DAYS
15
Style
Camping
EX
Perth – Alice Springs
From
$7,215.00
Overview
Next Tour: 14th – 28th June 2023
Rarely visited by tourists, The Gibson Desert is vast, with undulating sand plains, dune fields and gibber plains. The vegetation is mainly mulga and other mixed shrubs over spinifex.
On this 4WD adventure, we will travel on the iconic Len Beadell’s outback roads. But don’t let the ‘road” tag fool you; most of these roads are unkept outback tracks. Our trip will focus on the arid zone plants, birds, and other wildlife and the diverse geology and history of the track builders. We will visit remote Aboriginal communities and the occasional bores providing water in the heart of the desert country.
Join this small group and experience the country in almost the same natural state as the early explorers Carnegie and Giles saw it, but without the hardships they endured.
Itinerary
| 1 | Perth - Mt Magnet Area | We depart Perth around 7.30 this morning for a full day's drive north via the Great Northern Highway to our campsite in the Mt Magnet area. Accommodation: Mt Magnet Caravan Park Campsite LD |
| 2 | Mt Magnet Area - Wiluna Area | Today we travel via Meekatharra to Wiluna, a small outback town and the gateway to the iconic roads, The Canning Stock Route and the Gunbarrel Hwy. Wiluna is our last touch of civilisation for some time as we will be travelling on the Gunbarrel Highway, which officially started a few hundred km further east. After we resupply in Wiluna, we will head east for 12km to our camp. Accommodation: Gunbarrel Laager Travellers Rest Campsite BLD |
| 3 | Wiluna Area - Mingol Camp (Wongawol Station) | We start our main journey eastwards along the Gunbarrel highway/ Wongawol Road, stopping along the way for arid zone plants and wildlife sightings. Passing Wongawol Homestead, we head towards Lake Carnegie and our bush camp on the western edge of the Gibson Desert. Accommodation: Mingol Camp BLD |
| 4 | Mingol Camp - Carnegie - Mangkili Claypan Area | This morning we visit Carnegie Station, where we will fuel up and then travel on the Gunbarrel Highway, where we start our journey into the Gibson Desert and the Mangkili Claypan Nature Reserve (also known as Mungilli Claypan). Accommodation: Mangkili Claypan Area Bush Camp BLD |
| 5 | Mangkili Claypan Area | We will spend today exploring the area that surrounds our campsite. After peak rains in February and March, the pan should still be holding water and will be home to various migratory birds. Late summer rains should also bring new life to the pan's vegetation. Accommodation: Mangkili Claypan Area Bush Camp BLD |
| 6 | Mangkili Claypan Area - Everard Junction | We continue along the Gunbarrel Highway to Everard Junction, the meeting point of the Gunbarrel Highway and Garry Highway. Another track made by Len Beadell. Accommodation: Everard Junction Bush Camp BLD |
| 7 | Everard Junction - Lake Cohen - Everard Junction | Today we leave the trailers behind at our camp for a day trip to Lake Cohen on the northern boundary of the Gibson Desert Nature Reserve. After a good wet season, when Lake Cohen is holding water, it can be an excellent site for birdwatching and other wildlife. Accommodation: Everard Junction Bush Camp BLD |
| 8 | Everard Junction - Warburton | Travelling on the Gunbarrel and Heather Highways, we continue our journey to the Great Central Road and Warburton, where we will enjoy a well-earned hot shower. Accommodation: Campsite Warburton Roadhouse BLD |
| 9 | Warburton - Giles (Warakurna) | Today we have a break from outback tracks and enjoy the well-constructed Great Central Road. This afternoon we will arrive at Warakurna and visit the Giles Meteorological station. We will also have a chance to do some laundry and relax at our campsite. Accommodation: Campsite Warakuna BLD |
| 10-13 | Warakurna - Sandy Blight Junction Road | We will spend the next four days travelling and camping along the Sandy Blight Junction Road, one of the trip’s highlights, with its many ranges, dunes, desert Oaks, and spectacular scenery. Len Beadell called this road his Central Australian showcase. There will be plenty of time to experience and enjoy this beautiful area. Accommodation: Bush Camps BLD |
| 14 | Sandy Blight Junction - Mt Liebig Area | This morning we will call into Kintore (Walungurra) to refuel and re-stock before we travel on the Gary Junction Road to the Mt Liebig area for our last bush camp. Accommodation: Bush Camp BLD |
| 15 | Mt Liebig Area - Alice Springs | Travelling on the Gary Junction and Tanami Roads, we head into Alice Springs. Our outback adventure ends this afternoon with your transfer to your chosen central Alice Springs accommodation. BL |
| NOTE: the above itinerary may be varied according to conditions and advice. |
availability
Places available on 14 June 2023 DEPARTURE
Inclusions
- Two well-maintained 4WD vehicles
- 2 crew members – a Naturalist/Driver Guide and Driver/Cook
- Easy-to-erect tents and camp chairs with armrests
- A self inflating air mattress and stretcher bed
- All eating utensils
- Meals as per itinerary: breakfast (B), lunch (L), dinner (D)
- Campsite fees
- Morning teas
- All national park entrance fees
- Travel permits as required
Trip Reviews
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