Perth to Exmouth 7 Day (Return) Explore Ningaloo Reef

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 an 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 and a farm stay. 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