10 Days • 9 Nights
West Coast Explorer: Perth to Ningaloo
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll wander the eerie limestone spires of the Pinnacles, stand at Nature's Window in the red gorges of Kalbarri, meet the wild dolphins of Monkey Mia and walk the shell beaches of Shark Bay, before reaching Ningaloo Reef, where you can swim with turtles, manta rays and — in season — the mighty whale shark.
With comfortable stays, local guides and the long distances handled, it is the West Coast's greatest hits without the logistics.
Trip Highlights
- The otherworldly limestone spires of the Pinnacles
- Nature's Window and the red gorges of Kalbarri National Park
- Wild dolphins at Monkey Mia and the shell beaches of Shark Bay
- The ancient stromatolites of Hamelin Pool
- Snorkelling Ningaloo Reef straight off the beach
- Seasonal whale shark and manta ray encounters
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and marine-day lunches
- Local guides and the internal Exmouth-Perth flight included
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 10-day journey.
Arrive in sunny Perth, the capital of the west, and settle in. A welcome dinner by the Swan River sets the tone for the coastal adventure ahead.
A guided day through Kings Park's wildflowers and views, the cafe streets of the city, and the historic port of Fremantle with its markets and heritage streets.
Head north, stopping at the surreal Pinnacles Desert where thousands of limestone spires rise from golden sand, then continue to the coastal town of Kalbarri.
Explore Kalbarri's dramatic red-rock gorges — the famous Nature's Window framing the Murchison River and the vertigo-inducing Kalbarri Skywalk — plus the sea cliffs along the coast.
Drive to the World Heritage Shark Bay, pausing at Hamelin Pool to see living stromatolites — the oldest life forms on earth — and the dazzling white Shell Beach, made entirely of tiny shells.
A morning meeting the wild dolphins that come ashore at Monkey Mia, then a cruise or 4WD in Francois Peron National Park where red dunes meet turquoise sea. Lunch included.
Travel north to Coral Bay, a tiny town fringing the southern Ningaloo Reef, where the coral begins just metres from the shore. An afternoon swim straight off the beach.
Continue to Exmouth and out onto Ningaloo Reef for a full day of snorkelling over coral gardens with turtles and reef fish, and — in season — manta rays or whale sharks. Lunch included.
Explore Cape Range National Park, snorkelling the famous drift at Turquoise Bay and watching for kangaroos and emus, with time to soak up the remote beauty of the peninsula.
A final breakfast before your internal flight from Learmonth back to Perth for onward connections.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private arrival transfer at Perth and departure transfer at Exmouth
- 9 nights in comfortable hotels and resorts along the coast
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, and lunches on the Monkey Mia and Ningaloo days
- A guided Perth and Fremantle city tour
- A Pinnacles (Nambung National Park) visit
- Kalbarri National Park including Nature's Window and the Skywalk
- The Monkey Mia dolphin experience and Shark Bay highlights
- A Ningaloo Reef snorkelling day at Exmouth
- The internal flight from Exmouth (Learmonth) back to Perth
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Australia
- Australian visa or ETA fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Domestic flights between hubs beyond those stated in the itinerary
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional activities, experiences and upgrades
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most visitors need an ETA or eVisitor visa arranged online before travelling, and a passport valid for at least six months. We can point you to the right application
- Southern seasons: Australia's seasons are reversed — summer is December to February and winter June to August. The tropical north runs on a wet (Nov-Apr) and dry (May-Oct) season instead
- Sun protection: The Australian sun is fierce. Pack high-SPF sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, and reapply often — slip, slop, slap, as the locals say
- Distances: Australia is vast, so some legs use short internal flights or scenic drives. We build these into the pace so you are never rushed
- Marine stingers: In the tropical north, jellyfish season runs roughly November to May — swim in the stinger suits provided and always follow your guide
- Currency & tipping: The currency is the Australian Dollar. Cards are accepted almost everywhere and tipping is appreciated but never expected
- Wildlife: Respect wildlife and never feed animals unless guided. In the outback and tropics, always heed crocodile and swimming warnings
- Water & health: Tap water is safe to drink and pharmacies are everywhere. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for every visitor
- Outback readiness: In the Red Centre and Top End, carry water, wear sturdy shoes and start walks early to beat the midday heat
- Power & connectivity: Power is 230V with type I plugs, so bring an adapter. Mobile coverage can drop out in remote areas — part of the escape
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific lunches and dinners named in the itinerary (such as a reef cruise lunch or an outback barbecue). Other meals are left free so you can explore Australia's superb food scene.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — your sightseeing, transfers and day tours are arranged for you with local guides, so there is no logistics to worry about.
Do I need a visa for Australia?
Most visitors need an ETA or eVisitor visa, applied for online before you travel. It is quick and inexpensive, and we can guide you to the right one.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on the region: the tropical north is best in the dry season (May-October), the Red Centre in the cooler months (April-September), and the southern cities and Tasmania shine in spring to autumn (September-April).
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, hotels and activities can all be tailored, and we can extend your stay or combine regions. Just tell us what you have in mind.
Are internal flights included?
Where the route hops between distant hubs, the relevant domestic flights are included as stated in the inclusions. Any additional sectors can be arranged on request.
When can I swim with whale sharks?
Whale sharks visit Ningaloo Reef roughly from mid-March to July or August, and manta rays are present much of the year. We can time your trip around them and add a dedicated swim-with tour.
Are the driving days very long?
There are some big distances on the West Coast, which is part of its wild appeal. We break them with scenic stops, and the return leg from Exmouth is a short flight rather than a long drive.
More Adventure Journeys
Adventure
Customizable
El Salvador Highlights: Volcanoes, Flowers & Surf
El Salvador Highlights: Volcanoes, Flowers & Surf
El Salvador
Adventure
Customizable
El Salvador Short Escape: Volcanoes & Surf
El Salvador Short Escape: Volcanoes & Surf
El Salvador
Adventure
Customizable
Grand El Salvador: The Complete Country
Grand El Salvador: The Complete Country
El Salvador