This 8-day adventure is the perfect taste of the best bits of Australia’s nature. Spend time snorkelling in Turquoise Bay at Ningaloo Reef – keeping an eye out for whale sharks – before heading inland. You’ll pass classic outback scenes of auburn landscape and limitless horizons before arriving at Karijini National Park. Here you'll 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.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Exmouth - Ningaloo Reef
Welcome to Exmouth! Check in to your accommodation before meeting your local leader and fellow travellers for a Welcome Meeting at the hotel at 11 am, then get to know everyone a little better over an included lunch. After lunch, the tour explores the town and the surrounding areas with a local guide. Kick things off with a walk around the township, then venture into Cape Range National Park. Here, your guide will introduce you to a world of ancient gorges and glittering coastline.
The tour then visits Turquoise Bay. With pristine white sands and bright blue waters, this is undoubtedly one of the world’s most breathtaking beaches. Take a dip in the clear waters and snorkel over the coral reef gardens that lie beneath the surface. Stop at lookout points where you can enjoy the scenery and marvel at the iconic Ningaloo reef. After an exciting afternoon, 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
Included Activities
- Ningaloo Reef - Welcome lunch
Meals
Day 2: Exmouth
This morning after breakfast you’ll be donning your swimmers for a day on the water. Today you have a free day with 2 optional activities – swim with Ningaloo Reef’s famous seasonal Whale Sharks or soak up the wonders of the reef at the snorkel drift. If you opt for the latter, you’ll hire 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 marine life and colourful coral underneath. This evening is free to enjoy as you wish – your local leader has plenty of recommendations for the best places to enjoy a fresh seafood dinner, so don’t hesitate to ask them.
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. Please note that the currents at Turquoise Bay can be strong and you are advised against undertaking any snorkelling here unless you have booked this experience with an experienced guide.
Accommodation
Meals
Day 3: Cheela Plains
After breakfast, the tour begins the 6.5-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. You have time to enjoy sunset drinks and dinner around the campfire with the group before settling into your nearby accommodation and watching the southern sky!
Accommodation
- Hotel with shared facilities (1 Night)
Included Activities
- Cheela Plains - Sunset drinks
Meals
Day 4: Cheela Plains - Karijini National Park
After breakfast, you’ll travel approximately 1 hour and 40-minutes to Tom Price, the gateway to Karijini National Park. Once here, your local guide will show you the highlights including West Karijini, Hancock Gorge, Kermit’s Pool, Junction Pool and other gems in the area. The tour stops for 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 swim. Once you’ve had a chance to recharge your batteries, you’ll head to your safari camp for the evening.
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. You can bring your own if you would prefer. Single or Twin travellers may have to share in a four-person tent.
Accommodation
Included Activities
- Karijini National Park - Kermit's Pool
- Karijini National Park - Junction Pool
- Karijini National Park - Joffre Gorge
- Cheela Plains - Tom Price & Karijini National Park
- Karijini National Park - Hancock Gorge
Meals
Day 5: Karijini National Park
Today you have a full-day guided tour of the highlights of Karijini National Park. 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 a swim before lunch.
After lunch, the tour heads 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.
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. You can bring your own if you would prefer. Single or Twin travellers may have to share in a four-person tent.
Accommodation
Included Activities
- Karijini National Park - Fern Pool
- Karijini National Park - Dales Gorge
Meals
Day 6: Cheela Plains
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.
Accommodation
Included Activities
- Karijini National Park - Hamersley Gorge
Meals
Day 7: Exmouth
This morning after breakfast you’ll check out of your accommodation and begin driving back to Exmouth. After driving for approximately 2.5 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.
Accommodation
Meals
Day 8: Exmouth
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