Day 1
We commence our West Coast adventure as we leave Broome to travel south along the Great Northern Highway through vast desert landscapes. We visit the famous Eighty Mile Beach, then head inland to Shay Gap taking in the spectacular hillside landscape, to cross the De Grey River onwards to the historic gold mining town of Marble Bar - famous for recording the hottest average temperatures of any town in Australia.
Overnight: Marble Bar Travellers Stop (DBB)
Day 2
Travelling through the hills and ranges of the Pilbara wilderness we head towards the Chichester Range and Hammersley Range National Park. From here we spend the afternoon visiting and exploring numerous gorges such as Hancock and Dales with their beautiful waterholes where lush growth survives in a seemingly desert environment. The highlight is breathtaking Oxers Lookout, where the four gorges intersect in Karijini National Park.
Overnight: Tom Price Hotel Motel, Tom Price (DBB)
Day 3
Firstly we enjoy a morning tour of this giant enterprise in the Australian outback, and then we head further across the Hammersley Ranges to visit the lookout at the summit of Mount Nameless for panoramic views of the ranges. We then travel on to the Ochre Red Ranges of this Pilbara region to our overnight stay at Paraburdoo in the Ashburton River Valley.
Overnight: Paraburdoo Hotel Motel (DBB)
Day 4
As we travel westward we leave the Hammersley Ranges to reach the North West Coastal Highway. Turning in a southerly direction we continue our way to the Burkett Road which leads to the Exmouth Gulf and the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean. We explore the spectacular Shothole Canyon country and drive on to Exmouth, home of the renowned naval communications base.
Overnight: Potshot Hotel, Exmouth (DBB
Day 5
This morning we enjoy an amazing contrast to the activities and scenery of the last few days, when we take a glass bottom boat cruise over the coral reefs of the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. We have the opportunity to observe a large array of corals, fish and other marine life. Then we explore the Cape Range National Park following the coast south to Yardea Creek, where we have a chance to see the rare Rock Wallaby and an abundance of bird life before travelling down the old coastal trail to our overnight stay at Coral Bay.
Overnight: Ningaloo Reef Resort, Coral Bay. (DBB)
Day 6
Leaving Coral Bay, we enjoy some great views overlooking the giant salt lake, Lake MacLeod, before arriving at Carnarvon at the mouth of the Gascoyne River. We then continue further south to the World Heritage listed Shark Bay, stopping at Hamelin Pool to view the fascinating stromatolites- some of oldest creations on earth, then on to Monkey Mia where we can enjoy the dolphins, depending on tides and the breeding season.
Overnight: Denham Hotel Motel (DBB)
Day 7
Leaving this beautiful area we travel down to Kalbarri National Park, enjoying the afternoon exploring the spectacular Murchison Gorge through which the Murchison River flows out to sea. In this area known for its flora and fauna we visit several lookouts including Nature Window. Tonight we stay at Kalbarri where the rugged red cliffs contrast with the brilliant white sandy beaches and clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
Overnight: Palms Resort, Kalbarri (DBB)
Day 8
This morning we again enjoy the coastal wilderness as we travel through Kalbarri National Park, eventually returning to the North West Coastal Road and travelling south past the Chapman River to Geraldton. We view this major lobster fishing center with its rich market gardens and broad streets and then drive on through the Irwin region and Dongara , and on to Cervantes for our overnight stay.
Overnight: Pinnacles Motel, Cervantes (DBB)
Day 9
Today we travel into the famous Pinnacles National Park to experience the unique spectacle of the great limestone pillars standing like a forest among the sand. Then we travel further south through the spectacular towering Lancelin Dunes via Yanchep National Park to Perth, where we end a journey of contrast and lasting memories.