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WA might be Australia’s biggest state, but it’s still overflowing with highlights

Western Australia is made for adventure and you’ll get the best of it with this all-encompassing exploration of natural wonders, vast expanses, and otherworldly landscapes. Leave from Perth, then hug the incredible coastline of WA, making forays inland to experience Australia’s iconic red earth and classic cattle stations. Near Kalbarri, wonder at the strange limestone formations of The Pinnacles, descend into the depths of Z-Bend Gorge, and find out about the world's oldest living organisms. Get to know the local marine life at Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay World Heritage area, then take in reef and rock, splashing in Karijini National Park’s swimming holes. Explore Broome, then finish this incredible overland journey on one of its superb beaches. This super-sized state is home to a super-sized Aussie adventure.

Start
Perth, Australia
Finish
Broome, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer, Overland
Code
PKOPB
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • This trip has been upgraded to our comfort style for 2020, you'll get to stay in twin share resort style accommodation and you'll even stay in a gorgeous Eco Retreat at Karijini National Park

  • Explore Western Australia’s desert landscapes, national parks and spectacular Coral Coast on the ultimate trip through the ultimate state.

  • Experience the rugged beauty of WA in comfort and style with the flexibility of a private vehicle, the local knowledge of a passionate guide and the luxury of ensuite accommodation.

  • Peer into the ecologically diverse underwater world of Ningaloo Reef by glass-bottom boat or snorkel, and swim with the gentle beasts of the deep in season.

  • Find yourself in the classic Outback – the cattle stations, sun-baked red earth and mining communities of the Pilbara that make up Australia’s iconic landscape.

  • Hike and swim in the ancient gorges and waterholes of Karijini National Park – weave along walking trails between dramatic rock faces then cool off in the translucent rock pools.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves a lot of walking, allowing you to really get among nature. The hike in Karijini National Park is challenging. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing. You will need two pairs of shoes, one that can get wet.

  • On some days of the trip, you will spend several hours driving, often through very sparse areas of desert. Crank up the tunes and sit back to enjoy landscapes that you would miss in any other form of travel.

  • Temperatures in Western Australia can be extreme. During the day the weather can be hot (and the Australian sun is strong) so please bring appropriate clothing, use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings temperatures really drop, so ensure you have base layers and warm clothing.

  • The night at Pardoo Cattle Station is more basic accommodation with shared facilities.

Map of West Coast Encompassed Northbound including Australia
Group riding camels at sunset in Broome, Western Australia
Snorkellers with sea turtle at Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef
Dolphins at Monkey Mia, Western Australia
People swimming at Karijini Fern Pool, Western Australia
Pinnacles desert national park in Western Australia

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Apr 2020 to 31 Mar 2021.
 View the 2018 itinerary

Welcome to sunny Perth, where your overland journey begins. Leave the city, driving north to Nambung National Park. Here you’ll stop to see the strange ancient limestone formations of The Pinnacles, which rise out of the desert. Stop for lunch in Geraldton, the second largest town in WA, and get a feel for the older way of life here with a wander along the Hampton Rd historical walk. Passing the pink lakes on the way, reach your accommodation in the pretty seaside town of Kalbarri and enjoy free time on arrival. This evening why not join a cruise (at own expense) and witness the great southern sky burst into flames as you float along through the sunset.
Included Activities
  • Nambung National Park (Pinnacles) Entrance
  • Hampton Rd Historical Walk
  • Kalbarri National Park Entrance
  • Pink Lake
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore over 2000 sq km of rugged beauty in the stunning Kalbarri National Park. With an abundance of walking trails connecting the eroded coastal cliffs to the inland river gorges, why not join some of your fellow travellers and head out on a hike through the wilderness and wildflowers, keeping an eye out for one of the 200 species of birds that flock through the region. Perhaps explore the rocky arch of Nature’s Window and take a steep 150-metre descent into the heart of Z-Bend Gorge. Feeling adventurous? You might live to give abseiling a go! (at own expense).
Included Activities
  • Murchison Gorge
  • Nature's Window
  • Z-Bend Gorge
Optional Activities
  • Kalbarri Sunset Cruise (price dependant on numbers) - AUD50
  • Abseiling in Kalbarri National Park - AUD30
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Today’s drive northbound will take you to the Shark Bay World Heritage area, where you’ll be based for the next two nights. Here you’ll stay in one of the most westerly townships on the Aussie mainland – Monkey Mia. Visit the beautiful Shell Beach, one of only two beaches in the world composed entirely of shells, then perhaps get some marine education with an optional tour of Ocean Park, where you’ll watch sharks feed, see endangered sea turtles, clownfish and stingrays, and learn about the dangers of sea snakes and stonefish. After a short drive across the Peron Peninsula, head to the beach and meet the world-famous Monkey Mia dolphins. These friendly dolphins are fed by park rangers and often swim up to the shore several times a day. Spend a free day on the beach or choose to take a sailing adventure to see more dolphins and even dugongs in this incredible location (at own expense and subject to availability).
Included Activities
  • Shell Beach
  • Monkey Mia Dolphins
Optional Activities
  • Denham Ocean Park Aquarium - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (1)

Visit the fascinating stromatolites at Hamelin pool, the world’s oldest living organisms, and the agricultural town of Carnavon enroute to Coral Bay. This stunning seaside resort is famous for its idyllic beach and the underwater world of Ningaloo Reef just offshore. Optional activities here include glass bottom boat rides, snorkelling adventures, quad bike rides and more. Alternatively, hire a snorkelling set and kick back on the beach, exploring at your own leisure. In the evenings spot kangaroos along with the array of birdlife.
Included Activities
  • Hamelin Pool
Optional Activities
  • Snorkel with the Whalesharks (April to July only) from - AUD350
  • Glass Bottom Boat Cruises from - AUD37
  • Quad bike and snorkel tour - AUD95
  • Snorkel with Manta Rays - half day trip - AUD165
  • Sunset quad bike tour - AUD80
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (1)
Special Information
Please note that all optional activities are at your own expense and subject to availability.

Head inland 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. Your destination could well be the highlight of the trip – Karijini National Park. Along the way, take in a guided mine tour at Tom Price to find out what drives the Pilbara. Take advantage of two full days to uncover Karijini National Park and its incredible gorges. Formed over 2500 million years ago, the Hamersley Range features an unusual series of gorges and rock formations caused by centuries of erosion. Freshwater springs trickle through chasms to form translucent rock pools and walking trails weave between dramatic rock ravines. Spend the days hiking along rocky trails, swimming and relaxing by cascading waterfalls and fresh waterholes. Bring your camera, there’ll be lots of photo opportunities at spectacular gorges like Dales Gorge, Fortesque Falls, Fern Pool, Circular Pool, Weano Gorge and Hancock Gorge.
Included Activities
  • Circular Pool
  • Fern Pool
  • Fortescue Falls
  • Karijini Gorges
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (3)
  • Lunch (3)
  • Dinner (2)

Say your sad farewells to Karijini this morning and hello to the ocean as you travel towards the coast and the iron ore town of Port Hedland, home to a history of mining booms (and busts), hard-hitting cyclones and the world’s largest deep-water port – packed with vast cargo ships. After lunch, continue your journey towards the Pilbara region where you’ll spend the night.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Stop in for a stroll along Eighty Mile Beach before arriving in sunny, tropical Broome! This afternoon explore Chinatown and listen to the fascinating stories behind this colourful precinct. Take a drive through Old Broome to view typical Broome architecture and old Pearling Masters homes, then view the aqua waters of Roebuck Bay at Town Beach and learn of Broome's One Day War. Next, stop at Matso’s Broome Brewery to sample their hand made ales and famous ginger beer (at own expense). Afterwards, visit the Japanese Cemetery and Broome Port, the base for many of today's Pearling vessels. Then travel by the Broome Racecourse, before taking an easy paced walk at Gantheaume Point, known for dinosaur footprints, and hear the story of Anastasia's Pool. Drive down onto Cable Beach for sunset (subject to beach conditions) where you can relax and enjoy a stroll, or a swim as you watch the sun disappear into the horizon. Enjoy a last night dinner back at the lodge. You can depart at any time on Day 12.
Included Activities
  • Old Broome City Tour
  • Matsos Broome Brewery
  • Japanese Cemetary and Broome Port
  • Gantheaume Point
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (1)
  • Dinner (1)

Meals

11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 8 dinners

Transport

All Terrain vehicle

Accommodation

Resort (5 nights), Eco Retreat (3 nights), Lodge (2 nights), Cattle Station (1 night)

Included activities

  • Nambung National Park (Pinnacles) Entrance
  • Hampton Rd Historical Walk
  • Kalbarri National Park Entrance
  • Pink Lake
  • Murchison Gorge
  • Nature's Window
  • Z-Bend Gorge
  • Shell Beach
  • Monkey Mia Dolphins
  • Hamelin Pool
  • Circular Pool
  • Fern Pool
  • Fortescue Falls
  • Karijini Gorges
  • Old Broome City Tour
  • Matsos Broome Brewery
  • Japanese Cemetary and Broome Port
  • Gantheaume Point

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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Important notes

1. This trip starts in Perth at approximately 7am and finishes in Broome after breakfast on day 12. Onward travel can be booked at any time.

Essential trip information

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