Part of the First Light Travel Group
South Pacific Specialists
+64 (9) 320 1065
Explore untouched beaches, get up close with nature at Kalbarri National Park and stay at stunning locations. Swim with whale sharks at Monkey Mia and wander through the extraordinary Pinnacles in Nambung National Park. This epic journey starts in Coral Bay and finishes in Perth.
Duration: 6 days
Starts: Exmouth
Finishes: Perth
A day to relax at Coral Bay
Today your private guide and vehicle will greet you on arrival at Learmonth Airport and transfer you the short distance to Ningaloo Reef Resort in Coral Bay. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
1 Nights Staying at Ningaloo Reef Resort
Observe turtles in their natural habitat before travelling to Monkey Mia
Your guide will greet you at your accommodation this morning before taking you a short distance to your shared 3-hour turtle tour. This turtle tour is the best way to view turtles feeding in their natural surroundings. The experienced crew and their in-depth knowledge of the local turtle species and their behaviour will show you the best way to view these amazing animals. As the only turtle tour conducted on a glass bottom boat, this experience provides you with the opportunity for coral viewing, fish feeding and snorkelling at two specially selected sites. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local beachfront café before checking out of Ningaloo Reef Resort and making our way to Monkey Mia, arriving in the late afternoon.
3 Nights Staying at Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
Approximate Distance: 581 km | 361 miles
Total Driving Time: 6 hours
Witness the magnificent red dunes with barren shrubland, surrounded by turquoise water.
Venture across the incredible sights of the northern tip of the Peron Peninsula in the Francois Peron National Park and witness the magnificent red dunes with barren shrubland, surrounded by turquoise water. Roam the rugged terrain of the national park in the comfort of an air-conditioned four-wheel-drive as you look out to the native flora and fauna. Explore the Ocean Park Aquarium and see native Australian marine life up close. Traverse the plains of the region as you enjoy an informative bush walk and tour of the local wildflowers at Francois Peron National Park. After a long day of exploring what the Peron Peninsula has to offer, unwind in a natural hot tub to soothe your muscles before returning to your accommodation.
3 hour nature cruise - enjoy the outstanding marine life found in abundance
This morning you will be transferred to Monkey Mia Jetty for your 3-hour nature cruise.
Breathe in the fresh salty air as you step aboard your 18m | 59ft sailing catamaran ‘Aristocat 2’ in search of the dugong (similar to a manatee) and other endangered and amazing marine life that live and play in nature’s aquarium. Cruise to the Dugong Interaction Management Zone in search of the ever-shy dugong (sirens of the sea) feeding on seagrass and popping up to the surface for the occasional breath of fresh air. Spot the sponging dolphin, seen nowhere else in the world. You may see other amazing marine life like huge Loggerhead turtles, stingrays and sharks. Jump into the boom net for an energizing ocean spa experience… or kick back with a refreshing drink from the fully licensed Ocean Lounge Bar (own expense). You will be returned to your accommodation in the early afternoon.
Highlights include Shell Beach and Stromatolite spotting
We depart Monkey Mia mid-morning and make the 4-hour journey to Kalbarri. We pass through the town of Denham for lunch, the incredible Shell Beach and Stromatolites. Following this is a stop at the Kalbarri National Park and the iconic red river gorge –Hawks Head.
Your guide will take you to your Kalbarri accommodation for the evening.
1 Night Staying at Kalbarri Edge Resort
Approximate Distance: 398 km | 247 miles
Total Driving Time: 4 hours
Travel to the gateway of the Pinnacles Desert
We depart Kalbarri and make our way to Cervantes. Cervantes is the gateway to Western Australia’s Pinnacles Desert and the beginning of Australia’s Coral Coast region. The town also boasts beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise waters teeming with marine life, making it a popular choice for fishing or swimming, and enjoying tasty fresh seafood. Located in the heart of the Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles Desert is one of Australia’s most unique landscapes, featuring thousands of limestone spires, some up to 12 m | 39ft tall. Explore the desert on the designated four-kilometre | 2.5 miles driving trail or stroll through them at your leisure on the 1.2 km | 0.75 mi walking trail. Learn more about the Nambung National Park’s fascinating geology, flora and fauna at the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre. After enjoying lunch at the local bar and bistro and once you’ve seen the Pinnacles, travel a little north to Lake Thetis – one of only five thrombolites, or ‘Living fossils’, sites in Western Australia. Cervantes is all about natural landscapes – take on the vanilla ice cream-like sand dunes while sandboarding or visit the natural lookouts over the Indian Ocean!
1 Night Staying at Pinnacles Edge Resort
Approximate Distance: 378 km | 235 miles
Total Driving Time: 4 hours 8 mins
Heading for Perth via the Kalamunda National Park
We depart Cervantes and head back to Perth via Kalamunda National Park. Take one of the many walks available through Wandoo woodlands and granite outcrops and, if you’re lucky, spot one of the park’s endemic plant species. Afterwards, we will return you to your accommodation in Perth or the airport for onward travel.
Approximate Distance: 199 km | 124 miles
Total Driving Time: 2 hours 20 mins
“The thing about Western Australia's National Parks is they offer scenery that is totally unique to the world. Kalbarri National Park, for example, is absolutely stunning with its rock formations, unique wetlands, and Aboriginal Cave Art. Explore the untouched beaches and swim with whale sharks at Monkey Mia or wander through the extraordinary Pinnacles in the Nambung National Park. ”
Ready to find out more? Talk to one of our friendly travel designers about his tour. We guarantee you it will be the experience of a lifetime!
ENQUIRELike what you see? Contact us today to find out more about our exclusive itineraries. Each Absolute New Zealand tour is tailored to who you are and what you want to do.
You'll travel along the vast cinematic Western Australian Coral Coast on this 7 day expedition.
Our team has access to New Zealand's most unique accommodation, superb activities, and flight specials. Contact us for a personalised New Zealand experience.
Hobart to Hobart
Uluru / Yulara to Alice Springs
Melbourne to Sydney
Inspiring travel itineraries and expert advice delivered to your inbox.
START PLANNING
Ningaloo Reef Resort is situated in Australia’s stunning Coral Coast region and is approximately 1124km | 698mi north of Perth. The Ningaloo Reef, one of the world‘s most beautiful marine parks, is just a stone‘s throw away from the resort. The comfortable self–contained one-bedroom, two-bedroom and studio rooms all overlook the tropical gardens and pool. Treat yourself to cafe-style meals in Shades Cafe or catch up with friends at the bar.
Situated on the Western Australian coastline within the beautiful shores of Shark Bay, Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort offers beachfront accommodation. Shark Bay is home to one of the world’s best-known dolphin encounters. The property features a swimming pool, hot tub, bar, restaurant and tennis and volleyball courts. Facilities nearby the property include a general store and gift shop, and two food and beverage outlets located just a short walk from the Resort.
Kalbarri Edge Resort comes alive at sunrise, coaxing guests to wake to uninterrupted views of the Coral Coast. Only a five-minute walk into Kalbarri town centre, the Murchison River foreshore, or a 5 minutes’ drive to Kalbarri Golf Club, Kalbarri Edge Resort lies right in the heart of this Western Australia town.
Cervantes Pinnacles Edge Resort is a 20-minutes walk from Lake Thetis. It’s a 20-minutes drive from Jurien Bay, a popular beach for skydiving and a 25-minutes drive from Nambung National Park. The air-conditioned apartments and studios feature either a kitchenette or fully equipped kitchen.
This turtle tour is the best way to view turtles feeding in their natural surroundings. The experienced crew loves to share their in-depth knowledge of the local turtle species and their behaviour.
Feed the fish, see corals and closely watch the turtles from the comfort of a glass bottom boat. If you like, you can jump into the water and go snorkelling at two specially selected sites. Snorkelling gear is provided and coffee, tea, Milo and biscuits are also included. This tour is hands-down the best way to view these amazing animals.
Step aboard Aristocat 2 for a cruise around Monkey Mia’s natural aquarium in search of dugongs (relaxed sea creatures that are related to the American manatees), sponging dolphins, loggerhead or green turtles, manta rays and other amazing and endangered marine life. It also includes an energising salt ‘spa’ in the boom net.
Situated midway along the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef on Western Australia’s Coral Coast is the settlement of Coral Bay. Built on the water’s edge in a beautifully picturesque little bay known as Bill’s Bay, it is surrounded by fringing corals, brilliant white beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Kalbarri is a picturesque seaside town located 590 km | 366 mi north of Perth, midway along Australia’s Coral Coast. The town itself lies at the mouth of the Murchison River, an ideal playground for families to relax, swim, fish and snorkel in the clear, blue waters.
River Foreshore is a beautifully maintained foreshore with shady trees, shelter huts and playgrounds with barbecues. Chinaman’s Beach, where the river meets the sea, is an ideal place to swim in the calm waters.
Situated on the Western Australian coastline within the beautiful shores of Shark Bay, Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort offers beachfront accommodation. Shark Bay is home to one of the world’s best-known dolphin encounters. The property features a swimming pool, hot tub, bar, restaurant and tennis and volleyball courts. Facilities nearby the property include a general store and gift shop, and two food and beverage outlets located just a short walk from the Resort.
Cervantes is a small coastal fishing town in Western Australia, north of Perth. Its lobster catch can be viewed from jetties and from Thirsty Point Lookout, overlooking the Indian Ocean.
The town is a gateway to Nambung National Park, home to the Pinnacles, a desert area spotted with many ancient rock pillars amid shifting sand dunes. The park is located roughly 200km, or 2 hours drive north of Perth, and covers an area of 17,487 hectares providing a natural habitat for an extensive array of native animals and bird life.
Embrace the best of both worlds in Perth, where soft-sand beaches and scenic parks meet a thriving metropolis of small bars, creative restaurants and curated street art. Nature and urban life exist in harmony in Perth on Australia’s west coast. Here, where the locals soak up more sunny days than in any other Australian capital city, you can visit nearby Rottnest Island, walk in leafy Kings Park and experience Swan Valley’s vineyards, Aboriginal art, food and history.