Why we Love Perth to Exmouth Explorer Tour

Criss-crossing up ‘n’ back the Western Australian coast is a journey full of highlights and world beating nature experiences.

A Perth to Exmouth Explorer features dramatic scenery from the desert to the sea, wind along hilltops overlooking turquoise surf, ride giant white sand dunes, hike through tiger-striped gorges, and marvel at the graceful sight of local marine life. 

Question why chimney-like limestones stick out of the desert at The Pinnacles or how the Stromatolites still exist at Hamelin Bay. 

Explore Kalbarri and Karijini National Parks, and have your breath taken away by the underwater worlds of Shark Bay and Ningaloo, before ending each day with a spectacular sunset.

Your tour will include the following highlights;

• Discover the Pinnacles Desert
• Explore the stunning gorges of Kalbarri National Park
• Hike to Natures Window and the Z Bend in Muchinson Gorge
• Experience the closest wild Dolphin encounter in Australia
• Snorkel the Ningaloo Reef at Coral Bay
• Guided tour of Cape Range National Park
• Swim at Turquoise Bay
• Join a swim with Whale Shark tour (approx. season March to August)

Inclusions

• 7 Days Fully Guided Tour
• Nambung National Park (Pinnacles) Entrance
• Sandboarding Jurien Bay
• Kalbarri National Park Entrance
• Monkey Mia Dolphins
• Ningaloo Reef Marine Park
• Vlamingh Head Lighthouse
• Greenough Wildlife Park
• 6 Nights Hostel Accommodation
• 6 Breakfast – 6 Lunch – 6 Dinner
• On-board water

Itinerary and Sleeping

Accommodation is at quality hostels with shared facilities.

1. Multi-share dormitories that may be mixed gender
2. Private Twin and Double rooms (child must share with adult)
3. Single Private Rooms
4. Private En-suite Twin & Double Rooms in a Motel possible on request.

Day 1:

Depart Perth on a free-spirited we cruise up the Coral Coast, where ironically it feels like our adventure begins in the desert. Experience pure exhilaration sandboarding, the soaring white sand dunes of Lancelin. Stop at Nambung National Park for a guided tour of The Pinnacles, where ancient limestone spires, jut spookily out of the desert.

It’s then on to Geraldton, a township renown for rock lobster, pearls and shipwrecks, before spending the night in Kalbarri.

Notes: 

• • Sandboarding at Jurien Bay included
  • Accommodation in Kalbarri

Day 2:

With endless beauty, it’s easy to imagine dinosaurs roaming the ancient interconnecting gorges of Kalbarri National Park. Carved out by the Murchison River and lined with red river gums, the towering cliffs are striped with a blood-red hue and contrast spectacularly with the azure hidden waterholes. Best vantage points are from Natures Window and Z-Bend lookouts or for the ultimate rush there’s the option of abseiling down. Toast the day in Denham, the gateway to Shark Bay.

Notes: 

• • Optional Activity: Abseiling in Kalbarri National Park (from $30)
  • Accommodation in Monkey Mia

Day 3:

Be blown away by the mysterious creatures of the big blue at Monkey Mia. With over 4000 square kilometres along the seabed, its literally splendour in the seagrass attracting the likes of turtles, whale sharks, bottlenose dolphins and dugongs. The wonder continues with the 3 billion-year-old Stromatolites, creating a carpet-like sculpture beside the sea at Hamelin Pool. Watch the sun sink and the stars come out at Coral Bay.

Notes: 

• • Accommodation in Coral Bay

Day 4:

The day is yours to explore paradise on earth at Ningaloo Reef from Coral Bay. You can float the day away, but do remember to put your head under to see an explosion of colour, thanks to the 250 species of coral and over 500 species of fish. For those braver, swim ‘n’ snorkel beside turtles, manta rays, whale sharks and even humpback whales.

Blissfully salty and sandy, we spend a night in Exmouth

Notes: 

• • Lunch not included today
  • Accommodation in Exmouth
  • Optional Activity: Swim with Manta Rays – ½ Day (from $165)
  • Optional Activity: Humpback Whale watching – seasonal (from $85)
  • Optional Activity: Glass bottom boat cruises (from $37)
  • Optional Activity: Snorkel with Whale Sharks – seasonal (from $350)

Day 5:

After breakfast we head to Cape Range National Park, the result of ancient reefs pushing out from under the sea. Known for its contrasting scenery of rugged limestone ranges, deep canyons and beautiful beaches; you’ll spot wildlife such as emus, euros, red kangaroos, bungarras, bustards and a variety of birds.

Take multiple dips at Turquoise Bay, before revelling in the last golden rays setting on the horizon at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse.

Notes: 

• • Accommodation in Exmouth
  • Optional Activity: Snorkel hire at Turquoise Bay (from $10)

Day 6:

On the road again we head south, so get comfy and switch off as the colour of the outback speeds by. A pit stop in Carnarvon is a no brainer, thanks to supplying the vast majority of Western Australia with prawns, scallops, crabs, fish, fruit and vegetables. For our last night together, we’ll get a taste of real country life, feeding animals, playing farm-hand and listening to local stories under the stars.

Notes:

• • Accommodation on an Australian wheat farm in Carnarvon

Day 7:

Slowly meandering back to Perth, we stop to visit Greenough Wildlife and Bird Park. A wildlife sanctuary promoting conservation and animal rescue; get up close to dingos, emus, orphan kangaroo joeys, saltwater crocodiles, handle lizards and even snakes. Before first drop-offs in town around 6.30pm; take your final selfies, swap contacts with fellow travellers and plot your next adventure…otherwise you’ll want to U-turn and experience it all again.

Notes:

• • Greenough is a privately owned park which rescues & rehabilitates Australian Wildlife and has been for 30 yrs. they have some animals which have been here a long time and always have some which have just moved in. There wildlife rescue promotes a RESCUE, REHABILITATE & RELEASE programme if possible with every animal.

Departs/Returns:

This tour runs seasonal departures.

• Departs Perth:
  • Nov–March
    Tuesday and Friday
    Accomodation pick-ups from 7:00am
  • April–October
    Friday (selected dates)
    Accomodation pick-ups from 7:00am

•  
• Returns Perth:
  • Day 7 approx. 7:00pm

What to Bring

• Wide brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
• Sustainable Water bottle/container (at least 1.5 litres)
• Walking shoes/boots,
• Toiletries, swim wear, towel
• Head Torch and Camera
• Overnight temperatures during winter can be very cold and temperatures during the Western Australian summer can reach over 40 degrees in the shade. Please be sure to bring adequate clothing for your visit.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

• If you cancel at least 30 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 25% cancellation fee or deposit will be lost.
• If you cancel between 15-29 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50% cancellation fee.
• If you cancel within 14 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100% cancellation fee.
• Unless otherwise stated all refunds will incur a 10% administration fee

We recommend you purchase Travel Insurance which would cover for such things as road closures, flight,  bus or other travel cancellations that would contribute to you missing the departure of your tour.

Travel Insurance Requirements

Travel insurance is compulsory for all Adventure Tours Australia trips. It is required that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation.

When travelling on a trip, you won’t be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

AUTOPIA TOURS is part of the Get Lost Travel Group and take sustainability seriously.

Reducing their Carbon Footprint:

• Renewable Energy: The Get Lost Travel Group depot in Melbourne is powered by 100% solar energy.
• Offsetting Carbon Emissions: 100% of all transport emissions are offset with their partnership with not-for-profit Greenfleet (see below).
• LED Lighting: The majority of lighting used by Get Lost Travel Group’s offices and depots is LED. This has reduced consumption by 65%.
• Carbon Neutral Printing: All Get Lost Travel Group printed brochures use 100% recycled paper and natural inks. The local Melbourne printing company, Mystique, offset 100% of their carbon footprint.

Commitment to Wildlife:

• Koala Clancy Foundation: The Get Lost Travel Group are proud sponsors of the Koala Clancy Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation passionate about the health and well-being of wild koalas.
• Wipe for Wildlife: Get Lost Travel Group, we have chosen to Wipe for Wildlife at the workplace, using only recycled toilet paper and tissues supplied by Who Gives A Crap.

Greenfleet Accreditated

Greenfleet is a leading not-for-profit environmental organisation on a mission to protect our climate by restoring our forests. 

They plant native biodiverse forests to offset carbon emissions on behalf of individuals and businesses and help fight the impacts of climate change. Since 1997, Greenfleet have planted more than 9.4 million native trees across over 500 biodiverse forests in Australia and New Zealand. 

Note: Wildlife Tours Australia does not currently hold Eco-Accreditation from Eco Tourism Australia.