Explore Western Australia’s remote Kimberley and world-renowned Ningaloo Reef on this 13 day/12 night safari staying at three exclusive lodges.
Departing from Darwin by light aircraft, fly south-west to remote Faraway Bay Lodge on Western Australia’s Kimberley coastline. This small eco-lodge has just 8 comfortable cabins situated on top of a cliff, nestled amid native bushland overlooking the bay. Guests can enjoy a plethora of exciting activities exploring this beautiful area including indigenous rock art tours, remarkable King George Falls and excursions to secret waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes.
Next fly to beautiful El Questero Homestead, perched on a cliff overlooking the Chamberlain River and surrounded by 700,000 acres of mostly untouched wilderness. Enjoy three nights here exploring this unique environment, enjoying activities including bush cultural tours, swimming in the thermal pools of Zebedee Springs and guided walks to some of the most spectacular gorges in the Kimberley.
Complete your outback journey of Western Australia at Sal Salis – a stone’s throw from the UNESCO World Heritage-Listed Ningaloo Reef. The reef is just 100m metres from the shoreline home to a wealth of marine life including staghorn coral, manta rays and clownfish. Activities here include snorkelling, sea kayaking and guided bush walks into the Cape Range National Park. Major highlights include swimming with whale sharks and humpback whales.
Tour Details
- Discover Western Australia’s remarkable Kimberley coastline
- Enjoy a cruise along the King George River to the magnificent King George Falls
- Learn about bush culture and history
- Wander the outback on guided walks to spectacular gorges
- Explore the magical World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef
- Swim with majestic humpback whales or whale sharks (additional cost)
- Stay at 3 remote and exclusive outback camps and lodges
This itinerary departs from Darwin in the Northern Territory. The city is serviced by many domestic and regional airlines with direct flights available from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Cairns. Charter flights depart from the airport’s general aviation area to various lodges in Western Australia’s beautiful Kimberley region.
Itinerary
Wonders of Western Australia Safari
12 days/11 nights
Days 1-4
Faraway Bay Lodge
Departing in the afternoon, start your Wonders of Western Australia Safari with a light aircraft flight from Darwin to Faraway Bay Lodge. This 90-minute scenic journey flies over the Timor Sea and Joseph Bonaparte Gulf before crossing the beautiful Kimberley Coast and touching down on the lodge’s airstrip. Situated on a cliff top amid native bushland, enjoy three nights at this remote eco-lodge on the Kimberley coastline.
There are an exciting array of activities on offer exploring the very heart of this beautiful region including rock art tours, 4WD billabong safaris, beachcombing, picnics and exploring the remarkable King George Falls. At the end of each day reflect on the day’s adventures as you enjoy pre-dinner canapés at the bar or overlooking the bay. Dinner is a sumptuous two-course meal that uses as much fresh produce from the Ord River region as possible. Freshly caught wild barramundi is a specialty.
Days 5-7
El Questro Homestead
Around mid morning, fly to superb El Questro Homestead – a member of the exclusive Luxury Lodges of Australia portfolio. Perched along the steep sides of the Chamberlain River, the luxurious and isolated El Questro Homestead consists of ten thoughtfully appointed rooms and suites, a swimming pool and tennis court, surrounded by a 700,000 acres of mostly untouched wilderness.
A typical day exploring the astounding wilderness may begin with an early morning cruise along the Chamberlain River or a birdwatching tour. There are a plethora of other activities on offer in this unique environment, such as swimming in the waterfalls and thermal pools of Zebedee Springs, a Bush Culture, History & Nature Tour, a sunset tour to Buddy’s Point or guided walks to some of the most spectacular gorges in the Kimberley.
Helicopter Add-ons:
For those that wish to explore a little further afield, there are several exciting helicopter tours available (additional cost), to some of the Kimberley’s most breath-taking geological areas including Mitchell Falls and the Bungle Bungles. A visit to the well-hidden Miri Miri Falls – accessible only by helicopter – is highly recommended. Please contact us for more details.
Day 8
Perth
Today transfer to Kununurra and fly to Perth. On arrival you will be met and transferred to a centrally located hotel. Perth is rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities, and offers visitors a fantastic mix of relaxed city life, stunning beaches and easy access to countless boutique wineries. Another hotspot is nearby Rottnest Island (accessible by ferry) where you can find native quokkas – adorable cat-sized marsupials.
Day 9-12
Sal Salis
Today transfer to the airport for your flight to Exmouth (approximately 2 hours), the gateway to the incredible World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast. On arrival you will be met and transferred to Sal Salis in the Cape Range National Park. Accommodation at this exclusive property is in spacious, elevated eco-tents, a stone’s throw from the Indian Ocean. Ningaloo Reef is just 100m metres off-shore, home to a wealth of marine life including staghorn coral, manta rays and clownfish. Activities here include snorkelling (all gear including wetsuits are provided), sea kayaking and walking to various spectacular gorges, where you might see iconic Australian wildlife such as kangaroos.
Whale Sharks
Each year between April and July, gentle whale sharks congregate in huge numbers here, and during this season, (delete comma) guests have the opportunity to swim with the largest fish on earth (extra cost).
Humpback Whales
Between June and November each year, some 30,000 humpback whale’s migrate along Ningaloo Reef up towards their breeding grounds further north. As of 2016, the Western Australian government has given Sal Salis guests the go-ahead to share the waters with migrating humpback whales (from August to October, at additional cost).
Day 13
Tour Ends
This morning you will be transferred to the Learmonth Airport where your tour ends.
Optional Add On:
The perfect extension to this itinerary, for a complete Western Australia experience, is a few nights in Margaret River, just a 3 hour (270 kilometres) drive from Perth – popular amongst Perth locals, interstate and international travellers alike. Here, you could be strolling the beach and exploring limestone caves in the morning, then quaffing outstanding cabernet sauvignon in the afternoon. Savour a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset while sampling a mouth-watering meal at one of the many award-winning restaurants throughout the region. With its mild climate, abundant vineyards, bountiful oceans and towering old-growth forests, Margaret River invites leisurely exploration.
JOIN OUR
E-Newsletter
Sign up to receive updates about exciting journeys, special offers and more
"*" indicates required fields