OVERVIEW
CAMPING ALONG THE TANAMI TRACK
Explore some of the most remote areas in the Eastern Kimberley in WA and the Northern Territory at a relaxed pace. We expect the wildlife to be plentiful, and the scenery and sunsets to be spectacular.
We will start the tour with two nights spent exploring the vast and spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges, an outstanding example of an ancient landscape sculptured over time by climatic elements.
Leaving the West MacDonnell’s behind, we move onto Newhaven Station. Covering approx. 262,000 hectares and situated at the junction of three bioregions (the Great Sandy Desert, MacDonnell Ranges and Burt Plain), Newhaven Station is a wildlife sanctuary co-managed by Birds Australia and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy. The scenery is spectacular, from parallel dunes to salt lakes, clay pans, plains country and rocky ranges. It is a hotspot for the wildlife of central Australia. At least 15 nationally threatened species of plants and birds call the area home. 138 species of bird have been recorded in the area. Intriguingly, Newhaven is also the site of one of the latest sightings of a pair of Night Parrots.
PLANT SPECIES AND BIRDLIFE IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY RESERVE
Surveys to date have recorded 107 plant species with future surveys expected to reveal more. Eighteen of the recorded species are not represented in any other Northern Territory reserve, and seven are of special conservation significance – Mallee Copper Burr or Small-flower Saltbush Sclerolaena parviflora, Desert Broom-bush Daviesia eremaea, Goodenia refracta, Abutilon lepidum, Spartothamnella puberula, Amaranthus pallidiflorus and Eucalyptus aff. intertexa.
From Newhaven, we head onto the Tanami Road and continue west. We will have two nights camping on the Tanami before arriving at the Indigenous protected area of Paruku. Here we have two nights at Handover (on the edge of Lake Gregory) and one night at Lake Stretch (Nyarna). Whist here we will search for the bird life found around the lake, including the Black Necked Stork, Brolgas, Black Swans and Spoonbills.
No Tanami trip would be complete without a visit to Wolfe Creek Crater which we visit on our way into Halls Creek.
Itinerary
| Day 1 |
| We leave Alice Springs this morning and spend the day exploring Stanley Chasm, Serpentine Gorge and Glen Helen in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Our first night's camp will be at the stunning Redbank Gorge. Accommodation: Campsite Redbank Gorge LD |
| Day 2 |
| We will spend the day exploring Redbank Gorge and other nearby areas. The gorge is stunning and provides refuge for many threatened plants and animals, while the area offers excellent walks, plentiful wildlife and striking scenery. Accommodation: Campsite Redbank Gorge BLD |
| Day 3 |
| An early start this morning as we leave the West MacDonnell Ranges and move onto Newhaven Station via the Aboriginal Community of Papunya. This afternoon, there will be time to climb a local hill for a magnificent central Australian sunset. Accommodation: Campsite Newhaven Station BLD |
| Days 4 & 5 |
| We will spend the next two days touring and walking on the station's tracks, salt pans and dunes in search of birds, arid zone plants and other wildlife in this remote area. Accommodation: Campsite Newhaven Station BLD |
| Day 6 |
| Today, we undertake an early Hill Side Tour of the enclosed area as we leave Newhaven before calling into the remote aboriginal community of Yuendumu for fuel and supplies. There should be time to visit the community’s art centre for locally made artworks. We then continue westward to Mt Doreen Station, just off the Tanami Track. Accommodation: Bush camp Mt Doreen Station BLD |
| Day 7 |
| We continue our drive through this harsh and isolated area on the Tanami Road today. Tonight’s campsite is a bush camp in the Rabbit Flats area. Accommodation: Bush camp Rabbit Flats area BLD |
| Day 8 |
| Still on the Tanami Road, we travel west today, heading into Western Australia. Late this morning, we will call into the remote Aboriginal Community of Balgo before heading to our bush camp at Lake Gregory. Accommodation: Bush camp Handover - Lake Gregory BLD |
| Day 9 |
| Today we will explore the area around Lake Gregory (Paruku). This permanent brackish lake is part of a spectacular wetland system and is internationally renowned for its birdlife. The Traditional Owners of this area held the native title handover ceremony on the shores of the lake, symbolising the significance of this place to local Aboriginal people. They believe the system was formed when a star fell from the sky into the lake and then transformed into a man, becoming this place's very first Traditional Owner. Accommodation: Bush camp at Handover - Lake Gregory BLD |
| Day 10 |
| We leave Lake Gregory and backtrack to Lake Stretch (Nyarna). Our bush camp is a lovely shaded area next to a permanent pool on Sturt Creek. It is also a good spot for birdwatching. Accommodation: Bush camp Sturt Creek BLD |
| Day 11 |
| After some early morning birdwatching around the lake, we continue our journey to Halls Creek. We stop at the 300,000-year-old Wolfe Creek meteorite crater and walk around the rim. The crew will restock our fresh provisions this afternoon in Halls Creek then move onto our campsite. Accommodation: Bush Camp Old Halls Creek area BLD |
| Day 12 |
| We travel westwards to Fitzroy Crossing. After setting up camp, we will visit and walk along the ivy bank, looking at the geology, birds, and other wildlife. We will also visit Geikie Gorge and have a look at the town's historic pub and the original river crossing. Accommodation: Campsite Fitzroy River Lodge BLD |
| Day 13 |
| This morning, we’ll travel to Bandilngan. On the way we will visit Tunnel Creek and learn about the history of the area. We’ll set up camp and enjoy a walk into this ancient gorge with its varied bird life, the Devonian reef walls, and many freshwater crocodiles. Accommodation: National Park Campsite at Bandilngan BLD |
| Day 14 |
| We’ll explore the front of the range this morning before commencing our trip to Broome. During the day, we’ll call into the Mowanjam Community to visit their art centre and spend some time in Derby. We should arrive in Broome by mid to late afternoon. We’ll transfer you to your chosen central Broome accommodation, marking the end of your wilderness adventure. BL |
| NOTE: The above itinerary may be varied according to conditions and advice. |
availability
Limited Places available
Inclusions
- Two well-maintained 4WD vehicles;
- Two crew members – a Naturalist Guide and Guide/Cook;
- Easy-to-erect dome 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);
- Fruit for snacking throughout the day;
- Campsite fees;
- Morning teas;
- All national park entrance fees;
- Travel permits as required.
