19 Day Great Western Safari

Region: Perth (WA) | Duration: 19 Days | Commences: Perth

Kick off your shoes and feel the earth beneath your feet. Be blown away by the sights and sounds of nautre and swap "normal" accommodation with canvas cabins, bush camps or unique, remote overnight stays. We'll introduce you to the locals, take you off the beaten track and happily show you around our own 'back yard'.

Safaris trips are designed for travellers of all ages, although some of the more remote and active trips do have some limits for health and safety reasons. These trips allow you to enjoy 'real' experiences throughout Australia.

DAY 1: Perth to Kalbarri

This morning it's an early start as we make our way north through the Swan Valley on our way to Nambung National Park, home of the famous “Pinnacles”. Here a moonscape of coloured quartz, studded with fascinating limestone pillars makes a pretty bizarre picture! A definite Kodak moment! It's then further along the Coral Coast - a treasure trove of gorgeous beaches, national reserves and the bluest ocean you 'll see anywhere in the world. With the Indian Ocean to the west, we had to Kalbarri where we'll be staying on a farming station situated on the Murchison River. Here you'll find plenty of native wildlife, a run of over 40 horses and plenty of wide open spaces to enjoy. Tonight we head to Finlays in Kalbarri - an absolute must when in the area! The unusual setting in an old ice works where at times, includes occasional fireside ballads - Finlays on a balmy night is a treat.
Farm Stay - Multi Share (share facilities)
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DAY 2: Kalbarri

This morning we travel to Kalbarri National Park, arguably one of the best National Parks in Australia. The park covers 186,096 hectares and offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Western Australia. The Murchison River Gorges run abruptly through Sand Plain for 150 kilometres from the Highway to Kalbarri town. It is estimated that these tumblagooda sandstone walls were created 400 million years ago on the tidal flats of an ancient sea. Fossil tracks and sea fossils can be found in many places along the river. Make sure you've got your walking shoes on today as we'll be getting out and about in this amazing area. After lunch, time to explore the ocean gorges. Tonight after dinner enjoy star-gazing around the campsite.
Farm Stay - Multi Share (share facilities)
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DAY 3: Kalbarri to Monkey Mia

Today we head further north to Shark Bay and Monkey Mia, home of the wild dolphins. On route we will make a brief stop to see stromatolites – the beginners of life. Tonight we'll join an aboriginal cultural walking tour to discover the ancient wisdom of Gathaagudu (Shark Bay) through Aboriginal eyes.
Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
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DAYS 4 & 5: Monkey Mia to Coral Bay

Relax and enjoy the surroundings of this beautiful bay and wait for Monkey Mia's famous visitors to arrivel. Since the early 1960's the Bottle Nosed Dolphins who astound everyone with their intelligence and grace have visited Monkey Mia, now on a daily basis. Our afternon takes us to Coral Bay where you can enjoy the wonders of Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. (Bx2, Dx2)
Campground Coral Bay
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DAYS 6 & 7: Coral Bay to Karijini National Park

Enjoy the colourful coral formations from a scenic submersible craft this morning – a great way to start the day! We then head to the beautiful Karijini National Park. Haunting in its rugged, red beauty and unbeatable for adventure, the park is famous for its sheer gorges, waterfalls and cool swimming holes. Our campsite is deep in the Aussie Outback. (Bx2, Lx2, Dx2)
Bush Camping Karijini National Park
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DAY 8: Karijini to 80 Mile Beach

Onto Port Hedland, a town whose prosperity has been built on the iron-ore boom of the 1960's. Here, iron-ore from some of the world's largest iron-ore mines is loaded onto the world's biggest ore carriers for international consumption. Then on we travel ot a great long stretch of beach, a whole eighty miles worth! Here we will camp alongisde the Indian Ocean.
80 Mile Beach Caravan Park Campsite
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DAYS 9 & 10: 80 Mile Beach to Broome

We continue on to cosmopolitan Broome. From its rough and tumble, romantic pearling history to the cosmopolitan character of Chinatown....the colours and moods of Broome will blow you away. Visit the historic Japanese Cemetery, Gantheaume Point, nearby pearling houses and experience world famous Cable Beach at sunset. (Bx2, D)
Roebuck Bay Caravan Park Campsite
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DAY 11: Broome to Windjana Gorge

Today our adventure begins as we head off in our purpose built 4 wheel drive. We'll be covering some rugged country over the next 9 days and will need the extra grunt! First off, it's time to explore the awesome Kimberleys – one of the world's great wilderness areas. It has fewer people per square kilometre than almost any other place on earth! We travel via the regional township of Derby and visit the infamous Boab Prison Tree, once used as a temporary prison for the local Aborigines. Leaving Derby behind, our mighty 4WD comes into play as we tackle the infamous “Gibb River Road”, where we explore Tunnel Creek - make sure you have your flashlight as our underground discovery tour is dark, wet and fascinating!! Then to Windjana Gorge, an area where sheer cliffs tower above white sands and fresh water crocodiles can often been seen sunning themselves in the afternoon sun.
Windjana Gorge Campsite
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DAY 12: Kimberley / Gibb River Road

Take in the stunning views of the King Leopold Ranges this morning, as we travel to Bells Creek Gorge. A refreshing swim in the Lower Plunge Pool is a must before we continue our journey on the challenging Gibb River Road. Tonight a bush camp deep in the Kimberleys at Mt Barnett Station.
Gibb River Road Bush Camp
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DAY 13: Kimberley / Gibb River Road

Today we will visit one of the most outstanding Gorges in the region with probably the best known and most striking being Manning. Depending on the conditions our crew will decide as to which Gorge is the most appropriate to visit.
Gibb River Road Bush Camp
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DAYS 14 & 15: Gibb River Road to El Questro

As we cross the Pentecost River we farewell the Gibb River Road, and head to the equally stunning El Questro Wilderness Reserve. This is the world's last unspoilt frontier, immersed in the Cockburn Ranges. Take a hike through either Emma Gorge or El Questro Gorge and later explore Zebedee Springs. You've got two nights in this gorgeous reserve so make the most of it! (Bx2, Lx2, Dx2) Please note alternative arrangements are made for the last departure in October due to the closure of El Questro.
El Questro Wilderness Reserve Campsite
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DAY 16: El Questro to Bungle Bungle Ranges

Today we travel southwards, where we once again test the terrain-conquering ability of our rugged 4 wheel drive vehicle. A rough 50km track off the Great Northern Highway leads to the spectacular Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park. Over the last 20 million years erosion and river movements have formed huge black and orange striped domes. As unbelievable as it seems, this area was kept a secret by locals until 1982, and was made a national park in 1987. We settle into our very own permanently established camp at Walardi where we'll spend two nights and get to view outback sunsets in style.
Walardi Campsite
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DAY 17: Bungle Bungle Ranges

A day to explore the amazing striped rock domes that comprise the Bungle Bungles. Specifically, we visit the very impressive Cathedral Gorge, Echidna Chasm and the unique Frog Hole. Today you'll have the option to take a scenic flight* over this spectacular region.
Walardi Campsite
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DAY 18: Bungle Bungle Ranges to Timber Creek

First stop today is the township of Kununurra. With year round warm weather and plentiful water, Kununurra is lush and fertile. We then head out to the massive expanse of water at Lake Argyle – containing 12 times the water volume of Sydney Harbour! We cross the border into the Northern Territory, and onto the small community of Timber Creek (pop. 300!).
Circle F Caravan Park Campsite
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DAY 19: Timber Creek to Darwin

The final leg of our journey will take us north to Katherine and if time permits we'll have a refreshing swim at Edith Falls located in the Nitmiluk National Park - land of the traditional Jawoyn Aboriginal people. Our final destination is Darwin, tropical capital of the Northern Territory. Darwin offers a fantastic mix of cultural character, mystery, beauty and unlimited potential - it's here you'll bid farewell to the friends you've made on tour.

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NOTE: OPEN AGE TOUR

This is an Open Aged Tour for passengers over the age of 12, however travellers over the age of 55 must provide a medical certificate from their physician. This is to ensure that senior travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their tour as the itinerary takes you to remote regions and days can be long through rugged regions, with very basic camping facilities. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Rates and Bookings

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PLEASE NOTE: The rates quoted below are only available for pre-paid reservations through The Travelmall. Bookings for these rates need to be at least 3 days in advance.

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 Tour Rates (per person in in AUD)
  Tour Type Single Twin Child Family Rates valid
book me Standard (ex Perth)$3060$3035--1/7/2008 - 31/10/2008
book me Standard (ex Darwin)$2960$2935--1/7/2008 - 31/10/2008
 Note: Rates may at certain times be subject to change due to local events or holidays.

Address Details

Connections Safaris - part of Australian Pacific Touring Group
PO Box 3891
Alice Springs, NT, 0871

Booking Fax: 61 2 9999 4332
Click here for Booking Enquiries

Transfers and other details

Disclaimer/Important Note: Itineraries, departure dates and inclusions are correct at time of publishing however subject to change without notice. For specific inclusions to itinerary please reconfirm at time of booking.
Tour Departure MonthsApr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Tour Departure DatesTours marked with * operate in reverse. 2008: Aug 1, 23 Sep 14 Oct 6, 28 2009 Apr 12 May 4, 26 Jun 17 Jul 9, 31 Aug 22 Sep 13 Oct 5, 27
Departure/Arrival DetailsSWA19 Departs Perth 0630hrs Terminates Darwin 1800hrs SWA19R Departs Darwin 0630hrs Terminates Perth 1800hrs
InclusionsAs per itinerary and National Park Entry Fees.
ExclusionsMeals and drinks other than those specified.

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