10 Day Adelaide to Perth Camping Adventure
Day 1 – Adelaide to Flinders Ranges National Park
Heading 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 will be spending the night camped out under the stars of the Southern Cross.
Today we drive approximately 400 kilometres (4 hours) in total with stops along the way. We’ll be bush camping (no bathroom facilities) L / D
Day 2 – Flinders Ranges & Eyre Peninsula
It’s an early morning start for the incredible Dutchman’s 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, it’s to the Lake Newland sand dunes where adrenaline junkies can test out their sand boarding skills.
In the afternoon we’ll pull into 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 around 450 kilometres (5 hours) in total with stops along the way and all meals are included. The campground features unique bucket showers and eco- toilets. B / L / D
Day 3 – Baird Bay & Penong
Just up the road from Coodlie Park lies Baird Bay, an environment famed for its marine life. 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 operated by Baird Bay Eco Tours is an optional experience and at only $180 will be 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 be driving approximately 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. B / L / D
Day 4 – The Nullarbor & Great Australian Bight
There is no getting out of a long drive today as we start to travel across the mighty Nullarbor Plain. “Crossing the Nullarbor” has become a rite of passage for backpackers and Australians alike; it is the quintessential experience of the “Australian Outback”. Take a picture of the world famous wombat, kangaroo and camel road sign, see jaw dropping scenery at the longest continuous cliff coastline in the Southern Hemisphere; the spectacular Bunda Cliffs or “Edge of Australia”.
Stop at the iconic Nullarbor Roadhouse, explore the ruins of an old telegraph station and, come afternoon, cross the border into Western Australia where tonight’s free entertainment is provided courtesy of the celestial sphere.
Tonight, we bush camp (no facilities) under the Southern skies on the Nullarbor and all your meals are provided. B / L / D
Day 5 – 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 space junk strewn around, 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 remote 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. B / L / D
Day 6 – Cape Le Grand National Park
Crystal clear waters, powdery white sands, expansive granite bluffs… and sunbathing kangaroos? Sound like a dream? Well you’re not dreaming as today you’ll wake up in one of Australia’s best known and most spectacular National Parks. Pristine and perfect are two words that reflect its absolute beauty. The ocean here is practically transparent, the local western grey ‘roos are regularly sun-baking on the beach and the sand at Lucky Bay has twice been judged Australia’s whitest. So beautiful is this park we will be spending the whole day here exploring, swimming, bush-walking and you’ll also have some free time to do whatever you please.
We only need to drive 10 minutes today, and walks will vary from 2 to 4 hours. You will have shower facilities and all meals included. B / L / D
Day 7 – 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 after-which we will 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 onward drive to our Stirling Ranges campsite at Mount Trio.
We drive for about 5 hours today and walk for two hours, camping in a private campground in the Stirling Ranges where you have shower and toilet facilities. All meals included. B / L / D
Day 8 – Stirling Ranges & South West Coast
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, travelling 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 aeons of crashing waves and rolling tides. Visit the Gap & Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park, visit Elephant Rocks and Green Pools for a swim in a sheltered cove 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. B / L / D
Day 9 – Walpole & Margaret River
Discover the pristine wilderness region of Walpole & the Nornalup Inlet before tantalising those taste-buds as we spend the rest of the day tasting our way around the Margaret River region, visiting boutique wineries, breweries, a chocolate factory and a cheese factory, sampling as we go.
Today we drive almost 5 hours making stops along the way and we swag camp at a camp ground with shower and toilet facilities with all meals are provided. There is even limited phone charging here. B / L / D
Day 10 – 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 1.8 kilometre into Geographe Bay. One last stint on the road see’s us arriving into Perth around 6 pm 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 dinner (at own expense) at the funky Grand Lane Fish House occupying one of Perth’s flourishing Lane-Ways.
Today we drive around 4 hours. Please make sure you have booked your Perth accommodation prior to departure. B / L
B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner
Optional Experiences:
While everything on our tours is included in the price such as transport, accommodation, food and entry and national park fees, there is an optional extra activity that we leave up our passengers to decide if they want to do.
Swim with Sea Lions and Dolphins ($180 per person)
This is an amazing experience – you may have swum with dolphins at other places around the world but the interaction that you will have with the sea lions and dolphins at Baird Bay will leave you breathless. Baird Bay is a sheltered bay on the Eyre Peninsula and passengers aboard the boat for a short ride to our first stop, which is to swim with sea lions. This takes place in approximately 2 metres of water. It is a natural experience and the sea lions come into the sheltered lagoon to interact with us.
After this, we head further out into the bay to swim with the dolphins. This happens in four metres of water but is still within the sheltered bay. The tour is 3-4 hours, wetsuit and snorkel equipment is provided at no additional cost.
As this activity is outsourced, only limited spaces are available so you must book this optional experience at time of booking, so you don’t miss out. You will pay the operator $180 direct on the day of the activity.
Important Information:
Meals: We offer plenty of variety and do our best to provide fresh products. Please let us know of any special dietary requirements at time of booking. We also recommend to our passengers who may have a difficult diet to cater for to bring some of their own preferred foods for the journey. Snacks, soft drinks and alcohol are not included.
Camping: Our tours are camping adventures and participation and involvement is required from our passengers. Accommodation on tour is a mixture of national parks, campgrounds, bush camps (no facilities). When camping, we use individual swags provided by Nullarbor Traveller. (Our wet weather option is 3-person dome tents shared by a maximum of 2 people per tent). We like to be flexible with our camping spots as sometimes weather conditions will dictate the best place to camp. If the weather is unreliable the guide may suggest to the group to stop in an accommodated premise – this is at the individuals own cost.
What to bring: Personal belongings, sleeping bag, travel pillow, torch, rainproof jacket, walking shoes, swimmers and towel, water bottle, insect repellent, hat, and sunscreen. Luggage is restricted to 1 x 15 kilogram backpack/soft travel bag per person, plus one small piece of hand luggage.
Changes to Itinerary: Our experienced guides will tailor all of the activities on seasonal & cultural conditions throughout the year, to maximise your experience and enjoyment. Any deviation from this itinerary will be made with serious consideration and your best interest and safety is our priority.
Highlights:
- Hiking Flinders Ranges & Alligator Gorge
- Swim with wild Sea Lions & Dolphins
- Learn to surf lesson & sand-boarding adventure
- Cape Le Grand National Park – a national treasure
- Explore the ancient forests of South West WA
- Engage in indigenous culture at Koomal Dreaming
- Taste your way around the Margaret River region
- Relax & swim in some of Australia’s best beaches
- Castle Rock and Frenchman’s Peak hikes
What is included?
- Meals – 9 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners
- Transport – Minibus – air-conditioned mini coach with a maximum of 21 passengers
- Accommodation – Bush camp (no bathroom facilities) 3 nights / Camping (with basic bathroom facilities) 6 nights
- All National Park entry fees
- All Activities (excluding Swim with Sea lions $180 per person)
