1. Home
  2. Oceania
  3. Australia
  4. Ningaloo Reef & Pilbara Adventure
Map of Ningaloo Reef & Pilbara Adventure including Australia

From turquoise waters to the red, rocky outback, Western Australia has it all.

This 8-day adventure is the perfect taste of the best bits of Australia’s nature. Spend time soaking up sun and snorkeling in Turquoise Bay at Ningaloo Reef – keeping an eye out for the famous whale sharks the whole time – before heading inland. You’ll pass classic outback scenes of auburn landscape and limitless horizons before arriving at Karijini National Park, where you’ll have a chance to learn about the ancient culture of the Banyjima, Kurrama and Innawonga people, the traditional owners of the land. Swim in the secluded natural pools and hike through the vibrant gorges as you disconnect from the world and connect with the land around you.

Up to 10% OFF Queensland trips

Book now & save on trips departing before 30 June 2022. Offer ends 30 June.

Terms & Conditions
Start
Exmouth, Australia
Finish
Exmouth, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
PVKP
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 14

Why you'll love this trip

  • Enjoy the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef, where you’ll have views of the rich and diverse marine life and colourful coral underneath.

  • Drive to the top of the gorge for limitless views of Cheela Plains, where you’ll have the chance to enjoy sunset drinks and dinner around the campfire.

  • Explore the highlights of Karjini National Park, including West Karijini, Hancock Gorge, Kermit’s Pool, Junction Pool and many other special gems in the area.

  • Spend time relaxing in the amazing rocky environment of Hamersley Gorge, and cool off with a dip in the Jade Pools.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip requires a moderate to good level of fitness as it involves some walking, allowing you to really get among nature. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing.

  • For your time in Karijini National Park you will be accompanied by a second guide, which will give you the option between more physically demanding walks, or more moderate walks. 

  • Just as a heads up before you book: this trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

  • It's challenging to find accommodation at comfort standard in this region and so accommodation may not meet the expectation of our usual comfort trips.

PVKP - Karijini NP - Group with leader admiring gorge
PVKP - Karijini NP - Landscape gorge reflection
PVKP - Karijini NP - Fortescue Waterfall reflection
PVKP - Exmouth - Charles Knife Canyon Sunset
PVKP - Burrup Peninsula scenic views
PVKP - Ningaloo Reef - Snorkeler underwater with turtle
PVKP - Turquoise Bay - Cape Range NP

Itinerary
Expand All Collapse All

Welcome to Exmouth! Check in to your accommodation before meeting your local leader and fellow travellers for a Welcome Meeting at the hotel at 11am, then get to know everyone a little better over an included lunch. After lunch, it’s time to head out and explore the town and the spectacular surrounding areas with a local guide who knows it best. Kick things off with a walk around the township, then venture into the Cape Range National Park. Here your local guide will introduce you to a world of ancient gorges and glittering coastline. Pay a visit to the famously beautiful Turquoise Bay. With pristine white sands and bright blue waters, this is undoubtably one of the world’s most breathtaking beaches. Take a dip in the clear waters and snorkel to take a closer look at the coral reef gardens that lie beneath the surface. Stop off at several stunning lookout points where you can soak in the scenery and marvel at the iconic Ningaloo reef. After an exciting afternoon, you may like to join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local brewery in the evening and reminisce about the day’s discoveries over a tasty meal and craft beer.
Included Activities
  • Ningaloo Reef - Welcome lunch
Meals Included
  • Lunch
Special Information
The currents at Turquoise Bay can be strong and inexperienced swimmers are advised against taking part in this activity.

This morning after breakfast you’ll be donning your swimmers for a day on the water. Today you’ll have the option of two activities – heading out in search of Ningaloo Reef’s famous seasonal Whale Sharks or soaking up the wonders of the reef at the snorkel drift. If you opt for the latter, you’ll hire some snorkel gear and enter the water at the southern end of the beach, where the current will naturally take you down the length of the beach with views of the rich and diverse marine life and colourful coral underneath. This evening is free to enjoy as you wish – your local leader will have plenty of recommendations for the best places to enjoy a fresh seafood dinner, so don’t hesitate to ask them.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
It is very important that you pre book any Whale Shark experiences prior to departure, as this can sell out in advance due to popularity.

Today after breakfast you’ll be saying goodbye to Turquoise Bay and begin the approximately six and a half hour drive inland to Cheela Plains, with a stop at Bullara Station for morning tea and a lunch stop at Ashburton River. Along the way you’ll have plenty of time to appreciate the scenes of the Outback, before arriving at your destination. Once here, you’ll drive to the top of the gorge for limitless views of Cheela Plains, where you’ll have the chance to enjoy sunset drinks and dinner around the campfire with the group before settling into your nearby accommodation and watching the southern sky put on a show!
Included Activities
  • Cheela Plains - Sunset drinks
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

This morning after breakfast you’ll make the approximately 1 hour and 40-minute drive to Tom Price, the gateway Karijini National Park. Once here, your local guide will show you the highlights including West Karijini, Hancock Gorge, Kermit’s Pool, Junction Pool and many other special gems in the area before you stop to enjoy lunch at the Weano Recreation area. After lunch you’ll travel to Joffre Gorge and descend from the heat to an oasis of pools for an afternoon of swimming or relaxing in the shade of the ferns. Once you’ve had a chance to recharge your batteries, you’ll head to your safari camp for the evening for dinner.
Included Activities
  • Karijini National Park - Kermit's Pool
  • Karijini National Park - Junction Pool
  • Joffre Gorge
  • Tom Price & Karijini National Park
  • Karijini National Park - Hancock Gorge
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Accommodation for tonight is in simple tents, however it is worth it for the incredible scenery of Karijini National Park. Rooms will have stretcher beds, and sleeping bags will be provided however you can bring your own if you would prefer.  Single or Twin travellers may have to share in a four person tent.

Today you have a full-day guided tour of the highlights of Karijini National Park ahead of you. Pack your swimmers as you will start the day with a dip in the spring-fed Fortescue Falls at Dales Gorge before hiking the two-hour round-trip to Circular Pool at the other end of the gorge for another well-earned swim before lunch. After lunch you’ll head to the Karijini Visitors Centre where you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the traditional owners of Karijini – the Banyjima, Kurrama and Innawonga people – and their connection to the land. From here, you’ll return to camp for the evening. Enjoy a cup of tea or a coffee in the afternoon and relax before you enjoying another meal cooked by your leader under the southern sky.
Included Activities
  • Karijini National Park - Fern Pool
  • Karijini National Park - Dales Gorge
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Accommodation for tonight is in simple tents, however it is worth it for the incredible scenery of Karijini Naitonal Park. Rooms will have stretcher beds, and sleeping bags will be provided however you can bring your own if you would prefer. Single or Twin travellers may have to share in a four person tent.

After breakfast this morning you’ll leave your safari camp and make your back to Tom Price to refuel, before heading to Hamersley Gorge. Here you can enjoy a relaxed morning of lazing around this amazing rocky environment, including a dip in the Jade Pools. Head back to a pub in Tom Price for lunch, before driving for the afternoon back to Cheela Plains. After checking in and having time to freshen up, you’ll join the group for dinner at the accommodation.
Included Activities
  • Karijini National Park - Hamersley Gorge
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

This morning after breakfast you’ll check out of your accommodation and begin driving back to Exmouth. After driving for approximately two and a half hours, you’ll stop at Nanutarra Roadhouse for lunch. Upon arriving in Exmouth in the afternoon you’ll check in to your accommodation and have a chance to unwind before your leader will take you to one of their favourite local restaurants for a final dinner with the group and a chance to reflect on the incredible adventures you’ve shared.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today your trip comes to an end after breakfast. Say goodbye to your fellow travellers and head back to Exmouth airport, or if you booked additional accommodation, you can enjoy an extended stay.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Station Stay shared facilities (2 nights), Private Tent shared facilities (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Ningaloo Reef - Welcome lunch
  • Cheela Plains - Sunset drinks
  • Karijini National Park - Kermit's Pool
  • Karijini National Park - Junction Pool
  • Joffre Gorge
  • Tom Price & Karijini National Park
  • Karijini National Park - Hancock Gorge
  • Karijini National Park - Fern Pool
  • Karijini National Park - Dales Gorge
  • Karijini National Park - Hamersley Gorge

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Ningaloo Reef & Pilbara Adventure trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month
You have the flexibility to change your travel plans up to 28 days before your scheduled departure, and you can pick new travel dates or an entirely different trip, with no change fees. Some exclusions may apply. Learn more

Important notes

1. It is very important that you pre book any Whale Shark experiences, as this can sell out in advance.
2. A single supplement is available on all nights of this trip, except for nights 4 and 5 in Karijini National Park.
3. It's challenging to find accommodation at comfort standard in this region and so accommodation may not meet the expectation of our usual comfort trips

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

Reviews

Go to dates