Untamed Kimberley & West Coast Tour: Darwin to Perth
4.5 (Very Good)
4.5 (Very Good)
Three weeks of natural wonders await on this unrivalled road-trip, covering two states, dozens of gorges, a wonderland of waterfalls and countless encounters with wildlife. Fancy swimming with whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef, spotting crocs and meeting dolphins in Monkey Mia? Then there are the World Heritage sites, the rugged beauty of the Kimberley, national park trips, blazing sunsets, meaningful Aboriginal and local experiences. All in one ultimate trip.
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Discover Darwin, the vibrant capital of the Northern Territory, where tropical warmth, fiery sunsets, and laid-back charm await. Explore the city on a guided tour, learning about its unique architecture and historic events, from Cyclone Tracy to World War II bombings. Visit top attractions including the botanical gardens and East Point Reserve, and end the day with dinner at a scenic waterfront restaurant.
Begin your southern journey at the Adelaide River, reflecting on its WWII history and cemetery. Explore Nitmiluk National Park on Jawoyn land with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® cruise through Katherine Gorge, marveling at the ever-changing sandstone cliffs. Conclude with the Katherine Outback Experience, an immersive celebration of Northern Territory pastoral life, rich with stories, songs, and authentic adventure.
Cross from the NT into WA to Kununurra, a remote town with a laid-back charm. Visit the Durack Homestead Museum to glimpse pioneer life before the Ord River Irrigation Scheme created Lake Argyle. Enjoy an unforgettable cruise amid freshwater crocodiles and birdlife, then explore Kununurra’s quirky streets, the gateway to some of Western Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Today offers choice and adventure: take a scenic flight over—or a 4WD tour of—the dramatic, World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, home to the iconic Bungle Bungles (own expense). Alternatively, explore Mirima National Park with your Travel Director, a ‘mini Bungles,’ and learn the fascinating story of its unique landscapes.
Visit Hoochery Distillery for a behind-the-scenes look at their award-winning rums and whiskies, with time for a tasting (own expense) before morning tea. Travel along the Gibb River Road to El Questro Wilderness Park, framed by the red Cockburn Range, and settle into safari-style tents nestled among pandanus palms. As night falls, drift off under a dazzling canopy of stars, accompanied by the chorus of frogs and cicadas.
Awaken to sunlight streaming through your tent, surrounded by the sights and sounds of wildlife. Journey to Wyndham, Western Australia’s northernmost town, and explore its unique outback landscapes, wetlands, and local landmarks.
On arrival in Halls Creek, visit the Yarliyil Art Gallery, an Aboriginal-owned centre home to over 100 artists working in diverse styles and mediums. Witness artists at work as they share stories of history, people, and cultural connection. Set on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert, Halls Creek may be small in population, but it is rich in character and spirit.
Experience the Kimberley’s spectacular geology on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® visit to the Mimbi Caves with an Indigenous guide. Marvel at delicate limestone formations, vivid colours, and crystal-clear pools from the Devonian Great Barrier Reef, explore ancient rock paintings, and hear the Gooniyandi Dreaming story over billy tea and damper. Continue your journey through the Kimberley to the remote township of Fitzroy Crossing.
Broome owes its origins to pearls, yet today it’s famed for the spectacular sunsets over the Indian Ocean, best viewed from the iconic Cable Beach. Stretching for miles, the beach welcomes 4WDs, camels, and walkers alike. Find a perfect spot on the sand or at a waterside café, order a drink, and soak in the breathtaking scenery.
With your Broome tour behind you, the day is yours to explore at leisure. Wander the town’s charming streets, browse its renowned pearl boutiques, or stroll along the 22-kilometre stretch of Cable Beach. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown, or opt for a visit to a pearl farm (own expense) to witness the artistry of pearl cultivation and discover the history behind these exquisite gems.
Today, the striking colours of the Pilbara—rich red earth veined with shimmering mineral deposits—serve as your backdrop. Arrive in Port Hedland, home to the world’s largest bulk export port, and take in its unique industrial and natural landscapes.
Karijini National Park is a frontier of extraordinary beauty, where deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and turquoise rock pools create a dramatic landscape. Explore its 630,000 hectares in the Hamersley Range, marveling at red layered cliffs, serene gorges, towering gum trees, and distinctive termite mounds—a wilderness shaped over billions of years.
Travel through rugged landscapes to the coastal town of Karratha, a hub of the mining and resource industry. Stop at the iconic Red Dog Statue and discover the story of the beloved canine larrikin who captured the heart of the region.
Cross the vast Pilbara region en route from Karratha to Exmouth, the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast. As you journey, imagine the vibrant marine life awaiting beneath the waters of Ningaloo Reef. With accommodation just steps from the shoreline, your stay promises mesmerizing ocean views and endless opportunities to swim, snorkel, or simply soak in the beauty of the North West Cape.
Depending on the season, Ningaloo Reef offers encounters with majestic whale sharks and humpback whales, with ethical operators providing the chance to snorkel alongside these gentle giants. For those who prefer to stay dry, an optional sunset cruise (own expense) offers breathtaking coastal views, with dolphins and breaching humpbacks as your companions. Or simply take a leisurely stroll along the pristine sands and soak in the serene beauty.
Stay dry while exploring Ningaloo Reef on a glass-bottomed boat, spotting colourful coral, turtles, and over 500 species of fish in the protected waters of Coral Bay Marine Sanctuary. From the vibrant reef, journey to the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum, where this unassuming site played a role in the 1969 moon landing, among other fascinating stories revealed on your guided tour.
Discover the ‘living fossils’ of Hamelin Pool, home to the world’s most abundant stromatolite colony, offering a glimpse of life 3.5 billion years ago. Explore World Heritage-listed Shark Bay, Australia’s largest, with over 1,000 kilometres of coastline, including the unique snow-white Shell Beach, formed from billions of tiny coquina shells. Your journey culminates at the breathtaking shores of Monkey Mia.
If Monkey Mia’s turquoise waters, powdery sands, and red dunes didn’t captivate you yesterday, they will today. Watch the resident dolphins arrive each morning, playing in the shallows and interacting with visitors before gliding away. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at leisure.
Kalbarri National Park captivates with its dramatic gorges, soaring coastal cliffs, and unique wildlife, best viewed from the Kalbarri Skywalk. In spring, vibrant wildflowers blanket the landscape, creating a stunning floral tapestry. In Geraldton, visit the HMAS Sydney Memorial to honour the 645 Australian sailors lost off the WA coast during WWII.
Nambung National Park’s Pinnacles rise dramatically from the sand, a surreal moonscape formed from ancient shell deposits over 30,000 years ago. At Yanchep National Park, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with an Aboriginal guide reveals the significance of native plants and Dreamtime stories, with opportunities to explore tools, watch traditional dance, and hear the didgeridoo. Conclude the day with dinner alongside your Travel Director and fellow travellers.
Your extraordinary journey comes to a close, leaving you with three weeks of unforgettable memories to cherish and share.
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