22 Day Melbourne to Broome Adventure Tour

Day 1 – The Great Ocean Road

The day kicks off with pickups from Melbourne CBD and St Kilda accommodation between 7 and 8am. Following this we head out over the iconic West Gate Bridge and on our way to the Great Ocean Road and check out some cool surf beaches.

Next up we’ll head to Memorial Arch which is one of the many iconic photo points along the way. There’s some time to visit the beach here and we’ll learn the history of the Great Ocean Road as we go. The road starts to get windy now as we continue along and make our way to  where you’re possible to see Wild Koalas, if we’re lucky we get close to them. Other wildlife in the area includes, King Parrots, Lorikeets, Rosellas, sometimes Kookaburras and wedge tailed Eagles too.

We continue along the winding road to Apollo Bay which is Beautiful in Summer and in Winter(June, July, August, September) you can see Whales off the Coast. We enjoy a packed picnic lunch here before continuing on to the Otway Rainforest. Here we’ll do a walk through Mait’s Rest in the Rainforest, there’s massive mountain ash trees, wildlife and some of the freshest clean air you can inhale!

We’ll head to the Shipwreck coast afterwards where we get to the Twelve apostles rock formations at about 3pm to get some more iconic photos. We’ll spend 45 minutes here before heading to Loch Ard Gorge, A spectacular area with a gorgeous beach inlet where we’ll learn the story of the survivors of the famous ship wreck. Following that we check out The Gibson’s Steps and London Bridge on our way to Warrnambool where we have time to stop so that everyone can get some dinner(own expense). We make a final drive north from Warrnambool to Halls Gap where we spend the night.

Highlight of the day

The 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge

Fitness Level

Easy – light walks

Meals Included

Lunch

Optional Activities

Helicopter Ride over the 12 Apostles ($145 – 10 to 15 minutes)

Accommodation

Ned’s Beds or YHA

Grampians motel for ensuite accommodation

Day 2 – Grampians National Park to Adelaide

We’ll kick off today with breakfast before exploring Halls Gap and then heading to Reeds Lookout. We’ll head to the Balconies soon after(also known as the Jaws of Death) for one of the iconic photos of the day. If there’s enough time we’ll visit Boroka lookout and head to Mackenzie Waterfalls around Lunchtime. It’s a bit of a walk down to the falls but not a difficult one, once we’re down the bottom we relax and take in the views and scenery.

The Grampians is one of the best areas in Victoria for Aboriginal culture. The Brambuk Aboriginal cultural central really has a detailed history of the area, of the Aboriginal people and animals in the area too. While in the Grampians remember to keep an eye out for Kangaroos and we might be lucky and spot Emus as well. In the afternoon we'll connect with a transfer shuttle that will get us to Adelaide between 7pm and 8pm.

Highlight of the day

The Balconies(jaws of death) and Mackenzie Falls

Meals Included

Breakfast

Optional Activities

None this day

Day 3 : Flinders Ranges

Headed north we’ll stop in at Clare for a quick coffee before continuing on to the ancient Southern Flinders Ranges.  So unique are the fossils found in this landscape, geologists had to revise the geologic time-line of the Earth’s history, identifying a new era called the Ediacaran period!  Hike Alligator Gorge where we’ll have lunch and explore the pristine Warren Gorge where we’ll be spending the night camped out under the stars of the Southern Cross.

Today we drive approx. 400 km (4 hours) in total with stops along the way. We’ll be bush camping (no facilities) and your lunch and dinner are included.

Meal(s) included : Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 4 : Coodlie Park & The Eyre Peninsula

Its an early morning start for the incredible Dutchmans Stern hike, then travel to the wild and beautiful Eyre Peninsula, one of Australia’s best kept secrets.  See some unique outback silo art in the tiny town of Kimba and after a quick pit stop for lunch, it’s time to head to the coast to explore Venus Bay, Talia Caves.  Next its to the Lake Newland sand dunes where adrenaline junkies can test out their sand boarding skills.

In the afternoon we’ll pull in to Coodlie Park, our home base, where company owner Hassie will cook up a delicious BBQ feast and you’ll share stories with travellers from our other tour around the campfire before spending the night in a unique little swag hut.

Today we drive approx. 450km (5 hours) in total with stops along the way and all meals are included and unique bucket showers and eco toilets.

 

Meal(s) included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 5 : Baird Bay (Swim with Sea Lions & Dolphins) & Penong

This morning you’ll get the option to swim, snorkel and splash about with playful sea lions and dolphins on a 3-hour cruise.  This outsourced adventure done by Baird Bay eco tours is an optional experience and at only $160 will be one an experience you will treasure forever .

Following a picnic lunch on the beach, we’ll continue driving along the coast to then do a learn to surf lesson on a remote and pristine beach.  Those not wanting to surf will be able to relax, swim or explore Sceale Bay while the others test their surf skills.

After dinner have the chance to experience some country hospitality and meet the locals when we visit the Penong Pub for a nightcap.  Today we drive approx. 5 hours, in total with stops along the way and camp at Penong which is famous for its dozens of windmills which pump the local water supply from a large underground basin.  All meals included.

 

Meal(s) included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 6 : The Great Australian Bight & Nullabor

Experience the incredible Bunda Cliffs to see where Australia, quite literally, drops into the ocean. Come arvo we cross the border into WA, where tonight’s free entertainment is provided courtesy of the celestial sphere.  Today's distance is approx. 7 hours, with break stops.  Tonight we bush camp (no facilities) under the Southern skies on the Nullarbor.

 

Meal(s) included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 7 : Esperance & Cape Le Grand National Park

Another early rise this morning as we travel the last part of the Nullarbor visiting the Caiguna Blowhole for some free air conditioning from the ocean.

With their planetary sounding names and strewn about space junk, the small towns of Balladonia and Norseman have a slightly intergalactic atmosphere about them. Balladonia shot to worldwide fame in 1979 when the Skylab space station returned to earth here rather abruptly. After lunch we continue the drive to Esperance, which may seem like a bustling metropolis after a couple of days in the outback.

After another reasonably big drive day, get ready for some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery with this part of WA having no less than 9 National Parks and some of the best beaches in the world.  We’ll set up camp in the spectacular Cape Le Grand National Park where you also have showers facilities.  All meals included.

Meal(s) included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 8 : Cape Le Grand National Park

Crystal clear waters, powdery white sands, expansive granite bluffs… and sunbathing kangaroos? Don’t be surprised when you come across a roo or two lounging on Cape Le Grand’s stunning shoreline. Today you'll have some free time to set out on a coastal hikes from 2-4 hours or relax on one of the most stunning beaches in Australia.

 

Meal(s) included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 9 : Cape Le Grand National Park & Stirling Ranges

Head down to the beach nice and early to make friends with some of the local kangaroo’s then we’ll be hiking Frenchman’s Peak, where beautiful vistas span right across Cape Le Grand and the Recherche Archipelago.  Refuel with a lunch stop on one of the many beaches on Esperance’s Great Ocean Drive then settle in for the onwards drive to our Stirling Ranges campsite at Mount Trio.

We drive for about 5 hours today, and walk for two hours.  We camp in a private campground in the Stirling Ranges where you have shower and toilet facilities and even limited phone charging!  All meals included.

Meal(s) included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 10 : Stirling Ranges

Today’s an early start as we visit the oldest mountain range in the world, the unique Porongurups which rise from the landscape like an island.  Set out on a two-hour hike through some spectacular forests to Castle Rock which is a bit of a climb but worth every bit of effort as you are rewarded with breathtaking views over the region.  Then traveling along Western Australia’s answer to Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, you’ll be treated to superb views of sun-bleached boulders, turquoise seas and dramatic red-rock cliffs shaped by eons of crashing waves and rolling tides. Visit the Gap, Natural Bridge, Elephant Rocks and Green Pools for a swim in a sheltered swim and then a stop at the largest Tingle Tree in Western Australia.

We do about 5 hours driving today, with stops along the way. Tonight, we swag camp at a Quinnup Caravan Park with shower and toilet facilities and all meals are provided.

 

Meal(s) included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 11 : South West Coast

Diamond Tree, a 50-metre-tall Karri tree once used as a fire lookout, is our first stop for the day. Return to the coast for the drive into Margaret River, a region known for its local delicacies and world-class red wines and yes we'll be sampling plenty of it. Cheers to that.  Today we drive approx 5 hours making stops along the way. Tonight we swag camp at a a camp ground with shower and toilet facilities with all meals are provided.  There is even limited phone charging here.

 

Meal(s) included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 12 : Margaret River to Perth

On the last day of the trip you’ll wake to the now-familiar warble of kookaburras and cockatoos before heading to Dunsborough where you’ll meet Wardandi custodian Josh, who will introduce you to the world’s oldest living culture with his authentic and personal interpretation.  Go deep down into the Ngilgi Cave for a memorable didgeridoo cave experience, taste native foods, discover bush medicine and experience traditional fire lighting on this unique indigenous cultural experience.

As our 10 day adventure draws to an end as we have our final lunch and swim at the popular tourist town of Busselton, where it’s hard to miss the 19th-century Jetty stretching 1.8km into Geographe Bay.  One last stint on the road see’s us arriving into Perth around 6pm and although there are no formal activities planned it is usual for the group to get together and reflect on the big journey together over a few drinks and meal (at own expense).

Today we drive approx. 4 hours and you will check in YHA Perth.(Included)

 

Meal(s) included : Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 - Perth/Kalbarri 

Accommodation

• Hostel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Nambung National Park (Pinnacles) Entrance
• Sandboarding Jurien Bay

Meals Included

• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 14 - Kalbarri to Shark Bay

Accommodation

• Hostel (1 night)

Optional Activities

• Abseiling in Kalbarri National Park - AUD30

Included Activities

• Kalbarri National Park Entrance

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 15 - Shark Bay to Coral Bay

Accommodation

• Hostel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Monkey Mia Dolphins

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 16 - Coral Bay to Yardi Creek 

Accommodation

• Yardi Creek Camp (1 night)

Optional Activities

• Snorkel with Manta Rays - half day trip - AUD165
• Whale Watching (seasonal) from - AUD85
• Glass Bottom Boat Cruises from - AUD37

Included Activities

• Ningaloo Reef Marine Park

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 17 - Exmouth and Cape Range National Park

Accommodation

• Yardi Creek Camp (1 night)

Optional Activities

• Snorkel with the Whalesharks (April to July only) from - AUD350

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 18 - Karijini National Park

Accommodation

• Karijini National Park Camp (1 night)

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 19 - Karijini National Park

Accommodation

• Karijini National Park Camp (1 night)

Included Activities

• Karijini National Park Entrance

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 20 - Karijini national park

Day 21 - Pilbara Region

Accommodation

• Hostel (1 night)

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 22 - Broome

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch