Australia’s West Coast stands alone as a remote, stunning and truly unforgettable region. The 6-day Perth to Exmouth Adventure hugs much of the state’s coastline where the outback meets some of the most deserted, yet pristine beaches in the world. Meet the local dolphins at Monkey Mia, enjoy spectacular vistas along Kalbarri National Park’s skywalk, and snorkel your way along the marine paradise that is Turquoise Bay. Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef and its coastline appears endless and whilst there’s a lot driving to get you there, the rewards are well-worth the wait.
Why you’ll love this trip
- Discover Western Australia’s desert landscapes, national parks and sublime Coral Coast in rugged style on the ultimate small group overland adventure.
- Visit the Pink Lake, Kalbarri National Park and Shark Bay
- Enjoy the flexibility of a private vehicle, the expert knowledge of a passionate local guide and the magic of camping under the stars – what’s not to love about the land of Oz?
- Why not check out the underwater aquarium of Ningaloo Reef by plane, glass-bottom boat or snorkel, and season depending, swim with the gentle giants of the deep – whale sharks!
Day 1 : Perth to Northbrook Farm
We leave the big city of Perth and head North via the National Highway Number 1 via Moore River National Park. We visit the Greenough wildlife sanctuary promoting conservation and animal rescue. Get up close to dingos, emus, orphan kangaroo joeys, saltwater crocodiles, handle lizards and even snakes. It's then the 2nd largest city in Western Australia; Geraldton, to visit the HMAS Sydney memorial lookout and learn about the colourful history of this area, before arriving at our accommodation for the night at the remote post of the Northbrook Farmstay. Special Information: Total driving time today is around 5.5 hours and approximately 470km. Total walking distance is approximately 2km.
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 : Northbrook Farm to Exmouth
Today is a long day of driving (approximately 8 hours and approximately 750km in total). Leaving Karijini, The farm travel through the vast bushland and cattle stations of the Pilbara region. This sparsely populated region is known for its red earth and rich mineral deposits.
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 : Exmouth
Depending on the season, today you’ll have the option (at your own cost) to snorkel or scuba dive in search of whale sharks or manta rays, the largest rays in the world. If not, taking up one of the optional boat tours, perhaps visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, or soak up the sun on the pristine beach at Turquoise Bay. Explore the beauty of Cape Range National Park. This afternoon we’ll take a short trip to beautiful Coral Bay. Special Information: Total driving time today is around 3.5 hours and approximately 300km. Total walking distance is approximately 2km.
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 : Coral Bay
Enjoy a day of freedom and relaxation. If you didn’t squeeze a snorkel in yesterday, today you get to; if you did, you get another one. Everyone wins. Ningaloo Reef is one of the world’s largest fringing reefs, meaning that it starts practically from the water’s edge. You just swim out from shore and suddenly you’re in a world of coral, fish, turtles and manta rays. Swimming above these enormous, majestic creatures is really something else. Not much of a swimmer? There’s also the option of taking in the scene on a glass bottom boat tour, along with many other optional activities. We’ll introduce you to the friendly staff at Coral Bay Eco Tours. Special Information: There is no driving today, just a short walk to Coral Bay Eco Tours and water activities.
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 : Monkey Mia
Today we cross over the Tropic of Capricorn. Main stop for the day is Shell Beach, which, much as name would suggest, is a beach made of shells. What’s quite incredible about the place however is the amount of shells that there are. Locals have been using them in various industries for years, yet they still cover a stretch 60 km long and up to 7 metres deep. Tonight we stay in the Shark Bay region. Special Information: Total driving time today is around 6.5 hours and approximately 600km. Total walking distance is approximately 2km.
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 : Monkey Mia to Kalbarri
This morning, check out Monkey Mia – part of the Peron Peninsula, which extends into part of the Indian Ocean known as Shark Bay. This popular spot is known for its world famous dolphins that have been frequenting the beach for decades. Afterwards, continue your road trip down the West Australian coast with a short drive across the Eastern Peninsula. See stromatolites, the oldest living organisms in the world, then head south for the Kalbarri National Park. Time permitting, there’ll be a stop-off along the way at Murchison Gorge, where there’s the opportunity to admire the landscape through Nature’s Window and the Kalbarri Skywalk. Special Information: Total driving time today is around 5.5 hours and approximately 470km. Total walking distance is approximately 5km
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 : Kalbarri to Perth
It’s a driving day today, but a spectacular one. Cruising through the coastal gorges of Kalbarri National Park, we come to the quaint coastal town of Dongara, which sits at the head of the Irwin River. Visit Western Australia’s own Pink Lake at Port Gregory. Head on to Sandy Cape (Lancelin), a vast sand desert peopled by the strange limestone structures of the Pinnacles Nambung National Park. After a walk around here it’s on to Perth, where this adventure winds up. Special Information: Today’s driving will take approximately 7 hours and approximately 600km (with about 2km of walking). You’ll arrive in Central Perth around 6pm and there is no accommodation planned for this evening.
Meals :Lunch
Departure location: Tourist Stop Barrack Street Jetty at 7am
May to September: Select Tuesdays
Finishes: Central Perth approx 6.30pm day 7
There are a number of optional activities on this tour, all of which can be booked by your Guide on the bus.
- Snorkel with Manta Rays – half day trip
- Beach Snorkelling (own expense)
- Whale Watching – 3 hours (seasonal)
- Glass Bottom Boat Cruises from
- Snorkel with the Whalesharks (own expense)
- Snorkel at Turquoise Bay (own expense)
