Nov 2, 2018
Treasures of the West Coast by Di Lowe - Tour Director
There is nothing quite like a West Coast sunset. Whether you catch it in Broome, Port Hedland, Exmouth, Monkey Mia or perhaps all of them – there is just something about the combination of red dirt, white sand and the deep blue of the Indian Ocean that is not only breathtaking but also intriguing. A West Coast Sunset has to be experienced and once it has been, it stays with you.
As a Tour Director, one of my very favourite tours to host is the 23 Day Treasures of the West Coast because it delivers some of the most diverse, remote and beautiful scenery this country has to offer – not to mention plenty of incredible sunsets.
Remote, beautiful, harsh and yet somehow inviting, this tour has something to offer even the most well-travelled guest. There is far more to this part of Australia than just mining resources – the cultural significance, the varied history and the raw beauty of the land, it draws you in.
We begin in Darwin, our very own cosmopolitan melting pot before winding our way through the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park with a stay at the world famous Kakadu Crocodile Hotel. I love watching how the guests are amazed by the wildlife and connect with Aboriginal culture.
In Katherine, guests can dine in one of the most incredible settings in the world, as they take a Scenic Enrich dinner cruise through the towering Katherine Gorge.
Lake Argyle marks our entry into the Kimberley region. Marvel at the value of the Ord Irrigation Scheme to the small town of Kununurra and hope for a ‘sample’ from the Rio Tinto owned and operated Argyle Diamond Mine. Or, perhaps our diamonds are the millions of stars visible in the night sky over El Questro, our home in the Kimberley wilderness.
Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing provide a glimpse of the gold mining history of the area and a chance to cruise part of the ancient limestone barrier reef carved by the Fitzroy River at Geikie Gorge.
The Kimberley adventure culminates in the pearling town of Broome, an oasis on the coast. The contrast of the Pindan soil, the beautiful beaches and the relaxing lifestyle – Broome time is a very real thing – this is a welcome stay in beautiful surrounds.
Guests can even enjoy camel ride on the beach or take a tour on a Harley-Davison while there.
Leaving the Kimberley behind, we make our way into the resource rich Pilbara, where Karijini National Park provides a naturally beautiful alternative to the hardworking towns of Port Hedland and Karratha.
Back on the coast at Exmouth, cruising the Ningaloo Reef, the maritime history of this coast seems so very real. The early traders, the famous explorers…Dirk Hartog, William Dampier, Willem de Vlamingh, Nicolas Baudin, Luis de Freycinet, they all sailed this ruggedly beautiful coastline.
A two night stay in Monkey Mia, where guests can see the dolphins under supervision of a national park ranger, allows you to unwind before the final run down the coast to Perth.
23 day Treasures of the West Coast
Darwin > Perth
From sultry Darwin you’ll make your way down the coast. The prehistoric and incredibly beautiful Katherine Gorge will astound with its sparkling waters and deep sandstone cliffs, before you find yourself in rich farming country and the stunning El Questro Wilderness Park. Seek out rich wildlife before visiting the world’s largest diamond mine.
Meet a traditional land owner and discover traditional culture and storytelling. Ride a camel along the famous Cable Beach or get up close with a friendly bottlenose dolphin in the turquoise waters of Monkey Mia before arriving in lovely Perth.
