We fly into Broome this afternoon to join our fellow passengers for this stunning Jewels of the North West tour. We will transfer to our accommodation and spend some time in fellowship before our first Group Dinner.

Overnight: Broome

Broome is the home of beautiful South Sea pearls and their discovery in the 1800s saw Japanese, Filipino and Malay pearl divers arrive in droves, creating a melting pot of cultures; immerse yourself in Broome’s multicultural heritage with a visit to the Japanese Cemetery and the Pearl Lugger Museum.

Travel back in time when we visit the striking rust-red cliffs at Gauntheaume Point to look at ancient dinosaur footprints.

This afternoon we will spend time on famous Cable Beach, renown for 22 kilometres of white sand and turquoise waters. Get ready for a quintessential Broome experience and marvel at a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset from the back of a friendly camel.
(Please note – a 90kg weight restriction applies to camel rides).

Overnight: Broome

After breakfast we hit the road for a drive will help us appreciate the distances BCA missionaries need to travel. Halfway to Port Hedland we visit stunning 80-mile Beach where the Great Sandy Desert approaches the Indian Ocean. This area is one of the most important sites for migratory shorebirds, or waders, in Australia.

Overnight: Port Hedland

2 NIGHTS

Travel through rugged BCA country before we reach Newman, the largest modern mining town in the East Pilbara region.

Tonight, we will be joined by the Newman BCA staff, Roger & Amanda Kyngdon, for dinner.

Overnight: Newman

A rest from travelling as we spend the morning at leisure time in this mining town. After lunch we will tour the largest single open-cut iron ore mine in the world; a tour of the Mt Newman Mount Whaleback Mining Company will give you an understanding of the powerful machinery used in the mining of these rich ore deposits. (Clothing restrictions apply – long sleeves, trousers and covered shoes required).

Overnight: Newman

Today we travel through Karijini National Park, one of WA’s most spectacular natural attractions two billion years in the making. We are heading to Tom Price via Dales and Fortescue Falls – a beautiful day of gorges and changing scenery.

Overnight: Tom Price

This morning we take the Hamersley Iron Road to Millstream Chichester National Park, an oasis in the Pilbara desert region; the presence of permanent water attracts over 120 bird species, 30 mammal species, 150 reptile species and 500 plant species. As we travel from the desert to the coastal town of Karratha we will stop at Python Pool and Roebourne, the oldest town in the North West. Along the way, we may see one of the massive iron ore trains heading from the Pilbara to the coast. Our dinner guests tonight will be BCA Field Staff Frank & Jo Nicol.

Overnight: Karratha

Join the locals of Karratha Anglican Community Church for Sunday worship followed by fellowship over a cuppa. We then depart for Exmouth, our drive taking us over the Fortescue River to the Nanaturra Roadhouse before we detour west towards the range along the Exmouth Gulf. Exmouth is the “Northern Gateway” to the Coral Coast, an area of world-heritage significance and a microcosm of everything that is rare, beautiful and special on our planet. This region includes the spectacular rocky gorges and beautiful coastline of the Cape Range National Park and the pristine Ningaloo Marine Park.

Overnight: Exmouth

2 NIGHTS

We travel south to Coral Bay to cruise the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Coast. Experience this marine wonderland before we head south to Carnarvon, a coastal town situated at the mouth of the Gascoyne River and surrounded by a vast variety of agriculture. This tropical oasis on the doorstep of the Indian Ocean will be our home for the next 2 nights.

Since CFT last visited Carnarvon, Mike & Emma Welham have moved here with their family to serve as BCA Field Staff, and they will join us for dinner.

Overnight: Carnarvon

This morning, we visit the Space and Technology Museum which celebrates the little-known history of the role Carnarvon played in the manned space program and in the Australian communications industry. Enjoy some time at leisure to go for a wander around Carnarvon or relax at our hotel before dinner.

Overnight: Carnarvon

2 NIGHTS

This morning, we visit the Aboriginal Heritage & Cultural Centre which celebrates the five Aboriginal language groups of the Gascoyne Region, Yinggarda, Bayungu, Malgana, Thadgari and Thalanyji. Learn about local indigenous culture and traditions through an interactive exhibition, films, oral histories, and artefacts.

We then travel south to Hamelin Pool, home to the most diverse and abundant examples of Stromatolites in the world, unique creatures often referred to as “living fossils. On our way to Denham, the most westerly town in Australia, we will visit Eagle Bluff and the beautiful Shell Beach; a 70-km snow-white beach made up of millions of tiny shells up to 10 metres deep.

Overnight: Denham

This morning we visit the Shark Bay Discovery Centre that combines internationally inspired collections with today’s interactive technology; discover of natural wonders and historic treasures of Dutch, English and French explorers from as early as 1616.

This afternoon you can chose to relax or explore at leisure. Wander around Denham’s Jetty and soak up the beauty of the town’s surroundings – it’s easy to see why Shark Bay is World Heritage listed.

Overnight: Denham

2 NIGHTS

Just a short drive from Denham we have the chance to mingle with the famous bottlenose dolphins who have been coming to visit Monkey Mia for over 50 years. Keep in mind that dolphins swim free in the ocean and even CFT cannot guarantee their appearance.

Enjoy another natural wonder when we view the amazing Pink Lake (Hutt’s Lagoon) before we arrive in Kalbarri.

Overnight: Kalbarri

Today we travel onto one of WA’s most beautiful National Parks, Kalbarri National Park, and Hawks Head Lookout to view the dramatic Murchison River Gorge. We visit the Hole in the Rock or “Nature’s Window”, a natural formation in the rock that frames the river perfectly inside it when viewed from the right angle. Feel like you are floating on air as you take in spectacular views from the Skywalk, a platform suspended 100m high above the Murchison River. We hope to see the spectacular wildflowers of the region (subject to the flowering season) and may be lucky to spot some of the almost 200 species of birds, including Sea and Wedge-Tailed Eagles that call the river home. Keep an eye out for the iconic WA Black Swan that breeds by the hundreds in the shallow pools.

Overnight: Kalbarri

2 NIGHTS

It’s Sunday and we depart Kalbarri early so we can share worship with locals at Geraldton Anglican Cathedral. Our tour of the town will include a visit to the HMAS Sydney II Memorial where we will remember the 645 crew members lost to war in 1941.

Enjoy some free time to explore the town – Geraldton is situated at the heart of the Batavia Coast so why not visit the Western Australian Museum to see the tragic stories revealed by relics of shipwrecks?

Overnight: Geraldton

Geraldton is the region’s only deep-water port and one of Australia’s busiest, shipping everything from grain and livestock to minerals and fuel. Enjoy a heart-warming visit to Geraldton’s Mission to Seafarers Centre, part of the international Christian organisation caring for merchant seafarers around the world.

Tonight, we will be joined for dinner by BCA’s Malachi Walker (Ministry Trainee at Geraldton cathedral) and David & Emma Thompson who serve in nearby Dongara.

Overnight: Geraldton

3 NIGHTS

Today we travel south to Perth stopping in Nambung National Park; wander amongst the ancient desert sculptures of the Pinnacles – unique weathered rock spires of limestone rising out of yellow sand dunes. We arrive in picturesque Perth late afternoon, a last stop in our Outback adventure. The capital of Western Australia, Perth, sits where the Swan River meets the southwest coast – sandy beaches line its suburbs, and the huge, riverside Kings Park and Botanic Garden on Mount Eliza offer sweeping views of the city. We will be joined for dinner tonight by BCA’s Dennis & Valda Taylor, who serve BCA providing First Nations Ministry Training.

Overnight: Perth

Today is a full day at leisure to relax or explore this laid-back capital city from our centrally based hotel. You will have use of the city’s Hop on Hop off bus to travel all around and choose what to see (lunch today at own choice and cost). Be dazzled at the Perth Mint; see a traditional gold pour and the Guinness World Record One Tonne Gold Coin. If you think you are worth your weight in gold, you can find out exactly how much that is!

With a special Wildflower Festival throughout September the beautiful Kings Park and Botanic Gardens are a must see. Get a wonderful 360-degree view over the Gardens, Swan River and City of Perth from the Observation Deck of the landmark Bell Tower, a unique building that is one giant musical instrument.

Overnight: Perth

Just off the coast of Perth is the incredible Rottnest Island, home to the ultra-cute Quokkas; these unique marsupials are almost extinct on the mainland but 10,000 still live on the island. Our day out includes a ferry ride and a comprehensive 4-hour tour to discover the island’s amazing flora and fauna, stunning beaches, woodlands and incredible salt lakes. Learn about Rottnest’s cultural and historical heritage ranging from maritime and military history. Wow! Tonight, we will enjoy a farewell dinner, taking time to share stories after a truly memorable tour.

We bid farewell to our newly made friends and head home feeling blessed by all the wonderful people we have meet and the unique experiences we have shared.