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 NATURAL 4WD CAMPING TOURS 
Sleep under the stars in a 'swag'
Scroll down for details of itineraries and Price Panel ...

You haven't discovered the real Outback unless you have slept out under the night sky, somewhere a long way from town, where the air is clear and the stars are brighter.   Forget the air mattress that goes flat in the middle of the night or trying to hammer tent pegs into the stony ground - you sleep in a sleeping bag inside real swags, which are like cosy canvas cocoons.  See the rugged beauty of the West Coast, the Kimberley and Kakadu in specially constructed 4WD vehicles.   If you are reasonably fit, enjoy camping, (sometimes in remote locations without facilities) and are willing to assist in camp duties including cooking, washing up and collecting firewood and so on, then these adventure tours are for you!    Travellers tend to be in the 25-50 age range.

 
On a 'natural' Camping Safari there is also the advantage of travelling in a small, personal group, (average 10-12 participants). Please note that even with the best vehicles and equipment, when travelling over such isolated and rough roads, unforseen circumstances can affect a tour. The itinerary may need to be modified or the vehicle repaired, to ensure the continuation of the tour.
 
Guides have been carefully selected and trained to handle all aspects of outback touring. Each guide is experienced in customer care, first aid, 4WD driving, mechanical repairs and has expert knowledge of flora, fauna, history, culture and bushcraft. They are great cooks too!  

You sleep in a comfortable sleeping bag inside real swags, which are like cosy canvas cocoons, with foam mattresses and pillows. In the morning the swag is simply rolled up with pillow and sleeping bag inside. Mosquito nets are also included. Some tents are available on request for the faint hearted.
 

Cost Includes
All activities and meals (except where specified), camping and National park fees, use of all camping equipment.  Sleeping bags (to go inside swags) are available free of charge - please request on booking. 

Not included are optional tours and activities eg boat trips and scenic flights.

 

KIMBERLEY AREA - NATURAL CAMPING TOURS using swags:

12 Day Gibb River Road/Plateau and Bungles Adventure
 Broome-Kununurra-Broome 
Departs Broome 
Departure Dates 2008:  Wednesdays from April 30 to September 24 inclusive
An adventure into the heart of the Kimberley, this tour travels from Broome to Broome via the Gibb River Road and the fabulous Bungle Bungles, with time to explore gorges and swim in waterfalls.
Includes  See above
CP = camping park NP = National Park limited facilities BC = bush camp, no facilities

DAY 1 NP  
This morning,  head east from Broome along the highway before branching off along dirt roads.  Explore by torchlight Tunnel Creek, hideout of the outlaw Pigeon, and then through Windjana Gorge looking for some freshwater crocodiles.  Camp tonight is at Windjana Gorge.
DAY 2 BC  
Today trek along the famous Gibb River Road with a first stop for a swim at Bells, one of the Kimberley's most spectacular gorges. From here continue on via Galvans gorge before arriving at your campsite at Manning Gorge where you can relax at the pools of the Manning River. 
DAY 3 BC  
An early start this morning for a trek out to the superb Manning Gorge Falls before travelling via the Kalumburu Road, heading for the remote Mitchell Plateau. Tonight you camp on the banks of the King Edward River. 
DAY 4 NP  
A full day to spend exploring this spectacular area. You 4WD over rugged terrain and through forests of palms before a trek to Mertens Falls and the famous Mitchell Falls. Plenty of time to swim and to photograph these famous attractions.  You camp here this evening.
DAY 5 CP  
This morning, reluctantly leave Mitchell Falls stopping to view Aboriginal rock art, before arriving at the King Edward River in time for a swim and lunch.  Camp this evening at a working cattle station on the Drysdale River (with the opportunity to have a hot shower and a drink at the bar). 
DAY 6 CP  
This morning relax for a while or try your hand at fishing, before rejoining the Gibb River Road, one of the roughest roads in the world, navigating through the stunning Pentecost Ranges and crossing the mighty Durack and Pentecost rivers, en route to the award winning El Questro station. 
DAY 7 CP  
Start the day with a walk through, and a soak in, the palm fringed Zebedee Hot Springs. Next visit the magnificent El Questro gorge, where you can hike through to the halfway point for a refreshing swim or, for the more energetic, a trek to the end for the pristine waterfall. This afternoon we end our trek along the Gibb River Road, heading to Kununurra, where you can spend time relaxing around the pool, or take an optional plane flight over Lake Argyle, the world-renowned Argyle Diamond Mine and the Bungle Bungle ranges. 
DAY 8 NP  
Early this morning head south along the Great Northern Highway. The first stop after Kununurra is a visit to the renowned Warmun Art Centre to view artwork from leading Aboriginal artists in residence. Continue on to Purnululu (Bungle Bungle National Park), driving for several hours via rugged 4WD-only access tracks. After setting up camp and a quick lunch,  walk through the tiger striped sandstone domes at Picanniny Creek to the spacious cavern of Cathedral Gorge. Relax and absorb it all as you experience a magnificent Bungle Bungle sunset. 
DAY 9 NP  
There is a lot more to the Bungles than the 400 metre high beehive-shaped domes, as you'll discover with an optional early morning helicopter flight. Then it’s off to Echidna Chasm, a narrow gorge approximately 2 km long with walls towering 100 metres and adorned with tall palms. This is one of the most mysterious places in Australia. This afternoon, we head north out of the Bungles to our bush camp in the Bow River area. 
DAY 10 CP  
After a quick stop in Kununurra to replenish supplies, you continue your trek to the north east, adjusting your time pieces as you cross the border into the Northern Territory. The drive through the Gregory National Park is quite spectacular. On both sides you have escarpment ranges with unique Boab trees and the mighty Victoria River that runs into deep valleys and gorges. Tonight camp at Victoria River with the stunning Red Valley Gorge as a backdrop. 
DAY 11 NP  
Today head North, travelling through the service town of Katherine (the NT’s fourth largest) and stop for the night at the delightful Edith Falls or Douglas Hot Springs. Here thermal pools create an oasis in the surrounding dry woodlands on the edge of the Litchfield National Park. 
DAY 12  
Today explore Litchfield. Here you can swim and explore the tropical falls of this beautiful National Park, including Buley rockhole and Wangi Falls. You then head to Darwin arriving early evening, where your tour guide will drop you at your accommodation, sadly ending a memorable adventure. 

CP = camping park NP = National Park limited facilities BC = bush camp, no facilities

Truly Australia Ref 583

 

7 Day Gibb River Road/Plateau Adventure 
Broome to Kununurra

Departs Broome Wednesdays from April 30 to September 24 inclusive
If you do not have the time for a 12 day trip, you can take DAYS 1-7 of the above itinerary, ending your adventure in Kununurra.
Truly Australia Ref 584
 

8 Day Gibb River Road - Broome to Darwin
Departs Broome Wednesdays from April 30 to September 24 inclusive
An adventure into the heart of the Kimberley, this tour travels from Broome to Darwin via the Gibb River Road, with time to explore gorges and swim in waterfalls.
Includes  See above


DAYS 1-7 as per the 12 Day Gibb River Road itinerary above
DAY 8  
This morning you leave Kununurra for Darwin and you have the option of either travelling by Greyhound Coach at 7.15 am or taking a 3 hour flight departing at  7.15 am or 3.30 pm
Truly Australia Ref 585
!!NEW!! for 2007
Darwin to Broome 4 nights/5 days camping in swags and visiting the Bungle Bungles and Geikie Gorge.  This is a great way to get from Darwin to Broome without breaking the bank and still see lots of the Kimberley on the way!   5 Day Darwin to Broome...

 

 
PRICES:  Natural Camping Safaris (using swags) 2008 2009 Truly
Ref
Per person per tour Adult Adult
12 Day Gibb River Road, Plateau and Bungles - Broome/Kunun./Brme. A$1938 Request 583
7  Day Gibb River Road - Broome to Kununurra A$1259 Request 584
8  Day Gibb River Road - Broome to Darwin A$1453 Request 585
5 Day Darwin to Broome... ~ ~ ~
To check approximate prices in other key currencies, see our Currency Converter
Child Policy:  5-13 70% of adult fare.  Minimum age 5
For details of accommodation options, click City Hotels Broome+Kununurra or City Hotels Darwin
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Please use the Truly Reference Number when making booking enquiries
Bookings made with Truly Australia are covered by our ABTA Bond - this financial protection does NOT apply to bookings made direct with the local operator or hotel.   You are completely free to arrange your own flights to Australia - or, if you are departing from the UK, we can quote separately by Email for competitive flight prices, including in business class.
  
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