Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary off-road exploration through the untamed outback of Western Australia?
Prepare yourself for an experience like no other as you join us on a thrilling, adventurous journey to the UNESCO World Heritage region of Shark Bay and in particular Dirk Hartog Island, the crown jewel of Australian exploration. Step back in time and relive the historic moment when European explorer Dirk Hartog first set foot on Australian soil in 1616, igniting the spirit of discovery and paving the way for future explorers from the Netherlands, Britain, and France. Itinerary is exemplary dependant on climate, weather and road conditions and may change. Includes the breathtaking Kennedy Range (May to October) and Francois National Park (April).
Day
1
Comprehensive 4WD Training
On the first day, we'll introduce you to your trusted companion for the journey, our specially equipped 4WD Land Cruiser. But this is no ordinary vehicle. It's a symbol of freedom and adventure, a means to unlock the hidden gems of the Australian outback. Before we hit the road, we'll embark on a comprehensive training session, ensuring that you're fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Together with your fellow adventurers, you'll conquer the art of beach driving and master the techniques needed to drive on challenging off-road rocky terrain tracks. You'll learn the secrets of adapting tyre pressure to suit the extreme driving conditions, ensuring optimal performance and safety. You'll be gaining the essential knowledge and skills to thrive in this vast and untamed wilderness. With radio etiquette and convoy travel mastered, you'll return to your city hotel to be rested and ready for the adventure awaiting.
Day
2
Depart perth to Wooleen Station
On day two, our unforgettable off-road adventure begins, setting us on a life-changing journey through the breathtaking Western Australian outback. Departing from Perth, our convoy will make its way towards our first stop, the Wooleen Station. As we bid farewell to the cityscape, an exhilarating sense of anticipation fills the air, knowing that a remarkable experience awaits us amidst the diverse and captivating landscapes of Western Australia. Along the way, we traverse picturesque towns and rolling hills, enchanted by the ever-changing scenery, from lush countryside to vast open plains. As we approach Wooleen Station, the terrain transforms, unveiling the iconic red dirt tracks that symbolize the untamed spirit of the Australian outback. Upon reaching the Rocky Outcrop, we will set up our swags for our first evening of open-air camping. Together, we’ll collect firewood and savour the experience of preparing dinner together and as the night unfolds, we find comfort in our cozy swags, falling asleep under a mesmerizing blanket of stars, embraced by the untamed beauty of the outback.
Day
3
Awe-Inspiring valleys
On day three, we will awaken to the serenity of the outback and prepare for a day filled with exploration and discovery. At Wooleen Station, spanning a vast 375,000 acres, we delve into the heart of Australian station life, experiencing the authenticity of the Australian bush. After a hearty breakfast we'll pack up and venture further into the Australian red outback making our way further North towards Gascoyne Junction. Stopping in between to enjoy a real outback picnic. We will reach the 65 people town early this afternoon, getting ready for our night in our own iconic swags. We will prepare for a unique fire-cooking experience, savouring the flavours of our outback feast. We’ll then enjoy sitting around the campfire together sharing stories and laughter, before we retire to our swags for a well-deserved rest, enjoying the tranquillity of one of the world’s last remaining true wildernesses, the Australian Outback.
Day
4
CROSSING THE KENNEDY RANGE
As day four unfolds, we’ll pack up our campsite and head towards our next adventure, the remarkable Kennedy Range National Park, a place steeped in natural wonders and ancient history. Known as "Mundatharrda" to the local Aboriginal people, this sacred land holds stories and secrets dating back millions of years. As we navigate challenging off-road rocky terrain, we venture deeper into the park and witness the awe-inspiring forces of nature that have shaped the magnificent valleys and cliff faces over countless millennia. Crossing the Gascoyne River and climbing up rocky terrain, ee etch our journey into the book that’s placed there, joining the exclusive group who have conquered this untamed wilderness. We will reach the ridge in the early afternoon, where we will set up camp for the night. As the sun sets, painting the Kennedy Ranges the first stars will get out, illuminating the nightsky like nowhere else. Enjoy a hearty dinner, laughter and the incredible feeling of wilderness, freedom and serenity. Shooting stars accompanying you through the night.
Day
5
Journey to WOORAMEl River retreat
Day five takes us to Wooramel River Retreat, a truly unique destination in the heart of the Western Australian outback. With sunrise we will get up and cross the Kennedy ranges. As we continue to navigate corrugated dirt roads through ravines and valleys, each turn reveals a new awe-inspiring vista. The exhilarating challenge of the tracks fills us with accomplishment and a profound bond with the wild surroundings. Getting out of the Range we turn South and make our way through deep red roads into Wooramel River Retreat, where we'll arrive in time for a breathtaking sunset. Here, amidst the tranquil surroundings, we're treated to the ultimate relaxation experience with hot spas to soothe our weary bodies and real beds to sleep in. The night comes alive with the warm glow of campfires, and the sounds of live music filling the air, adding a touch of celebration to our night.
Day
6
Off-road Thrills to Steep Point
Day six dawns with the promise of another thrilling adventure as we set our sights on Steep Point, a rugged landscape that will put your off-road skills to the test. We’ll embark on a heart-pounding journey through challenging terrains, conquering corrugated gravel roads, clay tracks, and treacherous sandy hills. Feeling the surge of adrenaline as your 4WD vehicle triumphs over each obstacle, we’ll take you deeper into the wild heart of Australia. As we reach Steep Point, the westernmost tip of the continent, we will establish our camp for the night, surrounded by breathtaking vistas. This is a very special moment of our itinerary as we watch the sunset, whilst seated on the edge of Australia; and as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant hues, we will prepare our dinner together before settling down for a well-deserved sleep.
Day
7
Dirk Hartog Island
On day seven, we’ll be up before daybreak preparing our vehicles for our barge trip experience across to Dirk Hartog Island. We will board the barge early, at a time when the sea is at its flattest and the winds are at their lowest. Nature dictates our departure and arrival time as well as our course, much like it did for the European explorers in the 17th century. Navigating the barge and reversing your 4WD onto the sandy beaches of Dirk Hartog Island is yet another memorable adventure, not to mention the barge transfer which offers a true marine safari – the opportunity to spot dugongs, rays, turtles, dolphins and even whales. Upon arrival on the island, we head to the homestead, where the Wardle family have had the island to themselves for three generations. We will enjoy a well-deserved coffee at the ‘Inscription,’ Australia’s most remote bar and café, before heading north. The sand dunes that lie before us are truly sensational, counted among the most remarkable in the world. Navigating these towering dunes requires both skill and courage, and the remote landscape enveloping us will leave you in awe. We'll arrive at our first island campsite, an idyllic spot nestled right on the pristine beach where we'll set up our swags right on the beach which will be ours all alone for the next days.
Day
8
Cape Inscription
Day eight traditionally greets us with a symphony of marine life, frolicking just meters from our campsite. We indulge in a hearty breakfast before we begin our off-road journey that leads us to Cape Inscription, a place of profound historical significance. Here, we will visit the lighthouse, the lighthouse keeper's cottage, and the replica of Dirk Hartog's original pewter plate, a testament to the resilience of early exploration. Immersed in the historical tapestry of the island, it’s inspiring to reflect on the profound impact Dirk Hartog and the early explorers’ who subsequently followed him, had on shaping the course of Australian history. The afternoon unveils a new dimension of wonder as we follow a mesmerizing 4WD track to Turtle Bay, home of the endangered Loggerhead turtles. We’ll have the chance to explore the breathtaking beaches and to savour the tranquillity of the remote surroundings. In the evening, we will return to our campsite, where we’ll settle down to the gentle sounds of the waves breaking on the shore. For those who enjoy fishing, the evening provides an opportunity to catch fresh fish from the pristine beach. The day culminates in a delightful dinner where we will prepare the freshly caught fish together, creating a feast infused with the essence of the island. As the night sky reveals its splendour, we will retire to our cosy swags under a blanket of stars.
Day
9
HOmestead Bay
On day nine, we awake once again to the untamed nature, looking out of our swags right onto the ocean. Maybe we even glimpse a dolphin or turtle passing by in the early morning. Enjoy the serenity and feeling of freedom on your walk along the beach. After a laid-back breakfast we'll pack up and make our way back to the Homestead Bay for a relaxed day swimming, snorkelling, kayaking or just relaxing at the beach. Back at the homestead campsite, we'll relish some home comforts including warm showers and flushing toilets. This evening we will indulge in a special ‘Inscription’ gin tasting crafted with the island's rare botanicals and a delicious dinner prepared for us by Tory and Kieran. Sitting around the campfire on the beach, we’ll share stories of this remarkable journey and how it has woven our group of explorers’ together in a tapestry of unforgettable memories.
Day
10
MArine SAFARI
On day ten, we will immerse ourselves in the island's untouched beauty. If wind and weather allows we will join on this incredible adventure of Shark Bay in Western Australia. We will explore the stunning waters and discover a variety of unique marine species, including dolphins, turtles, sharks, whales and manta rays. This amazing safari provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Not only will you get to see these majestic animals up close, but you’ll also learn about their unique behaviours and different adaptations that help them survive in the wild. For those not comfortable on a boat can opt for another relaxing day at the beach, or learn more about Dirk Hartog Islands unique wildlife conservation project called Return to 1616, aimed at restoring the island's fauna and flora to its pre-colonization state. As a result, you'll have the chance to encounter some of the rarest endangered species on the island, including nocturnal marsupials.
Day
11
Sharks and Blow Holes
Day eleven will dawn with a sense of tranquillity, as we ease into a day of well-deserved relaxation. The morning invites you to embrace the pristine waters of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed island. You’ll have the opportunity to stand-up paddleboard, kayak, snorkel, or just immerse yourself in the crystal-clear depths of the Indian Ocean, letting the gentle currents carry you through a world teeming with vibrant marine life, offering a truly immersive experience like no other. To heighten your island experience, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch, knowing that every bite is a celebration of the island's rich heritage. After lunch, we’ll head out to the majestic blow holes, visit the shark nursery with hundreds of baby sharks close up and then onto Herold Heights, a vantage point that offers a breathtaking vista of Australia's iconic last sunset. Return through the starlit sand dunes with the chance to spot one of the endangered wallabies that call this island home. Celebrate the last night on the islands by the campfire, roasting marshmallows and exchange stories and already forming memories of the days before with your fellow group.
Day
12
a farewell celebration
On day twelve, we prepare for our journey back to Perth, but not without more memorable experiences to cherish. Our drive takes us back through Edel Land and back to what we call civilization. Spending the last night in Dongara, we will gather for a farewell celebration to toast to the memories we've created, the challenges we've conquered together, the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife we’ve witnessed and the indomitable spirit of exploration that has fuelled our journey together. The adventure may come to an end, but the lasting impressions and shared moments of camaraderie, exploration, and the sheer beauty of the places we’ve visited (and the local people you have met) will be forever etched in your soul, as they are in ours, and you will carry a piece of the outback with you, forever transformed by the beauty and vastness of Western Australia.
So, join us on this extraordinary off-road experience through the outback of Western Australia. Let the untamed wilderness of two of most pristine UNESCO world heritage-listed sites awaken your adventurous spirit. Discover the historical treasures, immerse yourself in the wonders of nature, and forge lifelong connections with fellow explorers. We can’t wait to welcome you…
Book your ultimate adventure now
Join us as we uncover the hidden wonders, ignite your sense of adventure, and create lifelong memories in the breathtaking Western Australian outback.
Impressions
More adventures
Uncover the Hidden Gems: Explore Proudback’s Thrilling Western Australian Expeditions!
