What to Expect on Coral Coast, Pilbara and Kimberley Tours by Land
Towering ochre cliffs. Thundering waterfalls. Boundless plains. Magical sunsets. Pristine, deserted beaches. Transcendent outback landscapes. Meditative rock pools. The crackle of a campfire. Aboriginal tales as old as time etched in sacred rock. This is the Western Australia many of us know, and dream of visiting. Remote journeys through the Kimberley, Coral Coast and Pilbara regions are incredible voyages to undertake. Experience these mythical heartlands with APT and our travel experts will seamlessly look after all aspects of your journey, leaving you free to enjoy every moment of your unforgettable adventure.
The Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park. Image Credit: Tourism Western Australia.
Awe-Inspiring National Parks
The Coral Coast, Pilbara and Kimberley regions are sprinkled with some of Australia’s most spectacular and unique locations. Untouched and unspoilt, Western Australia’s landscapes, wildlife and plants have evolved over billions of years – creating a rich dreamscape for nature and wildlife lovers to explore. The state’s national parks are no exception and you will often feel like you’re the first person to set foot in them. Purnululu National Park is best known as the home of the World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungle Range and here, you will witness a stunning sunset over its incredible beehive-like domes with a glass of sparkling wine in hand. The refreshingly lush Mitchell River National Park is home to Mitchell Falls/Punamii-unpuu, an incredible sight to behold from the air in an included helicopter flight. Karijini National Park is a water wonderland, where you will explore its ochre red gorges, tranquil rock pools and tumbling waterfalls. And at Kalbarri National Park, you will discover dramatic gorges and soaring coastal cliffs.
Monkey Mia, Coral Coast. Image Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Signature Experiences
Signature Experiences will be among the most special moments you enjoy on your remote journey. These intimate events are specially designed to capture the unique highlights specific to a particular destination. Between El Questro and Home Valley Station in the Kimberley, you will enjoy a refreshing soak in the warm waters of Zebedee Springs, a natural thermal spring tucked away in a secluded pocket of rainforest. En route to Drysdale River Station, you will admire the fascinating Wandjina and Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art. These incredible Aboriginal rock paintings have long been the subject of scientific dating methods and are estimated to be anywhere from 3,000 to 46,000 years old. And at Monkey Mia, on the Coral Coast, you will see playful wild dolphins and watch as local rangers undertake a dolphin feeding demonstration (subject to appearance). Your remote journey will feature a host of further experiences, capturing the most striking highlights of each location you visit.
Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge, Kimberley.
Exclusive Outback Wilderness Lodges
Key highlights of your remote journey will include two-night stays at APT’s exclusive network of wilderness lodges. Offering a touch of luxury in the remote corners of the Kimberley, our Bungle Bungle, Mitchell Falls and Bell Gorge/Dalmanyi wilderness lodges feature relaxing open-air bars, three-course dinners, dedicated lodge hosts, and spacious tented cabins with private decks and ensuites. At other locations separate to our wilderness lodges, you will stay at the best available outback accommodation.Locally Inspired Dining
Delicious tastes of the Western Australian outback and unexpected fine dining experiences will be daily features of your remote journey through the Kimberley, Pilbara and Coral Coast. At our exclusive wilderness lodges, you will be treated to hearty breakfasts and gourmet three-course dinners, relishing fresh barramundi and crispy pork belly. Throughout your journey, local ingredients and fresh produce are always on show, and outback dining experiences will harness the locally inspired fare of each region you visit.
APT’s 4WD vehicle, Bungle Bungle Range.
Expert APT Driver-Guide and Best-in-Class 4WD Vehicles
An expert driver-guide will accompany you throughout your remote journey in Western Australia. Your safety is their number one priority, and their knowledge of each region is second to none – in fact, some of our guides are historians and conservationists. Throughout your journey, you will traverse some of the world’s most exciting terrain in APT’s state-of-the-art, custom-built 4WD vehicles. Our specially engineered vehicles have been designed for your safety and comfort, and are serviced before, during and after your journey. Best-in-class features include panoramic tinted windows, reclining seats, air-conditioning, an interactive infotainment system and protective bull bars for added safety.Health and Fitness
Our land journeys through the Kimberley, Pilbara and Coral Coast visit remote areas and feature excursions with varying degrees of difficulty. It is essential to select a tour with an activity level suited to your health and fitness. A good level of fitness is vital for you to undertake walks in hot conditions and over terrain with uneven and slippery surfaces. Please note some walks will require you to clamber over boulders up to one-metre high. It is your responsibility to carry any medication (which may require a cooler bag). Consult your local medical practitioner for any health advice. APT also operates small ship expedition cruises along the Kimberley, Coral and West Coasts, which may be more suitable for your level of health and fitness.
Hamersley Gorge, Karijini National Park. Image Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Remote Journeys
Cape Leveque and Kimberley Complete
Over 17 magical days, discover 25 destinations in Cape Leveque and the Kimberley, and enjoy unique stays at a pearl farm and APT’s exclusive wilderness lodges. See the sun set over the spectacular Bungle Bungle Range, soar over the incredible Mitchell Falls on an included helicopter flight, soak in the thermal waters of Zebedee Springs, and admire the Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock paintings.
Over 15 unforgettable days, discover 14 destinations while journeying from Perth to Broome along the Coral Coast and Pilbara. Enjoy a full day to discover the impressive landscapes of Karijini National Park, visit one of the world’s most beautiful beaches at Turquoise Bay, spot wild dolphins at Monkey Mia and wander through the mysterious moonscape of the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park.
Words: Alexander Simpson
Images courtesy of Tourism Western Australia