the Pilbar, complete with a cold pint in the Swinging Arm Bar.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip covers some serious distances in a minivan. Please read the itinerary for details on estimated drive times.

  • You’ll be travelling through regions with very little mobile service or internet connection.

  • This trip involves plenty of walking and is best suited to travellers with a very good level of mobility and fitness. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary.

  • Accommodation on this tour is a mixture of bush camping with a swag in permanent tents and multishare hostels.

  • Temperatures in regional Australia can be extreme. Have a think about what time of year suits you best to travel.

Map of Darwin to Perth Overland including Australia
australia darwin beach sunset northern territory safari
australia perth city park western safari
australia wa bungle bungles western safari
australia wa cockburn range el questro western safari
australia wa coral bay snorkelling western safari
australia wa windjana gorge western safari

Itinerary
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Welcome to the tropical city of Darwin, where your overland adventure begins. Meet your group and leader at 6.30 am and hit the road. Stop at either Edith Falls for a swim or at Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park for a walk (depending on the season). Eat lunch, then continue 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.
Accommodation
  • Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Nitmiluk National Park
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 4 hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.

After breakfast this morning, continue to Lake Argyle. On arrival, admire this 700-square-kilometre lake and it's plentiful wildlife like freshwater crocodiles. Take an optional sunset cruise before setting up camp nearby for the night.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lake Argyle
Optional Activities
  • Lake Argyle Sunset Cruise - AUD100
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 7.5 hours. Total walking distance is around one kilometre. 

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. Get ready for some 4WD action as your experienced leader winds the truck across the rugger terrain of the entrance to Purnululu National Park, home of the iconic Bungle Bungles. It’s a bumpy ride but the scenery is fantastic. Enjoy an amazing Kimberley sunset at your bush camp.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities - no showers) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Total driving today is around 5.5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately five kilometres.

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.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities - no showers) (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
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 1 hour. Total walking distance is approximately five kilometres.

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 wilderness park for dinner and a cool drink at the swinging Arm Bar.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately one kilometre.

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.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Zebedee Springs
  • Emma Gorge
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 45 minutes. Total walking distance is up to seven kilometres.

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. 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 stops along the way. Tonight’s destination is at Mt Barnett station located very close to Manning Gorge. This evening we camp at Mt Barnett by the banks of a fresh-water river, perfect to cool off in after your day hiking.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gibb River Road
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.

Spend the morning exploring Manning Gorge and enjoy a swim in the natural 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.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Adcock Gorge
  • Galvans Gorge
  • Manning Gorge
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 1 hour. Total walking distance is approximately six kilometres.

After breakfast, head to Bell Gorge for a swim under the cascading waterfalls. 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.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Windjana Gorge
  • Bell Gorge
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 4.5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately four to six kilometres.

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-metres underground. Inside, shards of sunlight stream in through crevices, little bats flutter about and enormous stalactites rear down from the ceiling. Then make the drive on to Broome, hopefully arriving in time for a stunning Cable Beach sunset.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (shared bathroom) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 4 hours. Total walking distance is approximately 4 kilometres.

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. Season depending, 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. A weekly Staircase Night Market sets up during this time and is also worth checking out if you happen to be in Broome at this time. Sample local flavours and browse stalls selling handmade products, jewellery, clothing and art while local musicians play.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (shared bathroom) (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

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.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (shared bathroom) (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Leave Broome this morning and cross the Great Sandy Desert, calling in at Eighty Mile Beach for a stroll along the white sand. After stretching the legs for a while, continue driving 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.
Accommodation
  • Station Stay (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.

Total driving time today is around 4.5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately one kilometre.

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 gorges this afternoon. If not, we'll set up camp in the park and get a good night's rest before we head in for a full day of exploring tomorrow.

Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 6 hours. Total walking distance can be up to three kilometres, some sections may be through water.

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. This, without any doubt, is one of Australia’s most magnificent national parks (and it’s not like Australia has any shortage of them).
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Karijini National Park Entrance
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is 1 hour. Total walking distance is approximately six kilometres, some sections may be through water.

Pack up your towel and walking shoes and head out for another day exploring Karijini with your leader. Anything you didn’t tick off the list yesterday you can chase up today – whether it’s a snooze in the sun or a strenuous trek to a lookout. Swim in waterholes, hike along rocky trails and splash about in waterfalls. Paradise!
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 1 hour. Total walking distance is approximately six kilometres.

Today is a long day of driving (approximately 7 hours in total). Leaving Karijini, travel through the vast bushland and cattle stations of Pilbara. 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.
Accommodation
  • Permanent safari camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

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.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ningaloo Reef Marine Park
Optional Activities
  • Snorkel with the Whalesharks (April to July only) from - AUD350
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 1.5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.

Spend another day on Ningaloo Reef, one of the world’s largest fringing 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.
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
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
There is no driving today, just a short walk to Coral Bay Eco Tours and water activities.

Today we cross over the Tropic of Capricorn to Monkey Mia. The main stop for the day is Shell Beach, which, much as name would suggest, is a beach made of shells. They cover a stretch 60-kilometres long and up to seven-metres deep. Tonight, stay in Monkey Mia.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 6.5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.

This morning, check out Monkey Mia – part of the Peron Peninsula, which extends into part of the Indian Ocean known as Shark Bay. This popular spot is known for its friendly local dolphins. Afterwards, continue across the Eastern Peninsula. See stromatolites, the oldest living organisms in the world, then head south for Kalbarri. Time permitting, there’ll be a stop along the way at Murchison Gorge, where there’s the opportunity to admire the landscape through Nature’s Window.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kalbarri National Park Entrance
  • Monkey Mia Dolphins
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 5.5 hours. Total walking distance is approximately five kilometres.

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 National Park. After a walk around here it’s on to Perth, where this adventure finishes on arrival at 6 pm.
Included Activities
  • Nambung National Park (Pinnacles) Entrance
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s driving will take approximately 7 hours (with about two kilometres of walking). You’ll arrive in central Perth around 6 pm and there is no accommodation planned for this evening. Your group leader will be able to provide you directions for your onward journey once arrived. If you would like to spend more time in Perth, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
 View this trip in reverse

Meals

18 breakfasts, 20 lunches, 18 dinners

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)

Included activities

  • Nitmiluk National Park
  • Lake Argyle
  • Cathedral Gorge Walk (Bungle Bungle)
  • Echidna Chasm Walk
  • Zebedee Springs
  • Emma Gorge
  • Gibb River Road
  • Adcock Gorge
  • Galvans Gorge
  • Manning Gorge
  • Windjana Gorge
  • Bell Gorge
  • Karijini National Park Entrance
  • Ningaloo Reef Marine Park
  • Kalbarri National Park Entrance
  • Monkey Mia Dolphins
  • Nambung National Park (Pinnacles) Entrance

Dates & availability

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Important notes

START/FINISH TIMES
The tour commences in Darwin on Day 1 at 6.50 am and finishes in Perth on Day 22 at approximately 6 pm. Onward travel must be booked the following day.

PHYSICAL RATING
This trip involves plenty of walking and is best suited to travellers with a very good level of mobility and fitness. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary.

SLEEPING BAG
This trip requires a sleeping bag.

MINIMUM AGE
The minimum age on this trip is 18 years old.

REVERSE
This trip runs in reverse, see tour code PD22 for more details.

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.

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