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Experience the best of Western Australia, from outback to ocean

The best of Australia’s west is waiting on a 14-day adventure from Exmouth to Perth. From classic outback scenes of auburn landscape and limitless horizons to clear blue waters and dazzling coastline, this journey takes it all in. Look out for whale sharks while snorkelling in Turquoise Bay at Ningaloo Reef, learn about the ancient culture of the Banyjima, Kurrama and Innawonga people at Karijini National Park, watch dolphins being fed in Monkey Mia, explore the rugged landscapes of Kalbarri National Park and marvel at The Pinnacles at Nambung National Park. With a local leader by your side, you’ll see beneath the surface of a land that has so much to offer.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Exmouth, Australia
Finish
Perth, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
PVKIC
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.

  • Join an evening First Nations experience where you will learn about Gutharraguda (Shark Bay) from the Nhanda and Malgana people. Try your hand at playing the didgeridoo or traditional conch shell and taste some bush tucker prepared by your hosts over the open fire.

  • Visit The Pinnacles at Nambung National Park where natural limestone pillars tower above the sand to create an otherworldly landscape.

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. Please note that travellers over the age of 60 will need to fill in and complete a self-assessment form.

  • 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.

  • When travelling in Western Australia, temperatures can be very hot during the day and drop quite dramatically at night. Have a think about what time of year suits you best to travel and pack accordingly.

Turtle swims over coral on the Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
The shore of scenic Pink Lake Hutt Lagoon at Port Gregory, Western Australia.
PVKP - Karijini NP - Group with leader admiring gorge
Nature's Window, Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia
PVKP - Turquoise Bay - Cape Range NP
PVKP - Karijini NP - Landscape gorge reflection
PVKP - Karijini NP - Fortescue Waterfall reflection
PVKP - Burrup Peninsula scenic views

Itinerary
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Welcome to Exmouth! Meet your local leader and fellow travellers for a Welcome Meeting at the hotel at 11am, then get to know everyone a little better over lunch (optional). Then its time to head out and explore the town and the spectacular surrounding areas with your leader who knows it best. Kick things off with an orientation of the township, then venture into the Cape Range National Park. Here your leader 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 undoubtedly one of the world’s most breathtaking beaches. Don some snorkel gear and after a short lesson and safety briefing you’ll dive in to experience this underwater wonderland bursting with beautiful corals and marine life. Enter the water at the southern end of the beach, where the current will naturally take you down the length of the beach with minimal effort. Your guide will be in the water with you, pointing out amazing marine life and ensuring your comfort and safety during your time here. For those that don’t wish to snorkel, you may just choose to relax on the beach and take in the pristine white sands and bright blue waters. Following your snorkel adventure, it’s time to visit the Milyering Visitor Centre in Cape Range National Park. There’s a wealth of interesting displays to explore here – make sure you look for the fossilised megalodon tooth! Later pay a visit to the Jurabi Turtle Centre, where you can learn about the life cycle of the three species of turtles that nest (October to March) along the Ningaloo Coast. 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.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cape Range National Park - Ningaloo Reef Excursion
  • Cape Range National Park - Ningaloo Reef Drift Snorkelling Adventure
  • Cape Range National Park - Milyering Visitor Centre & Jurabi Turtle Centre
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting at 11 am as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you arrive today check-in may not be available yet, but you can store your luggage at reception. As we head out to the reef this afternoon please make sure you bring/wear your bathers. Warm layers are recommended during winter months as it can get a bit cooler later in the day. Also, don't forget your own bottle of drinking water, as we do not supply single use plastic water bottles. The leader will bring extra water for refills in larger containers.

This morning after breakfast you have the chance to don your swimmers for a day on the water. With a full free day you'll have the option of two activities – heading out in search of Ningaloo Reef’s famous seasonal Whale Sharks, which will need to be pre-booked, or soaking up the wonders of the reef with another snorkel drift. Head back out into the glistening blue and admire the amazing world under water. 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.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Cape Range National Park - Snorkel with the Whalesharks (seasonal only) - AUD450
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that swimming with whale sharks is not included on this trip and is an optional activity. It is very important that you pre book any Whale Shark experiences, as this can sell out far in advance. Please also note that whale sharks visit the region between mid-March and mid-September only, so please make sure you schedule your trip accordingly if you would like to include this experience in your trip.

Today after breakfast you’ll be saying goodbye to Exmouth 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 scenery of the Outback, before arriving at your destination, a remote outback station. Once here, you’ll drive to the top of a gorge for limitless views of the 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!
Accommodation
  • Outback station cabins (shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cheela Plains - Sunset Drinks, Dinner & Campfire
  • Cheela Plains - Outback Station Stay
  • Bullara - Morning Tea at Bullara Station
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please note that distances in the Outback are huge. Today's drive will be approximately 6.5 hours through arid Outback landscapes. Please also note that from days 3 to 7 you will be sharing transportation with non-Intrepid travellers. Accommodation tonight are simple cabins with shared facilities.

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.
Accommodation
  • Permanent tented camp (shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Karijini National Park - Kermit's Pool
  • Karijini National Park - Junction Pool
  • Karijini National Park - Joffre Gorge
  • Karijini National Park - Hancock Gorge
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Accommodation for tonight is in simple safari-style tents with shared bathroom facilities, however it is worth it for the incredible scenery of Karijini National Park. Tents have stretcher beds, and sleeping bags will be provided however you can bring your own if you prefer. Tents will be twin-share, and a single supplement is not available for those nights.

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 enjoying another meal cooked by your leader under the southern sky.
Accommodation
  • Permanent tented camp (shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Karijini National Park - Fern Pool
  • Karijini National Park - Dales Gorge
  • Karijini National Park - Karijini Visitor Centre
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

After breakfast this morning you’ll leave your safari camp and make your way back to Tom Price to refuel, before heading to Hamersley Gorge, located in a different part of Karijini National Park. 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 our station stay at Cheela Plains. After checking in and having time to freshen up, you’ll join the group for dinner at the accommodation.
Accommodation
  • Outback station cabins (shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Karijini National Park - Hamersley Gorge
  • Cheela Plains - Outback Station Stay
  • Tom Price - Pub Lunch
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 check in to your accommodation for a chance to unwind. As some members of your group may be finishing their journey tomorrow, you may like to meet for a final dinner and a chance to reflect on the incredible adventures you’ve shared.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's drive back to Exmouth will be approximately 6.5 hours.

A meeting will take place around midday today to welcome any new travellers joining your for the next leg of your journey, then head off to the Cape Range National Park where your leader will take you to the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse from where you can admire views of the famous Ningaloo Reef. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Exmouth.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cape Range National Park - Guided Hike & Milyering Visitor Centre
  • Cape Range National Park - Vlamingh Head Lighthouse
Optional Activities
  • Cape Range National Park - Snorkel with the Whalesharks (seasonal only) - AUD450
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Get ready for an experience you won’t soon forget, first driving to picturesque Coral Bay, home to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. Join your group for a glass-bottom boat tour where you can see up to 250 species of coral and more than 500 species of colourful fish. Take to the waters with a snorkel. This afternoon, check out the Carnarvon Cactus Farm, have the opportunity to check out some of the delicious produce along the Gascoyne Food Trail and snap a photo at the Carnarvon Space and Technology Centre which was created to support NASA's Gemini, Apollo and Skylab programs. Stop at the Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre and learn about the region’s culture and country from its First Nations custodians.
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ningaloo Reef - Glass Bottom Boat Cruise & Snorkelling Experience
  • Carnarvon - Gwoonwardu Mia (Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 6 hours.

This morning, visit the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve and see marine stromatolites, or ‘living fossils’, which are widely regarded as the best of their kind in the world. Then enjoy a stop at beautiful Shell Beach, one of only two beaches in the world composed entirely of shells. Continue towards Denham where you can stroll along the Eagle Bluff boardwalk and enjoy the view from the lookout. This afternoon is yours to relax on the pristine shores of Monkey Mia until later on when you'll join an evening First Nations experience where you will learn about Gutharraguda (Shark Bay) from the Nhanda and Malgana people. Try your hand at playing the didgeridoo or traditional conch shell and taste some bush tucker prepared by your hosts over the open fire. Tonight you’ll stay at a beachfront resort overlooking Shark Bay.
Accommodation
  • Cabin (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Monkey Mia - Didgeridoo Dreaming Night Tour with Bush Tucker
  • Shark Bay - Eagle Bluff Lookout & Denham
  • Shark Bay - Shell Beach
  • Shark Bay - Hamelin Pool Stromatolites
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 5.5 hours. Please note that the evening First Nations experience may not be available on all departures of this trip. If it is unavailable it will be replaced with a sunset cruise in Shark Bay.

After breakfast, watch Parks and Wildlife rangers feed the resident bottlenose dolphins at Monkey Mia and learn about these animals and other local marine life – this is a memory that is sure to stick with you long after your adventure is over! Then it’s time to hit the road once more and drive on to Kalbarri National Park, where you can appreciate the park’s diverse scenery including Nature’s Window, Z-Bend Gorge and the amazing Kalbarri Skywalk. You’ll spend tonight at a well-located resort within the park.
Accommodation
  • Resort (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Monkey Mia - Dolphin Spotting with Local Ranger
  • Kalbarri National Park - Z Bend, Natures Window & Kalbarri Skywalk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4.5 hours.

Jump on a boat at the Kalbarri Marina this morning and set sail for the open ocean where you’ll learn about the local rock lobster industry and help pull up some lobster pots and re-bait them, ready to catch more delicious rock lobster before you return to the marina. The rest of the day in Kalbarri is yours to enjoy your way. Opt for a relaxing day at the beach or sign up for one of the many optional activities that are available in Kalbarri such as scenic flights, quad bike tours, canoe hire, or abseiling the Z-Bend at the national park.
Accommodation
  • Resort (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kalbarri - Rock Lobster Pot Pull Boat Trip
Optional Activities
  • Kalbarri - Canoe, Kayak or SUP Hire - from - AUD20
  • Kalbarri - Chinamans Beach - Free
  • Kalbarri - Local Hikes - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Kick off the day with a visit to the photogenic Pink Lake at Hutt Lagoon before carrying on to historical Northampton. Join your leader for a walk around Northampton, one of the oldest towns in Western Australia, and admire dozens of historically significant buildings dating back to the 1800s. You’ll also visit a First Nations art gallery to see some beautiful pieces being made, and if you are lucky have the chance to meet the artists. Travel to Geraldton in the afternoon. Join your leader for a walk around town to learn about the region’s maritime history, see St Francis Xavier Cathedral, and perhaps spot some seals as you stroll along the waterfront at sunset.
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • West Coast - Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake)
  • Northampton - Ku'arlu Mangga Indigenous Art Gallery Visit
  • Geraldton - Orientation Walk with Leader
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3 hours.

This morning’s scenic journey along the Indian Ocean Drive will take you through Cervantes and to the Leaning Trees of Greenough. Along the way, you’ll also stop at the largest dunes in Western Australia and The Pinnacles at Nambung National Park where natural limestone pillars tower above the sand to create an otherworldly landscape. Arrive into Perth, the capital of Western Australia, at which point your adventure will come to an end.
Included Activities
  • West Coast - Cervantes
  • West Coast - Lancelin Sand Dunes Visit
  • Nambung National Park - Pinnacles Desert
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 5 hours. Your trip comes to an end upon arrival in Perth in the late afternoon. Please consider this when booking onward travel. We are happy to organise additional accommodation in Perth for you, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat

Accommodation

Lodge (4 nights), Outback station cabins (shared facilities) (2 nights), Permanent tented camp (shared facilities) (2 nights), Motel (2 nights), Resort (2 nights), Cabin (1 night)

Included activities

  • Cape Range National Park - Ningaloo Reef Excursion
  • Cape Range National Park - Ningaloo Reef Drift Snorkelling Adventure
  • Cape Range National Park - Milyering Visitor Centre & Jurabi Turtle Centre
  • Cheela Plains - Sunset Drinks, Dinner & Campfire
  • Cheela Plains - Outback Station Stay
  • Bullara - Morning Tea at Bullara Station
  • Karijini National Park - Kermit's Pool
  • Karijini National Park - Junction Pool
  • Karijini National Park - Joffre Gorge
  • Karijini National Park - Hancock Gorge
  • Karijini National Park - Fern Pool
  • Karijini National Park - Dales Gorge
  • Karijini National Park - Karijini Visitor Centre
  • Karijini National Park - Hamersley Gorge
  • Tom Price - Pub Lunch
  • Cape Range National Park - Guided Hike & Milyering Visitor Centre
  • Cape Range National Park - Vlamingh Head Lighthouse
  • Ningaloo Reef - Glass Bottom Boat Cruise & Snorkelling Experience
  • Carnarvon - Gwoonwardu Mia (Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre)
  • Monkey Mia - Didgeridoo Dreaming Night Tour with Bush Tucker
  • Shark Bay - Eagle Bluff Lookout & Denham
  • Shark Bay - Shell Beach
  • Shark Bay - Hamelin Pool Stromatolites
  • Monkey Mia - Dolphin Spotting with Local Ranger
  • Kalbarri National Park - Z Bend, Natures Window & Kalbarri Skywalk
  • Kalbarri - Rock Lobster Pot Pull Boat Trip
  • West Coast - Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake)
  • Northampton - Ku'arlu Mangga Indigenous Art Gallery Visit
  • Geraldton - Orientation Walk with Leader
  • West Coast - Cervantes
  • West Coast - Lancelin Sand Dunes Visit
  • Nambung National Park - Pinnacles Desert

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

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

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Important notes

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. It covers all nights of this trip, except nights 4 and 5 in Karijini National Park. Please note that due to the small properties we use there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

ACCOMMODATION STANDARD
Due to the challenge of finding suitable accommodation in the Pilbara region you will experience a mix of standards on this trip. Accommodation in Karijini National Park is a basic permanent tented camp, at the outback station they are simple cabins, all with shared facilities, while our hotel in Exmouth is a very comfortable choice. The remainder of the accommodation is in classic motels and/or hotels. For the nights at the camp we recommend you bring your own sleeping bag.

START & END TIME
This trip begins at 11am in Exmouth on day 1 and ends upon arrival in Perth in the late afternoon/early evening on the last day (day 14).

SWIMMING WITH WHALE SHARKS
Swimming with whale sharks is not included on this trip and is an optional activity. It is very important that you pre book any Whale Shark experiences, as this can sell out far in advance. Please also note that whale sharks visit the region between mid-March and mid-September only, so please make sure you schedule your trip accordingly if you would like to include this experience in your trip.

ACTIVITY LEVEL
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. Please note that travellers over the age of 60 will need to fill in and complete a self-assessment form.

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.

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