Day 1:
Perth to Kununurra Day 2: Bungle Bungle, Lake Argyle
Day 3: Lake Argyle, Ord River
Day 4: Cockburn Range, Carr Boyd Range, Wyndham
Day 5: Kununurra
Day 6: Mitchell Falls, King George Falls, King Cascade, Prince Regent River
Day 7: Kununurra to Perth
The rugged ranges and coastline of the eastern North West region is one of the world's last true wilderness areas, with some parts still truly isolated even today.
Yet most of this ancient land can be discovered on four-wheel drive tours, small-scale cruises and by air with scenic flights. Enjoy a week in comfort by choosing luxurious station-style accommodation, ranging from homestead to wilderness cabins, or a stunning resort in coastal seclusion.
Luxury cruising is another wonderful way to enjoy this part of the state, and a possible alternative to our itinerary - most cruises last from five days up to two or three weeks.
Day 1: Perth to Kununurra
From Perth, the simplest way to reach Kununurra, hub of the North West region, is via one of the daily connecting flights from Broome.
The transfer to your accommodation will no doubt be an experience in itself - often by air over incredible landscapes, providing a taste of what's to come over the next few days.
Settle in for an evening under the stars - this region seems to have more than its fair share - and the freshest air you've breathed in a long time.
Overnight: Kununurra
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Day 2: Bungle Bungle, Lake Argyle back to Kununurra
Some of the most stunning areas of this region can only be properly viewed from the air. Take a scenic flight to the World Heritage listed Bungle Bungle range, in Purnululu National Park.
These incredible sandstone domes striped orange and grey have formed over 20 million years.
Most flights will take you over the impressive Lake Argyle, stopping off for a tour of the world's largest diamond producer. The mine is famous for its pink diamonds, which range in colour from light champagne to rose red.
Overnight: Kununurra
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Day 3: Lake Argyle, Ord River back to Kununurra
Return to Lake Argyle - by boat this time - to explore the diverse eco system. Several times bigger than Sydney Harbour and classified as an inland sea, this glassy lake seems to go on forever.
Make a day of it on a cruise that takes in the upper reaches of the Ord River, with lunch provided.
Wildlife on the lake's 90 islands and along the banks of the river includes freshwater crocodiles and rock wallabies.
The Argyle Homestead Museum is worth a visit. Located a short distance from the Lake Argyle Village, the Homestead is the original home of the Durack family, who were pioneer pastoralists in the area. The home was relocated to higher ground before the original site was flooded.
Overnight: Kununurra
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Day 4: Cockburn Range, Carr Boyd Range, Wyndham back to Kununurra
Pack a picnic lunch and hit the road today with a four-wheel drive tour into the ranges. The roads can be rough and some areas remote, so join a tour or contact the Department of Conservation and Land Management for advice.
The Cockburn Range is fantastic for walking, with its steep-sided gorges and fiery red rock formations that play with the light. The Carr Boyd Range, near Kununurra, has permanent flowing creeks, safe swimming and refreshing waterfalls.
Wyndham, the northern-most town in Western Australia, is located approximately an hours drive from Kununurra. Head there toward the end of the day, taking time to stop at Parry Lagoon, a site where you'll be able to observe hundreds of waterbirds and other local bird species from a boardwalk and bird hide.
If you arrive at Wyndham at sunset, head to the Five Rivers Lookout, a hill near the entry to town which gives you a spectacular view of the Rivers King, Pentecost, Durack, Forrest and Ord. The rivers meet here before emptying into the Cambridge Gulf.
Overnight: Kununurra
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Day 5: Kununurra
It's been an active few days, so take it easy today. Take advantage of on-site facilities, which might include cliffside or thermal pools, excellent barramundi fishing or gentle horse riding.
Located around town are a number of art galleries, both indigenous and non-indigenous, as well as shops which sell local goods, including beautiful Argyle diamonds.
Mirima National Park, also known as the miniature Bungle Bungles, is close to the centre of town and includes a number of short walks through the interesting rock formations.
In season a visit to one of the many farms on the Weaber Plain will give a view of this extremely rich agricultural area, as well as a taste of the local tropical produce which includes mangoes, paw paws, and bananas.
Overnight: Kununurra
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Day 6: Mitchell Falls, King George Falls, King Cascade, Prince Regent River back to Kununurra
Return to the air again today for a must-do flight over the heart-racing Mitchell Falls, taking in the coastline and the King George Falls or flying over the King Cascade and the Prince Regent River. Tours can include a stop for lunch at the Drysdale River Station.
Look for an operator who can transfer you to helicopter for a closer look at the falls, landing on the Mitchell Plateau to discover Aboriginal rock art in the caves and to cool off in the river.
Overnight: Kununurra
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Day 7: Kununurra to Perth
It's time for the trip back to Perth, if you can drag yourself away. We don't call it the magnetic north for nothing.
At either the beginning or end of your itinerary, try to fit in a day trip from Broome to Geikie Gorge. Aboriginal guided tours take you by boat along the 30 metre deep limestone gorge, where you'll see freshwater crocodiles basking and learn more about the ancient history and indigenous heritage of the area.
If driving back to Perth, allow two or three days, including rest breaks or head 12 hours to Broome to catch a direct flight back instead.
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