1 Welcome to Darwin
You’ll fall for the capital of the NT; its balmy tropical climes, fiery sunsets and laid-back locals. Take in the sights on a tour, learning about the events that have shaped it over the years. Later, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner.
Hotel:
Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront.
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2 Darwin - Katherine
Nature takes over at Nitmiluk National Park, where you cruise through dramatic Nitmiluk Gorge. There’s no time to catch your breath – you’re off to meet Tom Curtain on a cattle station, where he entertains through song and stories.
Hotel:
Contour Hotel Katherine.
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3 Katherine - Kununurra
Kununurra exists thanks to the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. The project not only helped water the countryside, but created Lake Argyle. You won’t forget your sunset cruise.
Hotel:
Kununurra Country Club Resort.
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4 Kununurra
Today is one of decisions: An optional early-morning flight over (or 4WD tour of) the Bungle Bungles? Or a wander with your Travel Director through Mirima National Park.
Hotel:
Kununurra Country Club Resort.
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5 Kununurra - Emma Gorge
Go behind the scenes at Hoochery Distillery, which not only makes lip-smacking rum, but also delicious rum cake. From here you’re on the epic Gibb River Road to El Questro Wilderness Park, where an oasis of pandanus and palms envelops your safari-style accommodation.
Hotel:
Emma Gorge Resort, Tented Cabin with private facilities.
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6 El Questro Wilderness Park
The Kimberley’s sounds follow you across the mighty Pentecost River to freshwater Chamberlain Gorge, your boat dwarfed by its soaring escarpments while you cruise. Afternoon remedy? A splash in the pool, perhaps, or a dip in the waterhole within Emma Gorge. Take your pick.
Hotel:
Emma Gorge Resort, Tented Cabin with private facilities.
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7 Emma Gorge - Halls Creek
While the Argyle Diamond Mine has stopped producing rare pink diamonds, you can still visit with an Aboriginal guide. Your destination for the night, Halls Creek is small in population, but big in personality.
Hotel:
Kimberley Hotel.
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8 Halls Creek - Fitzroy Crossing
Venturing toward Fitzroy Crossing stop in at a local Aboriginal Art Gallery. Before arriving at your accommodation, stop at the spectacular Mimbi caves to observe their delicate limestone formations, brilliantly vivid colours and icy cold, crystal clear freshwater pools that remain from the Devonian Great Barrier Reef that formed over 350 million years ago. Following the tour enjoy traditional Billie Tea and damper, made the traditional way while listening to songs and the Gooniyandi Dreaming story.
Hotel:
Fitzroy River Lodge.
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9 Fitzroy Crossing - Broome
The reason Broome was born is because of pearls. Today, it’s just as well known for its sizzling Indian Ocean sunsets, best enjoyed from the Cable Beach sand.
Hotel:
Cable Beach Club Resort.
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10 Broome Free Time
Today is yours to explore. Perhaps veer off to a pearl farm, to witness the precision that goes into growing and harvesting these gems. Or simply enjoy Broome’s tropical climes, strolling along 22-kilometre Cable Beach, hunting for dinosaur footprints and browsing boutiques.
Hotel:
Cable Beach Club Resort.
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11 Broome - Port Hedland
The eye-opening colours of the Pilbara are your backdrop today. It’s sparsely populated, but there are plenty of local characters to meet over dinner in Port Hedland.
Hotel:
Hospitality Port Hedland.
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12 Port Hedland - Karijini National Park
Karijini is where gorges seem to cleave off the edge of the Earth, waterfalls tumble from escarpments and turquoise rock pools shimmer like precious gems. You’re hundreds of kilometres from anywhere, so expect dazzling stargazing from your safari tent.
Hotel:
Karijini Eco Retreat.
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13 Karijini National Park
It took billions of years to create Karijini’s geological wonders: the red layered cliffs, the quiet gorges, the soaring gum trees and distinctive termite mounds. Cooling off under waterfalls is highly recommended.
Hotel:
Karijini Eco Retreat.
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14 Karijini National Park - Exmouth
There are a few (hundred) kilometres of Pilbara to cover between Karijini and Exmouth on the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Coast. This pocket of the state is also blessed with Cape Range National Park, where gorges and waterfalls beckon.
Hotel:
Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort.
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15 Exmouth Free Time
Depending on the time of year, Ningaloo Reef is home to both whale sharks and humpbacks. Opt to snorkel with both (ethically) or book a sunset cruise, sparkling wine in hand. The decision is yours.
Hotel:
Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort.
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16 Exmouth - Carnarvon
Today’s cruise in a glass-bottomed boat allows you to glimpse Ningaloo’s extraordinary marine life in comfort. Next stop is the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum. Did you know it played a role in the 1969 moon landing?
Hotel:
Best Western Hospitality Inn Carnarvon.
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17 Carnarvon - Monkey Mia
Prepare yourself for the ‘living fossils’ at Hamelin Pool, home to the most abundant colony of stromatolites in the world. The state’s World Heritage listed Shark Bay is also characterised by Shell Beach, formed from billions of coquina bivalve shells.
Hotel:
Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.
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18 Monkey Mia Free Time
Meet the wild resident dolphins that turn up to the shore every morning, then spend the afternoon at leisure. Optional sunset cruise or scenic flight over the bay, anyone?
Hotel:
Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.
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19 Monkey Mia - Geraldton
Peregrine falcons swoop over Hawks Head Lookout in Kalbarri National Park, particularly pretty during wildflower season. Arriving in Geraldton, pay homage to sailors lost at the HMAS Sydney Memorial.
Hotel:
Mantra Geraldton.
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20 Geraldton - Perth
Nambung National Park’s Pinnacles are a staggering collection of natural limestone structures, jutting into the sky. It’s a spiritual place, as is Yanchep National Park, where your Aboriginal guide decodes native plants and tells Dreamtime stories on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Hotel:
Crowne Plaza Perth.
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21 Farewell from Perth
It’s hard to believe this epic adventure has come to an end. Three weeks of incredible memories to take home with you.
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