Southern Discoverer
Explore the dramatic coastlines and sand dunes of the south
Duration
12 Days
Region
Kalgoorlie, Esperance Coast
Group Size
Max 3 cars
Season
Nov - Feb
About This Adventure
This 11‑day off‑road journey moves from Perth into the Goldfields and south onto some of Western Australia's most remote coastal country. Travelling through isolated tracks, dunes, and empty coastline, the route explores the Old Telegraph Track, Bilbunya Dunes, Cape Arid, and Cape Le Grand National Parks. Days are spent navigating sand, rock, and beach terrain, with remote camps along the Southern Ocean. At Lucky Bay, kangaroos regularly move across the white sand beaches, highlighting the wild character of the region. The journey concludes inland through the Wheatbelt before returning to Perth.
Key Information
Itinerary
Perth to Kalgoorlie
The tour begins in Perth with your Proudback guides introducing the Land Cruiser 79 Series and giving a short briefing on vehicle setup, radio use and convoy travel. The drive east follows long stretches of sealed highway before the landscape shifts toward the goldfields. By late afternoon, we reach Kalgoorlie, the centre of Western Australia's gold mining history. After checking into one of Kalgoorlies iconic hotels, there is time to walk through town, visit local pubs or view the Super Pit, one of the world's largest open-cut gold mines. The evening is relaxed, giving you the chance to prepare for the days ahead.
Training Day
Day two focuses on practical training to prepare for the southern off-road sections. After leaving town, we move to a suitable training area where you learn the fundamentals of sand and rocky-terrain driving, tyre pressure adjustment, spotting, and safe recovery technique. Radio communication and convoy etiquette are covered in detail, giving you confidence before we head into more remote terrain. In the late afternoon, we'll set up camp and get ready for our first night in premium swags, collecting firewood and preparing dinner together. Be amazed by the deep red colour during sunset and the endless night sky.
Balladonia and the Old Telegraph Track
After breakfast, the route heads east toward Balladonia, travelling through open outback plains and passing the start of the Eyre Highway's 90-mile straight, the longest stretch of road in Australia. From Balladonia, we turn south onto the Old Telegraph Track, a historic route dating back to 1874. The track is slow and technical, with rocky sections, ruts and soft sand that offer hands-on off-road driving. Progress is steady, and we reach the southern coastline by mid-afternoon. Camp is set close to the ocean, with time to settle into the quiet and isolation of this remote section of coastline.
Bilbunya Dunes
The morning begins with the run toward the Bilbunya Dunes, one of the most striking dune systems in Western Australia. These towering white dunes sit against the Baxter Cliffs and form part of the Nuytsland Nature Reserve, a region that remains largely untouched. The driving here is slow and challenging, with soft sand and tight beach entries. The day is spent navigating through the dune corridors and exploring the coastline. Camp is set nearby, followed by a simple dinner and a quiet evening in one of the most remote areas of the south coast.
Bilbunya Dunes to Cape Arid National Park
We leave Bilbunya in the morning and head west along the beach and sections of the Old Telegraph Track. The combination of corrugations, sand and soft coastal terrain makes this one of the more challenging sections of the trip. Have fun behind the wheels. By afternoon, we enter Cape Arid National Park, where long white beaches, granite outcrops and clear Southern Ocean water define the landscape. Camp is set near the coast, with the chance to fish from shore or take a swim or snorkel before sunset.
Cape Arid National Park
Day six is a slower day, giving you time to explore Cape Arid properly. The morning may include short walks, fishing, swimming at sheltered bays or a visit to selected lookouts depending on weather and track access. The area is known for its wildlife, including wallabies, kangaroos and birdlife that move across the dunes and mallee scrub. Camp remains in the same location for another night, with dinner prepared together at the end of the day.
Cape Arid to Cape Le Grand National Park
After packing up camp, the day begins with a back-track through Cape Arid before taking the coastal access into Cape Le Grand National Park. This route shifts between soft beach driving and inland sand tracks, offering a mix of terrain. In the early afternoon, we reach the granite coastline of Cape Le Grand, known for its sheltered bays and bright turquoise water. Camp is set close to the beach, giving time for a walk or a swim before sunset.
Cape Le Grand and Lucky Bay
Day eight focuses on the beaches and headlands around Lucky Bay, one of Western Australia's most recognisable coastal areas. Morning often brings kangaroos onto the sand, and there is time to explore the beach, swim or walk sections of the coastal track. The afternoon includes further stops within Cape Le Grand, such as Hellfire Bay or Frenchman Peak, depending on conditions and group preference. Camp returns to the same area for the night.
Cape Le Grand via Esperance
We drive over into Esperance, where the pace shifts to an easy day in town. Travellers can visit cafés, walk the foreshore, or explore nearby beaches including Twilight Beach and Blue Haven.Upon our return we will enjoy the last night under the stars in our swags.
Esperance to Wheatbelt - into the Backcountry
Leaving the coast behind, the route pushes inland from Esperance along quiet roads and gravel tracks, trading turquoise bays for vast open country. Expect long horizons, red dirt, remote farm tracks, and changing terrain as the land flattens into classic Wheatbelt country—big skies, abandoned rail sidings, and the raw feeling of travelling deep into Western Australia's interior. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner to mark the final night of the journey.
Wheatbelt to Perth
The final day is a steady return to Perth along sealed roads. The drive covers farmland, open plains and small country towns, giving time to reflect on the kilometres travelled and the range of landscapes seen along the south coast. Arrival in Perth is expected in the late afternoon, concluding the Southern Discoverer journey.
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 comfortable 4WD vehicle
- •Experienced local guide throughout the tour
- •11 nights accommodation (boutique stays and wilderness camping)
- •All meals featuring local produce
- •Winery visits and tastings
- •National park entry fees
- •Kayaking equipment
- •Camping equipment (swag, sleeping bag, pillow)
What's Not Included
- •Flights to/from Perth
- •Travel insurance (required)
- •Additional wine purchases at cellar doors
- •Personal expenses and souvenirs
- •Optional activities (e.g., whale watching cruises)
- •Gratuities for guides (optional but appreciated)
Weather
The South West enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Spring is wildflower season.
Best Season
September to November
Temperature
12°C - 24°C
Rainfall
Occasional spring showers
Highlights
Wildflower season
Pack layers for cool mornings and evenings, waterproof jacket for occasional rain, and comfortable walking shoes for forest trails.
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 Southern Discoverer
Enquire now to check availability and secure your place