The Grand West. 19 days/18 nights. Start: Perth - End: Darwin.
1 Day
424 km
Travel to Cervantes and the Nambung National Park. From Cervantes it's only a short drive to the Pinnacles in the Nambung National Park. Travel on to Geraldton via Greenough. Geraldton is the main port and administration centre of the mid west region. Geraldton has year-round sunny climate and mild winters which makes it one of Western Australia’s most popular holiday destinations. Geraldton and the surrounding districts are noted for the beautiful wild spring flowers and the country side.
1 Day
153 km
Today head back out to the highway and turn north. Travel along the North West Coastal highway to the Kalbarri National Park and then to Kalbarri. This afternoon we suggest a trip to Kalbarri National Park and Murchison River, with its spectacular gorges & abundant wildflowers. Kalbarri is a scenic coastal village on the estuary of the Murchison River.
1 Day
395 km
From Kalbarri continue the drive north on the North West Coastal Highway to Shark Bay and Monkey Mia. At Monkey Mia, see such sights as Hamelin Pool, a marine reserve that contains the world’s best known colony of stromatolites. We suggest you also make a stop at the stunning 110km long Shell Beach. From Denham it is 27 km north-east by sealed road to Monkey Mia. Visit the dolphins or just relax on the fantastic beaches. There are also boat tours which leave Monkey Mia to view the dugongs or ‘sea cows’ which graze among the seagrass beds. We recommend an afternoon sunset cruise on the Shotover catamaran.
1 Day
350 km
Meet the dolphins this morning and enjoy this touch with nature. Depart Shark Bay, rejoin the North West Coastal Highway and travel north to along the coast to Carnarvon, some 900-km north of Perth on the mouth of the Gascoyne River. Carnarvon is the commercial centre of the highly productive Gascoyne River.
1 Day
241 km
From Carnarvon, continue north and turn off to Coral Bay just past the Minilya Roadhouse. Coral Bay is the gateway to the fantastic coral of Ningaloo Reef and the Ningaloo Marine Park with its underwater viewing platform. This reef is rich in colour and diversity and rivals the Great Barrier Reef on the east coast for diving, snorkelling and viewing pleasure.
1 Day
Today enjoy a complete day at leisure to explore this magnificent coastal region and reef. Perhaps take a half day snorkel cruise to get up close to the majestic Manta Rays.
1 Day
587 km
Return to the North West Coastal Highway and travel on to Dampier and on to Karratha. Dampier is a Hamersley Iron town, the port for Tom Price and Paraburdoo iron-ore operations. Karratha was established on Nickel Bay, as there was no suitable land to continue expanding at Dampier. Karratha is the commercial centre of the Pilbara.
1 Day
241 km
Continue on to Port Hedland today travelling through the small town of Roebourne. The town was once the administrative centre the region, but now with a population of less than 1500, has been overshadowed by other towns and industries. Port Hedland is the gateway for Australia’s massive iron ore exports from the surrounding Pilbara region.
1 Day
612 km
This journey is over 600 km, so an early start is recommended. Travel on the Great Northern Highway, which runs parallel to the Indian Ocean and Eighty-Mile Beach. The road runs through The Great Sandy Desert. Your destination of Broome is abundant in natural attractions and renowned for its pristine beaches and bays and the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean.
1 Day
Enjoy a day at leisure in Broome and explore the town, beach and the beautiful surroundings. Broome’s world famous beach - Cable Beach -is a classic exampleof this beauty and boasts 22 kilometres of white sand and clear tropical waters.
1 Day
396 km
Turn east and head into the Kimberleys and on to Fitzroy Crossing. Enroute, you may wish to call into Derby, the first town to be occupied in the Kimberley. Fitzroy Crossing is situated in the Kimberley region and is the gateway to the Geike Gorge National Park, located approximately 20 kilometres north-east. Regular boat trips are available on the spectacular Gorge.
1 Day
652 km
Make an early start today to make the long journey to Kununurra. Travelling through the Kimberleys, head to the town of Halls Creek, situated on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert, is the site of Western Australia's first gold discovery in 1885. Travel past the Bungle Bungle mountain range and onto Turkey Creek, before arriving in Kununurra. Kununurra is situated alongside Lake Kununurra on the Ord River, near the border of Western Australia and Northern Territory.
1 Day
Today is at leisure for yoU to explore the fascinating town of Kununurra and the surrounding area. Helicopter and 4WD tours operate from here into the Bungle Bungles.
1 Day
226 km
Continue east today into the Northern Territory. On the way, consider stopping at Lake Argyle. The lake is 72 kilometres from Kununurra. Cruises on the lake highlight the magnificent scenery and wildlife that make this an integral part of the Kimberley landscape. On arrival in Timber Creek, explore the nearby Victoria River.
1 Day
287 km
Travel along the Victoria Highway today to Katherine. The Katherine Gorge is located 30 kilometres from the town centre; here the river flows between towering walls of colour. Katherine Gorge is part of the Aboriginal owned and run Nitmiluk National Park.
1 Day
299 km
This morning take a 2 hour Katherine Gorge cruise. Today takes yoU into the vast beauty of Kakadu National Park. The most direct and interesting route to travel is north to Pine Creek on the Stuart Highway. The scenery of Kakadu is dramatic and the area has prolific wildlife and birdlife. In addition, the aboriginal rock art is amongst the finest rock art in the world.
1 Day
YoU have a full day at leisure to explore Kakadu. A visit to the Bowali Visitor Centre is a must, as is the Aboriginal rock art sites of Nourlangie Rock or Ubirr Rock. The Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Warradjan, close to Yellow Waters, provides information about the Aboriginal people of the Kakadu region.
1 Day
247 km
This morning take the included 1.5 hour Yellow Waters Cruise. After the cruise it is an easy journey back along the Arnhem Highway to Darwin. Depart Kakadu via the Arnhem Highway and stop at the famous Bark Hut. We suggest yoU take a cruise on the Adelaide River to see the jumping crocodiles and a stop at Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre. Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory. Note your car is booked until tomorrow and should be dropped off at the city or airport, by the same time as it was picked up on Day 1, to avoid any additional charges.
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