AAT Kings: Untamed Kimberley & West Coast 24/25

You’ll fall for the capital of the NT; its balmy tropical climate, fiery sunsets and laid-back locals. Take in the city sights on a tour, learning about the events that have shaped it over the years. Later, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner.

Staying in:

• Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront (1 night)

Nature takes over at Nitmiluk National Park, where you cruise through dramatic Nitmiluk Gorge. There’s no time to catch your breath – you’re off to a cattle station for the Katherine Outback Experience, where you'll be entertained with songs, stories, and a Be My Guest dinner under the stars.

Staying in:

• Contour Hotel Katherine (1 night)

Kununurra exists thanks to the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. The project not only helped water the countryside, but created Lake Argyle. You won’t forget your cruise to sunset.

Staying in:

• Kununurra Country Club Resort (1 night)

Today is one of decisions: A scenic flight over (or 4WD tour of) the Bungle Bungles (own expense). Or a wander with your Travel Director through Mirima National Park. In between, explore the Waringarri Aboriginal Art Centre on a guided tour.

Staying in:

• Kununurra Country Club Resort (1 night)

Go behind the scenes at Hoochery Distillery, which not only makes lip-smacking rum, but also delicious rum cake. Get a taste of the Gibb River Road en route to El Questro Wilderness Park, where an oasis of pandanus palms envelops your safari-style accommodation.

Staying in:

• Emma Gorge Resort, Tented Cabin with private facilities (1 night)

The Kimberley’s sounds follow you across the mighty Pentecost River to freshwater Chamberlain Gorge, your boat dwarfed by its soaring escarpments while you cruise. Afternoon remedy? A splash in the pool, perhaps, or a dip in the waterhole within Emma Gorge. Take your pick.

Staying in:

• Emma Gorge Resort, Tented Cabin with private facilities (1 night)

When you arrive in Halls Creek you'll visit the Yarliyil Art Gallery, an Aboriginal owned enterprise which has more than 100 artist members who practice art in a wide range of styles and mediums. Equally important to Aboriginal communities is the Great Sandy Desert, on the edge of which is Halls Creek. This place is small in population, but big in personality.

Staying in:

• Kimberley Hotel (1 night)

The Kimberley boasts a geological history that is nothing short of spectacular. Explore the Mimbi Caves with an Indigenous guide to observe the delicate limestone formations, brilliantly vivid colours and crystal-clear freshwater pools that remain from the Devonian Great Barrier Reef that formed over 350 million years ago. Discover ancient rock paintings before listening to songs and hearing the Gooniyandi Dreaming story, while enjoying billy tea and damper. Travel through the Kimberley towards the remote township of Fitzroy Crossing.

Staying in:

• Fitzroy River Lodge (1 night)

The reason Broome was born is because of pearls. Today, it’s just as well known for its sizzling Indian Ocean sunsets, best enjoyed from the Cable Beach sand.

Staying in:

• Cable Beach Club Resort (1 night)

Today is yours to explore. Perhaps veer off to a pearl farm, to witness the precision that goes into growing and harvesting these gems (own expense). Or simply enjoy Broome’s tropical climes, strolling along 22-kilometre Cable Beach, hunting for dinosaur footprints and browsing boutiques.

Staying in:

• Cable Beach Club Resort (1 night)

The eye-opening colours of the Pilbara are your backdrop today - rich red earth streaked with mineral deposits. Settle in Port Hedland, home to the world's largest bulk export port.

Staying in:

• Hospitality Port Hedland (1 night)

A frontier like no other, Karijini National Park is a place where gorges seem to cleave off the edge of the Earth, waterfalls tumble from escarpments and remote turquoise rock pools shimmer like precious gems. The wilderness is wilder, the colours brighter, the air clearer. It took billions of years to create the geological wonders you see: the red layered cliffs, the quiet gorges, the soaring gum trees, and distinctive termite mounds.

Staying in:

• Tom Price Motel (1 night)

Journey through rugged terrain back towards the coast - destination Karratha. Known for its significant role in the mining and resource industry. Stop in at Ngajarli (Deep Gorge) and follow the trail to see incredible petroglyphs and learn about its indigenous history. Finally, pay a visit to Red Dog Statue, the canine larrikin with a wandering heart, and learn why he is famous in this region.

Staying in:

• Comfort Inn, Karratha (1 night)

There are a few (hundred) kilometres of Pilbara region to cover between inland Karratha and Exmouth on the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Coast. On your hypnotic journey, just imagine all the magical marine creatures you might glimpse when you dive into Ningaloo Reef – Exmouth is the gateway.

Staying in:

• Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort (1 night)

Depending on the time of year, Ningaloo Reef is home to both whale sharks and humpbacks. Opt to snorkel with both (ethically) or book a sunset cruise, sparkling wine in hand. The decision is yours.

Staying in:

• Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort (1 night)

Today’s cruise in a glass-bottomed boat allows you to glimpse Ningaloo’s extraordinary marine life in comfort. Next stop is the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum. Did you know it played a role in the 1969 moon landing?

Staying in:

• Best Western Hospitality Inn Carnarvon (1 night)

Prepare yourself for the ‘living fossils’ at Hamelin Pool, home to the most abundant colony of stromatolites in the world. The state’s World Heritage listed Shark Bay is also characterised by Shell Beach, formed from billions of coquina bivalve shells.

Staying in:

• Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort (1 night)

Meet the wild resident dolphins that turn up to the shore every morning, then spend the afternoon at leisure. Optional sunset cruise or scenic flight over the bay, anyone?

Staying in:

• Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort (1 night)

Kalbarri National Park is known for many things: its gorges, towering coastal cliffs, and rare wildlife that you can witness from the Kalbarri Skywalk. And then there are the wildflowers, which bloom and blanket much of the countryside in spring, transforming it into a floral wonderland. Arriving in Geraldton, pay homage to the 645 Australian sailors who were lost off the WA coast during WWII at the HMAS Sydney Memorial.

Staying in:

• Nesuto Geraldton Apartment Hotel (1 night)

Nambung National Park’s Pinnacles are a staggering collection of natural limestone structures, jutting into the sky. It’s a spiritual place, as is Yanchep National Park, where your Aboriginal guide decodes native plants and tells Dreamtime stories on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This evening, join your Travel Director and companions for a Farewell Dinner.

Staying in:

• Crowne Plaza Perth (1 night)

It’s hard to believe this epic adventure has come to an end. Three weeks of incredible memories to take home with you.