West Coast & Karijini Adventure

Welcome to Perth! Or Boorloo in the language of the local Whadjuk Nyoongar people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Perth is now located. Your adventure begins straight away, as you meet your group and head to Nambung National Park to check out the famous Pinnacles Desert – a unique landscape unlike any other in the country. After, journey to Jurien Bay, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot endangered sea lions on the beach. From here, continue to the limestone caves of Stockyard Gully Reserve before spending the night in the coastal city of Geraldton.

Drive to Kalbarri after breakfast, stopping at Hutt Lagoon on the way – the extremely high levels of salinity in this lagoon gives it its unusual pink, sometimes lilac hue. Stop along the rugged coastline to see the natural bridge and take a short walk along the coastal trail.

This afternoon, head to Murchison River for a special degustation experience.

After a tour around Murchison House Station, you’ll head out on the river in canoes, drifting along the gentle waters and looking out for some local wildlife. As the sun goes down, you’ll leave your canoes and tuck into your campfire banquet – this four-course feast of regional dishes will be paired with alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks, set against the gorgeous backdrop of Kalbarri’s nature. (B/D)

Wake up and explore Kalbarri National Park's Skywalk and Nature’s Window. After, you’ll carry on to Shark Bay. Walk along Eagle Bluff Boardwalk for views of the harbour, limestone islands and wildlife (you might be lucky enough to see rays, sharks or even turtles here), then enjoy some free time for lunch in Denham. Continue to your accommodation in Monkey Mia.

Tonight is a free night in Shark Bay. (B)

Today is a free day to soak up all the natural beauty of Shark Bay – this UNESCO World Heritage Area is one of the world's greatest wilderness treasures set on the westernmost point of Australia. You might like to go stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking or 4WDing here – there are heaps of optional activities that your leader can help you book. You might even like to take a daytrip to Dirk Hartog Island to explore the wilderness in a 4WD – on this tour, you’ll visit the blow holes of the island, walk on white-sand beaches, swim through clear bay waters and look out for sharks, turtles, whales, dugongs and dolphins from Surf Point Marine Sanctuary. Spend tonight around the campfire and enjoy a tasting of fresh seafood or bush tucker cooked over the fire. Learn about the history of the Gutharraguda (Shark Bay), hear a Traditional Custodian play the didgeridoo and try spot kangaroos and echidnas.

It will be a bit of a long travel day today as you make your way to Coral Bay, bordered by the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef – the world's largest fringing reef, home to thriving marine life and rare flora and fauna. The reef sits within the national park of the same name and is also the spot where up to 500 whale sharks aggregate yearly! Along the way, stop in Carnarvon and maybe grab some lunch or visit the Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre (Gwoonwardu Mia), before settling into your accommodation for the evening.

Set out on a three-hour glass bottom boat tour this morning, to explore the scenic surroundings of Coral Bay. As you cruise the bright blue waters, go in search of local turtles feeding in the corals of their natural habitat. As well as looking out for turtles, you’ll have the opportunity to feed schools of fish and maybe even go snorkelling in the clear waters off the boat in two different spots! This afternoon, you’re free to kick back on the warm sands, go for a swim or head out for more snorkelling along the Ningaloo Reef.

Drive into Cape Range National Park this morning and head out on a walk to Mandu Mandu Gorge. Venture up to the gorge’s rim to see the vast views of the Ningaloo Reef and surrounding country. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you go, like black-flanked rock-wallabies and birds of prey. After, have a picnic lunch with your group, then cool off with some snorkelling around Oyster Stacks – these five isolated islets protrude from Ningaloo Reef and can only be accessed at high tide. Explore the shallow coral gardens below the water, among colourful schools of fish – keep an eye out for turtles and sharks cruising by! Tonight, make your way to Exmouth. (L)

The next part of your adventure begins with another welcome meeting at 8.30 am this morning. Then, set off through the beautiful Outback landscape to Nanutarra Roadhouse. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive at the roadhouse, stop for lunch before continuing to Cheela Plains Station, where you’ll stay tonight.

This afternoon, maybe set off on one of the station hikes to explore the area.

Tonight, enjoy dinner at the station under the Pilbara night sky. (D)

Today is an early start as you travel from Cheela towards Karijini National Park. On the way, stop at Tom Price and spend some time walking the streets of this small mining town. This is also your opportunity to buy yourself a picnic lunch for later on in the national park. Continue to Karijini National Park – land of the Banjima, Innawongka and Eastern Guruma peoples. This is Western Australia’s second-largest national park, with a landscape more than 2. 5 billion years old. Your first stop is Kalamina Gorge – the shallowest gorge in Karijini National Park. As you walk alongside the stream, take in the surrounding landscape of small waterfalls and rock pools. When you arrive at the Rock Arch Pool, stop for lunch and maybe a quick swim before checking into your accommodation at Karijini Eco Retreat.

This afternoon, explore Joffre Gorge – a curved waterfall forming a natural amphitheatre. When you arrive, take in panoramic views from the lookout platform or maybe walk down into the gorge to see the towering cliff faces reflected in the calm water. (B)

Today is a full day of exploration in Karijini National Park. Travel to Hancock Gorge this morning for your first hike of the day. After climbing down a ladder, you’ll walk through the narrow rock passages and shallow pools to the well-known Spider Wall. Weave your way through the tight, twisting gaps in the rocks before arriving at the green waters of Kermit’s Pool.

This afternoon, set off on a hike through Weano Gorge. Follow the trail through the towering red walls, along the stepping stones to the Handrail Pool. Spend some time relaxing among the cool rocks or take a dip in the clear waters. (B/L)

After breakfast, you’ll start your journey back towards Cheela Plains. On the way, stop for one final walk at Hamersley Gorge. As you walk, take in the swirling rock formations and the colourful layers of stone. At the bottom, maybe cool off with a swim in the pool or relax under the shade of the trees beside the stepped waterfalls. Then, leave the landscape of gorges and waterfalls behind, and return to your station stay Cheela Plains. When you arrive, enjoy your last dinner with your fellow travellers to celebrate the last night of your adventure. (B/L/D)

This morning, travel back to Exmouth, stopping at the Charles Knife Canyon along the way. From the lookout soak up the panoramic views of the surrounding terrain of rocky gullies, narrow gorges, open spinifex (coastal grass) bushland and over the Exmouth Gulf. After lunch at the canyon, you’ll continue to Exmouth, where your trip will come to an end. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B/L)