Pilbara & West Coast Expedition

Welcome to Broome, gateway to the Kimberley and home to striking red cliffs, turquoise seas, a rich pearling history and dinosaur footprints.

After a brief orientation tour, settle into your resort before a special welcome dinner overlooking the Indian Ocean .

Your journey south begins as we travel along the Great Northern Highway, passing between the Great Sandy Desert and Eighty Mile Beach. Learn about the region's landscapes and history before arriving in Port Hedland, one of Australia's busiest resource ports and one of the largest towns in the Pilbara

Go behind the scenes at the Port Hedland Seafarers Centre for an exclusive look at the workings of the Port Hedland iron ore port. Due to the massive mining operations in the region, the town is home to Australia's largest tonnage port facility.

After a quick presentation we board one of the Seafarers launch service boats and circumnavigate the entire port, with insightful commentary from your local skipper. Departing Port Hedland, we head inland to the spectacular red gorges of Karijini National Park

With red earth beneath your feet and ancient escarpments on the horizon, the beauty of Karijini National Park beckons . As one of Western Australia's most dramatic and remote landscapes, today promises a journey through deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and emerald-hued swimming holes.

Begin with a guided walk to Oxer Lookout, taking in the breathtaking panorama from this Lookout, perched above the point where four gorges meet in a cathedral of stone, and through Weano Gorge, where sculpted rock walls and hidden pools showcase the park's geological past. Continue to Tom Price for a guided mine tour and gain insight into the region's rich mining history. Then, explore other sections of Karijini, including Dales Gorge and Fern Pool - a sacred, tranquil oasis perfect for a refreshing swim.

Continuing west, we venture into the spectacular Millstream-Chichester National Park, a landscape of rugged escarpments, spring-fed pools and tree-lined rivers. Explore the historic Millstream Homestead, once a pastoral station and now a visitor hub rich in local heritage. By late afternoon, we arrive in the resource-rich town of Karratha, founded in 1968 to support mining operations in the Hamersley Ranges.

This morning we travel to the Burrup Peninsula to view ancient petroglyph engravings dating back 30,000 - 45,000 years ago. We'll also visit the North West Shelf Visitors Centre in Dampier to learn about one of Australia's largest resource projects.

This afternoon, we head south to one of the most pristine natural wonders in Australia: Ningaloo Reef arriving in Exmouth late afternoon.

Ningaloo is an untouched 300km long fringing barrier reef that protects a shallow, brilliant white sandy lagoon of clear tropical waters. It is one of only a few places on earth where you can access the coral reef from the beach. On a half day discovery cruise on Ningaloo Reef learn about the diversity of marine life in the park and take the opportunity for some snorkelling in the park's pristine waters (accompanied by guides – with all equipment provided).

Return to the resort for a leisurely afternoon before dining together at the award-winning Mantarays Restaurant.

Venture into Cape Range National Park to explore its breathtaking expanse of rugged limestone ranges, deep canyons, and 50 kilometres of pristine coastline. We'll cruise Yardie Creek, a peaceful water system nestled within the national park and admire the striking contrast between the turquoise waters and red ochre landscapes as the sun rises over the gorge. Keep an eye out for an array of birdlife and the rare black-footed rock wallabies hopping along the cliff edge.

After the cruise, take a scenic walk to the top of the gorge, and be rewarded with panoramic views down the creek and out to Ningaloo Reef. Pause for a picnic lunch to soak in the surrounds before visiting Milyering, the Cape Range National Park Discovery Centre. Later, we return to Exmouth for some leisure time before dinner.

Take advantage of a relaxing morning before we depart Exmouth and journey along the North West Coastal Highway. We call into Coral Bay, a laid-back coastal paradise, before heading further south to Carnarvon, our base for the night.

Continue south into the World Heritage-listed Shark Bay region and arrive in Monkey Mia, famous for its wild dolphin encounters. Settle into your beachfront resort and enjoy the stunning coastal surroundings.

Recognised as one of the world's most extraordinary natural environments, Shark Bay was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Area in 1991 for meeting all four natural criteria - a rare achievement. Its vast seagrass meadows, the largest on the planet, are home to an incredible diversity of marine life, including a thriving population of dugongs.

This morning, we visit the beach to see if we can spot the famous local dolphins, known to swim into the shallows and interact with visitors (please note, as they are wild, sightings cannot be guaranteed). Afterwards, set out on a relaxing catamaran cruise through Shark Bay Marine Park, keeping watch for dolphins, dugongs, turtles, and more. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the resort, with time to unwind and soak up the coastal surrounds.

Today begins with a walk back in time to the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve, one of the few places in the world where marine stromatolites, often referred to as living fossils, can be found. Nearby, we explore the Old Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station, built in 1884 as part of the vital communication line between Perth and Roebourne. The original building now serves as a museum, showcasing fascinating historical artefacts. After our visit, we continue south, arriving in Geraldton late in the afternoon.

Our final days takes us to one of Australia's most otherworldly landscapes, the Pinnacles. These striking limestone formations rise eerily from the desert sands, creating a truly unique scene. We take time to wander through the area before making our way back to Perth.

In the evening, we come together for a special farewell dinner to celebrate the end of an incredible journey through the Pilbara and South West.

This morning is yours to relax before your transfer to Perth Airport or your post-tour accommodation.