Outback Adventurer
Journey into the heart of Australia's ancient red centre and the underwater wonders of Ningaloo Reef.
Duration
12 Days
Region
Kennedy Range, Ningaloo Reef
Group Size
Max 3 cars
Season
June - August
About This Adventure
The Outback Adventurer is a guided 4×4 road trip through Western Australia's inland deserts, station country and remote coastal landscapes. Beginning in Perth, the journey travels north to Melangata Station, across the Kennedy Range, into the heart of Cape Range National Park and out to the turquoise bays around Coral Bay. Over twelve days and eleven nights you cover roughly 3,000 kilometres, moving through wide red plains, rocky ridges, river crossings and coastal sand tracks.
Travelling in your own Land Cruiser 79 Series, you camp in premium swags, learn the basics of outback driving and settle into the rhythm of remote travel. Our experienced guides lead the way, providing the support that makes remote exploration both safe and rewarding. Depending on the season and conditions, activities include snorkelling Ningaloo's shallow lagoons, swimming with manta rays, hiking into the Kennedy Range gorges, exploring station country, crossing Yardie Creek and visiting the region's blowholes.
Weather and road access shape each day, so no two Outback Adventurer trips are the same. Joining the Outback Adventurer with Proudback ensures you experience the real Australia that few ever see — every element of your journey is planned and prepared with care, giving you the freedom to explore with confidence, comfort and the assurance that you are travelling safely through some of the most remarkable landscapes in Western Australia.
Key Information
Itinerary
Perth to Melangata Station
The journey begins early in Perth, where your Proudback guides meet you for an introduction and vehicle handover. After a short briefing, you'll take the wheel of your Land Cruiser 79 Series and head north. Most of the day is spent on sealed roads, allowing you to get comfortable with the vehicle's handling before the terrain turns remote. Stops along the way offer a taste of small-town Western Australia and a first sense of the distance and scale of the outback. By late afternoon, you'll arrive at Melangata Station, a working sheep station set within the Murchison region. This will be your base for the next two nights. Your Melangata team will welcome you with a 3 course homemade dinner and you have time to settle in and experience the nostalgia of station life staying in the historic heritage-listed Homestead rooms. As evening settles, you'll gather around the fire and enjoy your first night in the Australian Outback.
Melangata Station
After breakfast, the day begins with a full introduction to outback driving, led by your Proudback guides. You'll learn how to handle your Land Cruiser across different terrain, manage tyre pressures, engage four-wheel drive systems, and safely recover a vehicle if required. The session also covers essential outback travel skills, from navigation and communication to vehicle checks and the safe use of recovery gear. Training extends beyond driving. You'll learn efficient ways to manage supplies and water, and understand how Proudback ensures safety and comfort in remote environments. Every exercise is practical and based on real conditions you'll encounter in the days ahead. The afternoon is reserved for exploring the vast Melangata property. Evening brings another shared meal in the historic homestead, with time to talk through the coming days and the journey that lies ahead.
Melangata Station to Kennedy Range
After breakfast, vehicles are checked before the group heads north across the open plains toward Gascoyne Junction. The day's drive follows remote gravel roads through the red heart of Western Australia. Along the way, there's time for a relaxed stop and a picnic lunch surrounded by the quiet of the outback. The road offers long stretches with few signs of civilisation and a clear reminder of how vast this region truly is. By mid-afternoon, the group reaches the eastern gorges of Kennedy Range National Park, arriving in time to set up camp and watch the sun set over the range. In the evening, a community campfire brings travellers together to share stories and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the outback.
Kennedy Range
Spending the day in the Kennedy Ranges, this is a no-driving day. After a big breakfast at camp, we set out on several short walks into the gorges and up onto the ridge. The tracks give a clear view of the range's structure and the scale of the surrounding plains and your guides share the story of the region's geology and its long cultural history. The afternoon is unhurried, with time to return to the ridge for golden hour, when the cliffs shift from deep red to soft orange as the sun drops. Camp remains in the same location for the night. The afternoon is relaxed at camp, followed by dinner and a quiet evening with the group. Nights can be cold in this region, and the stillness of the range makes it one of the standout camping locations of the trip. April Route Variation: In April, when inland temperatures make the Kennedy Range inaccessible, we drive straight to Wooramel River Retreat and spend the extra days in Dirk Hartog Island, exploring Francois National Park as a day trip from there.
Kennedy Range to Bullara Station
The day begins with packing up camp before heading north toward Bullara Station. The drive follows red dirt and gravel tracks out of Kennedy Range, then transitions to bitumen as we approach the coast. A stop at the Yannarie Rest Area offers time for a short walk, a picnic lunch and a break from the drive. By early afternoon we arrive at Bullara Station, a working cattle station known for its relaxed atmosphere and wide open spaces. The rest of the day is unstructured, with time to explore the station grounds, visit the café, or simply unwind. The evening is spent at The Table, Bullara's station-style dinner experience, known for its simple setting and quality food. Camp is set nearby for the night.
Bullara Station to Cape Range National Park
The morning begins at Bullara Station, with time for short walks around the property before driving north to Exmouth. We stop in town for water refills, fuel, bait and any last items needed for the next days in Cape Range National Park. Lunch is taken at Whalebone Brewing Company, known for its woodfired pizzas and relaxed setting. From here, we continue into Cape Range National Park, stopping at the Milyering Visitor Centre before driving on to our campground, a small site close to the beach. The afternoon is spent on the coast, with time to visit nearby beaches or explore the limestone shoreline. The day ends with shore fishing or just a relaxed swim. Enjoying your first sunset over the west coast. Camp is prepared for the night.
Cape Range National Park - Ningaloo Coast
We will take day seven to explore the Cape Range National Park. Lakeside Beach for snorkelling is one of the morning activities This sheltered section of the reef often has turtles and rays close to shore, with calm conditions depending on wind and swell. On the contrary we'll explore the ancient Yardie Creek Gorge. With amazing views of red limestone cliff faces and the opportunity to see a wonderful array of birds and wildlife, including the rare black-footed wallaby, euros and red kangaroos. From the top, the views into the creek and out to the Ningaloo Reef are purely spectacular. The afternoon is spent swimming, relaxing on the beach or exploring nearby sections of the coastline. After dinner, the group drives to Milyering for a late stargazing session. The clear skies in Cape Range make this one of the best locations on the route for night viewing. We return to camp later in the evening.
Cape Range National Park - Ningaloo Coast
Day eight stays centred around the brilliant turquoise coast line with the day focused on two of Cape Range's key snorkelling locations. After breakfast, the group drives to Turquoise Bay for a morning in the water and time on the beach. Conditions vary seasonally, but this area often delivers some of the clearest snorkelling on the route. Late morning, the tour continues to Oyster Stacks, where entry depends on tide and swell. After a picnic lunch, there's time to snorkel the site and return equipment before heading back toward camp. The afternoon is relaxed, with time to unwind or revisit favourite spots along the coastline. In the evening, the group returns to camp for another session of shore fishing before dinner brings everyone together, once again enjoying a sunset like no other.
Cape Range to Warroora Station
Day nine begins with a relaxed pack-up at camp before the group drives south toward Yardie Creek. Conditions vary seasonally, but when the sandbar is firm the crossing is usually straightforward. From here, the track continues along the coast before linking onto Cardabia Road, passing low dunes and wide open plains on the approach to Coral Bay. Lunch is taken at a lookout near Ningaloo Station beach access, followed by a swim. After a brief stop in Coral Bay for fuel, water or supplies, the route continues into Warroora Station. We arrive at Waroora Station in the afternoon, set up camp and prepare for sunset at Wedding Hill, a spot often visited by migrating whales during the season. There is something very special about watching these magnificent giants of the sea jumping out of the water into the sunset. The day ends back at camp with a warming camp fire.
Warroora Station and Coral Bay
Day ten starts early for those joining an optional dive tour or Whale Shark tour out of Coral Bay, with the chance to encounter manta rays and other marine wildlife. Breakfast is kept simple so divers can head out on time, while the rest of the group enjoys a slower start at camp. Late morning, the group drives toward Coral Bay. The track from Warroora is usually in good condition and provides a quicker run than the northern or south-eastern access routes. The day is flexible: time in Coral Bay for a swim, a walk or a bite to eat, or exploring nearby dunes and coastal tracks. By late afternoon, we return to Warroora Station. The evening is spent at Elles Beach, where fishing and sunset views round off the day. Back at camp, dinner is prepared and the group settles in for the night.
Warroora Station to Wooramel River Retreat
Day eleven begins with a relaxed breakfast at Warroora Station before we set off toward the coast tracks that lead south. The morning includes a 4WD run along the Warroora to Gnaraloo track, followed by stops at Red Bluff and the Blowholes. The track varies between compact sand, gravel and a few steep inclines and descents that offer a satisfying technical challenge without being overwhelming. After lunch at Red Bluff, the route continues south toward Quobba Blow Holes and Carnarvon and into Wooramel River Retreat by late afternoon. Once we arrive, there's time to settle into our Eco Tents, enjoy the artesian baths and explore the grounds. Dinner is served at the Wooramel café, with live music depending on the night. The day ends around the campfire, rounding off the last full night of the trip in one of the most atmospheric stations on the Coral Coast.
Wooramel River Retreat to Perth
The final day is a long but straightforward drive south on sealed roads. After breakfast, we pack up and depart Wooramel River Retreat, joining the North West Coastal Highway for the return journey toward Perth. The route passes through small coastal towns and open pastoral country, giving you time to unwind, reflect on the trip and enjoy the changing landscapes. We aim to reach Perth in the late afternoon or early evening, bringing the Outback Adventurer to a close. It's the final stretch of kilometres after nearly two weeks of remote tracks, national parks and coastal stations, and a fitting end to a journey that has taken you through some of Western Australia's most remarkable regions.
Pricing
All-inclusive pricing per group, in Australian Dollars.
Family
2 adults, 1-2 children aged 8–17
Total, all-inclusive
Couple
Party of 2
Total, all-inclusive
Solo
Single traveller
Total, all-inclusive
Prices cover guiding, vehicle, fuel, permits, camping setup and all meals on tour. See What's Included for the full list.
What's Included
- •All transport in a fully-equipped 4WD vehicle
- •Expert guide with extensive outback knowledge
- •13 nights camping under the stars
- •All meals (bush-cooked dinners, fresh lunches)
- •National park entry fees
- •Snorkelling equipment
- •Quality camping equipment (swag, sleeping bag, pillow)
- •Camp chairs and all cooking equipment
What's Not Included
- •Flights (Perth to start, Learmonth to Perth at end)
- •Travel insurance (required)
- •Alcoholic beverages
- •Personal expenses and souvenirs
- •Optional activities (whale shark swim, scenic flights)
- •Gratuities for guides (optional but appreciated)
Weather
The Pilbara has an arid, hot climate. Winter (dry season) is the ideal time to visit with warm days and cool nights.
Best Season
May to September
Temperature
15°C - 30°C
Rainfall
Minimal in dry season
Nights
Cool, 8°C - 15°C
Pack layers for cool mornings and evenings, sun protection for daytime, sturdy footwear for gorge walks, and a warm jacket for stargazing nights.
Before You Go — Common Questions
Am I expected to be fit to participate in Proudback's tours?
A moderate level of fitness is recommended as tours involve some walking on uneven terrain and getting in/out of vehicles. However, we tailor activities to group capabilities and always offer alternatives. If you have concerns about fitness requirements, please contact us to discuss the specific tour you're interested in.
Do we sleep outdoors and if so, what are the sleeping arrangements?
We camp under the stars in some of Australia's most spectacular locations. Each vehicle is equipped with high-quality swags (single or double) with comfortable mattresses. We also stay at established campgrounds and station stays that offer additional facilities.
Do we have access to toilets and showers on Proudback tours?
Yes! We carry portable toilet facilities for remote camping, and many of our campsites and station stays have toilet and shower facilities. Hot showers are available at most overnight stops, and we always ensure dignified and comfortable arrangements.
As we're remote, what happens if there's an emergency or I need to get in contact with friends/family/work colleagues?
Safety is our priority. All our vehicles carry satellite communication devices (satellite phones and/or PLBs) for emergency contact. While mobile coverage is limited in remote areas, we can facilitate emergency communications when needed. We recommend informing family of the tour dates and that contact may be limited.
What does the tour price include?
Tour prices include vehicle hire (fully equipped 4WD), all camping equipment (swags, chairs, tables), all meals from lunch on day one to lunch on the final day, park entry fees, experienced guide services, satellite communications, and comprehensive tour briefings. Flights, travel insurance, and personal items are not included.
Join the Outback Adventurer
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