Embark on an epic journey along Australia’s rugged West Coast, covering approximately 4500 kilometers. Explore pristine beaches, ancient rock formations, and vibrant marine life. Discover the stunning Pinnacles Desert, swim with whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef, and witness the dramatic cliffs of Kalbarri National Park. Unforgettable adventures await!
After meeting your friendly guide and new travel mates at a convenient time of 10am we’ll stock up on supplies before heading out of the city. Our first stop is at the Lancelin Sand dunes for some exhilarating sandboarding and 4WDing. For those seeking extra thrills, optional quad bike rentals are available. Afterwards rinse off the sand with some surfing or a swim at Lancelin’s Back Beach and enjoy the sunset with your new travel mates and a cold drink.
Start the day with a leisurely walk around the weird but wonderful Pinnacles in Nambung National Park. Afterwards head to Jurien Bay, where you can join an optional sea lion snorkeling tour or swim and jump from the jetty over an extended lunch break. In the afternoon we’ll hike and explore the natural beauty of Stockyard Gully, a massive limestone cave once used to contain cattle when droving them to the markets in Fremantle.
After stocking up the fridge in Geraldton we make our way to the iconic Pink Lake, where the salt content causes the algae to bloom a fluorescent pink colour. Take in the surreal views, snap some photos, and marvel at this weirdness of nature. After lunch you’ll hike along the spectacular Kalbarri sea cliffs from Natural Bridge where you’ve got a high chance to spot migrating humpback whales and resident dolphins. Finish the day with sunset whilst watching the locals shred at the gnarly surf break, Jakes Point.
Today is all about the breathtaking gorges of Kalbarri National Park. Start at the Kalbarri Skywalk where you can grab yourself a coffee and enjoy the stunning views from this overhanging walkway above the Murchison River. Next prepare for a 9 km hike from Nature’s Window on the loop trail or opt for a shorter hike at Z-Bend for more incredible sights. After an active day in the park we’ll return to Kalbarri township for a swim, snorkel and sunset at the Blue Holes.
On our way to Shark Bay, we’ll stop for refreshments at the isolated Billabong Roadhouse. Explore Hamelin Pool to see the ancient stromatolites, then relax at Shell Beach with swimming and stand-up paddleboarding options. Conclude the day at Eagle Bluff Lookout for sunset and wildlife observation before setting up camp for the night right on the beach.
Experience the famous Monkey Mia dolphin encounter, where you can view these incredible creatures being hand fed by the Department of Parks and Wildlife, a controversial custom but a chance to see them up close. Spend the rest of the day on a wild 4WD adventure in Francois Peron National Park to an epic lookout, short hiking trail, and snorkelling opportunity. Bring a cold drink for a surprise at the end of the day on the way back to our beach camp!
After a morning’s drive we’ll restock on supplies in Carnarvon, a growing region known for its fresh produce and banana plantations. Refreshed and refuelled we head to Quobba to see the powerful blow holes on this rugged and awesome coastline. Get your first experience of the Ningaloo Reef snorkelling at the Natural Aquarium before settling in at another beachside camp.
Often voted one of the best days of the trip, we get off the tourist trail and enjoy a day of 4WDing and spectacular coastal lookouts, visiting iconic surf camps and historic stations. Snorkel on remote parts of the Ningaloo Reef and empty beaches before returning to the bus for a bush camp under the stars.
Spend the day exploring Coral Bay, with multiple snorkeling spots to choose from including the stunning Five Finger reef. For the adventurous, optional kayak rentals are available to explore the offshore shark cleaning station. Enjoy coastal 4WDing and optional scuba/snorkel tours, with plenty of beach time to unwind.
Hike in the stunning Cape Range National Park for incredible views of Charles Knife Canyon. Visit the township of Exmouth, then spend the afternoon surfing, relaxing and soaking up the local area before setting camp on a private property for the next 3 nights.
This day is set aside for you to join an optional whale shark, humpback whale or scuba tour. If this isn’t for you then enjoy a day of surfing, and relaxing on the beach. After a big day out on the water, treat yourself to dinner and drinks at one of the local breweries in town with everyone from the bus.
Today is all about discovering the beauty within Cape Range National Park. Hike the Yardie Creek trail, followed by lunch and swimming at Sandy Bay. Discover the vibrant underwater world at Oyster Stacks before another swim and snorkel at the famous Turquoise Bay.
On our final day in Exmouth you have another option to join a scuba adventure or whale shark swim if you missed out before. The remaining group will surf some waves at Wobiri Beach and make the most of our last day on the coast. After we’re all reunited, we begin our drive towards Tom Price and set up camp tonight in the Pilbara outback.
A big drive through Pilbara cattle country takes us to the mining town of Tom Price. We’ll stop for refreshments, food shopping and supplies before continuing on to our secluded campsite below the majestic Mt. Bruce.
Today is dedicated to exploring Karijini National Park. Hike and swim at Knox, Joffre, Hancock, and Weano Gorge. After a day full of adventure, we’ll return to our peaceful bush camp for another night around the fire.
Prepare for an early start as we set off on a challenging hike to watch sunrise from the summit of Mount Bruce. Recover in the afternoon relaxing at Hamersley Gorge, with options for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and enjoying the natural spa pool. We’ll return to camp early and slow cook dinner on the fire before settling in for the night.
Spend our final morning in Karijini at Dales Gorge. A short walk to Circular Pool for stunning lookouts, followed by a swim at Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool. After a morning of exploration, we’ll drive to Newman, dropping off anyone wishing to continue on to Broome. Then, we begin the journey back towards Perth stopping at Peace Gorge for our final camp.
**See notes below if considering taking the coach to Broome**
On our last day, we’ll rise early to complete our journey back to Perth. It’ll be a big day of driving with plenty of time to spend playing cards and sharing the photos and unforgettable memories of this incredible adventure!
** Public Coach to Broome -The public coach is run by Integrity Coach Lines. It departs Newman every Wednesday at 2.55pm and arrives in Port Hedland at 8.40pm. It then departs Port Hedland at 12.30am and arrives in Broome at 6.55am Thursday morning. It currently costs $280 and takes 16 hrs with a 3.5 hour stopover late at night in Port Hedland. The price includes 20kg luggage and 8kg carry on. Extra luggage fees apply. Please also be aware that we will drop you off in Newman around midday on the Wednesday so you will have to wait for up to 3 hours before jumping on the Integrity Coach. https://www.integritycoachlines.com.au/