Discover why Western Australia is a nature lovers’ paradise. Become an Exmouth Explorer and experience the many wonders of the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef. As you journey through the idyllic West Coast you will experience a totally different side to Australia, a region many are yet to discover!
Start your adventure in the most remote capital city of Perth before heading north into the nature lovers’ paradise that is Western Australia. Hike down to the banks of the Murchison River and peek through Nature’s Window into an ancient gorge. For those seeking a unique view over the gorge, there’ll also be an opportunity to test your abseil skills (at guest’s own expense). A visit to the World Heritage Listed region of Shark Bay will leave you in awe of the beauty of nature. Here you can marvel at a beach made entirely of tiny shells, meet the world’s oldest living fossils, the Stromatolites, and witness dolphins playing just offshore at Monkey Mia.
The region is not only home to around 2000 dolphins but also turtles, dugongs, kangaroos, and emus! Be amazed by your visit to the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef, known for its diverse marine life, manta rays, and whale shark visitors! Stay overnight in Coral Bay, a town right by the beach which boasts coral so close to shore you can swim out to view it. Or join a tour in search of whale sharks or manta rays. Whether you choose to join a boat tour or simply relax on the beach, the pristine beaches and turquoise waters here will leave a truly lasting impression.
We follow the road as far north as Exmouth Cape Range National Park, a place where rugged mountains flow almost down to the sea. Stand atop Vlamingh Head at the lighthouse for views over the reef and ranges. In spring, you may even spot the migrating humpback and whalesharks as they go by. Complete your tour of the Cape with a visit to the snorkelling haven of Turquoise Bay. From Exmouth, we make our way back down towards Perth stopping for many comfort breaks and seaside stops. Take this last opportunity for you to solidify new friendships and reflect on your adventure together.
Perth – Kalbarri
Kick off your adventure with a guided tour through the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, before enjoying lunch by the sea at Jurien Bay and journey up Indian Ocean Drive for some stunning coastal views. Stopping off at the must-see attraction just outside of Geraldton, known as the Pink Lake located off the coral coast highway (conditions permitting). Then it’s on to the seaside town of Kalbarri for our overnight accommodation.
Accommodation: Kalbarri Pelicans Nest Private Rooms (with ensuite)or Kalbarri Backpackers Shared Accommodation (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative
Meals: L | D
Driving Distance: 575km
Hike Distance: 2km Grade 1-2
Day 2: Kalbarri – Monkey Mia
Rise early for a magical start to the day, with a photo opportunity at sunrise at either Nature’s Window or the Kalbarri Skywalk. Visit the marvels of The Murchison Gorge and Z-Bend in Kalbarri National Park where water has carved its way through sandstone. Witness bright pops of colour here during wildflower season (spring). After lunch by the River mouth in Kalbarri we travel on towards Monkey Mia with plenty of comfort stops along the way before arriving at our accommodation by the beach.
Accommodation: RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Standard Private Rooms (with ensuite)or Backpackers Shared Accommodation (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative
Meals Included: B | L | D
Options: Kalbarri Abseiling Z-Bend
Driving Distance: 450km
Hike Distance: 3km Grade 3
Day 3: Monkey Mia – Coral Bay
This morning meet the famous Monkey Mia Dolphins and get some amazing photos. Enjoy chill-out time on the beach here or enjoy a coffee at the restaurant before we get back on the road in the morning. Check out the spectacular cliff views overlooking Denham at Eagle Bluff. Take a stroll along a beach made entirely of tiny shells followed by lunch. Before heading off to settling into our accommodation in Coral Bay, located right on the famous Ningaloo Reef.
Accommodation: Ningaloo Coral Bay Bayview Lodge Private Rooms (with ensuite) or Backpackers Shared Accommodation (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative
Meals: B | L | D
Driving Distance: 580km
Hike Distance: 2km Grade 1
Day 4: Coral Bay – Exmouth
You’ll have most of the day to explore the Ningaloo Reef, Australia’s largest Fringe reef, at your own leisure. Choose to join a boat tour or enjoy free time to experience the beautiful beaches Coral Bay has to offer. Go for a stroll on the beach and check out the shark nursery, swim with the manta rays (additional cost), or go for a snorkel on the Ningaloo Reef only metres from shore. This evening we take the short drive up the peninsula to Exmouth and check into our accommodation for two nights in the town centre.
Accommodation: Potshot Hotel Resort Private Rooms (with ensuite) or Backpackers Shared Accommodation (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative.
Meals Included: B | D
Options: Swim with Manta Rays, Snorkel Ningaloo Reef, Glass Bottom Boat Tours
Driving Distance: 155km Grade 1
Day 5: Exmouth
Today we drive through the Cape Range National Park, a spectacular place of rugged limestone ranges, breathtaking deep canyons and 50km of pristine beaches. Relax on the beach or choose to go snorkelling at the stunning Turquoise Bay, before finishing the tour in the early afternoon in time for lunch. Free time in the afternoon to explore the township of Exmouth only a 500 meter walk from our accommodation or sit back and enjoy the pool at our accommodation. Or choose to join a whaleshark or humpback swim tour and spend the day meeting some of the Ningaloo Reef’s most famous visitors (at guests’ own expense and seasonal). Visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse at sunset.
Accommodation: Potshot Hotel Resort Private Rooms (with ensuite) or Backpackers Shared Accommodation (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative.
Meals Included: B | D
Options: Whaleshark (Mar-Sep) or Humpback (Aug-Oct) Swim (pre-booking required)
Driving Distance: 135km
Hike Distance: 1km Grade 1-2
Day 6: Exmouth – Geraldton
Visit the town of Carnarvon and the Gwoonwardu Mia Culture Centre, a multipurpose centre that celebrates the five Aboriginal language groups of the Gascoyne Region. Enjoy lunch at the onsite cafe (included) , before stopping off for a photo opportunity overlooking the Murchison River. Refreshments stop along the way at Billabong for coffee & ice-creams. Before arriving at our final overnight destination in Geraldton. The group will enjoy their final dinner together at The Murchison Tavern after a long day of driving, (meals available at guests’ own expense).
Accommodation: Geraldton Accommodation Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms or Geraldton Backpackers on the Foreshore Shared Accommodation (with shared bathroom)or similar
Meals Included: B | L
Driving Distance: 840km
Day 7: Geraldton – Perth
Enjoy the HMAS Sydney Memorial with stunning views of Geraldton. Take a walk along the 3 bay walk at Green Head before wandering amongst Stromatolites of Lake Thetis. We’ll head to the Lancelin Sand Dunes Lookout for a chance to take in the breathtaking views of the vast sand dunes and surrounding scenery. After this scenic stop, you can kick back and relax on the bus as we make our way back to Perth, with drop-offs starting around 6:00pm.
Meals Included: B
Driving Distance: 465km Grade 1-3
Weather
The weather in Western Australia can fluctuate and be extreme at times. It is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 40+ degrees Celsius during the day and in the evening the temperature drops dramatically. Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.
General Information
Safe Travel Measures
What to bring
Exclusions
135 Waymouth St, Adelaide
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