19 Day Top End Western Camping Experience

This is a 19 day guided camping adventure featuring Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine, El Questro, Broome, Tanami Track, Alice Springs and Uluru (Ayers Rock). Camping trips are a unique way to experience Australia and to stay at some stunning wilderness campsites.

Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, seatbelts, reclining seats and panoramic windows. Tour with an experienced, professional tour director, tour Driver and private cook.

Day 1: Arrive Darwin

On arrival in Darwin you will be transferred to your hotel. Later join a city orientation tour. Enjoy a welcome drink this evening with your crew. Hotel: Travelodge Mirambeena Resort, Darwin.

Day 2: Kakadu National Park

Travel deep into Kakadu National Park stopping at the Bowali Visitor Centre, before continuing to Nourlangie Rock for a short walk to view ancient Aboriginal rock art. This afternoon join a cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. Camp: Kakadu National Park.

Day 3: Nitmiluk National Park

Travel via the gold mining town of Pine Creek to Katherine. Stop at beautiful Edith Falls where there is time for a swim, before setting up camp in Nitmiluk National Park. Enjoy an afternoon cruise through spectacular Katherine Gorge. Camp: Nitmiluk National Park.

Day 4: Kununurra

Heading west travel via Timber Creek and Victoria River. Crossing the border into Western Australia, traverse large cattle stations to the township of Kununurra, which is the hub of local industry for agriculture, tourism and mining in the east Kimberley. Camp: Kununurra, 2 nights.

Day 5: Lake Argyle

This morning explore Mirima (Hidden Valley) National Park and admire the views from Kelly's Knob Lookout. Visit the historic Durack Homestead and learn about this pioneering family. Later enjoy a cruise on mighty Lake Argyle.

Day 6: Emma Gorge

Travel along the Gibb River Road to Emma Gorge Resort. There is the opportunity to take a guided walk into the gorge with time for a swim in the crystal-clear water at the base of the waterfall. An optional Bungle Bungles 4WD adventure or Lirrgarn Argyle Diamond Mine tour are available today. Camp: El Questro Wilderness Park, 2 nights.

Day 7: El Questro 'Free Time'

Today is free for you to explore El Questro Wilderness Park. Perhaps take an optional cruise through Chamberlain Gorge. Ask your Tour Director for details on the many optional activities that are available at the El Questro Station Township.

Day 8: Gibb River Road

Journey through some of the harshest terrain of the Kimberley. Skirt the Cockburn Range then continue along the famous Gibb River Road, stopping at Manning Gorge (conditions permitting). Bush Camp: Manning Gorge.

Day 9: Kimberley Gorges

Cross the King Leopold Range then take a walk into beautiful Galvans Gorge. Later, inspect the unusual formation at Tunnel Creek (conditions permitting), before continuing on to spectacular Windjana Gorge. Bush Camp: Windjana Gorge.

Day 10: Broome

Leave the Gibb River Road, stopping to see the Boab Prison Tree and Myall Bore. Then head south to Derby to visit the Circular Wharf before continuing to Broome. See Chinatown, the Japanese Cemetery, Streeters Jetty and visit Gantheaume Point for sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. This evening we watch a breathtaking sunset over Cable Beach. Hotel: Mercure Broome, 2 nights.

Day 11: Broome 'Free Time'

A free day to explore tropical Broome. Perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim at Cable Beach. At sunset you may like to take a camel ride along the beach.

Day 12: Fitzroy Crossing

The distinct landscape of the northwest region of the Kimberley becomes obvious today as you journey along the Northern Highway to the town of Fitzroy Crossing. Camp: Fitzroy Crossing.

Day 13: Geikie Gorge - Halls Creek

Cruise through Geikie Gorge where the river flows beneath the towering limestone cliffs. Watch for freshwater crocodiles and wallabies. Continue along the Northern Highway to Halls Creek. Camp: Halls Creek.

Day 14: Top Springs

Skirt the edge of the Tanami Desert before crossing into the Northern Territory en route to Top Springs. Bush Camp: Tanami Track.

Day 15: Tilmouth Well

Admire the pretty countryside as you drive along the Buchanan Stock Road, past vast cattle stations for which the region is renowned, to Tennant Creek. Camp: Tilmouth Well.

Day 16: Alice Springs

This morning travel to Karlu Karlu (Devil's Marbles) where there is time to walk around these precariously balanced boulders. Continue on to Alice Springs for a city orientation tour including the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Camp: Alice Springs.

Day 17: Kings Canyon

Travel to Kings Canyon stopping en route at a camel farm for an optional ride on a 'ship of the desert'. This afternoon for the energetic, a guided climb to the canyon rim will be rewarded with magnificent views of Watarrka National Park. Or you may prefer to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor, an easier walk. The sheer red rock face of the canyon soars over 100 metres above lush palm forests. While it was little known to Europeans until recently, the Luritja Aboriginal people have called the area their home for over 20,000 years.
Camp: Kings Canyon.

Day 18: Ayers Rock

Travel to Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park where you'll glimpse your first sight of Uluru. Travel around the base of Uluru to see various sacred sites and hear about the flora and fauna unique to this area. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine as you watch the spectacular sunset at Uluru. Camp: Ayers Rock Resort.

Day 19: Depart Ayers Rock

Travel to the Uluru sunrise viewing area and watch the first rays of the sun set Uluru and the Red Centre alight. Later you will be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport for your onward flight.

Your Tour Includes:

Sleeping
in modern and spacious twin share tents, 2.3m high, complete with ventilation windows & mosquito netting. You don’t need any experience to assemble them – they’re up and down in a minute. Established campgrounds provide all the modern facilities you require.

Dining
in the fully-decked mobile kitchen, your Private Cook prepares tasty dishes with hot breakfasts & picnic lunches and 2-course dinners daily. Camping meal times bring everyone together & it’s fun to pitch in & help.

Travelling
in luxury air-conditioned Mercedes Benz/Scania coaches with 3 dedicated crew: your Tour Director, Driver & Private Cook.

Essentials Kit
everything you need. In this kit you’ll find a sleeping bag, travel utensils (plate, bowl, mug, cup, cutlery), a tea towel & a torch. They’re all yours to keep after your holiday.

NOTE: The 2012 - 2013 season rates are valid from the 1st April 2012 to the 31st March 2013. The 2013 - 2014 season rates commence on the 1st April 2013.