8 day ningaloo reef and pilbara adventure

8 Day Ningaloo Reef And Pilbara Adventure

From turquoise waters to the red outback, explore a unique part of Western Australia!

Exmouth, Australia

Duration
8 days, 7 nights

Max Group Size
14 ppl

Minimum Age
15 years old

Fitness Level
Low/Medium

Meals
Included

Start & End Location
Exmouth

What's Included

Get up to $90 cash back per person when you book with us
Enjoy the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef, where you’ll explore the colourful marine life
Drive to the top of a gorge for views of Cheela Plains to enjoy sunset drinks and dinner around the campfire
Explore the highlights of Karjini National Park including West Karijini, Hancock Gorge, Kermit’s Pool, and Junction Pool
Relax in the rocky environment of Hamersley Gorge and cool off with a dip in the Jade Pools
Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Accommodation: hotel (3 nights), station stay shared facilities (2 nights), private tent shared facilities (2 nights)
Transportation in a private vehicle

Where We Visit:

Cape Range National Park
Turquoise Bay
Exmouth
Cheela Plains
Karijini National Park
Kermit's Pool
Junction Pool
Joffre Gorge
Hancock Gorge
Fern Pool
Dales Gorge
Hamersley Gorge

What to Expect

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

Motel (1 Night)

Included Activities

Ningaloo Reef - Welcome lunch

Meals

Lunch

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

Motel (1 Night)

Meals

Breakfast

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

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

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

Eco Tent (1 Night)

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

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

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

Eco Tent (1 Night)

Included Activities

Karijini National Park - Fern Pool
Karijini National Park - Dales Gorge

Meals

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

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

Swag camping (1 Night)

Included Activities

Karijini National Park - Hamersley Gorge

Meals

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

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

Beach Resort (1 Night)

Meals

Breakfast
Dinner

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

Breakfast

Frequently Asked Questions

It is suggested that you bring your own:

Sleeping Bag
Head Torch
Water Proof Shoes

If you are unable to bring these, they can be provided while on the trip. However, for your comfort, it would be suggested that you bring your own.

Given the unpredictable nature of weather and travel in the tropics, we are sometimes forced to make late itinerary changes due to unexpected heavy rain and/or storms and road closures. In the event of this occurring, itinerary changes may need to be implemented after the commencement of your trip. In this event, your Tour Leader/Driver has full authority to change the itinerary and/or order of activities and substitute alternative destinations and activities as necessary. No refunds are available due to itinerary changes and missed activities caused by extreme weather conditions and/or road closures.

Hotel (3 nights), Station Stay shared facilities (2 nights), Private Tent shared facilities (2 nights). The tour pais solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per your passport or the information we have in our booking system, so if you identify differently from the gender marker on your passport, please let us know in advance. A single supplement is available on all nights of this trip, except for nights 4 and 5 in Karijini National Park. It's challenging to find accommodation at comfort standard in this region and so accommodation may not meet the expectation of our usual comfort trips

Whaleshark season in WA runs from April through to July and passengers have the option of taking part in a Whaleshark swim on this tour. For the month of AUGUST you will also have the opportunity to swim with Humpback Whales. Book in advance with the tour to avoid disappointment, especially during busy periods such as school holidays.

Ningaloo Lodge Exmouth
1/3 Lefroy St
Exmouth, WA

Policies

Terms & Conditions:

You must provide all requested details with the balance of the trip price. Necessary details vary by trip; they include but are not limited to full name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport issue and expiry date and any pre-existing medical conditions you have which may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements. On some more demanding trips, you are required to complete and forward a Self-Assessment form. Failure to provide the requested details may result in additional charges or non-refundable cancellation of your trip.
Not all Intrepid tours are 'confirmed bookings'. When this is the case, our Backpacker Deals Agents will reach out to confirm with Intrepid and notify you within 48hrs that your booking is confirmed.
The land price of your trip does not include: international or internal flights unless specified airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified meals other than those specified in the Essential Trip Information visa and passport fees travel insurance optional activities and all personal expenses
A minimum age at the time of travel applies. There is no upper age limit though we remind you that the trip can be physically demanding and passengers must ensure that they are suitably fit to allow full participation. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveller under the age of 18 day to days care.
You must carry a valid passport and have obtained all of the appropriate visas, permits and certificates for the countries which you will visit during your trip. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the duration of the trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits, and certificates for your trip.
Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers on this tour and should be taken out at the time of booking. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each of the categories of cover. It is recommended as it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide proof of your travel insurance on the first day of your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without it.
The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities contemplated, but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events.
While the tour endeavors to operate all trips as described they reserve the right to change the trip itinerary. The definition of a major change is deemed to be a change affecting at least one day in five of the itinerary. When a major change is made you may choose between accepting the change, obtaining a refund of money paid on the land portion of the trip only, or accepting an alternative tour offered. after departure:The tour reserves the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or events outside of our control. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you.
Group trips are run by a group leader. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any person participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right to refund. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our responsible travel guidelines.
Optional activities not included in the trip price do not form part of the trip or this contract. You accept that any assistance given by your group leader or local representative in arranging optional activities does not render us liable for them in any way. The contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and the activity provider.
This itinerary is updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.
A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don't include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials have been sighted and assessed.
On most days, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Your leader will prepare most of the meals whilst on tour. This tour is activity and participation-based. You will have the opportunity to assist with daily activities such as setting up camp, helping prepare meals and clearing dishes. None of this is difficult however many hands make light work and any assistance provided to crew is always much appreciated. Most people agree that this type of activity helps you feel like less of a tourist and more of an explorer. All food for this trip is purchased and packed prior to your group leaving on day one. You may be asked to pay for any additional food if you have not advised us of any special dietary requirements. Due to the often remote nature of our trips, food is basic but plentiful and delicious. The tour can provide easily available substitutes, please bring your own staples (nuts, bars, snacks) if you require a diet differing from the following. Vegetarian Gluten Free Dairy Free (soy available ) Pork Free
While the tour always endeavours to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
This itinerary is updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.
Meeting point: Ningaloo Lodge Exmouth 1/3 Lefroy St Exmouth Exmouth 6707 AUSTRALIA
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don't include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised.
ACCOMMODATION -- Hotel (3 nights) Station Stay shared facilities (2 nights) Private Tent shared facilities (2 nights)
CLIMATE AND SEASONAL INFORMATION: Given the unpredictable nature of weather and travel in the tropics, we are sometimes forced to make late itinerary changes due to unexpected heavy rain and/or storms and road closures. In the event of this occurring, itinerary changes may need to be implemented after the commencement of your trip. In this event, your Tour Leader/Driver has full authority to change the itinerary and/or order of activities and substitute alternative destinations and activities as necessary. No refunds are available due to itinerary changes and missed activities caused by extreme weather conditions and/or road closures.
GROUP LEADER: All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.
SAFETY: Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip.
TRAVELLING IN A GROUP: As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. The very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.
SOLO TRAVELLERS: The tour pairs solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per your passport or the information in our booking system, so if you identify differently from the gender marker on your passport, please let us know in advance. The tour has a Single Supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation by the traveller If you cancel some or all portions of your booking cancellation fees will apply. A cancellation will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation. If you cancel a trip:
- 30 days or more prior to departure, we will retain the deposit
- Between 15 and 29 days prior to departure, we will retain 50% of the total booking cost
- 14 days or less prior to departure, we will retain 100% paid by you in connection with the booking
Note that different cancellation conditions apply to some trips and additional services. Your booking consultant will advise if differences apply. Please note that for certain travel arrangements the cancellation charge may be higher than those shown. In certain cases a 100% cancellation fee applies as soon as the booking is made and the ticket is issued. You will be advised of different cancellation charges at the time of booking. You are strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking, which will cover cancellation fees. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. The above cancellation fees are in addition to fees that may be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents, or third party tour and transport operator fees.
Cancellation by the tour: They may cancel a trip at any time up to 30 days before departure, subject to clause 13. They may cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if, due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability or other external events it is not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary. If the tour cancels your trip, you can transfer amounts paid to an alternate departure date or alternatively receive a full refund. In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside reasonable control, refunds will be less any unrecoverable costs. The tour is not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess, or non-refundable flights.