This article is brought to you by APT.
The outback has long lured travellers, an intriguing landscape of almost unfathomable diversity. From dinosaur relics to ancient lava tubes, emerald swimming holes and amazing rock formations forged over millions of years, the outback defies expectations – and is more accessible than many realise.
For some, it’s all about venturing to the northernmost tip of Australia at Cape York and discovering the islands of the Torres Strait; for others it’s about standing in awe before the sacred monolith Uluru or walking the trails of Kings Canyon.
Spanning Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Queensland, APT’s outback tours take guests deep into the heart of the country’s most remarkable and remote destinations on 4WD journeys that explore the expected and deliver the unexpected.
If your travel time allows around two weeks for a cross-continent trip – through the centre from Darwin to Adelaide, other journeys can take you across the Kimberley from Broome to Darwin, or along the legendary Savannah Way from Cairns to Darwin – you’ll experience the full impact of the outback’s magic.
Purnulu National Park – Bungle Bungle Range Image credits: APT
Between Broome and Darwin, the splendours of Windjana Gorge, Purnululu, Nitmiluk and Litchfield national parks unfold. Equally wonderful, the Savannah Explorer from Cairns to Darwin includes a scenic helicopter flight over the incredible sandstone pillars of the Lost City at Limmen National Park in the Northern Territory and a sunset cruise on Darwin Harbour.
A highlight of this journey is the chance to see some of the world’s oldest rock art: Wandjina and Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw). Gwion Gwion paintings date back thousands of years and are believed to be some of the earliest figurative art, distinguished by their delicate stick-like human figures. Wandjina paintings depict ghost-like figures with rings around their heads representing clouds and lightning; they are symbols of the weather and were also proud symbols of Australian Indigenous culture at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.
Combining a journey along the Gibb River Road from Broome, deep into the vast Western Australian wilderness – with the chance to cruise on Lake Argyle to explore the Main Ord Dam and Ord River Gorge – opens up the Kimberley region in all its glory. The enormous inland sea of Lake Argyle, 18 times the size of Sydney Harbour, is dotted with more than 70 islands and is home to freshwater crocodiles and more than 240 species of birds. Other highlights along this route include the natural wonders of the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park (what better place for sunset drinks?), Cathedral Gorge and Mitchell Falls.
Katherine Gorge – Nitmiluk National Park. Image credits: APT
Shorter trips hold no less fascination. APT’s signature experiences are designed to go beneath the surface of local history, culture and traditions, providing highlights that are often exclusive to these tours.
In Western Australia, wander through a prehistoric forest of Livistona and Pandanus palms to soak in the thermal oasis of Zebedee Springs in El Questro’s wilderness, or learn about the ancient rock painting of the Mimbi Caves and their Dreaming stories. Take a scenic helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls for jaw-dropping views of its majestic four-tiered cascade as well as the surrounding gorges, pools and towering red cliffs; watch wild dolphins feed at Monkey Mia; or spend a week meandering through the Margaret River region with its underground cave networks, karri forests and wineries.
On Kimberley expeditions, three APT wilderness lodges – at Bell Gorge, Bungle Bungle and Mitchell Falls – provide comfortable tented cabins in the bush.
Western Australia. Image APT
In Queensland, visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs near Winton for an exclusive APT experience where you’ll work with 100-million-year-old dinosaur fossils in a specialised laboratory. Further north, glide silently along the waterways of Cobbold Gorge, or take a flight over Carnarvon Gorge for views of its rock formations only visible from the air.
Between Cooktown and Cape York, travel on the iconic Bloomfield Track through dense rainforest and across rushing creeks. In western Queensland, visit the outback towns of Longreach, Winton and Mount Isa, among others.
Queensland. Image credit: APT
From the stark beauty of the Red Centre, travel south from Uluru to explore South Australia. Take the Oodnadatta Track in comfort and safety, explore the stunning Flinders Ranges National Park and Wilpena Pound, and marvel at the vast salt pans of Lake Eyre.
Each road trip is undertaken in one of APT’s Mercedes-Benz expedition trucks, custom-built for the demands of the outback and designed to offer comfort on sometimes rugged terrain. Expert tour leaders and guides provide deep insights into each region.
For a different perspective on the outback, cruising the Kimberley coast from Broome to Darwin aboard the ultra-luxe expedition ship Seabourn Pursuit offers access to natural wonders including the tidal power of Horizontal Falls, the majesty of King George Falls and the wonders of Montgomery Reef. Step ashore on the traditional lands of the Arraluli people at Freshwater Cove for a guided hike to a rock art site where a local Indigenous guide will explain the area’s rich cultural heritage and the significance of some of the paintings.
Bruce Munro field of light Uluru. Image credit: Narrabri Region
Whether by road or by sea, discovering the outback is an unforgettable journey. APT’s limited-time Outback Sale offers travellers the opportunity to save up to 30 per cent on select tours in 2025. Sale ends on 23 April, or until sold out.
This article is brought to you by APT.