Departure Dates 2008:
Thursday - 06 Nov, 20 Nov, 4 Dec

Departure Dates 2009:
Thursday - 8 Jan, 22 Jan, 5 Feb, 19 Feb, 5 Mar

CP = Camping Park, full facilities
NP = National Park, limited facilities
BC = Bush Camp, no facilities

DAY 1 - BC

Leaving Perth we begin our adventure, heading north via the crayfishing town of Cervantes to the eerie Pinnacles Desert. Time for lunch and a stroll through the unique limestone formations before continuing on to our private bush camp by the beach at secluded Lucky Bay. After dinner you can sample some traditional damper cooked by your tour guide.

DAY 2 - CP

We need 4WD this morning as we cross huge sand dunes to the beach where we have fun sandboarding, swimming and reef walking. 4WD back over the dunes, travelling to Kalbarri, stopping en-route at the dramatic coastline. After lunch we climb down into the beautiful Z-bend gorge in the Kalbarri National Park (Nature's Window) for a swim in the Murchison River pools. Our overnight camp tonight is at Nanga Bay Holiday Resort (a working sheep station) where you can relax and unwind in the huge hot spa.

DAY 3 - BC

We spend the morning with the wild dolphins and lunch on the white sands at Monkey Mia. There is an optional wildlife cruise on the impressive sailing catamaran 'Shotover' or an Aboriginal Heritage tour. After a stop at Denham, the most westerly town in Australia, we take in the panoramic view at Eagle Bluff and look for stingrays, reef sharks and dugongs in the clear waters below. 4WD down a track to a secluded area of the fascinating Shell Beach. Tonight we will sleep around the campfire in a secluded bush setting.

DAY 4 - CP

Today travelling through tropical Carnarvon before arriving at Coral Bay early afternoon. We spend the afternoon at this beautiful location, swimming and snorkelling where the clear waters of Ningaloo Reef meet the pristine sands. Tonight, 'nibbles' on the beach while enjoying a serene sunset.

DAY 5 - BC

Many optional tours (seasonal) available this morning, including: scuba diving, manta ray and dugong cruises, or fun on quad bikes. After lunch we leave Coral Bay for Exmouth. A brief stop in town before driving to the Vlamingh Head lighthouse to view the peninsula and look for whales. We head further around the cape to
Cape Range NP to explore Yardie Creek. In the afternoon we head back to Turquoise Bay for a swim or snorkel at picturesque Turquoise Beach. When we have immersed ourselves in the beauty of this place we go back through town and make our way to our overnight camp at Giralia Station, world-renowned for the unique fossils found on the property.

DAY 6 - BC

Travelling inland to the iron ore mining town of Tom Price for lunch, we then drive up to the top of Mount Nameless (subject to road open) which, at 1040m, is Western Australia's highest accessible mountain and enjoy the magnificent vista on offer. On to Karijini National Park. After an awesome view from Oxer's Lookout into the junction of four gorges. There is an easy climb along the bottom of Weano Gorge to Handrail Pool. Tonight we traverse a 4WD track to a private camp, sleeping under the stars of a striking Pilbara sky.

DAY 7 - CP

Climbing down into Dales Gorge we hike from the beautiful (and icy cold) fern-fringed Circular Pool to the stunning Fortescue Falls. We discover the hidden Fern Pool, with time to enjoy the lush surroundings and year-round waterfalls. Nature is at its best here with a vast array of colours. Mid-afternoon we depart Karijini, camping overnight at Tom Price.

DAY 8 - BC

Today we leave the mining town of Tom Price. Taking the back tracks through Ashburton Downs Station we arrive at Mount Augustus for lunch. Mount Augustus, or Burringurrah as it is known by the local Wadjari people, is one of the most spectacular solitary peaks in the world. It rises 860 metres above a stony, red sandplain of arid shrubland. The rock itself, which culminates in a small peak on a plateau, is about eight kilometres long and covers an area of 4,795 hectares. At about twice the size of Uluru [Ayers Rock] it is the biggest 'rock' in the world. We spend this afternoon exploring and camp overnight at Mount Augustus tourist resort.

DAY 9 - BC

We make our way south through some remote Pilbara station country, stopping at Meekatharra for lunch. We continue south and head off-road to Walga Rock (mini Uluru), where we can view Aboriginal paintings and climb the rock. Share a port around the campfire of our last night in the bush.

DAY 10

This morning we drive on back roads through gold and wheat country, stopping for a look at the spectacular wildflowers (in season). Our journey takes us through Yalgoo and Morawa, then on through the Swan Valley where we can explore and indulge in a winery, brewery, rum distillery or chocolate factory (time permitting) before arriving back in Perth approximately 6.30pm, ending our fabulous Coast and Gorges adventure with lasting memories.

Departure Dates 2008:
Thursday - 06 Nov, 20 Nov, 4 Dec

Departure Dates 2009:
Thursday - 8 Jan, 22 Jan, 5 Feb, 19 Feb, 5 Mar