11 Day Hammersley Splendour: Perth to Broome

Departs 2010	Cost
Perth: Sep 16,30 Broome: Aug 13,27; Sep 10,17; Oct 15	Twin $4025pp OR Single share $5185

Treasures from the sea and the earth are awaiting your discovery on this 12 day exploration of Western Australia. Travel along the coastline and up through gorge country.  The yellows, reds, oranges, browns and blacks of the gorges and deserts provide a startling unique colour palette making this region renowned as a photographer's delight.  In contrast, the azure waters of Ningaloo Reef, Monkey Mia and Shark Bay are home to many marine creatures, such as dolphins and dugongs. Meanwhile, in the heart of the Pilbara, the soils are rich in minerals ripe for mining.  Finally, explore the laid-back town of Broome that looks out over the Indian Ocean.  Staying on the doorstep of Cable Beach you will be witness to some of the most memorable sunsets in Australia. Also available as a 12 day option

Itinerary

Day 1: Fri. Nambung National Park, The Pinnacles, Geraldton, Dine Around Dinner.
In Nambung National Park, see the Pinnacles - thousands of sandstone pillars rising from the desert sands. Travel to Geraldton. Tonight choose from Italian, Thai or seafood restaurants.Stay: APT HIGHLIGHT! Geraldton, Ocean Centre Hotel, beachfront accommodation. Dx1

Day 2: Sat. Shark Bay, Freedom of Choice Touring, Seafood Feast.
Cruise the deep waters of beautiful World Heritage-listed Shark Bay, searching for the rare dugong. Otherwise, learn about local Aboriginal tribes on a cultural walking experience with an Aboriginal guide (subject to availability). Or, tonight enjoy an astronomy lesson on the beach under the stars. This evening indulge in a seafood dinner, exclusive to APT! Stay: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, a short walk to the beach where dolphins come to shore. Bx1 Dx1

Day 3: Sun. Monkey Mia Dolphins, Shell Beach.
See the wild bottle-nosed dolphins (subject to appearance) as they come to shore in this stunning area. Visit Shell Beach, one of only two beaches in the world created by billions of tiny shells. Later view the world's oldest living organisms, the ancient stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. Stay: NEW! Carnarvon, Fascine Lodge. Bx1 Dx1

Day 4: Mon. Ningaloo Marine Park Cruise.
Travel to Coral Bay, gateway to the stunning Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. Cruise the beautiful coloured reefs and view the forests of soft coral and tropical fish that can be seen along this 260 kilometre stretch. Journey to Vlaming Head, with its famous kerosene burning lighthouse, for stunning views of Western Australia's coastline and the North West Cape. Have your camera ready to take some spectacular photos.Stay: Exmouth, Pot Shot Hotel Resort. Bx1 Dx1

Day 5: Tue. The Pilbara, Dampier, Karratha.
Enter the mineral-rich Pilbara and tour the mining town of Dampier. Visit the Woodside Petroleum North West Shelf Visitors Centre for an insight into the area's history.Stay: Karratha International. Bx1 Dx1

Day 6: Wed. Millstream-Chichester National Park.
This is an area of contrast and beauty and the traditional home of the Yinjibarndi Aboriginal people. Stroll among the native palms, ferns and lilies. Explore Hamersley Gorge with its unusual striations.Stay: Tom Price, Windawarri Lodge. Remote location, single travellers may be required to share accommodation. Basic facilities. Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 7: Thur. Karijini Gorges, Guided Mine Tour.
Discover the contrasting landscapes of Karijini (Hamersley Range) National Park where ever-changing light, astonishing colours and reflections highlight the geological structures. Spectacular gorges, waterfalls and rock pools provide refreshing scenery compared to the red Pilbara terrain. Stop at Dale and Fortescue Falls as well as Oxer Lookout for inspiring views. At Newman, tour the Mt Whaleback Iron Ore Mine, the largest open-cut mining operation in the world.Stay: Newman, Seasons Hotel. Bx1 Dx1

Day 8 Fri. Marble Bar, Port Hedland.
Visit Marble Bar - renowned as one of the hottest places in Australia, it has recorded 40 degree temperatures for periods of up to 160 days. This town takes its name from a large bar of striking red jasper along the nearby Coongan River. Continue to the mining town of Port Hedland, which is situated on the Western Australia's coast and exports extensive iron ore deposits overseas. Stay: Port Hedland, All Seasons Hotel. Bx1 Dx1

Day 9: Sat. Sandy Desert, Broome, Cable Beach.
Travel to Broome, taking in the vast expanse of the Great Sandy Desert. Tour the historic features of this former pearling capital. See Chinatown, the Japanese Cemetary and Streeters Jetty.Two Night Stay: Broome, Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, the only hotel right on Cable Beach. Bx1

Day 10: Sun. Broome, Freedom of Choice Touring, Ocean Sunset, Dine Around Dinner.
Choose between a hovercraft flight on Roebuck Bay, a tour of the Pearl Lugger museum or a sunset camel ride on Cable Beach. Take in a sunset over the Indian Ocean before our special Dine Around Dinner. Bx1 Dx1

Day 11: Mon. Broome, Home
After breakfast, your tour concludes with a transfer to Broome airport for your onward journey. Bx1