THE PILBARA: Hike in deep gorges cut by hidden springs and swim in refreshing plunge pools - two of many reasons why the Pilbara is worth taking time to explore. Famous for its iron ore deposits which lend the landscape its fiery hues, the region contains some of the world's most ancient natural landscapes, set amongst the beautiful Hammersley Ranges in Karajini National Park. Contrast these dramatic landscapes with the tranquility of Ningaloo Reef. Here we cruise and snorkel, discovering the delights of one of the most spectacular marine parks in the world, where the coral reef is just a short swim away. Add to this a traverse of the Victoria Desert, where endemic wildflowers decorate your path. "The world's largest monolith", Mt Augustus, and ghost towns with eerie ruins of early gold rush days complete this voyage of discovery.