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LEN BEADELL'S TRACKS TO THE KIMBERLEY & THE MITCHELL PLATEAU

33 DAY ITINERARY - $7,590

This trip takes in many almost inaccessible areas, some of which may be banned to future travellers. Len Beadell was one of our later day pioneers. The country he surveyed is harsh, but most of his roads survive. This is a trip for you to experience the magnificence of the bush. And perhaps, understand the obsession that compelled the early explorers and people such as Len Beadell to undertake such immense tasks. The Tracks through the Rudall River National Park add a remote dimension to this expedition that would be hard to surpass anywhere in Australia.

The Anne Beadell Highway is only a track now, but it served to open country that had been completely isolated. Through surprisingly thick bush at times, it gives access to Emu Junction, the site of the first Atomic explosion in Australia. Standing there, one feels a mix of strange unreality. In stark contrast the grandeur of the Mitchell Plateau and the Bungle Bungles has to be seen to be believed. Almost too spectacular to absorb from the ground or in the air.

You will need to be reasonable fit and ready to rough it when necessary. Age is no barrier, attitude and basic fitness is the key.

There will be several Hotel/Motel stop-overs. It is impractical to book in advance as doing so effectively removes flexibility from the itinerary. Our aim is to maximise time at the high spots and minimise time travelling between them.

Days 1-2: Depart Stockport 7:00am for Pt Augusta & Coober Pedy. On to Mabel Creek Station taking the "Anne Beadell Highway" heading for Emu Junction.

Days 3-5: Past Vokes Hill, into the "Gre4at Victoria Desert" through the "Unnamed Conservation Park", across the Serpentine Lakes into Western Australia.

Days 6-8: Neale Junction, north to Warburton on the "Connie Sue Highway", taking the "Heather Highway". A little further on to Len Beadell's tree & plaque with a good water bore adjacent.

Days 9-11: Along the Gunbarrel, past Mt Beadell to Everad Junction, then north on the "Gary Highway" to Windy Corner, the loneliest place I know. West again to the "Canning Stock Route" for fuel at Well 23. Taking the "Talawana Track" (the last of Lennie's Tracks) we head for Rudall River.

Days 12-16: Exploring as we go we head North through the park, hoping to find the Desert Queens Baths on the ways, then on past Telfer to the coast & Broome the halfway point; a perfect place to end our Desert Discovery & begin our Kimberley Adventure. A free day for exploring: Cable Beach, Pearling Luggers or Broome Harbour, just a few of the choices.

Days 17-20: Along the Gibb River Road, visiting Windjana & Bell River gorges & to the Kalumburu Track to the Mitchell Plateau. We spend three days & two nights exploring. The Falls just one of the spectacular highlights.

Days 21-24: Back to the Gibb River Road, across the Durrack River & Jack's Waterhole following the Cockburn Range past El Questro to the Northern Highway & Kununurra. South to Turkey Creek & the Bungle Bungles. Two days & nights in this breathtaking National Park.

Days 25-28: South to Halls Creek & on to Wolfe Creek Crater & the Tanamie Track. Past the giant Granites Goldmine in the Northern Territory & the Rabbit Flat on to Alice Springs, overnight in the Melanda Lodge.

Days 29-33: These final days will include a stop at Copper Hills Homestead, returning to Stockport via Roxby Downs, Woomera & Pt Augusta. ETA 6.00pm where we enjoy a final dinner, bed and breakfast.

 

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

  • Pick up ex Adelaide Airport or Gawler Railway Station
  • Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at Stockport Stables before and after the trip.
  • Parking on premises if required.
  • Swag (heavy-duty canvas, mattress/pillow/sheets/blankets/doona}
  • On camping trips, we supply single pole tents, twin share (some singles available)
  • Meals, tea and coffee and refreshments while on the road.
  • Choice of Claret/Reisling with evening meal and a nightcap of Port.
  • Hotel/Motel/Caravan Park/Station accommodation, twin share basis.
  • Desert park pass fees, Obligatory Permits.
  • Map Pack of Specialist Maps for the Journey.

YOU NEED TO BRING:

  • Comfortable travelling clothes, sturdy shoes, warm jumper, parka, camera, sun block, towel/toiletries, all personal medications, hat, swimsuit, insect repellent, personal water bottle, torch and Wet Ones are a good idea (helps when shower not available)
  • Soft luggage bags (no suitcases) 1 – 2 per person, compact day pack (max 3 pcs).

YOUR EXPENSE:

  • Dinner, drinks and breakfast on Hotel/Motel stopovers.
  • Special interest Tours and associated Entrance Fees.
  • Beer:  Tour Leader purchases on route, chilling as needed.
  • Single Occupancy: - if available and pre-arranged.
  • We recommend current Medical/Accident and Travel Insurance.

VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT:

  • 4wd Nissan Station Wagons, equipped with UHF and HF Radio, stereo, air conditioning, long range fuel and water tanks, portable hot shower.
  • Heavy Duty Trailer, gas BBQ,  Engel Frig/Freezers, tools, electric winch/snatch straps, spares/tyres/tubes.
  • Global Positioning System and Satellite Phone.

MEMORABILIA:

  • Highlights of the trip are captured on  studio quality digital camera and transferred to DVD, which is available for purchase.   A great way to relive your Outback Adventure Holiday whenever you like!