Upon your arrival in Darwin today you will be met and greeted by our friendly and professional Tour Director and Tour Driver. This afternoon enjoy a city sights tour including the Darwin National Museum, Cullen Bay, Fannie Bay and Stokes Hill Wharf. We check-in to the Mantra on the Esplanade Hotel later this afternoon. The Mantra is one of Darwin's premier hotels in the best location, overlooking Darwin Harbour to the Arafura Sea.
This morning we depart Darwin and head south to Litchfield National Park, where numerous waterfalls cascade off the Tabletop Ranges into tranquil water holes. Enjoy visits to Florence Falls and Wangi Falls and inspect some massive magnetic termite mounds. After lunch we depart for Kakadu National Park, taking the old Jim Jim road to Cooinda. We check in to the Gagudju Lodge for our 2 night stay to explore Kakadu.
This morning we head into Jabiru and on to Ubirr Rock for spectacular views over the Arnhem Land floodplains. Ubirr is also home to some excellent Aboriginal art sites. From Ubirr, we ford the East Alligator River and venture into Arnhem Land. Drive across the lush floodplains before arriving in Oenpelli for a visit to the Injalak Arts & Crafts Association. Admire the techniques of local artists as they create exquisite pieces of work right in front of you. (Artwork is available for purchase).
This afternoon we return to Cooinda and enjoy a wildlife cruise on Yellow Waters Billabong, an extensive wetland system at the end of Jim Jim Creek. Experience this diverse and sublimely beautiful area and its associated wildlife from your canopied cruise boat. We return to the lodge late this afternoon for our second and final night in Kakadu National Park.
This morning we depart Cooinda and make our way towards Katherine. We arrive late morning and check into our accommodation for the evening, the Paraway Motel. This afternoon there is the opportunity for some free time down the main street before heading out to Katherine River Gorge. Carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River in Nitmiluk National Park, this deep gorge with towering sheer rock walls is one of the most stunning in the Territory. We enjoy a 2 hour cruise on the gorge before heading back into Katherine.
Today we say farewell to the Northern Territory as we cross into Western Australia. Pass through Victoria River and Timber Creek before heading in to Lake Argyle, with a visit to the historic Durack Homestead en route. From here we continue on to the dam wall and enjoy a picnic lunch before we boarding our 3 hour cruise down the spectacular Ord River. This exhilarating cruise passes through a variety of different landscapes and is another highlight of the tour. We arrive at Lake Kununurra at sunset where we board our coach and travel the short distance to our accommodation for the evening, the centrally located Kununurra Country Club set in lush tropical gardens.
This morning we enjoy a tour of Kununurra and the surrounding area. Take a drive across Ivanhoe plains and learn about the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. You’ll also have some free time in the town centre.
Later this morning we begin trekking south down the Great Northern Highway to one of the most unique areas of Western Australia, the Purnululu National Park (better known simply as the Bungle Bungles). The park is World Heritage Listed and is characterised by its rustic, beehive-shaped sandstone domes. We spend 2 nights in the Park at the Bellburn Safari Lodge. Accommodation here is in permanent cabins with ensuite facilities.
This morning you have the option to take a scenic helicopter flight over the Bungle Bungles. Flights must be pre-booked with our office. Prices start at approximately $200 per person for an 18 minute flight.
Today is spent exploring various parts of the Bungle Bungles including the breath-taking Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm. Learn about the fascinating geology of the region and be inspired by the beauty and remoteness of the area. We return to Bellburn Safari Lodge mid‑afternoon for our final night in the Bungle Bungles.
This morning we depart the Bungle Bungles and head back along the Great Northern Highway to Wyndham. Here we drive up the Bastion to the sensation 5 Rivers Lookout. Enjoy a picnic lunch here and admire the stunning view out over Cambridge Gulf. We then head out of Wyndham to the start of the infamous 'Gibb River Road' - one of the most isolated tracks in Australia. A short distance along the Gibb is the world renowned El Questro Wilderness Park, where we spend the next 2 nights in unique tented cabins at Emma Gorge Resort.
This morning we head to Chamberlain Gorge for a leisurely 1 hour cruise down a 3km long fresh waterhole bound by towering escarpments. Afterwards we visit the magical Zebedee Thermal Springs for a swim in the crystal clear 30 degree (C) water. We then return to the resort for lunch in the restaurant.
This afternoon is free for you to do as you wish. Relax by the pool, enjoy a drink at the bar or take the walk up to the Emma Gorge waterfall. Either way, you are sure to appreciate some time to yourself in this magnificent Kimberley setting.
This morning we get an early start on the Gibb and traverse through the heart of the Kimberley. Shortly into our journey we ford the Pentecost River before continuing on toe the 'Y junction', where the Kalumburu Road starts. We follow the Kalumburu Road north past Drysdale River and Doongan stations before turning off onto the Mitchell Plateau track. We cross the King Edward River and begin ascending the stunning Mitchell Plateau, driving through ancient Livistona palm forests. We arrive at our very own Ngauwudu Safari Camp later this afternoon for our 2 night stay in deluxe 'Safari Suites'. Built in 2011 for $4 million, the camp is the most luxurious and substantial accommodation in the area, featuring ensuite bathrooms and beautiful furnishings.
The Mitchell Falls are undoubtedly one of the most sensational natural attractions in the Kimberley. Today we travel a short distance down to the Mitchell River National Park to begin our 4km guided walk (good level of fitness and manoeuvrability required). This walk will take us past Little Merten’s Falls, Big Merten’s Falls and finally the 3 tiered Mitchell Falls. Along the way your expert guides will take you to rarely seen Gwion Gwion and Wandjina rock art sites, with full interpretation. We will also have an indigenous guide to escort us from the local Kandiwal Community (if available).
Upon reaching the Mitchell Falls we enjoy our picnic lunch and admire the thunderous falls before taking a scenic helicopter flight (included). Seeing the falls from the air is an absolute highlight and a great way to finish off the walk. We then return to the camp for our second and final night on the Mitchell Plateau.
This morning we bid farewell to the Mitchell Plateau and head back to the Kalumburu Road. Along the way visit some exceptional rock art galleries near the King Edward River featuring both Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) and Wandjina rock art.
After a picnic lunch we continue trekking south down to Drysdale where we spend the night in top quality comfortable station cabins with ensuite bathroom facilities. Enjoy the unique and authentic atmosphere of this privately owned one million acre station which runs a heard of 9,000 cattle.
This morning we make an early start and head south back to the Gibb River Road. From here we travel south west past Mount Barnett and Imintji to arrive at one of the most spectacular gorges in the Kimberley - Bell. Take a guided walk down to the falls and enjoy a swim in the rock pools at the top of the waterfall. Admire the view down this enormous canyon that eventually flows into Walcott Inlet.
After a picnic lunch we depart Bell Gorge and continue our trek along the Gibb River Road to Derby. We spend the night at the new and luxurious Spinifex Lodge.
This morning we enjoy a town tour of Derby including Myall's Bore and Cattle Trough, the Derby Jetty, Old Derby Gaol and Boab Prison Tree. We then travel back along the Gibb River Road to the Windjana Way turnoff from where it’s a short drive in to Windjana Gorge National Park. Teeming with wildlife, Windjana Gorge has been created by the Lennard River cutting its way through the limestone of the Napier Range. In some places the walls of the gorge stand up to 100m above the wide alluvial floodplain below. Enjoy a wander through the gorge with your guides and a picnic lunch before heading further along the Windjana Way to Tunnel Creek. Once the hideout of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal Man who led a resistance against white stockmen in the late 1800's, Tunnel Creek features a 750m long underground river that runs through to the other side of the Napier Range. Enjoy a walk through this unique geological feature with your tour guides, looking out for bats and stalactites that descend from the roof.
This afternoon we arrive into Fitzroy Crossing for our overnight stay at the Fitzroy River Lodge.
This morning we enjoy a one hour cruise on the Fitzroy River at Geikie Gorge. This vast river transports huge volumes of water out into King George Sound during the wet season. The gorge itself is fascinating and its existence is related to an ancient sea bed where fossils can still be found.
After the cruise we depart Fitzroy Crossing, bound for Broome. We arrive mid-afternoon and check in to the luxurious Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, the only resort located right on the beach. Perhaps wander down to the sunset bar for a drink before dinner.
This morning we enjoy a town tour and a visit to the Pearl Luggers Museum for an insight into Broome's pearling history. The remainder of the day can be spent at your leisure. You may wish to spend some time in Chinatown, Broome's CBD, or enjoy some of the first class facilities at the resort. Tonight we celebrate our trip through the Kimberley and Top End with a drink in the sunset bar before our final dinner together.
This morning your tour concludes after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport or to your accommodation if you are staying on in Broome. Bon Voyage!
NOTE: Departures with a * next to them operate in the opposite direction. Reverse itinerary available on request.
*Book by 30th June 2013. Conditions apply.
| Accommodation Type | |
|---|---|
| Bed & Breakfast (Twin/Double) | $334.00 |
| Room Only | $280.00 |
| Bed & Breakfast (Single) | $307.00 |
| Accommodation Type | |
|---|---|
| Bed & Breakfast (Twin/Double) | $441.00 |
| Room Only | $389.00 |
| Bed & Breakfast (Single) | $415.00 |
Enjoy a half day flight to the spectacular Horizontal Waterfalls, landing on the pristine waters of Talbot Bay. Transfer to jet boat for an exhilarating ride through the Horizontal Falls. Also fly over the Buccaneer Archipelago and Cape Leveque. Cost: From $695 per person.
Enjoy a glass of wine and gourmet Territorian tasting platters as you watch the sun set over Darwin Harbour. Includes commentary on Darwin’s sites and points of interest. Cruise operates for 2 and a half hours. Cost: From $70 per person.
Why not start or finish your tour with a journey through the heart of Australia aboard the legendary Ghan, an icon of the Outback and one of the most fascinating train journeys in the world. Concession fares in Gold Service start at $1,464 per person from Adelaide to Darwin and vice versa.
“Having travelled extensively locally and overseas, I would consider this tour one of the most enjoyable I have experienced. Accommodation and meals were excellent. I would consider another tour with your firm.”
“We write to express our delight at every aspect of the tour. Our Tour Director and Driver were excellent in every way. It was amazing what was fitted into each day of the tour! The itinerary provided opportunities for a variety of experiences and enabled us to go into places where we would never venture by ourselves. We retired every evening thinking that we had seen the best that the tour could offer, only to be proved wrong the following day by dramatically different and beautiful scenery and new and exciting activities. The whole tour was so good and enjoyable that we would be hard pressed to pick out a highlight! Please accept our sincere thanks for a most enjoyable holiday and a truly wonderful experience in every way.”
“Doto & Mick were our Tour Director/Driver and we were just so impressed with their professionalism, their helpfulness, their attention to detail and their in-depth knowledge of our country and its history. We could not fault the tour – the travel, the accommodation, the food – all excellent. We have many fond memories of our trip and will treasure them and the many fantastic photos we took for a very long time. We have recommended your company to many friends and have already started looking at a future trip with you! Thank you to all concerned for our wonderful tour experience.”
“We just wish to express our sincere thanks for such a wonderful tour. What an eye opener to see and realise what a vast and beautiful country we live in. Australia is famous for beaches, surf, and the Barrier Reef but what a magnificent contrast we have just seen on this tour. We will have no hesitation in recommending Outback Spirit Tours to everyone we talk to.”
“We received your letter this week, thanking us for travelling 'Outback Spirit'. We should be thanking you for organizing such a wonderful holiday. Safe, caring, comfortable driving - personal care, great lunches & attention to every detail. Our accommodation was first class & very comfortable. Congratulations to you all at Outback Spirit for providing us with a holiday we will never forget.”
“What can you say about our trip… it was the most wonderful trip, Pam and Paul could not do enough for us, nothing was too much trouble for them. They were always on time, morning and afternoon teas were always done well and lunches that she provided was all very well presented. Paul is an excellent driver. All accommodation was excellent. All we can say is that we would be more than happy if we did decide to do another trip.”
“It was an exceptional tour with all aspects exceptional. The accommodation was first class as was the surroundings. All aspects of this trip were superb with a terrific group of people. The bus we toured in was excellent and the organising all went very smoothly. It is obvious that we both enjoyed our sojourn with Outback Spirit and other tours with you are being considered. Thank you for giving us such enjoyment.”
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