DAYS
15
Style
Camping
EX
Perth – Alice Springs
From
$7,590.00
OVERVIEW
Next Tour: 20th April – 4th May 2024
EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF AUSTRALIA’S GIBSON DESERT
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 |
| We depart Perth around 7.30 am 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 |
| Today we travel via Meekatharra to Wiluna, a small outback town and the gateway to the iconic Canning Stock Route and Gunbarrel Hwy. Wiluna is our last touch of civilisation for some time as we being our journey on the Gunbarrel Highway today (which officially started a few hundred km further east). After resupplying in Wiluna, we will head east to our bush camp. Accommodation: Bush Camp East of Wiluna BLD |
| 3 |
| 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 |
| This morning we visit Carnegie Station and fuel up. We then travel on the Gunbarrel Highway, journeying into the Gibson Desert towards Mangkili Claypan Nature Reserve (also known as Mungilli Claypan). Accommodation: Mangkili Claypan Area Bush Camp BLD |
| 5 |
| 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, so we expect to see various migratory birds. Late summer rains should also bring new life to the pan's vegetation. Accommodation: Mangkili Claypan Area Bush Camp BLD |
| 6 |
| We continue along the Gunbarrel Highway to Everard Junction, the meeting point of the Gunbarrel Highway and Gary Highway; another track made by Len Beadell. Accommodation: Everard Junction Bush Camp BLD |
| 7 |
| Today we leave the trailers behind at our camp and take 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 wildlife spotting. Accommodation: Everard Junction Bush Camp BLD |
| 8 |
| Travelling on the Gunbarrel and Heather highways, we continue our journey towards the Great Central Road and Warburton, where we will enjoy a well-earned hot shower. Accommodation: Campsite Warburton Roadhouse BLD |
| 9 |
| 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 should also have time to do some laundry and relax at the campsite. Accommodation: Campsite Warakurna BLD |
| 10 - 13 |
| We will spend the next four days travelling and camping along Sandy Blight Junction Road. This should be a trip highlight due to the many ranges, dunes, desert Oaks, and spectacular scenery along the way. 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 |
| This morning we will call into Kintore (Walungurra) to refuel and re-stock before travelling on Gary Junction Road to the Mt Liebig area for our last bush camp. Accommodation: Bush Camp BLD |
| 15 |
| 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
Tour Full - Please Contact Us
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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