24 Days Perth to Darwin incl Kakadu

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 - Perth to Horrocks

We enter the Nambung National Park to explore the mysterious Pinnacles Desert and then discover some massive sand dunes. There's the opportunity to sand board down the slopes, before continuing on through Geraldton to our accommodation. (LD)

Day 2 - Horrocks to Shark Bay

It's a short drive to the Kalbarri National Park where we explore Murchison Gorge, Nature's Window and

Z-Bend Gorge (it's a steep descent but well worth the effort). There's also the option to abseil here (own expense). After lunch we visit beautiful Shell Beach as we travel towards Denham and Shark Bay. (BLD)

Day 3 - Shark Bay to Coral Bay

After a short drive across the Peron Peninsula we make our way down to the beach and the world famous Monkey Mia dolphins – it's a unique experience with some fantastic photo opportunities. As we travel towards Carnarvon, we stop to view the fascinating Stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. After a breaking our journey at Carnarvon we continue along the highway to Coral Bay, the Jewel of the North. (BLD)

Day 4 - Coral Bay to Exmouth

Today is yours to explore Coral Bay and the wonders of the Ningaloo Reef and its fantastic marine life. You can go snorkelling, cruise on the glass bottom boat, take a quad bike tour or even a joy flight over the reef (all at additional expense). Today is a day to relax. Late afternoon and its time for the short drive into Exmouth. (BLD)

Day 5 - Exmouth

Today we explore Yardie Creek in the Cape Range National Park, have a swim, snorkel or sunbathe at beautiful Turquoise Bay and admire the view from historic Vlahming Head Lighthouse. We return to our hostel late afternoon. (BL)

Day 6 - Exmouth to Karijini National Park

Heading inland through the vast cattle stations of the Pilbara region, our destination is the oasis of Karijini. This afternoon we pass through Tom Price, a little town known for its iron ore mining, before reaching our camp overlooking the magnificent Hamersley Range. (LD)

Days 7 & 8 - Karijini National Park

Two full days of adventure is the perfect amount of time needed to explore Karijini National Park and its amazing gorges. Formed over 2,500 million years ago, the Hamersley Ranges are some of the most unusual landforms on earth. Deep in the gorges you'll come across cascading waterfalls and fresh, still waterholes – perfect for swimming. Dales Gorge, Fortesque Falls, Fern Pool, Circular Pool, Weano Gorge and Hancock Gorge are just some of the stunning areas we'll get to. Definitely a highlight! (BLD)

Day 9 - Karijini National Park to Pilbara Region

We depart Karijini this morning and travel towards the coast and the iron ore port of Port Hedland. We have time for a quick town tour and marvel at the sheer size of the iron ore industry. After lunch we continue on towards the Pilbara region for an overnight station stay. (BLD)

Day 10 – Pilbara Region to Broome

En-route to Broome we enjoy a leisurely break and take in the glory of the stretching sands of the 80 Mile Beach. Enjoy a stroll along the beach and get some fantastic photos, before our final leg into Broome. (BL)

Days 11 & 12 - Broome

Two free days to either relax on beautiful Cable Beach or there is plenty to see and do in Broome. You can organise a tour out to one of the local pearl farms or view some of the old pearling luggers. Relax, explore and enjoy Broome! (Meals on these days are at own expense).

Day 13 - Broome to Windjana Gorge

Out of Broome we stop briefly at Willare Bridge, where a rushing torrent of water flows in the mighty Fitzroy River (seasonal). From here we leave the bitumen behind as we head for the Oscar Range and on to Tunnel Creek, where a 750 metre tunnel passes under the Napier Range. The area has a rich bushranger history – ask your guide for the true story! (LD)

Day 14 - Windjana Gorge to Manning Gorge

We explore Windjana Gorge (there's loads of freshwater crocodiles here!) before we hit the track again to travel along the famous Gibb River. Depending on the time of year, we may be able to explore Galvins or Adcock Gorge before setting up camp at Manning Gorge where we stay overnight. (BLD)

Day 15 - Gibb River Road

Today it's time for swimming and hiking in the Kimberleys! Explore the striking Manning Gorge and time permitting, we head into Barnett Gorge. Your experienced guide will use their local knowledge to determine the best gorges for you to explore. We're in for another night under the stars at our bush camp. (BLD)

Day 16 - Gibb River Road to El Questro Station

We pass through some ancient and spectacular country as we travel along the Gibb River Road. Crossing the Pentecost River, we reach the famous El Questro Station. We walk into the beautiful Cockburn Ranges for a swim under the waterfall at Emma Gorge before retiring for the night. (BLD)

Day 17 - El Questro to Bungle Bungles

Today sit back and admire the awesome scenery of the Carr Boyd and Durack Ranges as we head to Turkey Creek. We take a challenging 4WD trip into the Bungle Bungles (Purnululu National Park) for sunset over the Osmond Ranges and our overnight bush camp. (BLD)

Day 18 - Bungle Bungles

It's a full day of exploration today. The rock formations of the Bungle Bungles massif are remarkable and we visit breathtaking Echidna Chasm and magnificent Cathedral Gorge. There's time to get another perspective of the Bungles by helicopter if you choose (at own expense) before we head back to our overnight bush camp. (BLD)

Day 19 - Bungle Bungles to Lake Argyle via Kununurra

It's time for some 4WD action as we wind our way out of the Bungle Bungles on our way to Kununurra. Time permitting we will have the opportunity to explore the Hidden Valley, just a stones throw from Kununurra township after we make camp near Lake Argyle. (BLD)

Day 20 – Lake Argyle to Katherine Region

Today we visit Lake Argyle, created by the Ord River Dam. Lake Argyle is the biggest man-made lake in Australia and is eighteen times bigger than Sydney Harbour! We spend some time here this morning before crossing the state border into the Northern Territory to reach camp near the Katherine Region. (BLD)

Day 21 – Katherine Region to Darwin

We're on the home run now! It's a short hop across to Katherine where we will stop at either Katherine (Nitmiluk) Gorge, or take one last refreshing swim at Edith Falls. We then make our final journey into Darwin. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (BL)

Day 22 - Darwin to Mary River

A refreshing start to your day checking out the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park. Enjoy lunch before heading to the spectacular Mary River Wetlands, where birds aren't the only wildlife abundant; keep a watch for lurking crocodiles on our private river cruise! A secluded campsite in the Mary River Region is where we'll stay tonight. (LD)

Day 23 - Mary River to Kakadu

Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and clamber to the top of a rocky lookout for fabulous views over the Nardab floodplain. Next it's on to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) where a hike is rewarded with a reviving swim in the plunge pools. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp within Kakadu National Park. (BLD)

Day 24 - Kakadu to Darwin

Get ready for some 4WD action today on our way to Jim Jim Falls! Once we get there, we'll hike to the base of the falls before continuing on to Twin Falls. Feel the beauty of the stunning gorge and powerful falls from the National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience. Stop in at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre this afternoon to learn about local Indigenous culture. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze you as we journey back to Darwin in the afternoon. (BL)