2027 Gulf To Gulf – Port Germein To Lorella Springs (June 28)
Gulf To Gulf
28 Days | Port Germein, SA to Lorella Springs, NT
From Port Germein on the Spencer Gulf in South Australia to the tropical waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria in the Northern Territory, this epic journey follows some of the most remote and historic tracks in Australia.
Starting in the rugged Flinders Ranges, we travel north through pastoral country and into the spectacular landscapes of Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary before reaching the historic outback settlement of Farina. From here we join sections of the legendary Oodnadatta Track, visiting places like William Creek, flying over Lake Eyre, and continuing north toward the desert springs of Dalhousie.
Leaving the edge of the Simpson Desert behind, we follow the remote Binns Track through central Australia and into the East MacDonnell Ranges, before pushing north along isolated desert roads to the Sandover Highway and across into the wide open plains of the Gulf Country.
From the stunning oasis of Lawn Hill Gorge (Boodjamulla National Park) we continue toward the historic outpost of Hell’s Gate before entering the remarkable country of Seven Emu Station on the edge of the Gulf of Carpentaria. From here we travel west to the legendary Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, one of Australia’s most iconic remote wilderness destinations, where thermal springs, escarpments, waterholes and endless outback tracks await exploration. The journey then winds through the wild landscapes of Limmen National Park, visiting places like Butterfly Falls, before crossing the historic Roper River at Roper Bar and finishing in the tropical springs of Mataranka.
This 28 day expedition crosses an extraordinary range of Australian landscapes – from the rocky ranges of the Flinders to the desert country of central Australia, the vast savannahs of the Gulf Country and finally the tropical rivers and wetlands of the Top End.
Along the way we experience everything from cool southern coastal weather rolling in from the Great Australian Bight, to dry desert air and cold outback nights, before finishing in the warm tropical climate of northern Australia.
- Experienced remote travel guides
- Suitable for novice & experienced travellers
- Suits quality Aussie made off-road campers and hybrid vans
- Gain on road 4WD experience
- Extensive first aid medical kit
- No age limits
- Small intimate group size
- Friendly & like minded travellers
Gulf to Gulf Expedition 2027
28 Days | Port Germein, SA to Lorella Springs, NT
From the shores of the Southern Ocean to the warm waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria, the Gulf to Gulf Expedition is one of Australia’s great overland adventures. Combining the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges, the legendary Oodnadatta Track, the remote Binns Track, the vast Gulf Country and some of the most spectacular station country in Australia, this journey takes you deep into places few travellers ever experience.
Designed for adventurous travellers who enjoy remote landscapes, bush camping, station stays and genuine outback exploration, this expedition covers approximately 7,000 kilometres through some of Australia’s most iconic and least-visited regions.
Day 1 – Port Germein
Port Germein Caravan Park
Meet your fellow travellers on the shores of Spencer Gulf. This afternoon we’ll conduct our tour briefing, vehicle checks and welcome gathering before enjoying our first evening together.
Day 2 – Port Germein to Argadells Station
Station Camp
Leaving the coast behind, we enter the spectacular southern Flinders Ranges. Tonight we camp on historic station country surrounded by rugged ranges and classic outback scenery.
Day 3 – Argadells Station to Alpana Station
Station Camp
Travel deeper into the northern Flinders Ranges, exploring remote tracks and magnificent mountain scenery before arriving at beautiful Alpana Station.
Day 4 – Alpana Station to Moolooloo Station
Willigon Camp
A relaxed day exploring one of the most scenic regions of the Flinders Ranges before settling into the peaceful surrounds of Willigon Camp.
Day 5 – Moolooloo Station to Arkaroola
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
Today we arrive at the legendary Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. This afternoon is yours to relax before joining the group for a BBQ dinner beneath the stars.
Day 6 – Arkaroola
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
A full day exploring Arkaroola, including the famous Ridge Top Tour. Spectacular mountain vistas, rugged geology and abundant wildlife make this one of the highlights of the entire expedition.
Day 7 – Arkaroola to Farina
Farina Historic Township
We leave the ranges behind and journey north through South Australia’s vast outback landscapes, arriving at the fascinating ruins of Farina.
Day 8 – Farina to William Creek
William Creek Campground
Travel along the legendary Oodnadatta Track to the iconic outback settlement of William Creek.
Day 9 – William Creek
William Creek Campground
A relaxed day with the opportunity to take a scenic flight over Lake Eyre and the surrounding desert landscapes.
Day 10 – William Creek to Algebuckina Bridge
Bush Camp
Continue north along the Oodnadatta Track, visiting the historic Algebuckina Bridge and exploring relics of the old Ghan Railway.
Day 11 – Algebuckina Bridge to Mt Dare
Mt Dare Hotel Campground
Today we visit the famous Dalhousie Springs where you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the warm artesian waters before arriving at Mt Dare.
Day 12 – Mt Dare to Old Andado
Bush Camp
Entering the Northern Territory, we travel through remote desert country to the historic Old Andado Homestead, once home to legendary outback pioneer Molly Clark.
Day 13 – Old Andado to Ross River Resort
Ross River Resort
Following sections of the renowned Binns Track, we leave the desert behind and enter the spectacular East MacDonnell Ranges.
Day 14 – Ross River Resort to Hale River
Bush Camp
A beautiful day exploring remote sections of the Binns Track and some of Central Australia’s lesser-known landscapes.
Day 15 – Hale River to Tower Rock
Bush Camp
Travel through rugged outback country before arriving at one of our favourite bush camps of the entire expedition.
Day 16 – Tower Rock
Bush Camp
A well-earned rest day. Relax around camp, explore the surrounding area or simply enjoy life in the Australian outback.
Day 17 – Tower Rock to Sandover Highway
Bush Camp
Today we venture into remote cattle country and vast open landscapes as we continue our journey toward the Gulf.
Day 18 – Sandover Highway to Georgina River
Bush Camp
Crossing the Northern Territory-Queensland border region, we camp beside the beautiful Georgina River billabongs near Camooweal.
Day 19 – Georgina River to Adels Grove
Adels Grove
Arrive at the lush oasis of Adels Grove, gateway to the magnificent Lawn Hill Gorge.
Day 20 – Adels Grove
Adels Grove
A full day to explore Lawn Hill Gorge, enjoy a canoe paddle, walk the escarpments or simply relax by the crystal-clear spring-fed creek.
Day 21 – Adels Grove to Hell’s Gate
Hell’s Gate Roadhouse Campground
A transit day across classic Gulf Country landscapes as we continue north toward the coast.
Day 22 – Hell’s Gate to Seven Emu Station
Clifftop Camp
Welcome to one of Australia’s most exclusive station experiences. Our camp overlooks the Gulf coastline and provides a spectacular base for exploring this remarkable property.
Day 23 – Seven Emu Station
Clifftop Camp
A full day exploring remote beaches, station tracks, Indigenous heritage sites and the extraordinary Gulf landscapes.
Day 24 – Seven Emu Station
Clifftop Camp
Another day to enjoy all that Seven Emu has to offer. Fishing, exploring, photography and simply soaking up this unique corner of Australia.
Day 25 – Seven Emu Station to Lorella Springs
Lorella Springs Wilderness Park
Travel west to the legendary Lorella Springs, one of Australia’s largest and most famous wilderness properties.
Day 26 – Lorella Springs
Lorella Springs Wilderness Park
Enjoy a full day exploring the springs, thermal pools, tracks and spectacular landscapes that have made Lorella Springs an outback icon.
Day 27 – Lorella Springs to Roper Bar
Roper Bar Park
Following remote Gulf tracks, we reach the historic Roper River and the famous outback settlement of Roper Bar.
Day 28 – Roper Bar to Mataranka
Mataranka Tourist Resort
Our final day together sees us arrive in Mataranka. This evening we’ll celebrate an incredible journey with a farewell group dinner and plenty of stories from one of Australia’s great overland expeditions.
All routes and campsites are subject to change due to weather, track conditions, and wherever the adventure takes us.
About Your Guides
(For the full backstory, check out the Our Story tab in the main menu.)
The crew behind the wheel.
At the core is Trent Moon, with the branch not growing far from his father’s tree. Ron Moon, a true icon of Australian remote travel, still joins tours well into his late 70s. Trent grew up with red dirt under his boots and a steering wheel in hand. His parents, Ron and Viv Moon, helped pioneer modern Australian remote travel, publishing guidebooks and mapping some of the country’s toughest tracks. Ron remains Editor-at-Large of 4×4 Australia Magazine. For Trent, it’s the family business. Raised in the bush and behind the wheel before his teens (don’t try this now, kids!), he’s led countless Simpson crossings and adventures across Australia, Africa, and the sea.
Trent, Matt, Ben, and Bertus—best mates for over 30 years—have explored just about every corner of Australia together (Vic High Country, Cape York, Simpson Desert, the Kimberley… you name it), plus half a dozen African countries. Their friendship and experience set the tone for every trip: fun, safe, capable, and full of great stories.
Matt is an exceptional leader and long-time guest favourite. He’s towed his AOR Q+ with his family into the country’s harshest conditions, combining great bush mechanic skills with top-notch problem-solving. Matt regularly leads desert trips for Moon Tours and is a huge part of the quality and value guests experience on tour.
Ben rounds out the trio. Another high school mate, he’s been on countless trips with Trent and Matt. Ben is the ultimate team player—a fan favourite who’s always ready to lend a hand, get stuck in, and share the experience with plenty of humour and care. A great mate to have by your side on any adventure.
Bertus, originally from South Africa and now calling Kununurra home, has guided in 36 countries, led expeditions with Australian Geographic, and trained Gurkhas in bush survival. He took Trent under his wing back in 1996 and has been an essential part of the team ever since.
Chief Jimmy is the engine room of Moon Tours. He works side by side with Trent at HQ and out on the road. Known for his calm presence, dry humour, and exceptional mechanical skills (especially on Toyotas—he’ll reluctantly fix “the others”), Jimmy is a guest favourite and keeps the wheels turning and the adventure rolling.
Corey & Sophie are a powerhouse team. Sophie runs much of the admin and guest communication, while Corey, a heavy diesel mechanic, is your “hands-on, get-it-done” guide. They’ve led multiple Moon Tours into Cape York, the Simpson, Victorian High Country, and the epic Coast 2 Coast. When they’re on tour—you’re in safe hands.
Harris & Bri are the ultimate fix-it duo. Harris loves a mechanical challenge and usually finds something to weld or repair. Bri is right there backing him up, both happy to dive in and help out wherever needed. Guests love their energy and enthusiasm.
Cam, based in Alice Springs, is a full-time mechanic and shop manager with Terrain Tamer. With plenty of Simpson crossings and Coast 2 Coast tours under his belt, Cam’s a loveable country bloke who keeps everything running smoothly (and always with a smile).
Together, we don’t just guide—we make sure you have the confidence, capability, and backup to enjoy every minute of the journey.
You’re in very good hands out there
🚙 ARE YOU AND YOUR VEHICLE PREPARED?
Suspension and tyres are your most crucial upgrades, and mandatory if you intend to join this tour. Protecting your engine from dust with a snorkel is highly recommended – although not mandatory.
It’s the long distances, heavy loads, corrugations along with some slow rough terrain, tight tracks and thick scrub – the remoteness will test you and your gear.
A well-prepared vehicle and trailer will mean the difference between an epic adventure and a costly breakdown.
🧳 Gear for Touring
- Upgraded Suspension – mandatory (not Defender or D4)
- Good All-Terrain Light Truck Rated Tyres – mandatory
UHF Radio with External Aerial – mandatory
Air Compressor – mandatory
Tyre Gauge / Deflator – mandatory
Jumper Leads and/or Jumper Pack
- Spare Parts – mandatory
- Tool Kit – mandatory
- Recovery Kit – mandatory
- Personal First Aid Kit – mandatory
- Maps / GPS so you know where you are – mandatory
- Axe and Shovel
🛢️ Fuel & Water
⛽ Enough for a 800km (based on average 25L/100Km 200L)
💧 100L minimum per vehicle – max 200L (bending stub axles on vans is a real risk and all due to weight – water is heavy. Bring what you need, not what you can carry)
🚗 Vehicle Prep
🔧 Pre-trip service by a reputable 4WD workshop
Book a full inspection with an experienced 4WD specialist (not a general mechanic)
Check and replace worn suspension components, bushes, shocks, and steering
Inspect brakes, brake lines, and pads for wear
Thoroughly inspect all aftermarket accessories (bull bar, rear bar, roof racks, awnings, spotlights, aerials, etc.)
Check all aftermarket wiring for wear, damage, correct fusing, and safe routing
Inspect wheel bearings and repack or replace if needed
Service diff, transfer case, gearbox oils, and engine oil
Check for any leaks or loose fittings under vehicle and under bonnet
Test battery health and electrical system load
Confirm tyre pressures and inspect for uneven wear or damage
Re-torque critical bolts (suspension, wheels, tow hitch, recovery points)
🚚 Trailer Prep
🛠️ Pre-trip inspection + service
Book a full inspection with a specialist camper trailer service centre
Check all suspension components, bolts, bushes, and shackles for wear or cracking
Test all external lights, brake lights, indicators, and number plate lights
Inspect handbrake operation and brake cable condition
🛞 Check/replace wheel bearings
Remove and inspect all trailer wheel bearings
Repack with high-quality wheel bearing grease or replace if any wear or damage
Carry at least one full spare bearing kit for each axle
🔌 Check electrics
Test 12V circuits, Anderson plug connections, and trailer plug wiring
Inspect all wiring for chafing, loose connections, or corrosion
Confirm battery condition and charging system
Test water pump, fridge wiring, and any other 12V accessories
🔩 Structural integrity
Inspect chassis rails, A-frame, drawbar, coupling, and welds for cracks or fatigue
Check the condition and mounting of all external accessories (jerry can holders, stone guards, spare wheel carriers, gas bottle holders)
Ensure all hatches, latches, locks, and hinges are secure and working properly
Check condition and pressure of airbag suspension systems if fitted
Spare Parts & Gear for Touring
Being well-prepared with the right spare parts and gear is essential for a safe and successful trip, whether you’re touring with us or exploring on your own. Even if you don’t know how to replace these items, having them in your kit essential if you want help from those that do. Here’s what we recommend! Some of these spares must be carried when travelling with Moon Tours – others are highly recommended.
All of these items are common to be replaced on tour.
Of course, each vehicle and trailer differs in terms of parts and what can be serviced in the field versus what requires specialised tools and a workshop. For example, if a LandCruiser 200 snaps wheel studs and nuts, the vehicle becomes undriveable without spares. However, with the necessary spares on hand, this issue is an easy fix, and you’ll be back on the road in no time. These spare parts take up very little space but can make a huge difference in saving your trip. We strongly recommend researching common issues specific to your vehicle or trailer and carrying the appropriate spare parts to help prevent potential breakdowns.
🛠️ Spare Parts
🏎️ Serpentine Belt – mandatory
Radiator Hoses – recommended
Tensioner Pulley – highly recommended. Car will not run without one
🛞 Shock Bushes – some are serviceable, some are not. Check yours and carry spares if they are.
Misc Bolt & Nuts
🔩 Wheel studs and nuts for vehicle and trailer – mandatory
(This is a common issue and easily repaired. Ensure you have the correct studs and nuts for steel and alloy wheels on both vehicle and trailer.)🛑 Brake Pads / Brake Shoes – A set for Front & Rear & Trailer – mandatory
🚛 Prop Shaft / UNI Joint – At least x1 Front and x1 Rear – recommended
(They may differ front to back. When towing, your UNI Joints are operating under extreme conditions. If one were to fail, you would lose the drive to that entire axle making you 2WD. Towing in 2WD in an off-road environment will put a massive strain on that axle. Carrying a spare could save a lot of heartache, but they’re easy to replace if one fails, and they’re not very big to store in your spare parts kit.)
🚐 Van & Trailer Spares
Water hose, joiners and tap fittings
Brake pads or shoes
Wheel Bearings
- Wheel Studs and Nuts
Spare Airbag, hose and fitting (if you run full air set up, i.e. no coils)
D Shackles
🛞 Wheel Bearings
Wheel Bearings For All Your Trailer Axles/Wheels – mandatory
Wheel bearings for your vehicle?
It is rare these days to have original equipment bearings fail on a vehicle; however, when it does, it can be catastrophic. If an engine blows up, we can always tow a vehicle out. Without wheels…well. The best cure is prevention. A vehicle’s wheel bearings last a long time, but they don’t last forever and, in some instances, can be almost impossible to replace in the bush. It is absolutely essential that you have a reputable mechanic maintain and check these properly.It is super important that your vehicle and trailer wheel bearings are thoroughly checked before any travel.
(Any free play or rumbling from the bearing is a clear indicator that it is on its way out and must be addressed as soon as possible. In newer vehicles, it is increasingly common to have sealed and pressed wheel bearings, which are more durable but significantly harder to service or replace in remote areas. However, if your wheel bearings are serviceable in the bush, such as with the LandCruiser 79 series, they can be easily greased and/or replaced, making them a practical spare part for remote travel.)Adding spare parts like wheel bearings to your remote travel kit is highly recommended.
(Some of these parts take up very little room in your spare kit but can make a massive difference in saving your trip. We personally carry enough bearings for one side of the vehicle, both front and rear, as part of our spare parts kit.)
🛞 Spare Tyres and Repair Kit
Heavy-duty plug kit (avoid plastic handles) – mandatory
Tyre slime – mandatory
Minimum Two Good Spares on Rims if wheels are interchangeable between 4WD and Van – mandatory
Highly recommend carrying an additional spare tyre (no rim). If we destroy a tyre and have a spare carcass – we will throw it on when we get somewhere like Warburton – giving us two spares on rims once again.
If the vehicle and van are not interchangeable:
- Two spares on rims for the car
- At least one spare on a rim for the van
🛡️ Filters
Oil, Fuel, Air, and Cabin Filters – mandatory
🧽 Snorkel filter socks (great for convoys, just clean regularly)
🛢️ Fluids
Oil For Top Ups – mandatory
Engine, Diff/Transfer Case, Transmission, Power Steering (may be the same as your auto trans oil), and Brake Fluid. You don’t need to carry enough for a full change, 500mm – 1L top up bottles are fine and essential to your remote touring kit.
🔥 Fire Extinguishers
Bring more than one – mandatory
Ensure the powder is loose and the pressure is good
🔌 12V Electrical Spares
Cable ties – mandatory
Spare Anderson plugs – mandatory
Spare Trailer plug and Cigarette lighter plug – highly recommended
Fuses – mandatory
A mix of large blade 40–60A for compressors and Anderson plugs, standard and mini blade, glass fuses and inline heavy-duty fusible links
30A Relay (know your own vehicle and electrical set up – you may need bigger relays) – mandatory
Electrical Tape – mandatory
Multimeter and Test Light – we have these of course but we highly recommend you carry your own. Even if you don’t know how to use it.
Solder and Small Gas Torch work well – we carry this also and highly recommend you carry some too. 12V issues are more common than anything else on tour.
Electrical connectors and joiners – mandatory
Label wiring under the bonnet and inside the canopy for easier troubleshooting.
If everyone did this, it would make our life so much easier in the bush.
🛢️ Sealants & Cleaners
Sprays: lubricant, brake clean, contact cleaner, degreaser – mandatory
Radiator stop-leak – recommended
Fuel additives / injector cleaner – mandatory
JB-Weld essentials kit – mandatory
Gasket Maker / Sealant – recommended
- Loctite – recommended
Grease / Wheel Bearing Grease – mandatory (a small tub or tube is fine)
🛠️ Tools: Be Prepared for Anything
Basic tool kit – shifters, spanners, sockets, screw drivers, pliers, wire cutters, vice grip, hammer, Allen keys, sharp knife, hack saw, hex keys, cloth tape, gloves and rags.
Decent Jack – mandatory
A reliable jack and a jacking plate for stability on uneven terrain
Pry Bar or Tyre Lever – highly recommended
Rubber Mallet and Hammer – highly recommended
Cold Chisel and Punches
Cordless Tools – highly recommended
Impact Driver
Drill and
Grinder – With cutting and grinding discs
- Rivet Gun and Rivets
- Pick Set
🛟 Recovery Gear
Rated Recovery Points – Front & Rear – mandatory
MaxTrax – min set of 4 – should be mandatory but highly recommended
(One for each wheel on the ground is recommended; having two in a pickle is not helpful.)Kinetic Rope or Snatch Strap – mandatory
**Shackles (recommend soft shackles) – mandatory
Shovel – mandatory
Axe / splitter combo – recommended
Chainsaw – highly recommended
🧗♂️ Winch Essentials: if you have one – not mandatory
Winch ring
Tree protector
Winch extension strap
A couple of additional soft shackles
Dampener
🛡️ Moon Tours Safety Equipment
📡 Satellite phone
- StarLink Internet
🆘 EPIRB
🩺 First aid kit (broad spectrum antibiotics, painkillers, relaxants, morphine whistles – bring your own basic kit too)
❤️🩹 Defibrillator
🛠️ Winch
🔥 Welding equipment
⚙️ Grinder / Power Tools
🔧 Tools
🏕️ Camping Gear
🪑 Camp chairs
🍳 Cooking kit
🍴 Cutlery + dishwashing gear
🔦 Head torch + lights
🪓 Axe + shovel
🇦🇺 Aussie-Made Trailer Brands
AOR (Australian Off Road)
Track Trailer (Tvan)
- Lifestyle Camper
Trakmaster
Patriot Campers
Cub Campers
Pioneer Campers
Kimberley Kampers
Ultimate Campers
Vista RV
RhinoMax
- To name a few
Safety is priority #1. Reliability is everything.
Be prepared & have the trip of a lifetime!
- Pre trip inspection carried out by a reputable 4WD work shop, not your local car mechanic. (We recommend Outback 4WD if you’re in Melbourne)
- Pre trip service on your trailer contact your nearest service centre.
- Radio with external aerial
- GPS with appropriate maps (we recommend downloading the HEMA Australia app and maps or the HEMA Navigator)
- Bull bar (not mandatory but highly recommended)
- Snorkel (not mandatory but highly recommended)
- Upgraded suspension
- Heavy Duty all terrain tyres
- Dual Battery system (not mandatory but highly recommended)
- Fridge (not mandatory but highly recommended)
- Two spare tyres on rims to suit your vehicle
- At least one spare on a rim for your trailer
- Basic tyre repair
- Recovery kit and MaxTrax
- Compressor and tyre gauge
- Basic tool kit
- Fire extinguisher
- First Aid kit
- Enough fuel for up to 1000km towing in low range. Minimum 25L/100km – 30L/100kmdepending on your vehicle.
- At least 100 litres per vehicle.
- You will need to be self sufficient
- Camp chairs
- Cooking gear
- Cutlery and dishwashing
- Head torch and camp lights
- Axe, shovel
- Fan belts
- Oil
- Radiator stop leak
- Radiator hose tape
- Fuses
- Trailer spares recommended by manufacturer. Most common faults will be electrical, welds, bearings (though they should be as new before the trip)
- Air Filter
- Fuel filter
- Brake Fluid
Rates & Inclusions
Tour Price:
AUD $12600 (incl. GST) per vehicle – covers up to 2 people.
Deposit Terms:
A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 or 30% of the trip value (whichever is greater) is required to secure your place. Balance due 60 days prior to start date.
We recommend reviewing our Terms & Conditions and taking out domestic travel insurance to protect your holiday investment.
🚙 Why We Charge a Premium – And Why It’s Worth It
Moon Tours expeditions aren’t your average tag-along.
The biggest difference? We operate with two fully equipped support vehicles on almost every single trip without exception — a level of backup and service unmatched in the industry.
Every trip is supported by fully equipped Moon Tours guide vehicles and trailers, backed by an experienced team dedicated to making your journey smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
From on-tour mechanical support and recoveries to managing logistics, navigation, and guest comfort, we handle the details so you can focus on the experience.
Whether it’s a desert crossing, a mountain pass, or a remote station track, our team has decades of first-hand experience in Australia’s toughest touring environments. We know exactly what’s possible, where the limits are, and how to make every trip challenging, scenic, and safe.
Our guests often tell us the same thing:
“You get more than what’s listed.”
And just as often, at the end of a trip we hear:
“We can’t wait to book and plan our next Moon Tour!”
We don’t oversell. We under-promise and over-deliver every time.
This is what we do. It’s our passion, and our business is built around it.