10 Day Coast and Karijini

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 – Perth to Horrocks

DEFAULT PICK UP: Barrack St Jetty, 07:15am

We journey to the Nambung National Park to explore the mysterious Pinnacles Desert, before making our way to Jurien Bay’s massive sand dunes. Make the most of your opportunity to go sandboarding down the slopes, before continuing on through Geraldton to Horrocks where you stay overnight. (LD)

Day 2 – Horrocks to Shark Bay

It’s a short drive to Kalbarri National Park where we explore some of its features including Murchison Gorge, Nature’s Window and Z-Bend Gorge (it’s a steep descent but well worth the effort). There’s also the option to abseil here (own expense). After lunch we visit the beautiful  and unique Shell Beach, then travel towards Denham and Shark Bay. (BLD)

Day 3 – Shark Bay to Coral Bay

After a short drive across the Peron Peninsula we make our way down to the beach and the world famous Monkey Mia dolphins – it’s a unique experience with some fantastic photo opportunities. As we travel towards Carnarvon, we stop to view the fascinating stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. After a breaking our journey with a stop at Carnarvon we continue along the highway to Coral Bay, the Jewel of the Northwest. (BLD)

Day 4 – Coral Bay to Exmouth

Today is yours to explore Coral Bay and soak up the wonders of Ningaloo Reef and its fantastic marine life. You can go snorkelling, cruise on the glass bottom boat, take a quad bike tour or even a joy flight over the reef (own expense and subject to availability). Late in the afternoon we make the short drive into Exmouth. (BLD)

Day 5 – Exmouth

Another day of freedom and relaxation! You can head underwater to go diving or (in season) search for whale sharks. Alternatively, why not try out some other activities in the area including snorkeling, swimming or lazing on the beach at Turquoise Bay (optional activities, including snorkeling, at own expense). (BLD)

Day 6 – Exmouth to Karijini National Park

We travel inland, stopping in the iron ore mining town of Tom Price for provisions before setting up camp overlooking the magnificent Hamersley Range. (BLD)

Days 7 and 8 – Karijini National Park

Get ready for two full days of adventure — the perfect amount of time needed to explore Karijini National Park and its amazing gorges. Formed over 2,500 million years ago, the Hamersley Ranges are some of the most unusual landforms on earth. Deep in the gorges you’ll come across cascading waterfalls and still waterholes where you can enjoy some great swimming oppurtunities. Dales Gorge, Fortesque Falls, Fern Pool, Circular Pool, Weano Gorge and Hancock Gorge are just some of the stunning areas we’ll get to. Definitely a highlight! (BLD)

Day 9 – Karijini to Great Northern Highway

It’s a short drive to Auski Roadhouse before beginning our drive south along the Great Northern Highway. We travel through Newman, the iron ore Mecca of the north, and pass many large sheep stations (some over 1 million acres in size). We share our last night together at one of the vast stations in this area. (BLD) 

Day 10 – Great Northern Highway to Perth

Leaving early we travel to the gold mining town of Mt Magnet. A short break and once more we are on our way to Perth. As the kilometers slip by we soon find ourselves in the wheat and sheep farming districts north east of Perth. Early afternoon will find us at the picturesque town of New Norcia, built as a mission by Benedictine monks in the 1840’s. As the day draws to a close we arrive into Perth. (BL)