Product Description
Highlights
Discover Western Australia’s desert landscapes, national parks and sublime Coral Coast in rugged style on the ultimate small group overland adventure.. Enjoy the flexibility of a private vehicle, the expert knowledge of a passionate local guide and the magic of camping under the stars – what’s not to love about the land of Aus?. Why not check out the underwater aquarium of Ningaloo Reef by plane, glass-bottom boat or snorkel, and season depending, swim with the gentle giants of the deep – whalesharks!. Pilbara’s cattle stations, red earth and mining communities are reminiscent of the sun-baked Australia much of the world imagines, and you’ll get to see it all firsthand.
Overview
Australia’s west coast boasts some of the world’s best beaches set against a backdrop of rugged terrain – perfect for a road trip like no other. This unique 10-day Perth to Broome adventure brings you face-to-face with the region’s best natural wonders and exposes you to a rich and colourful landscape. Get snorkelling in the sublime Ningaloo Reef, discover the rocky gorges and waterholes of Karinjini National Park and drive along the Coral Coast through the Pilbara to blissful Broome. Western Australia’s coast and desert regions are vast and amenities sometimes sparse, but the rewards alongside expert local leaders and small-group experiences are rich beyond belief.
Breakfast Included: 9 Lunches Included: 10 Dinner Included: 9
Perth / Kalbarri
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 Western Australia’s own Pink Lake at Port Gregory. From here continue on through Geraldton to the quiet beach town of Kalbarri, where you’ll stay the night.
Kalbarri National Park to Shark Bay
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. Its a steep descent into Z-Bend Gorge. 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.
Monkey Mia to Coral Bay
After a short drive across the Peron Peninsula, head to the beach and see if you can spot some marine life in Monkey Mia. The idyllic shores around the Francoise Peron National Park are perfect to stretch the legs and admire another slice of Western Australian coastline. 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 – known as the ‘Jewel of the Northwest’.
Coral Bay to Cape Range National Park
Today explore picturesque Coral Bay, home to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. Snorkel equipment is available to hire, 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. In the late afternoon, it’s a short drive to our campsite at Yardie Creek in the Cape Range National Park, near Exmouth.
Exmouth and Cape Range National Park
Spend the morning snorkelling right off the beach in the stunning Cape Range National Park. Depending on the time of year, you have the option to snorkel or scuba dive in search of whale sharks and manta rays. Take a visit to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, one of the few places in Australia where you can see the sun both rise and set. Enjoy taking a wander around the town of Exmouth before settling down in our permanent campsite.
Karijini National Park
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.
Karijini National Park
Over the next two days explore the almighty gorges of Karijini National Park. Formed over 2500 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.
Karijini National Park
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.
Pilbara Region / Pardoo
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.
Broome
The drive to your final destination of Broome will take around six hours. En route, enjoy a leisurely break and stroll along the immense 80-Mile Beach. On arrival into Broome, say goodbye to your fellow travellers and enjoy an idyllic Broome sunset - a fitting end to your overland adventure. There are no more activities planned for today.