This tour covers some of the most scenic and rugged country that Australia has to offer. From the lush tropical jungles of North Queensland through remote cattle grazing country to the wet Gulf and the rugged Kimberleys and Broome, we have it all covered. If you’re shy of water crossings stay at home, but if you like incredible scenery, amazing fishing and a joke in one of the many outback pubs, this tour has your name on it.
PRICE
$8400
DURATION
28 Days
DISTANCE
2570 km
START LOCATION
Cairns, QLD
PERCENTAGE OF BITUMEN / DIRT: 20/80
AVERAGE DISTANCE PER DAY: 240km
GROUP SIZE: 6-10 vehicles
GLAMPING OPTIONS: 14 out of 28 days
TOUR START LOCATION: Cairns, QLD
TOUR FINISH LOCATION: Broome, WA
ACCOMMODATION: Bush camp & Campground
TOUR GRADE: Easy. Offroad caravan or camper OK.
HIGHLIGHTS & WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Bush Camps
- Fishing
- Gibb River Road
- El Questro Station
- Tunnel Creek
- Lawn Hill Station
- Katherine Gorge
- Catch a Barra…
- Litchfield National Park
- Manning Gorge
- Undara Lava Tubes
- Cobbold Gorge
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- Four additional evening meals
- Accredited guides with senior first aid certification
- Free Wi-Fi at each camp
- 4WD backup vehicle equipped with a winch
- All recovery equipment
- UHF radio and satellite phone
- Tyre repair gear
- Comprehensive first aid kit
- National Park permits and camping fees
- All Aboriginal land access permits
- BBQ plate provided at each camp
- Licensed and accredited tour operator
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cairns to Undara Resort
297km (C D R)
We kick off in Cairns with a quick briefing, then head through town and climb the Kuranda Range to the tablelands. Heading west through old gold mining country, we hit the dirt for the first stretch of the trip. Dropping down the other side of the range, we enter cattle country and reach Undara Resort just after lunch. Once settled, we explore the lava tubes before regrouping for a welcome dinner at the restaurant.
Day 2: Undara Resort to Cobbold Gorge
241km (C M R)
After breakfast we continue west along station roads, passing through small outback towns. We arrive at Cobbold Gorge in the afternoon for a guided tour of this stunning natural formation.
Day 3: Cobbold Gorge to Normanton
362km (B M)
Today’s destination is our bush camp on the banks of the Norman River. It’s a top spot to unwind and soak up the outback atmosphere.
Day 4: Normanton to Lawn Hill
401km (C D R)
It’s a big day on the road as conditions begin to roughen and river crossings appear. We travel southwest, stopping at Leichhardt Falls, then refuel at Gregory Downs before reaching Adels Grove. Pushing west into the afternoon sun, we arrive at Adels Grove and Lawn Hill National Park.
Day 5: Lawn Hill to Surprise Creek
473km (B)
We hit the road for an epic drive with proper river crossings, some deep enough to get the heart racing. After a dozen or so, we enter Savannah country and turn north. We refuel at Hells Gate, then stop for lunch near the QLD/NT border. Crossing into the Territory, we follow the Savannah Highway to one of the best campsites you’ll ever see. If it’s taken, the backup isn’t half bad either.
Day 6: Surprise Creek to Lorella Springs
227km (C M R)
It’s tough leaving this camp, but after a bush brekkie we head off early. We cross more rivers and refuel at Borroloola. The road gets rougher as we reach the Tawallah Range for lunch, perfect for four-wheel driving. We push north through big river crossings to our camp at Lorella Springs.
Day 7: Lorella Springs Free Day
0km (C M R)
A well-earned rest day. If you’re keen, drop a lure in before sunset — there’s a good chance of landing a barra. Just keep an eye out for crocs.
Day 8: Lorella Springs to Towns River
152km (C M)
If the barra didn’t bite yesterday, you’ve got another shot this arvo when we set up camp on the banks of the Towns River.
Day 9: Towns River to Mataranka
312km (C D R)
We follow the Roper River west to Roper Bar for a refuel, then hit the bitumen briefly before reaching Mataranka Homestead Resort. It’s a top spot for a swim in the crystal-clear springs. We meet up again for dinner.
Day 10: Mataranka to Katherine Gorge
143km (C M R)
There’s time for a morning swim before we head north on the Stuart Highway toward Nitmiluk. We arrive around midday, giving you the afternoon to explore the area, take part in an optional activity, unwind at the accommodation or simply relax by the pool.
Day 11: Katherine Gorge to Kakadu
283km (C M R)
After yesterday’s short drive, today’s a big one. We head north on the Stuart Highway, then swing east onto the Kakadu Highway. Passing through old gold mining country, we enter Kakadu National Park. The scenery is stunning as we make our way to Gagadju Lodge, our base for the next two nights.
Day 12: Kakadu Free Day
0km (C M R)
There’s plenty on offer here, so plan ahead to make the most of your time. From cultural tours to wildlife cruises, Kakadu delivers.
Day 13: Kakadu to Mary River
130km (C M R)
Our final off-road day before Darwin. We tackle the Old Jim Jim Road, with a few water crossings and some cracking scenery. By mid-arvo we reach Mary River Wilderness Retreat — perfect for a swim in one of the pools.
Day 14: Mary River to Darwin
113km (C D R)
We leave Mary River behind and cruise sealed roads to Darwin. Stops include the iconic Humpty Doo Hotel and a lunch break at Howard Springs. After settling in, we meet up for dinner in town.
Day 15: Darwin to Sandy Creek Falls
154km (C)
We head out of Darwin and onto the dirt, bound for Litchfield National Park. The track gets rough as we wind our way to Tjaynera Falls. We arrive just after lunch, with plenty of time to set up camp and enjoy a swim.
Day 16: Sandy Creek Falls to Grove Hill
143km (B)
We follow the Reynolds River south, tackling several creek crossings and technical sections that test our driving skills. After a refreshing swim at Surprise Creek Falls and lunch, we exit the park and travel east through goldfields to Grove Hill.
Day 17: Grove Hill to Victoria River
345km (C D R)
We follow the Ghan Railway south, then rejoin the Stuart Highway. It’s our last big town for a while, so we stock up and refuel before heading west.
Day 18: Victoria River to Fig Tree Yard
151km (B)
An early start rewards us with a sunrise walk along the escarpment. We visit Bullita Homestead in Judbarra / Gregory National Park, then settle into our bush camp at Fig Tree Yard.
Day 19: Fig Tree Yard to Kalkarinji
189km (C)
Today’s drive is a real highlight, with tight 4WD tracks winding through rocky, sandy and muddy terrain. River crossings are plentiful and the scenery is top-notch. We often land a barra at lunch, so dinner’s sorted. The afternoon stretch continues through some of the Territory’s best tracks to Kalkarinji.
Day 20: Kalkarinji to Nicholson River
370km (B)
After fuelling up at the Kalkarinji Community store, we head west onto the Buntine Highway, one of the north’s iconic cattle routes. Crossing sweeping grasslands, we ease into the afternoon sun and cross into WA and our camp on the Nicholson River.
Day 21: Nicholson River to Lake Argyle Village
188km (C M R)
A short day, so we get moving early. There are sights along the way and time to join a sunset tour on Lake Argyle once we arrive.
Day 22: Lake Argyle Village to El Questro
173km (C D R)
We head into Kununurra for a look around and a resupply. After crossing the Ord River, we hit the eastern end of Gibb River Road. A short run on the corrugations brings us to the fabulous El Questro Station.
Day 23: El Questro – Free Day
0km (C M R)
There’s heaps to do here. Take a scenic walk, join a tour or just relax. Helicopter rides and boat cruises are popular options.
Day 24: El Questro to Mt Barnett
339km (C M R)
After a sleep-in and brekkie, we head deeper into the Kimberley. The views are unreal and the river crossings are a blast. We spend the day on the Gibb River Road, camping by the Manning River.
Day 25: Manning River to Windjana Gorge
213km (C)
We continue west through the King Leopold Ranges — some of WA’s most dramatic landscapes. The day ends at Windjana Gorge, with bushwalks and tours available.
Day 26: Windjana Gorge to Camballin
283km (B)
We head south to Tunnel Creek, where water has carved a tunnel through the rock. If it’s low enough, we walk or swim through. After lunch we follow the Fitzroy River to our bush camp at the barrage.
Day 27: Camballin to Banana Well
317km (C)
We follow the Fitzroy River past the ruins of the Camballin Irrigation Project, then rejoin the highway. The afternoon brings sandy tracks and proper 4WD action before reaching camp.
Day 28: Banana Well to Broome
133km (C D R)
The final leg is an easy cruise into Broome. We take time for sightseeing and a possible town tour before gathering for a farewell dinner at the historic Roebuck Bay Hotel.
Legend
B – Bush Camp
C – Campground
D – Dinner Provided
M – Meals Available (own expense)
R – Rooms Available (own expense)
Glamping Options
Rooms and meals are available on 14 nights of this tour.


