Southern Crossings, leaders in tailor made luxury vacations and UltraLuxe travel experiences across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, have created a luxury tailored 11 day itinerary that will have your family experience the very best of Western Australia and Northern Territory.

Trip Summary

Ningaloo Reef | Accommodation at Sal Salis | 21 – 24 June 2021

East Kimberley | Accommodation at Bullo River Station | 24 – 28 June 2021

Mary River Wetlands | Bamurru Plains | 28 June – 01 July 2021

NINGALOO REEF
Nothing can compare to the thrill of swimming beside the world’s largest fish – the docile whale shark – which visit the waters of the Ningaloo Reef each year between April and June. Ningaloo Reef is one of the largest fringing reefs in the world, stretching 260km along the coast and nearly 20kms seaward from the beach. It is bounded by the small fishing townships of Exmouth and Coral Bay – both of which have retained their original charm and are linked by an endless expanse of sandy beaches.

Monday, 21 June 2021
On arrival at Learmonth Airport you will be met by a representative of Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef Resort and transferred to your accommodation (approximately a 1 hour 30 minute journey).

Stretching 260 km along Western Australia’s harsh and arid coast, the Ningaloo Reef is an extraordinary yet strangely unknown jewel in Australia’s natural heritage. Here’s where you’ll have the opportunity to swim with gentle giant whale sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, rays and technicolour corals. Lying just north of the Tropic of Capricorn the waters are warm for most of the year and the beaches are white and beautifully clean.

Hidden in the dunes overlooking pristine beaches and coral reefs, the Sal Salis exclusive bush camp exudes ‘Wild Bush Luxury’, bringing a touch of style to a remote and beautiful wilderness region. On arrival you will be met by a representative of the lodge for an introduction to your Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef experience.

Accommodation confirmed for three nights in two Wilderness Tents (one for triple occupancy) including meals, beverages and selected activities at: Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef

Tuesday, 22 June 2021
This morning you will be met at your accommodation by your guide and vehicle for your small group day tour to Ningaloo Reef to swim with the Whale Sharks. Aboard your cruise, a spotter plane will already be in the air, searching for Whale Sharks as they feed. Throughout the day, the crew will be searching for turtles, rays, dolphins, dugongs and sea birds. Learn about the biology and habitat of the Whale Sharks and other marine life through a brief presentation.

Have the opportunity to get involved with data collection as field workers conduct their vital scientific research programs in the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Marine Park. Entering the water, you are surrounded by fish of every size and colour, playful manta rays, and lively turtles. As you take it all in, the largest creature you have ever seen gracefully swims by — a Whale Shark is welcoming you to her home.

There may be time for a snorkel at different sites along the Reef. A light morning tea, lunch and snacks throughout the day are also included. Upon conclusion of the tour you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Wednesday, 23 June 2021
While at Ningaloo Reef we recommend the following optional activities:

  • Wildlife watching
  • Guided gorge walks
  • Sea kayak trips
  • Snorkelling
  • Diving (additional cost)
  • Fishing (additional cost)
  • Star gazing

KIMBERLEY

Spanning the North West from Kununurra to Broome, the Kimberley has fewer people per square kilometre than almost any other place on Earth. The remote rugged ranges and splendid coastline of the Kimberley present a unique mix of seclusion and majestic scenery. Take a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungle to appreciate the grandeur of this bee-hive like range. Cruise the quiet waters of Lake Argyle with the freshwater crocodiles. Marvel at the breathtaking Horizontal Falls. Fish for barramundi in spectacular outback gorges.

Thursday, 24 June 2021
Today you will be met by a representative of Sal Salis and transferred to Learmonth Airport (approximately a 1 hour 30 minute journey) to connect with your onward flight. Depart Learmonth aboard your private charter flight to Kununurra.

On arrival at Bullo River Station airstrip, you will be met by a representative of the lodge and transferred to your accommodation.

Situated on the edge of the remote Kimberley in the northwest corner of Australia’s Northern Territory, lies Bullo River Station, a five-star outback station experience. The 500,000-acre cattle property was founded by Charles Henderson in the 1950s and continues to operate as a working cattle station where guests can enjoy a range of adventure experiences. Play a role in a day in a life of the station life. Or spend the day exploring stunning landscapes, waterfalls, swimming in remote waterholes, barramundi fishing and discovering Aboriginal rock art and wildlife.

Retreat to the generous and comfortable rooms, inspired by the landscape that surrounds Bullo River Station with each room equipped with air conditioning, en suite bathroom and other modern facilities. Accommodation for four nights in three King Ensuite Rooms (one for double, one for twin and one for single occupancy) including meals, selected beverages an activities at: Bullo River Station, Kimberley.

Friday, 25 June to Sunday, 27 June 2021
During your stay at Bullo River Station you can expect to participate in a number of activities including the following:

  • 9-minute helicopter flight
  • Get involved in everyday Cattle station activities
  • Mustering activities (subject to seasonality)
  • Guided fishing experience
  • Guided horse riding experience
  • Guided tours of rock art and through gorges & water holes
  • 4WD activities around the property

Please note included activities are subject to change due to operational requirements of the station. Other activities are available at additional cost including:

  • Waterfall and Gorge Swim accessible via helicopter
  • Helicopter flying experience

Please note: Optional activities listed on your itinerary, require advance reservation. Please advise your activity selections when booking.

MARY RIVER WETLANDS
Many believe that the vast wetlands of the Mary River are the most beautiful in the Top End. These wetlands are the home to a vast variety of birdlife, some of the biggest barramundi and the largest saltwater crocodiles. Lagoons, canals and billabongs make up the waterways of the wetlands of the Mary River, which runs both north and south of the Arnhem Highway. Just 110km from Darwin, the Mary River National Park incorporates many stunning destinations.

Monday, 28 June 2021
Today you will be met by a representative of the lodge and transferred to the airstrip for your onward flight.

Depart Bullo River aboard your private charter flight
Arrive Bamurru Plains
Please note: Maximum payload is 380kg including passengers and luggage.

On arrival you will be met by a representative of the lodge for an introduction to your Bamurru Plains experience.

You are invited to immerse yourself in an extraordinary bush experience on the coastal floodplains of Australia’s Top End. A profusion of bird and wildlife are at the doorstep of this unique safari lodge located on the edge of Kakadu National Park, a region of exceptional natural beauty and unique biodiversity, and one of only a few World Heritage areas listed for both its cultural and its natural values. Accommodation for three nights in a Kingfisher Suite (with three swags for five-person occupancy) including meals, selected beverages and activities at: Bamurru Plains, Swim Creek Station.

Tuesday, 29 June 2021
This morning, enjoy a private day excursion to Kakadu National Park. Depart on a 30-minute scenic flight and fly over breathtaking escarpments and floodplains before landing at Jabiru airstrip.

The awe-inspiring World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park covers an amazing 20,000 square-kilometres and is recognized for its incredible natural beauty and also its cultural significance to the Aboriginal people who have inhabited the area for over 50,000 years. Kakadu offers you the chance to experience ancient rock art, beautiful rocky escarpment country and a diverse ecosystem, with about one third of all Australia’s bird species in the park!

Following a scenic drive to the northern part of Kakadu, arrive at the base of Ubirr Rock. Spend about an hour walking up the rock and exploring some of the park’s best Aboriginal art sites before resting on top with 360° views of the surrounding floodplain and savannah woodland.

Following a picnic lunch near Ubirr Rock, join a small group river cruise on the East Alligator River. An Aboriginal guide will provide an insight into their culture, local mythology, the river’s abundant food chain, traditional uses for many plants and animals as well as bush survival skills.

Count the crocodiles lining the banks of the river and spot the abundant birdlife of Kakadu National Park before returning to Bamurru Plains, in time for sundowner drinks and dinner at the lodge.

Wednesday, 30 June 2021
During your stay at Bamurru Plains you can expect to participate in a number of activities including the
following:

  • Airboat trips – the best way to access the floodplains and see the extraordinary birdlife up close
  • Crocodile rivers cruises – cruising late afternoon offers the best chance of sighting these elusive creatures
  • Wildlife watching – the wetlands are a meeting ground for thousands of birds and animals
  • 4WD safaris – the open top camp “bull catcher” is an ideal vehicle for exploring the savannah bush and plains
  • Fishing (charges apply) – the property is known for the quality of its barramundi fishing.
  • Specialist guides can be arranged.

Thursday, 1 July 2021
Today you will be met by a representative of the lodge and transferred to the airstrip for your onward flight.

Depart Bamurru Plains aboard your private charter flight
Arrive Darwin

Please note: Luggage is restricted to 15kg (33lb) per passenger in soft bags only. On arrival at Darwin General Aviation Terminal you will be transferred to Darwin Airport for your onward flight.

SAL SALIS
Sal Salis is an exclusive bush camp nestled in the dunes overlooking World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef. 15 non air conditioned wilderness tents and one honeymoon tent on raised platforms offer dune or sea views, comfortable beds and an environmentally friendly ensuite bathroom.

The reef that lies literally metres from the shore showcases an array of corals and colourful fish, sea turtles and manta rays as well as the most famous migrants in these waters, the Whale sharks (April to July). On shore, guided walks are likely to spot wallabies and emus that roam the region’s ancient landscapes. Hosted meals incorporate local delicacies and native flavours; and are included in the tariff along with selected activities each day. These may include sea kayaking, snorkelling and guided walks. Fishing, diving and whale shark swims can also be arranged. Sal Salis is open from March to October.

Unplug yourself from the outside world (there’s no TV, internet or mobile reception around here) and you can almost feel the cares of everyday life disappearing with the sun as it sinks into the horizon.

BULLO RIVER STATION
Situated on the edge of the remote Kimberley in the northwest corner of Australia’s Northern Territory, Bullo River is a working cattle station with a commitment to environmental and indigenous conservation. Generous and comfortable rooms have been inspired by the landscape that surrounds Bullo River Station with each room equipped with air conditioning, ensuite bathroom and other modern facilities.

Enjoy a range of experiences including a day in a life of the station life. Or spend the day exploring stunning landscapes, waterfalls, swimming in remote waterholes, barramundi fishing and discovering Aboriginal rock art and wildlife.

BAMURRU PLAINS
Glide by airboat through fields of lilies and enchanting paperbark forests. View buffalo, wallabies, crocodiles and birdlife of the tropical savannah from open top safari vehicles. Set on a 300 km² private property on the edge of Kakadu National Park, Bamurru Plains offers one of Australia’s richest wildlife experiences.

Nine en-suite safari bungalows and the spacious Kingfisher Suite are all raised on stilts and overlook the floodplains, with floor to ceiling mesh walls providing a true connection to the surrounding wilderness.  The main lodge building is the social hub, including a library, bar, wet-edge pool and wildlife observation deck. Dinner and stories are shared around the camp table in front of an open kitchen. 4WD safaris, cruises and helicopter scenic flights visit the rock art galleries of Kakadu and Arnhem Land.

No mobile phone access, no WiFi, no TV or telephone – the only thing tweeting out here are the birds! Spot Magpie Geese, brolga, jabiru, osprey, parrots and hawks as you skim across the floodplains in an airboat or slip into a deluxe swag to spend the night in a private treetop hide.

Itinerary investment: $116,800 for 2 Adults & 3 Children. Contact our Lifestyle Team to book your unique WA & NT travel experience.