This tour is a budget Wild Expedition, designed for those seeking a true outback Australian adventure: one without the extra comforts and without the high price tag. These brilliant overland itineraries offer a great opportunity to get back to basics in the outback and explore the remote wilds of Western Australia, with the support of an experienced guide and the fun of a bunch of new like-minded travel mates.

24 Day Darwin to Perth

Explore Australia’s North West, from Darwin, through the Kimberley and Karijini National Park and down the remote West Coast. Enroute we will have you swimming in pristine waterholes, discovering the World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungles, exploring rugged desert gorges, kicking back on endless white sandy beaches, snorkelling over colourful coral reefs, telling tall stories round a campfire under a sparkling night sky… and much more! Take the road less travelled and enjoy this quintessential Aussie outback experience with us.

Highlights

Katherine, El Questro Wilderness Park, Gibb River Road, Kununurra, Lake Argyle, Bungle Bungles, Echidna Chasm, Cathedral Gorge, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Broome, Karijini National Park, Eighty Mile Beach, Kalbarri National Park, Hammersley Ranges, Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef, Monkey Mia, Shell Beach, Pinnacles Desert

Tour Summary

Tour Code

24DP

Fitness level

Advanced

Price

$6890

Year

2025

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Tour Details

Tour RouteDarwin-Perth
AccommodationBackpacker Dormshare - shared facilities (9nts), Camping - shared facilities (14nts)
Vehicles4WD Vehicle or Rosa
FitnessAdvanced
Tour Code24DP
Duration24 Days / 23 Nights
Tour StyleWild Expedition
Maximum Passengers20 (Minimum 6)
PriceAdult $6890
DepartsAPR-SEP: Selected Saturdays, Mondays & Wednesdays
Meals22 x Breakfast, 20 x Lunches, 17 x Dinner
LuggageMax 15kg in Soft Bag/Backpack & Day Bag (No Suitcases)
Reverse Itinerary24 Day Perth to Darwin
Private Charter Available On Request
Validity1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026
Download Trip NotesComing Soon

PRIMARY PICK UP LOCATION: Melaleuca On Mitchell, Darwin

Day 1 Darwin to Katherine Region

This overland adventure kicks off from the Northern Territory’s tropical capital with a drive south to Nitmiluk National Park. Depending on the season, your adventure will get underway with a swim in the natural pool by the base of Edith Falls and a visit to the croc-filled waters of Katherine Gorge. After lunch it’s on to our private campsite on the edge of Nitmiluk, where you have the option of spending the night in a permanent tent or snuggled up in a swag (an Aussie bedroll). (LD)

Day 2 Katherine to Lake Argyle

The outback of the Kimberley region, which spreads across the northern region of Western Australia, is not as flat, dry and barren as many first expect. Today we’ll visit enormous Lake Argyle, which looks perfectly at home despite being entirely man-made. You have the option of taking a cruise and looking for the native fauna that has settled here in huge numbers – try to spy crocodiles, wallabies and rare birds. Soak up the backdrop of mountains-turned-islands as we explore some of the 700 square kilometre surface of the lake, then turn into camp under some seriously starry skies. (BLD)

Days 3-4 Purnululu National Park: Bungle Bungles

The distinctive sandstone towers of the Bungle Bungle Range only became known to wider Australia when a group of documentary filmmakers stumbled across them in the early 1980’s. Travelling by both foot and vehicle, we’ll take you through the craggy gorges, past unique rock formations, and to hidden waterholes. The day closes with a stunning Kimberley sunset witnessed from this evening’s bush camp. Day 4 is all about getting to know the Bungle Bungles proper. First stop for the day is the ever-narrowing gap of Echidna Chasm. Formed over millions of years by water flowing through an opening in the sandstone, the path winds through palm-filled gorges up to 200 metres high though in parts only 1-2 metres wide. Next, trade the tight spaces of Echidna Chasm for the wide-open natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge. From feeling dwarfed by these giant rock structures, get a very different perspective with a helicopter flight over the Bungle Bungles. Though an optional activity at extra cost, this is definitely an experience worth shelling out for. (BLD/BLD)

Day 5 Bungle Bungles to El Questro

Hit the road again, this time passing Warmun (Turkey Creek) and the Durack Ranges on the way to El Questro. Not too long ago, it was mostly cattle that got to enjoy the million-acre sprawl of El Questro. Thankfully for the rest of us, the owners recognised the beauty they had on their hands and turned it into a wilderness park in 1991. Arriving at our campsite, there’ll be time for a beer or two at the Swinging Arm Bar before dinner. (BLD)

Day 6 El Questro Station

At more than one and a half times the size of the UK, there are plenty of scenic spots to explore in El Questro. On the drive in you will have got some clue as to the huge cliffs, deep gorges, waterfalls and swimming holes contained in the Cockburn Ranges, but now you’ll be exploring them on foot. Walk to Emma Gorge, cool off in a waterfall-fed subtropical pool and bliss out in the thermal springs of Zebedee. (BLD)

Day 7 Gibb River Road & Mt Barnett

Fording rivers and weaving through gorges, travel by 4WD along the wild Gibb River Road – a 600-kilometre stretch that winds right through the heart 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 stop-offs along the way. Tonight’s camp is at Mt Barnett Station located  close to Manning Gorge. (BLD)

Day 8 Manning Falls

Stretch your legs on a morning hike and you will be rewarded with a swim in a large rock pool at the base of Manning Falls. After lunch we discover Adcock or Galvins Gorge, before heading back to camp to relax around the campfire. (BLD)

Day 9 Bell Gorge & Windjana Gorge

The western Kimberley region is full of endless stunning gorges that have to be explored and this morning is no exception. After breakfast we adventure to Bell Gorge home to a stunning cascade of water flowing from the previous wet season rains that fall in the King Leopold Ranges.  We camp overnight at 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. (BLD)

Day 10 Tunnel Creek

The major attraction this morning is Tunnel Creek, an extensive limestone cave system that extends 750m underground. Inside, shards of sunlight stream in through crevices, little bats flutter about and enormous stalactites rear down from the ceiling. In the late 1800s, an indigenous man called Jandamarra waged a one-man uprising against European settlers, becoming a hero to his people. You’ll hear a bit about his legacy during a tour through Tunnel Creek, then make the final drive on to Broome, hopefully arriving in time for a stunning Cable Beach sunset. (BL)

Days 11-14 Broome Beach Break

Enjoy a fabulous 4 day break at the Kimberley Travellers Lodge in beautiful Broome: relax on one of the best beaches in the world – Cable Beach, enjoy a brew at Matsos Broome Brewery, search for dinosaur footprints on the rugged coastline, checkout the local art galleries and jump on a local Broome tour or two. (B/B/B/B). This break is free time for independent adventures – on your own, or with new your new travel mates. (Self-Serve Continental Breakfast Provided)

Day 15 Eighty Mile Beach

Continuing south, across the Great Sandy Desert, we call in at the coastal oasis of Eighty Mile Beach where we can take a stroll along the beautiful white sand beach. (LD)

Days 16-18 Karijini National Park

This morning we make our way to the remote but spectacular Karijini National Park, where we spend the next three days exploring the ancient gorges and stunning swimming holes. We begin our Karijini experience with a visit to the Karijini Cultural Centre before heading for Fortesque Falls where you will be rewarded with a refreshing swim. The next two days are spent exploring, swimming and relaxing in the magnificent Karijini gorges. Bring your camera as you’ll want to remember this forever. One of the oldest landscapes on earth – the region will continue to amaze you. We will explore a number of gorges including Weano Gorge, Oxers Lookout, Hancock Gorge, amongst others. Overnight camp in Karijini. (BLD/BLD/BLD).

Days 19-21 Exmouth & Coral Bay

Leaving Karijini, we travel through the vast bush land and station country on our way to Exmouth to set up camp for the night.  The following day, enjoy a little freedom and relaxation. Go snorkelling (equipment provided) or diving, search for whale sharks (seasonal and at own expense) or view Vlamingh Head Lighthouse then choose to laze on the pristine beach at Turquoise Bay and soak up the sunshine. On the afternoon of Day 6 we make the short trip to beautiful Coral Bay. Spend the entire day snorkelling the world famous Ningaloo Reef and seeing the marine life that lives under the waterline. Alternatively, thrill-seekers can choose one of the many optional activities including coral viewing cruises and scuba diving (at own expense). (BL/BLD/BLD)

Day 22 Carnarvon & Shell Beach

Heading south we cross the Tropic of Capricorn and pass through the town of Carnarvon, famous for its bananas. We call in at unique Shell Beach – made up entirely of tiny shells before continuing on to Monkey Mia where you will be able to say hello to the famous wild dolphins that live here. (BLD)

Day 23 Monkey Mia, Shark Bay & Kalbarri National Park
Time this morning to visit your new best friends, the dolphins, before exploring the Shark Bay World Heritage area. We stop to view the stromatolites – the oldest living organisms in the world – before heading south for Kalbarri. Time permitting we will be able to view the Murchison Gorge and Nature’s Window this afternoon before arriving in this seaside resort town. (BLD)

Day 24 Pinnacles Desert & Perth

Departing via the coastal gorges of the Kalbarri National Park, we head to the beautiful seaside town of Dongara before travelling on to the fascinating landscape of the Nambung National Park to check out the famous Pinnacle Desert. We then make our way to Perth arriving in the early evening where our tour concludes. (BL)

 

PRIMARY DROP OFF LOCATION: Fremantle YHA

Live Availability

2025 TOURS

Departure CodeDepartsFinishesBook OnlineGuaranteed
24DP25051212 May4 JuneCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
24DP2506099 June2 JulyCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
24DP2507077 July30 JulyCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
24DP2508044 August27 AugustCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure
24DP2509011 September24 SeptemberCheck Availability & Book OnlineGuaranteed Departure

Camping & Dormshare

1-9 & 15-19 Camping in National Parks, Caravan Parks or on Cattle Stations involves dome tents (single/twinshare), swags with fitted sheets & pillows with pillow cases. Some on site ablutions have hot showers and flush toilets however on some nights the ablution facilities can be very basic.
Nights 10-14, 20, 21, 22 & 23 Enjoy the fun and community of staying in carefully-chosen local backpacker hostels. Bedding is dormshare style, can occasionally be mixed gender and is likely to involve bunk beds.

Inclusions

  • Experienced Guide
  • Meals as specified
  • Camping & Backpacker Dorm Share Accommodation
  • 5 Night Broome Beach Break (Backpacker Dorm Share Accommodation)
  • National Park Entry Fees

Options

  • Abseiling – allow approx $100 per person
  • Swimming with Manta Rays – allow approx $250 per person, see below
  • Swimming with Whale Sharks (seasonal, April to July only) – allow $500 per person, see below
  • Glass Bottom Boat Rides – allow approx $100 per person
  • Kayaking – allow approx $40 per hour
  • Lake Argyle Cruise – allow approx $65 per person
  • 30 minute Scenic Helicopter Flight over the Bungle Bungles – allow approx $500 per person

Your Tour Guide can assist with booking these optional activities en route. Due to a limited season and high demand, swimming with Whale Sharks can be difficult to book locally. If you do not want to risk missing out we recommend you pre-book with Kings Ningaloo Reef Tours – using the code KWE2024 – in Exmouth for Day 20 of this tour.

 

We operate our Wild Expeditions in custom-built, 21 seat 4WD trucks with a PA system and built-in storage (no risky trailers!). These vehicles allow our small groups extra space to kick back and relax as the Australian outback drifts by. They are fully air-conditioned and are fitted with adjustable air-vents, reclinable seats and map pockets to keep your book, drink and phone in. Note that the vehicle could be branded Kimberley Wild Expeditions or Intrepid Travel.

What to Bring

It is recommended that you bring a torch, shoes you don’t mind getting wet – and we mean fully immersed in water: ideally, wet shoes, sandals or old runners, a broad-brimmed hat with sun visor for all round sun protection, sunscreen, swimming costume and towel, good walking/trekking shoes, insect repellent, a personal water bottle, warm clothes for the evening (particularly if travelling in Winter), personal toiletries and first aid, with any personal medication required.

You will also need to bring a sleeping bag. 10ºC sleeping bags are available for sale at $50pp – these must be requested with our office prior to travel and can be kept following your trip or donated to local indigenous communities.

Notes

  • Your tour will be operated by our partners, Intrepid Travel.
  • Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted for any cause including seasonal conditions, weather extremes, traditional owner and national park requirements.
  • National Park rules request that only biodegradable soap products are used whilst in National Parks.
  • Due to distances covered, this trip involves early departures on some mornings and frequent stops between destinations.
  • This tour is not suitable for children.
  • Due to the remote location and challenging nature of our extended camping tours it is essential for all travellers to review and sign our Medical Form to ensure you can participate fully in the itinerary. Wild Expeditions reserves the right to assess the fitness capability of passengers prior to tour departure.
  • Travel Insurance is compulsory for all travellers on all tours and details must be presented to tour guide before departure.
  • It is your responsibility to advise Wild Expeditions if you have any special dietary requirements or medical conditions (including allergies) well ahead of departure.
  • It is you or your clients’ responsibility to make your/their way to the designated Pick Up Location for this tour. We will not be responsible for missed pick-ups (and a missed tour) if we do not receive notification from you or your travel agent, and if you are not at the Pick Up Location at the appropriate time.
  • This tour is a Combination of two separate tours: 10 Day Darwin to Broome and the 10 Day Broome to Perth. It may therefore have different guides for each stretch.