State: South Australia
Operator: Ossies Outback 4WD Tours
Minimum Price: AUD $ 6,935

Ossies Outback 4WD Tours are proud to announce our NEW 27 Day Expedition in August 2006. Aptly titled 3 Deserts and the Kimberley Expedition. It will continue our theme of “the Remote Outback…Tracks Less Traversed” designed to appeal to travellers wanting to experience Australia 's vast unspoilt Deserts & Bushlands. Our unhurried and uncrowded format is ideal for Birdwatchers, Artists, Photographers and those who wish to gain an experience of those who lived in these Remote Places before us. 

The first week travelling across a section of the Gibson Desert, then into the Great Sandy Desert, will allow the weight of modern crowded lifestyles to be shed as we amble along quiet tracks, enjoying vast untouched landscapes visited by very few people. Within days those nervous of bush camping will be so appreciative of the beauty & serenity only available in such Remote areas they will not want to share with others again. I take this opportunity to explain to Ossies' first time customers that an important aspect of our secluded Bush Camping sites, is the installation of a comfortable “Bush Dunny”, or as Marion and her friends described – “Loo with a view” We exit from Deserts to Remote 80 Mile beach, where we adjust to watery horizons in the western aspect. The middle section of our journey begins at Broome, a modern Tourist Destination with Pioneer Heritage created by hardy seamen seeking magnificent Pearls. Our original departure date from Broome was extended by 1 day to allow us to witness the Stair case to the Moon phenomena. As the attached Itinerary explains, many activities are available in Broome – the Broome Bird Observatory; Pearl Farm & Staircase to the Moon Markets, even horse races will be held during our time in Broome. Already Accommodation is at a premium in Broome however we have secured 4 nights self contained Apartment style accommodation at “ Habitat Resort” Back to the Bush we move northward of Broome to Cape Leveque for 2 nights allowing time to experience Coastal Culture. Along the Gibb River Road we will be sharing these watery beauty spots with numerous travellers. Ossies' customers aware of the strengthening Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) will have the opportunity to learn and share their works at Mornington Sanctuary. We have learnt AWC has formed a relationship with Birds Australia – BA, so our journey will be enhanced by this bond of common interests. We will overnight at the tourist icon of EL Questro which was recently acquired by Voyages. After much thought we have allowed a full day at Kununurra to give our travellers the opportunity to partake in a Flying tour to enjoy 3 Kimberly specialities – Ord Dam, Bungle Bungles then lunch & inspection of the worlds largest Diamond Mine – Argyle Diamonds. At a cost of $465pp this tour is optional at own expense. It is the only way available to get to Argyle Diamond Mine. If this option doesn't suit alternatives can be arranged E.g boat cruise on the Ord River . We would appreciate notification at time of booking to facilitate these options. Now into the 3 rd section of our Expedition we leave the popular Kimberlys & head southwards into our 3 rd Desert – The Tanami. Permits permitting we will again enjoy Tracks Less Traversed as we don't intend to use the Tanami Track but the lesser known Wiso Track in footprints of Explorers like Nat Buchanan (Ole Faraway) & on to Tennant Creek & Black Roads. Last day on the Stuart Highway to Alice Springs.

 

Day One to Six: July 31st to 5th August: North West along the Tanami Track, bitumen for only 140 kms. Westwards through Papunya to Len Beadell's Gary Junction Rd to Sandy Blight Junction. Small Detour to visit Tietkins' Tree. We cross NT.WA Border near Mt Tietkins. Westwards into the Gibson Desert along Gary Junction Road , built by Len Beadell in Aug/Sept 1960. Fuel at Kunawarritji which is located at Well 33 on the Canning Stock Route . Diesel was $2.20per Litre in August '05. Now we are on the Kidson Track, otherwise known as WAPET Track(an acronym of West Australian Petroleum), all the way to the 80 Mile Beach Into the Great Sandy Desert as we soak up the loneliness and scenery along this little used track, known by few Australians. 1675 Km's from Alice Springs to 80 Mile Beach. - Days 1 – 6 Bush Camping Experience the real outback * Scroll down for further 'Introduction' about this tour Day Seven: 6th August: From Red Desert Sand to the White Beach Sand of 80 Mile Beach Caravan Park. We will enjoy a beach drive with the horizon out to sea. - Overnight here in Accommodation Day Eight to Eleven: 7th August to 10 August. 4 Nights in Broome Relaxing morning before departing for Broome. North along the bitumen 360 km's where we will partake of this modern tropical town and Pearling Capital of Australia for 4 Nights and 3 Days Suggested Activities: - ½ Day Town Tour – suggest first morning to assist with orienteering and selection of activities - $77pp - Self Drive Pearl Farm Tour - $27.50pp - Stairway to the Moon at Cable Beach as we attend the popular market, appropriately named Stairway to the Moon Markets - 1 Day Birding at the Broome Bird Observatory - $145pp - ½ Day Birding at the Broome Bird Observatory - $75pp - All activities will need to be pre booked so early selection is imperative - Accommodation in Broome. We will be staying in self contained apartments at the “Habitat Resort”. Lunch and evening meals whilst staying in Broome are at own expense. Day Twelve to Thirteen : 11th August & 12th August: This morning we leave Broome, northwards along Dampier Peninsula to Cape Leveque . Stunning Scenery, Nature and Aboriginal Culture will be experienced during our stay here. 250kms - Camp Ground Day Fourteen: 13th August: Cape Leveque to the area of Derby . One Arm Point south out of Dampier Peninsula ,back to the bitumen to the Old Cattle Port of Derby.Overnight on a working Cattle Station Birdwood Downs 320kms. - Overnight at Birdwood Downs Station. Camping Facilities, Dinner, Breakfast and Ecological Tour provided by Birdwood Downs. Day Fifteen: 14th August: Relaxed morning. 1 ½ Hour tour to observe life on a remote northern Station. Derby township, Baobab Jail, sightseeing, lunch at own expense. East along the Gibb River Road to Windjana Gorge. 160km's Day Sixteen: 15th August: Another very interesting day (without breaking & remaking Camp). Drive to Geike Gorge near Fitzroy Crossing. A boat cruise under massive limestone cliffs along the Fitzroy River . On the return trip we take a walk through the Tunnel of Tunnel Creek. 336km's. - 2 nights Camp Ground at Windjana Gorge Day Seventeen: 16th August: From Windjana Park along Gibb River Rd to King Leopold Ranges Park . We turn north along Bell Creek where we camp near one of the most spectacular gorges in the Kimberleys. 145km's. - Camp Ground at Bell Gorge Day Eighteen & Nineteen: 17th August & 18th August: Our meandering Sightseeing Holiday (that is what it is all about) continues to Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary, which is run by Australian Wildlife Conservancy. (AWC). We will have 2 nights here to allow time for bird tours, boating and touring to Sir John & Dimond Gorges. 185km's. - Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary Campground. Some facilities. Safari Tent upgrade may be possible depending on availability.( Must be nominated at time of booking - $ 190 pp. Includes Tent Accommodation, dinner & breakfast) Day Twenty: 19th August: On our way albeit slowly along the Gibb River Rd with stops at Mt Barnett Roadhouse, Manning Gorge for lunch and a swim etc. Onto Barnett River Gorge. 180km's. - Bush Camp at Barnett River Gorge Day Twenty One: 20th August: Eastwards & slightly north along Gibb River Rd to the well known destination of El Questro where many alternatives are offered. Wilderness Pass cost $12.50pp 310km's. - Camping at El Questro, facilities available Day Twenty Two & Twenty Three: 21st August & 22nd August: Depart El Questro and head for Kununurra. We stay 2 nights in this area to allow time for a flight Tour (optional) to visit the Diamond Mine; Lake Argyle & Bungle Bungles. 110kms Day 23 – Argyle Diamond Mine Ground Tour and Bungle Bungle/Lake Argyle Flight with Slingair. Own expense - $465pp. Participation to be advised at time of booking. - Overnight Kununurra Day Twenty Four: 23rd August: South along the Duncan Road , criss crossing WANT Border as move southwards towards our third desert ‘the Tanami”. 350km's. - Camp at Marella Gorge on the Nicholson River.Our last gorge. Day Twenty Five: 24th August: Into the NT along a road bearing the name of another Remote Area Pioneer. The Buntine Highway perpetuates the name of a trucking pioneer. From Kalkarinji (Wave Hill) it is south by our Mandate of “Tracks Less Traversed” 430km's. - Bush Camp in the Tanami Desert Day Twenty Six: 25th August: Continue our homeward journey, reaching Tennant Creek for our evening stop. Visit the Nyinkka Nyunyu Cultural Centre. Evening meal at the Tennant Creek Memorial Club. 380km's. - Cabin Accommodation at the Outback Caravan Park Day Twenty Seven: 26th August: Visit Battery Hill Mining Centre. Lunch at own expense. Then its homeward to the Alice 510kms

Notes:
Special Departure Dates: June 31st 2006
Trip Duration: 27 days
Departs from: Alice Springs
Tour Ends: Alice Springs
Departure Time: 8.00 a.m
Return Time: 5.00 p.m
All Prices: $6935 per person