Click here to send us an email
 NATURAL 4WD CAMPING TOURS 
Sleep under the stars in a 'swag'
Scroll down for details of itineraries and Price Panel ...

Camp under the stars in the KimberleyYou 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.
 
Roll out your swag to sleep under the stars 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 2009:  Wednesdays from 29 April to 14 October 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  
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. NP  
DAY 2 
Today start your trek along the famous Gibb River Road, travelling through the King Leopold Ranges. Stop for a refreshing swim at Galvans Gorge.  Arrive at Manning Gorge in the afternoon.  After setting up camp you start our exploration of Manning Gorge. The first obstacle this walk presents is a swim over the river to join the walking path on the other side. Tonight you camp at Mount Barnett Station among the Barnett Ranges. CP  
DAY 3  
Leaving the Gibb River Road, travel via the Kalumburu Road to the remote Mitchell Plateau. Stop at the King Edward River where you can swim in the refreshing pools and wash off the dust. Later youe can look for 'eyes' in the river. Tonight set up camp at the Mitchell Plateau camp ground. NP  
DAY 4  
Passing through forests of Livistonia Palms and some of the best views that money can’t buy, a full day is set aside to explore this spectacular area at leisure. A trek to Mertens Falls and then on to the famous Mitchell Falls (pictured) will take you to one of the most remote places in the country. Plenty of time to swim, photograph and just absorb some priceless memories, as the Mitchell River cascades down, forming a massive 4-tiered waterfall. After a hard day's exploring and absorbing Mother Nature at her best you take a scenic flight back to your camp (flight included). You can upgrade your Taxi flight to a Mud Crab flight which takes in the Lower Mitchell Falls, the mangroves coast and glimpses of the Indian Ocean. Late afternoon the group reluctantly leave Mitchell Falls, stopping along the way to view Aboriginal rock art, including Wandjina art and the mysterious Bradshaw paintings. Mitchell Falls, Kimberley region
Tonight set up camp on the banks of the King Edward River. NP  
Rock art, Kimberley region DAY 5
This morning the group will stop to view more Aboriginal rock art (pictured), before arriving at Drysdale River Station, a traditional Kimberley cattle station, where you can enjoy a cold drink. Camp tonight in the Drysdale area. BC
DAY 6
This morning make your way back onto the Gibb River Rd (one of the roughest roads in the world), navigating through the stunning Pentecost Ranges, while crossing the mighty rivers of both the Durack and the Pentecost, en route to the award winning El Questro Station. Arrive there around lunchtime, which allows you the opportunity to take a cruise through the famous Chamberlain Gorge or hire a dingy and explore the area with your fellow travellers. CP
Zebedee Hot Springs, Kimberley region DAY 7
Start the day very early with a walk through, and a soak in, the palm-fringed Zebedee Hot Springs (pictured). Your next visit is to the magnificent El Questro Gorge, where you can hike to the halfway point for a refreshing swim, or, if you feel energetic and adventurous, trek on to the pristine waterfall at the end of the gorge. Late this morning head towards Wyndham, ending your trek along the Gibb River Road. Continue toward Kununurra for an afternoon at leisure. You can explore the town where Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman spent their spare time enjoying coffee and cake at the now famous 'Book Cafe' during the shooting of the film 'Australia' in the East Kimberley. If you prefer to visit and explore the Aboriginal Galleries with some of the Kimberley’s renowned artists, you can, or you can just relax around the pool. CP  
DAY 8 
A long day travelling to the famous Bungle Bungles. Briefly stop out of Kununurra at the Lower Ord Irrigation Dam for some photos. Your first comfort spot is at Turkey Creek (Warmun) for morning tea or an ice cream and to stretch our legs.  Continue your journey to Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park, driving for several hours via rugged 4WD-only access tracks. There is a lot more to the Bungles than the 400 metre high beehive-shaped domes, and this afternoon you will discover the delights of this wilderness paradise by venturing into Echidna Chasm after lunch.  Make your way back to an experience never to be forgotten: a magnificent Bungle Bungle sunset. NP  
DAY 9  
This morning you can start your exploration of the Bungle Bungles very early with an optional helicopter flight (extra cost). Then walk among the tiger-striped sandstone domes at Picanniny Creek to the spacious cavern of Cathedral Gorge. Ample time is allowed to experience and absorb this magnificent place. Early afternoon, head out of the Purnululu National Park over bumpy 4WD tracks. Hit the bitumen again and drive on to the old gold mining town of Halls Creek. Tonight set up camp at the famous Old Halls Creek Lodge.  CP
DAY 10
This morning explore the naturally formed China Wall. Then make your way to Halls Creek for a brief stop. Just outside of town the driver again engages 4WD and you head inland towards the Tanami Desert along the famous Tanami Track. Arrive at Wolfe Creek Crater National Park for lunch. This second biggest crater in the world (pictured) averages about 875m in diameter and is 60m deep from rim to present-day floor. After lunch there is ample time to explore the crater.  NP   Wolfe Creek Crater, Kimberley region
DAY 11  
Today you travel back along the rough Tanami Track towards Halls Creek. After a brief stop, continue along the Great Northern Highway to Fitzroy Crossing. Tonight you will camp on the banks of the Fitzroy River at the Fitzroy River Lodge camp ground. CP 
DAY 12  This morning head to Geikie Gorge (pictured below) where you board a cruise to admire the colourful cliffs, part of the Devonian reef system, and the chance to view some of the local wildlife. After the cruise, have morning tea and then head for the pearl town of Broome, stopping for photos at one of the many stands of boab trees that dominate the landscape. Arrive in Broome late afternoon, where your tour guide will drop you off 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 29 April to 14 October 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 at the end of Day 7.
Truly Australia Ref 584
 

8 Day Gibb River Road - Broome to Darwin
2010 Departs Broome Wednesdays from 28 April to 13 October 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  
Departing Kununurra for Darwin you have a couple choices of flight schedules to choose from. The flight takes 1 hour to arrive in Darwin. (Depending on flight choice you may be required to make your own way to the Kununurra Airport.)
Truly Australia Ref 585		 Geikie Gorge, Kimberley region

Darwin to Broome 5 nights/6 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!   6 Day Darwin to Broome...

 
 
PRICES:  Natural Camping Safaris (using swags)

 2010 Low Season
26 Apr - 26 May and
12 Aug - 13 Oct		 2010 High Season
27 May - 11 Aug
 Truly
Ref
Per person per tour Adult Adult
12 Day Gibb River Road, Plateau and Bungles - Broome/Kunun./Brme. A$2658 A$3136 583
7  Day Gibb River Road - Broome to Kununurra A$1843 A$2183 584
8  Day Gibb River Road - Broome to Darwin A$2086 A$2425 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
Click here for details of How to Book /How to Make a Secure Payment
Please use the Truly Reference Number when making booking enquiries
  
Return to - Top   Wilderness & Outback Summary    Kimberley & north Intro   or hit 'Back' button
 HOME