Day 1
Perth
Welcome to Perth, Australia’s sunniest capital. After settling into your comfortable accommodation, take time to explore this vibrant city, known for its sandy beaches, towering skyscrapers, lush parks, and lively street art. Don’t miss Kings Park & Botanic Garden, one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, with panoramic views of the Swan and Canning rivers. Perth’s urban villages and cosy bistros offer the perfect spot to unwind and prepare for tomorrow’s coastal adventures.
Overnight: Adina Apartment Hotel Perth Barrack Plaza or similar.
Day 2
Perth to Cervantes - Approximate Distance: 200 km | 124 miles | Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins
Pick up your rental car this morning and head to the coastal town of Cervantes, stopping en route at the otherworldly Pinnacles Desert. Just minutes from town, this surreal landscape features thousands of towering limestone spires rising from golden sands—one of Australia’s most unusual natural wonders.
Overnight: Pinnacles Edge Resort Cervantes or similar.
Day 3
Cervantes to Kalbarri via Jurien Bay - Approximate Distance: 410 km | 255 miles | Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins
On your way to Kalbarri, consider an optional stop at Jurien Bay - a beloved spot for Western Australian families. Join a boat tour to visit the playful and curious Australian sea lions at their island breeding colony. The 1–1.5 hour trip offers a close-up look at this protected species, with the chance to spot dolphins along the way.
Located at the mouth of the Murchison River, Kalbarri offers a striking mix of rugged coastline, soaring cliffs, and sweeping sand dunes. Tomorrow, explore ancient river gorges, dramatic rock formations, and vibrant wildflowers in this stunning coastal wilderness.
Overnight: Kalbarri Edge Resort or similar.
Day 4
Kalbarri
Make the most of your day of leisure by trying out one or more of the options below:
In Kalbarri, choose from scenic walks, river cruises, or adventurous activities like quad biking, canyoning, and skydiving. From June to November, spot migrating humpback whales, and see wildflowers in bloom between July and November. Don’t miss daily pelican feeding, canoeing on the Murchison River, or a sunset boat tour for a memorable end to the day.
Overnight: Kalbarri Edge Resort or similar.
Day 5
Kalbarri to Monkey Mia via Shark Bay - Approximate Distance: 400 km | 249 miles | Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins
Continue north to Denham, gateway to the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. Visit the Discovery Centre, relax on Shell Beach, and see the ancient stromatolites at Hamelin Pool - among the oldest life forms on Earth. Nearby, Monkey Mia offers encounters with wild dolphins and diverse marine life, from turtles to dugongs, in a stunning coastal setting of red dunes and white sands.
Overnight: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort or similar.
Day 6
Optional Francois Peron National Park 4WD Full Day Tour
Set off on a full-day adventure (9 am–5 pm) through Francois Peron National Park, where the red outback meets the sea. Travel across sand dunes and shrublands, spot wildlife like dugongs and echidnas, and explore remote coastal lookouts and marine-rich waters. The tour includes entry fees, lunch, refreshments, and expert guides for a memorable day in Australia’s wild heart.
Overnight: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort or similar.
Day 7
Monkey Mia to Coral Bay - Approximate Distance: 585 km | 364 miles | Total Driving Time: 6 hours
After leaving Monkey Mia, head north to witness the Carnarvon blowholes—powerful ocean sprays that shoot up to 20 metres through rock formations.
Relax in the coastal charm of Coral Bay, where vibrant coral gardens lie just metres from shore. Spend two nights at Ningaloo Reef Resort, exploring Australia’s only fringing reef and its World Heritage–listed marine wonders.
Overnight: Ningaloo Coral Bay or similar.
Day 8
Coral Bay
With over 500 species of tropical fish along the 300-kilometre Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay is perfect for a day of marine adventure or relaxation.
Suggested activities - snorkel on a half- or full-day reef cruise, glide over coral in a glass-bottom boat or see-through canoe, or join an eco-tour to spot (and possibly swim with) manta rays. Prefer to unwind? Relax by the pool or enjoy the beach just steps from your accommodation.
Overnight: Ningaloo Coral Bay or similar.
Day 9
Coral Bay to Exmouth - Approximate Distance: 155 km | 96 miles | Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins
Continue along the coast to Exmouth, a relaxed resort town on the North West Cape and a gateway to both Ningaloo Marine Park and Cape Range National Park. Explore dramatic canyons, limestone ranges, and untouched coastline, or join visitors from around the world for the chance to swim with whale sharks and humpback whales.
Overnight: Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort, Exmouth or similar.
Day 10
Optional Marine Adventures in Exmouth
Set off on a marine adventure with Exmouth Dive Centre, with experiences tailored to the season. From March to August, swim alongside gentle whale sharks; between August and November, you may have the chance to swim with humpback whales or watch from the boat. At other times, enjoy guided snorkelling at the Muiron Islands and Ningaloo Reef for a true coral reef escape.
Overnight: Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort, Exmouth or similar.
Day 11
Depart Exmouth
Return your rental vehicle and bid farewell to Western Australia as you board your flight, carrying unforgettable memories of this extraordinary journey. We look forward to welcoming you back to explore more of this amazing country.
