Perth to Exmouth Explorer 7 Day (Basic Dorm Share)

TOUR CODE: PXR7-B — Basic Hostel Accommodation (Dormitory Share)

OPERATES: FRIDAYS (*seasonal)

TOUR DURATION: 7 Days / 6 Nights

MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: Criterion Hotel, 560 Hay Street, Perth @ 7:25am

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Wonder at the limestone outcrops of The Pinnacles
• Explore the stunning gorges of Kalbarri National Park
• Hike to Nature’s Window and the Z Bend in Murchison Gorge
• Experience a wild dolphin encounter in Monkey Mia
• Wander along Shell Beach made entirely of tiny white cockle shells
• Snorkel the Ningaloo Reef and discover the underwater world of Coral Bay
• Opportunity to swim with Manta Rays, Whalesharks or dive The Navy Pier
• Relax & unwind in the clear waters of Turquoise Bay
• Guided tour of Cape Range National Park with spectacular lighthouse views

ITINERARY:

Discover why Western Australia is a nature lovers’ paradise. Become an Exmouth Explorer and experience the many wonders of the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef. As you journey through the idyllic West Coast you will experience a totally different side to Australia, a region many are yet to discover!

Start your adventure in the most remote capital city of Perth before heading north into the nature lovers’ paradise that is Western Australia. Hike down to the banks of the Murchison River and peek through Nature’s Window into an ancient gorge. For those seeking a unique view over the gorge there’ll also be opportunity to test your abseil skills (own expense). A visit to the World Heritage Listed region of Shark Bay will leave you in awe of the beauty of nature. Here you can marvel at a beach made entirely of tiny shells, meet the world’s oldest living fossils, the stromatolites, and witness dolphins playing just off shore at Monkey Mia.  

The region is not only home to around 2000 dolphins but also turtles, dugongs, kangaroos and emus! Be amazed by your visit to the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef, known for its diverse marine life, manta rays and whale shark visitors! Stay overnight in Coral Bay, a town right by the beach which boasts coral so close to shore you can swim out to view it. Or join a tour in search of whale sharks or manta rays. Whether you choose to join a boat tour or simply relax on the beach, the pristine beaches and turquoise waters here will leave a truly lasting impression.

We follow the road as far north as Exmouth Cape, a place where rugged mountains flow almost down to the sea. Stand atop Vlamingh Head at the lighthouse for views over the reef and ranges. In spring, you may even spot the migrating humpback whales go by. Complete your tour of the Cape with a visit to the snorkelling haven of Turquoise Bay. From Exmouth, we make our way back down towards  Perth stopping for many comfort breaks along the way. Take this last opportunity for you to solidify new friendships and reflect on your adventure together.

Day 1: Perth – Kalbarri

Kick off your adventure with a guided tour through the  Pinnacles Desert before enjoying lunch by the sea then journey up Indian Ocean Drive for some stunning coastal views.  After a quick stop in Geraldton and if time permits a visit to pink lake (seasonal, not guaranteed) then it’s on to the seaside town of Kalbarri for our overnight accommodation.  Meals: Lunch & Dinner. Accom: Kalbarri YHA Backpackers or similar. Driving Distance: 575km. Hike Distance: 2km.

Day 2: Kalbarri – Monkey Mia

Visit the marvels of The Murchison Gorge, Nature’s Window and Z-Bend in Kalbarri National Park where water has  carved its way through sandstone. Here you have the option to try abseiling (additional cost). Witness bright pops of  colour here during wildflower season (spring). Enjoy a great photo opportunity at Nature’s Window before strolling a  beach made entirely of tiny shells. Then it’s on to Denham for our accommodation by the beach. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Accom: RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Backpackers or similar. Driving Distance: 450km. Hike Distance: 4km.

Day 3: Monkey Mia – Coral Bay

This morning meet the famous Monkey Mia Dolphins and get some amazing photos. Enjoy chill out time on the beach  here or enjoy a coffee at the restaurant before we get back on the road mid-morning. We’ll visit the fascinating rock formations, the Stromatolites, before settling into our accommodation in Coral Bay, located right on the famous Ningaloo Reef. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Accom: Ningaloo Coral Bay Backpackers or similar. Driving Distance: 580km. Hike Distance: 2km.

Day 4: Coral Bay – Exmouth

You’ll have most of the day to explore the Ningaloo Reef at your own leisure. Choose to join a boat tour or enjoy free  time to experience the beautiful beaches Coral Bay has to offer. Go for a stroll on the beach and check out the shark nursery, swim with the manta rays (additional cost) or go for a snorkel on the Ningaloo Reef only metres from shore. This evening we take the short drive up the peninsula to Exmouth and check into our accommodation for two nights in  the town centre. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Accom: Potshot Hotel Resort Backpackers or similar. Driving Distance: 155km. 

Day 5: Exmouth

Today we explore Cape Range National Park, a spectacular place of rugged limestone ranges, breathtaking deep canyons and 50km of pristine beaches. Relax on the beach or choose to go snorkelling at the stunning Turquoise Bay (snorkel hire $10 and a bond required), visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, relax at Milyering Visitors Center and more before finishing the tour in the late afternoon. Or choose to join a whale shark or humpback whale snorkel tour and spend the day meeting some of the Ningaloo Reef’s most famous visitors (own expense and seasonal). There’s also the Navy Pier dive option for those that are certified and have dived in the last 6 months (own expense). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.  Accom: Potshot Hotel Resort Backpackers or similar. Driving Distance: 135km. Hike Distance: 1km.

Day 6: Exmouth – Northampton

Visit the town of Carnarvon and one of the local banana or mango plantations (seasonal) and stay overnight at our accommodation on an Australian wheat farm. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Accom: Northbrook Farmstay or similar. Driving Distance: 785km.

Day 7: Northampton – Perth

Take in the last views of the scenic countryside before making our way back towards Perth. We’ll stop along the way to walk among the incredible Lancelin dunes. Then kick back and relax on the bus for the last stretch to Perth, with drop off starting around 5:00pm. Meals: Breakfast. Driving Distance: 465km.

INCLUSIONS:

• 6 Nights’ hostel dorm accommodation – with share  facilities (Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, Coral Bay, Exmouth, Northampton)
• Meals – 6x breakfast, 6x lunch, 6x dinner
• Admission to all National Parks
• Australian wildlife sightings in their natural habitat
• Guided bush walks (~ 9km total)
• Air-conditioned small group travel experience
• Expert road crew providing knowledgeable commentary
• Select inner city pick up and drop offs

EXCLUSIONS: 

• Meals not indicated
• Additional tours, activities and hire equipment
• Travel Insurance is recommended

WHAT TO BRING:

1.5 Litre water bottle,15kg soft luggage and small day bag, any medications you usually take, Please ensure you pack appropriately, all weather conditions, warm jacket, thermals, woollen hat is advisable for the colder months, sturdy comfortable walking/hiking shoes with tread, hat, sunscreen & sunglasses, swimmers, towel & toiletries, camp torch/headlamp, camera

CHILD POLICY: 

This fare type applies to Adults 18+ and over. Children aged between 6 to 17 years old are required to stay in standard private accommodation and must be accompanied by a legal guardian or adult. Private accommodation upgrades are available on a different product listing, subject to availability. This tour is not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under. 

Blockout period or limited availability of accommodation upgrades from 25DEC-08FEB and 09APR-14APR.