Treasures of the West Coast

Welcome to Darwin, the cosmopolitan capital of the Top End. Despite surviving two cyclones and several wartime air raids, Darwin is distinguished by its relaxed lifestyle and proximity to the Northern Territory’s abundance of natural wonders. Crocodiles, culture and colourful characters abound as you explore the northernmost capital in Australia.  Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner and the first of two nights at the Hilton Hotel Darwin, which overlooks the picturesque Darwin Harbour.

Today, expand your visit to Darwin with your choice from a range of illuminating activities. Freechoice: Jumping Crocs and Nature Adventure: Experience these reptiles in the wild on the beautiful Adelaide River, where crocs leap out of the water pursuing their prey. Your tour also includes a visit to Fogg Dam, a wetlands nature reserve teeming with wading birds and other unique wildlife. The wetlands of the Top End are of great international importance on account of their accessibility, splendour and cultural significance. Litchfield National Park: Litchfield National Park abounds with permanent spring-fed waterfalls, remnant monsoon vine forests, unusual rock formations and interesting scenery. An hour easily becomes a day relaxing in this wonderful park, which reveals its considerable wonders the further you explore. Darwin City Sights – Hop-on-Hop-off Tour: The perfect introduction to the Top End city of Darwin. The tour takes in all of Darwin’s main historical and cultural attractions with an opportunity to stop and visit during the tour. WWII Bombing of Darwin Tour: Learn about the history and significance of the Pacific Campaign of WWII; the largest attacks ever launched against Australia. Visit landmarks, view relics of the war and take a cruise on Darwin Harbour in this informative guided tour, which outlines the shocking extent of the damage suffered by Darwin during the war.

Travel to the amazing World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park to experience its stunning raw beauty first hand. One of the largest national parks in Australia, this living cultural landscape is unmissable for any visitor to the Northern Territory. From rivers and waterfalls to spectacular floodplains and rich cultural history, Kakadu’s story spans 20,000 square kilometres and 65 thousand years.  Marvel at ancient Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock, some of the oldest and most evocative of its kind, and visit Bowali Visitors Centre for a greater understanding of Kakadu and its cultural significance.   Then it’s time to take a cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong. One of the best-known parts of Kakadu, Yellow Water is a 2.6 kilometre walk across the South Alligator River floodplain during the dry season. In the wet, it’s a completely different story – look forward to fantastic cruise across southern Kakadu. See huge crocs, water buffalo and remarkable birdlife in their habitat: Kakadu’s stunning World Heritage-listed wetlands.   Your overnight stay is an idyllic retreat inside Kakadu National Park. Relax in the large outdoor pool or have a drink at the Escarpment restaurant and bar before dinner.

Explore the gems and stark escarpments of Kakadu National Park, including Jim Jim and Twin Falls, by fixed wing for a bird’s-eye view of the wetlands and rocky terrain (at additional cost, please book prior to departure). Then it’s time to move on to Katherine, the “Crossroads of the North”. The third-largest town in the Northern Territory, Katherine is a gateway between outback desert and the tropical climate of the Top End. You’ll explore Nitmiluk National Park, owned by the Jawoyn people and home of the breathtaking Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, renowned for its towering sandstone cliffs, ancient rock art and serene waterways. Tonight, your Special Stay lodge is an 18-room outback sanctuary nestled in the bush and imbued with indigenous culture and artwork. Enrich Take a dinner cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge, where you’ll marvel at the famed towering red ochre sandstone walls and hear stories of the local Jawoyn people.

Journey to Western Australia and let the vast expanse of the Kimberley slowly reveal itself. Visit Lake Argyle, one of the largest man-made lakes in the Southern Hemisphere. The Ord River Dam led to the creation of Lake Argyle which, at more than 18 times the size of Sydney Harbour, classifies as an inland sea. The freshwater lake contains more than 70 islands and features an incredible array of native wildlife, from freshwater crocs to hundreds of species of birds. This afternoon, take a breathtaking cruise on the Ord River, which flows over 650 kilometres across the state. The damming of Ord River in the 1970s led to the creation of several new ecosystems, while the river itself provides a habitat for more than 75 species of birds. Marvel at the vast variety of birdlife, immense gorge walls and river scenery. From there, it’s on to the town of Kununurra. Founded in the early 1960s as the Ord River Dam project got underway, the relatively young town of Kununurra contains a lifetime of delights. Lakes, waterfalls and rivers abound, as does a vibrant fishing scene. El Questro Wilderness Park is a particular highlight. Tonight, enjoy the first of a two-night stay at your resort in Kununurra, home of the popular Kelly’s Bar & Grill.

Surrounded by the ancient landscapes of the East Kimberley, Lake Argyle and the Bungle Bungles beyond, Kununurra is 33 hours’ drive from Perth. It’s a perfect base for exploring this wild and remote part of Western Australia. Opt for a flight over the Bungle Bungles and a chance to see the orange and black stripes of these massive sandstone structures (at additional cost, please book prior to departure). Enrich Learn about Miriuwung country around Kununurra with our local Indigenous guide. Conservation of Miriuwung culture was given a huge boost in the early 1980s, when the Mirima National Parks were established to protect natural features and sites of importance to the Miriuwung people. Today, visitors to East Kimberley are invited to share the culture and traditions of the Miriuwung.

Enjoy morning tea and a tour of Hoochery Distillery, a local producer of rum and other spirits made with Australian sugarcane and rainwater from the region’s famed wet season. The Distillery, owned by the Dessert family, has successfully taken its handmade tropical gins and rums around the world, and is the oldest operating legal still in Western Australia. Then, you’ll travel along the iconic Gibb River Road to the acclaimed El Questro Wilderness Park. Set in the untamed Kimberley landscape, El Questro began life as a working cattle station, but now dedicates its 700,000 acres to those wishing to get to the heart of the Kimberley experience. From thermal springs and waterfalls to deep gorges and majestic ranges, El Questro is a natural treasure. Enjoy a two-night Special Stay in deluxe safari-style tented cabins at Emma Gorge, a stunning waterfall and ideal swimming spot. +Optional El Questro Homestead upgrade: Take the opportunity to upgrade your stay to the deluxe El Questro Homestead, an exclusive retreat perched atop the magnificent Chamberlain Gorge (at additional cost, must be booked prior to departure and will substitute accommodation and touring activities).

Today, choose from these elevating experiences during your time at El Questro. Freechoice: Chamberlain Gorge Cruise: A magnificent cruise through Chamberlain Gorge, a three kilometre waterhole, bound by diverse flora and fauna and set beneath towering sheer walled cliffs. Bush Culture and History Tour: Take an insight into the history of El Questro, changed from a working cattle station to a Wilderness Park. Learn about the legends and bush tucker of the local Aboriginal people. Injiid Marlabu Calls Us: An opportunity to gain an insight into the Ngarinyin culture and language, fostering a profound connection to Country and its people. Discover ancient healing rituals and generation tales and learn of its rich history and heritage. Sunset Drinks Relax over evening drinks at the El Questro Station Airstrip, which happens to enjoy some of the best views in the park. Chat with new friends while capturing stunning views of the sunset over the Cockburn Ranges.

Admire the striking colours of the massive Carr Boyd Range as you travel the Great Northern Highway to Halls Creek. From a distance, the Carr Boyd Range is a striking and desolate vista, but look closer and you’ll find beautiful natural swimming holes and cascading waterfalls. You’ll arrive at Halls Creek, East Kimberley’s “heart of gold”. An exciting slice of the Australian outback, Halls Creek was put on the map when gold was discovered in 1885 – the first-ever discovery of its kind in Western Australia. The town came up around the prospectors that followed in the wake of the golden find, but by 1954 the town had been abandoned. Residents moved to the current site of the town, but old Halls Creek’s ruins remain today. Outside town, on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert, is the remarkable Wolfe Creek Crater. After you’ve arrived in Halls Creek, pay a visit to Yarliyil, a local Indigenous gallery that showcases the work of more than 100 local artists. Enjoy an overnight stay.

Visit China Wall, a natural white stone wall reminiscent of the Great Wall of China. Look for the vein of white quartz that runs through this fascinating limestone occurrence. Afterwards, you’ll head west to Fitzroy Crossing, a small town on the banks of the Fitzroy River. Home to five indigenous language groups and the prehistoric Mimbi Caves, Fitzroy Crossing is a window into an ancient world. It also happens to be a quirky outback haven. Travel to Derby for your overnight stay.

Depart Derby for Broome, the jewel of the Kimberley. The tropical coastal city is truly multicultural, with Indonesian, Malaysian, Chinese, Japanese and European influences blending with the local First Nations culture for a unique feel. Broome was built on pearling, but now features world-class diving in its turquoise waters, craft breweries and iconic camel rides along Cable Beach. However you choose to experience it, you’re sure to fall in love with this unique town. Today enjoy a cruise on the Ballena catamaran past Broome’s picturesque coastline. Enjoy a selection of chilled alcoholic drinks available for purchase on board as you look for whales, dip your toes in the Indian Ocean or just relax and enjoy the view. Stay two nights at your resort, a tranquil retreat set among the bush not far from the iconic Cable Beach.

Today, choose from these exciting Scenic Freechoice options to make the most of your time in Broome. Freechoice: Willie Creek Pearl Farm: During a guided farm tour and cruise, discover how the rare and beautiful ‘Australian South Sea Pearl’ is produced. Your guide will reveal the intricate process of today’s modern cultured pearling industry. Broome Harley Davidson™ Tour: Tour Broome Town and surrounds on a Harley Davidson™ Trike. Learn about Broome’s colourful history, today’s Broome and its future. This informative tour is designed to give you your bearings of Broome. Broome Indigenous Tour: Join Robert Dann in the place where he was born for a cultural experience. Learn about a small slice of 40,000 years of Broome and Kimberley culture. Visit local landmarks of Broome, the coastline and surrounding bush. Hear local Aboriginal stories and try some bush tucker. Cable Beach Camel Ride: Take an iconic one-hour camel ride along the white sands of Cable Beach. Look out over the Indian Ocean and keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life that can often be seen from atop a camel. (Weight restrictions apply) Take an opportunity to fly in a seaplane and experience the Horizontal Falls on an exhilarating ride (at additional cost, must be booked prior to departure and will replace Scenic Freechoice touring).

Welcome to the Pilbara, the rural north of Western Australia, whose staggering scope contains some of the world’s most ancient landscapes. At double the size of the United Kingdom, the Pilbara region is filled with Indigenous archaeological sites, white sandy beaches, dramatic rocky canyons and colonial ghost towns. It’s also home to a sizeable mining industry, making it very much a land of extremes. Enrich Your first port of call in the Pilbara is Port Hedland, its second largest town. On your afternoon Port Hedland Harbour Cruise, which sets sail from the town’s natural harbour, discover the secrets of the largest bulk export port in Australia. Stay overnight in Port Hedland.

Head south this morning to the edge of the Western Desert and the town of Newman. Home to the largest open-cut iron ore mine in the world, Mount Whaleback, Newman was built to accommodate mining workers but has grown into an oasis in the desert. Put on your hard hat for a tour of BHP’s Mount Whaleback mine, where you’ll learn all about the lifeblood of Newman and the work required to keep a mine of its size operational. Enjoy an overnight stay in Newman.

This morning you’ll head to the coast to one of WA’s fastest growing towns. Karratha is “the heart of the West Pilbara Coast”, and a great headquarters for anyone exploring the nearby Dampier Archipelago and the Burrup Peninsula. Once you arrive, you’ll explore the ancient gorges, crystal-clear swimming holes and freshwater falls of Karijini National Park, the second-largest in the state. Karijini is home to red rock landscapes over 2.5 billion years old. Visit Fortescue Falls, an evergreen waterfall 20m in height, and the Dale and Joffre Gorges for astounding views. Later, view the spectacular Hamersley Range with its sheer walls of rock – some of the oldest on the planet - layered in many colours. As you explore the range (itself made up of three smaller ranges), you’ll discover natural waterslides and bushwalks. Stay overnight at the Karratha.

Travel along the North West Coastal highway to the resort town of Exmouth. A gateway to the Ningaloo Marine Park, Exmouth is a favourite of those looking to spot some of the region’s abundance of undersea life, including manta rays and the awe-inspiring humpback whales. You’ll enjoy a two-night Special Stay.

Start your day on the water with a revealing tour of the Ningaloo Reef. This coral viewing cruise opens up the underwater world of the World Heritage-listed reef. Learn about the innovative methods at work to protect the aquatic ecosystem and its colourful denizens while you enjoy a unique view of Ningaloo’s amazing coral formations. Afterwards, pay a visit to historic Vlamingh Head Lighthouse for stunning views over Lighthouse Bay. Built in 1912, the lighthouse helped keep the coast safe until 1967, when it was stripped of its light and started its second life as a top tourist destination. Sunset Drinks Enjoy a drink at the Mantarays bar and watch the trawlers head out to begin their evening’s work, set against a beautiful Indian Ocean sunset.

Continue south along the WA coast to Coral Bay, where the turquoise blue of the ocean meets the sandy bay at Ningaloo Reef. A favourite among wildlife tourists, Coral Bay is a marine sanctuary for turtles, whale sharks, over 500 species of fish and a variety of coral gardens. From there, you’ll head south to the coastal town of Carnarvon, where the desert meets the sea. Known as WA’s food bowl, Carnarvon is home to booming seafood and fruit and vegetable industries, as well as a thriving watersports scene. Surfing, snorkelling, swimming and fishing are all popular pursuits in the town all year round. During your stay, you’ll visit the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum, which shines a spotlight on the little-known but crucial role the town played in the Apollo 11 moon landing. Discover the history of Carnarvon’s OTC satellite dish facility, which now houses the museum. At the end of the day, arrive at your hotel in Carnarvon for your overnight stay.

Your journey south continues as you reach Monkey Mia. Known for its stunning beaches and abundance of wild dolphins, Monkey Mia’s rust-red sand dunes, deep blue waters and white sand beaches make for one of the most colourful tourist destinations in WA. You’ll visit Hamelin Pool, home to the world’s best-known colony of stromatolites. Also known as ‘living fossils’, stromatolites are a relic from an era billions of years in Earth’s past, and a fascinating glimpse at the beginning of life on the planet. Take a 200m boardwalk stroll at Hamelin Pool for a unique look at these prehistoric wonders. Tonight, enjoy the first of two nights at your resort home to large groups of wild bottlenose dolphins.

This morning, cherish the opportunity to see Monkey Mia’s bottlenose dolphins under the supervision of a national park ranger. Then choose between the following Scenic Freechoice experiences to enhance your stay in Monkey Mia. Freechoice: Monkey Mia Marine Life Cruise: Relax on a morning cruise on Shark Bay. Experience the excitement of the daily lives of the Monkey Mia dolphins and search for the unique dugongs. Sundown Shark Bay Cruise: Sail aboard your 18-metre sailing catamaran across the clear, calm waters of Monkey Mia and Shark Bay, watching the sun set in paradise. Didgeridoo Dreaming: Sit around a campfire and learn the traditional way of cooking fish and bush tucker on the campfire as well as Aboriginal culture and history. Lose yourself in Dreamtime stories and be carried away by the ancient sounds of the didgeridoo.

Just south of Monkey Mia, you’ll stop at Shell Beach, one of the few beaches on Earth made entirely of trillions of shells. Then it’s on to Kalbarri National Park, which includes the impressive Murchison River and its 80 kilometre red and white sandstone gorge. Experience the  Kalbarri Skywalk for unforgettable views of the gorge from cantilevered viewing platforms 100m above. You’ll arrive this afternoon in Geraldton, a coastal city known for its pink lakes, gorgeous crystal-clear beaches and delicious rock lobster. Enjoy an overnight stay.

This morning, visit the HMAS Sydney Memorial, which commemorates the sinking of the WWII-era cruiser. Pay your respects to the 645 crew lost at sea as you explore one of the most moving and popular museum attractions in WA. Afterwards, continue to the extraordinary Pinnacles Desert for your visit to Nambung National Park. Pinnacles is named for its captivating limestone spires that protrude from the desert and can be traced to the dawn of life on earth. Elsewhere in Nambung National Park, you’ll discover seasonal blooming wildflower gardens, gorgeous white sand swimming beaches and a spectacular offshore reef. Then it’s on to the WA capital, Perth. Home to quirky art galleries, picturesque parks and a creative small bar and restaurant scene, Perth is a world of its own amid the sheer scope of Western Australia. Enjoy your two-night Special Stay in Perth.

Today, choose from one of the following Scenic Freechoice options to enhance your visit to Perth. Freechoice: Rottnest Island: Enjoy a relaxing cruise to Rottnest Island, just off the coast from Perth and Fremantle. From the comfort of an air-conditioned coach explore and discover its spectacular beaches, fascinating history and unique wildlife, including the adorable quokka. A lunch is included. Half Day Morning Perth & Fremantle City Explorer with cruise: A fantastic half day tour taking in Perth and Fremantle, the city and the alfresco lifestyle that locals enjoy. Sights include Kings Park Botanical Gardens, Cottesloe Beach and a cruise along the Swan River. Half Day Swan Valley Wine tour: Explore the Swan Valley, just 25 minutes from Perth, on a wine tour. You’ll try some of the region’s most premium wines, gourmet cheeses and liquors on this leisurely tour of the state’s oldest wine region, all set against the Swan River’s natural beauty.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your newfound friends and prepare for your journey home, taking with you stories for life. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.