4-Week Australian Outback Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 4-week Australian Outback tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaAustralian Outback travel expert at TourRadar

• 26 Days in Australia's Kimberley & Top End, incl. Broome and Darwin

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Darwin & Kakadu

    Start in Darwin before exploring UNESCO-listed Kakadu National Park. Visit Ubirr in the early morning to see the 40,000-year-old Aboriginal rock art and avoid peak heat. Take a guided trip across the East Alligator River into Arnhem Land with an Indigenous guide. You'll need permits for this area. The Yellow Water Billabong cruise is great for wildlife spotting. Book the sunset cruise when animals come out to feed and bring a camera with a good zoom lens.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Katherine & Lake Argyle

    Take a boat through Katherine Gorge. The first morning cruise offers the best light for photos. It's a 3-hour drive to Lake Argyle, so get fuel in Katherine. Pack binoculars for the Ord River cruise and wear clothes you don't mind getting wet.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Bungle Bungles

    You'll need a 4WD to reach Purnululu National Park. The rough track takes about 5 hours from Highway 1. Start the Echidna Chasm walk early before it gets too hot. The Cathedral Gorge walk takes some effort but it's worth it. The natural acoustics are amazing. Wear good hiking boots for the rocky terrain.

    
  • Days 9-10

    El Questro

    This million-acre park has some fantastic gorge walks. Hit Emma Gorge by 7 AM to avoid crowds and heat. Take a morning soak in the Zebedee Springs thermal pools to ease your muscles. Note that access is mornings only.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Mitchell Plateau

    Stay at Mitchell Falls lodge while exploring this untouched area. The falls hike is tough but you can take a helicopter flight for great aerial views. Show respect at the Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art sites and follow your guide's instructions.

    
  • Days 14-16

    Gibb River Road & Broome

    Travel the famous Gibb River Road, stopping at Manning Creek and Bell Gorge. Check road conditions before you go. The walk down to Bell Gorge's swimming hole is steep but you'll find one of the best wild swimming spots in the Kimberley.

    
  • Days 17-24

    Kimberley Coast Cruise

    See the coastline that's only accessible by boat. Visit Montgomery Reef during spring tides for the best views. Try the jet boat ride through Horizontal Falls if tides allow. Get up close to King George Falls by Zodiac but expect to get sprayed.

    
  • Days 25-26

    Darwin

    Back where you started. Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory to learn more about what you've seen.

    

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• 23 Days in Western Australia, incl. Kimberley Coast and Northern Territory

  The Australian outback comes alive during this 23-day adventure, blending 9 nights aboard Seabourn Pursuit with 14 nights in premium accommodations. Multiple overnight stays provide ample time to fully appreciate each destination.

  

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  • Days 1-9

    Kimberley Coast Cruise

    Begin your journey in Broome before setting off on a 9-day coastal cruise. Plan this section during the dry season (May-September) for stable weather and flowing waterfalls. You'll experience dramatic 12-meter tides at Horizontal Falls and take multiple Zodiac excursions. Bring reef-friendly sunscreen and quick-dry clothing.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Darwin & Litchfield National Park

    After your cruise ends in Darwin spend time exploring this tropical city. Visit Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park before 9 AM to avoid crowds and heat. The walking tracks can get slippery so wear shoes with good grip. While swimming is usually safe in the main pools always check local conditions first.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Katherine Region

    The Darwin to Katherine drive takes about 3 hours on good roads. Take a morning cruise at Nitmiluk Gorge for the best photos and calmest water. A recent visitor shared: "The 3-hour Nitmiluk Gorge cruise was a highlight—bring a hat and water as there's limited shade on the boat."

    
  • Days 15-17

    Purnululu National Park

    The Bungle Bungle Range needs careful planning. You'll need a 4WD vehicle for the rough access road. Visit Cathedral Gorge mid-morning to see sunlight fill the natural amphitheater. Walk to Echidna Chasm early before temperatures rise.

    
  • Days 18-20

    El Questro

    This million-acre wilderness park is packed with activities. Start the Emma Gorge hike by 7 AM to avoid the heat. Note that Zebedee Springs is only open 7 AM to noon to protect the environment. Book these popular spots well in advance during peak season.

    
  • Days 21-23

    Bell Gorge to Broome

    Your final stretch includes Gibb River Road highlights. Bell Gorge involves a moderate 1-hour return hike to reach swimming areas. Watch for slippery tracks after rain. Finish in Broome and take time to watch a Cable Beach sunset.

    

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• 24 Day Western Australia Itinerary, incl. Darwin and Perth

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Darwin to Lake Argyle

    Start your journey in Darwin and travel south to Nitmiluk National Park. Get to Edith Falls early for a morning swim before it gets too hot. Remember to only swim in marked areas because of crocodiles. The 4-hour drive to Lake Argyle follows mostly sealed roads. A fellow traveler shares: "Be prepared to get dirty and embrace the camping experience - it's one of the most fun parts, especially for first-timers!"

    
  • Days 3-4

    Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles)

    Visit the iconic beehive domes of the Bungle Bungles. Take photos of Cathedral Gorge in mid-morning when the lighting is best. You'll need strong shoes with ankle support for walking through Echidna Chasm. Helicopter tours cost $350 and offer amazing views but book early as spots fill up fast.

    
  • Days 5-6

    El Questro Station

    Spend two days exploring gorges from El Questro. Start the Emma Gorge hike by 7 AM to avoid peak heat. Bring water shoes for stream crossings. Visit Zebedee Springs first thing since they close at noon.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Gibb River Road & Gorges

    You'll need a 4WD for the bumpy Gibb River Road. At Manning Gorge, use the pulley boat to cross the river and keep your electronics in dry bags. You might see freshwater crocodiles at Windjana Gorge. They rarely cause problems but stay alert when you spot them sunbathing.

    
  • Days 10-14

    Broome

    Take a break from camping in Broome. Watch the sunset at Cable Beach but bring insect spray for sand flies. One reviewer noted: "Having more time on the coast instead of at the gorges would be nice for balance." Whale shark tours run April to July and cost $350.

    
  • Days 15-18

    Pilbara Region & Karijini

    The long drive to Karijini offers nice views. Do challenging walks like Hancock Gorge's Spider Walk in the morning. Wear reef shoes in the gorges since rocks get slippery. The swimming holes help beat the heat but check the depth before jumping.

    
  • Days 19-21

    Coral Coast

    Snorkel Ningaloo Reef right from the beach. Use the drift snorkel area at Turquoise Bay due to strong currents. Glass bottom boats ($37) work well if you don't swim. Wear shoes at Shell Beach to protect your feet from sharp shells.

    
  • Days 22-24

    Kalbarri to Perth

    End your trip with Kalbarri's gorges and the Pinnacles Desert. Visit Nature's Window early to avoid crowds and heat. See the Pinnacles at sunset for the best photos. It's about 2 hours from there to Perth.

    

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