Self Drive
A$3495per person
This 8-day adventure is the perfect taste of the best bits of Australia’s nature. Spend time soaking up sun and snorkelling in Turquoise Bay at Ningaloo Reef – keeping an eye out for the famous whale sharks the whole time – before heading inland. You’ll pass classic outback scenes of auburn landscape and limitless horizons before arriving at Karijini National Park, where you’ll have a chance to learn about the ancient culture of the Banyjima, Kurrama and Innawonga people, the traditional owners of the land. Swim in the secluded natural pools and hike through the vibrant gorges as you disconnect from the world and connect with the land around you.
7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Private vehicle
Lodge (3 nights), Outback station cabins (shared facilities) (2 nights), Permanent tented camp (shared facilities) (2 nights)
Cape Range National Park, Ningaloo Marine Park, Cheela Plains Station, Bullara Station, Karijini National Park, Tom Price, etc.
Welcome to Exmouth! Meet your local leader and fellow travellers for a Welcome Meeting at the hotel at 11am, then get to know everyone a little better over an optional lunch. Afterwards, it’s time to head out and explore the town and the spectacular surrounding areas with your leader who knows it best. Venture into Cape Range National Park where your leader will introduce you to a world of ancient gorges and glittering coastline. Pay a visit to the famously beautiful Turquoise Bay. With pristine white sands and bright blue waters, this is undoubtedly one of the world’s most breathtaking beaches. Don some snorkel gear and after a short lesson and safety briefing, you’ll dive in to experience this underwater wonderland bursting with beautiful corals and marine life. Enter the water at the southern end of the beach, where the current will naturally take you down the length of the beach with minimal effort. Your guide will be in the water with you, pointing out amazing marine life and ensuring your comfort and safety during your time here. For those that don’t wish to snorkel, you may just choose to relax on the beach and take in the pristine white sands and bright blue waters. Following your snorkel adventure, it’s time to visit the Milyering Visitor Centre in Cape Range National Park. There’s a wealth of interesting displays to explore here – make sure you look for the fossilised megalodon tooth! Later visit the Jurabi Turtle Centre, where you can learn about the life cycle of the three species of turtles that nest from October to March along the Ningaloo Coast. Stop off at several stunning lookout points where you can soak in the scenery and marvel at the iconic Ningaloo reef. After an exciting afternoon, you may like to join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local brewery in the evening and reminisce about the day’s discoveries over a tasty meal and craft beer.
There are no meals included on this day.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting at 11 am as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are arriving today check-in may not be available at this time, but you can store your luggage at reception. As we head out to the reef this afternoon, please make sure you have your swimming gear ready. Warm layers are recommended during winter months as it can get a bit cooler later in the day. Also, don’t forget your own bottle of drinking water, as we do not supply single use plastic water bottles. The leader will bring extra water for refills in larger containers.
This morning after breakfast you have the chance to don your swimmers for a day on the water. With a full free day you’ll have the option of two activities – heading out in search of Ningaloo Reef’s famous seasonal whale sharks (which will need to have been pre-booked), or soaking up the wonders of the reef with another optional snorkel drift (check with your leader for cost). Head back out into the glistening blue and admire the amazing world underwater. This evening is free to enjoy as you wish – your local leader will have plenty of recommendations for the best places to enjoy a fresh seafood dinner, so don’t hesitate to ask them.
Swimming with whale sharks is not included on this trip and is an optional activity. It is very important that you pre book any whale shark experiences well in advance of travel, as these can sell out quickly. Whale sharks visit the region between mid-March and mid-September only, so please make sure you schedule your trip accordingly if you would like to include this experience.
Today after breakfast you’ll be saying goodbye to Exmouth and begin the approximately six and a half hour drive inland to Cheela Plains, with stops at Bullara Station for morning tea and Ashburton River for lunch. Along the way you’ll have plenty of time to appreciate the scenery of the outback, before arriving at your destination, a remote outback station. Once here, you’ll drive to the top of a gorge for limitless views of the Cheela Plains, where you’ll have the chance to enjoy sunset drinks and dinner around the campfire with the group before settling into your nearby accommodation and watching the southern night sky put on a show.
Your tour leader will change today to a specialist outback tour leader.
Distances in the outback are huge. Today’s drive will be approximately 6.5 hours through arid outback landscapes. Accommodation tonight is in simple cabins with shared facilities.
This morning after breakfast you’ll make the approximately 1 hour and 40-minute drive to Tom Price, the gateway Karijini National Park. Once here, explore the Weano Gorge area with a gentle 2.5 km walk that descends into the gorge and finishes at a picturesque pool where you can have a relaxing swim before following the trail back up to the Weano Recreation Area. From here there’s also the option of a short walk to the Junction Pool Lookout or Oxer Lookout for stunning views of the junction of four mighty gorges. After lunch, there’s the opportunity for another short walk, this time 2km from Jijingunha (Joffre Gorge) Lookout to Karijini Eco Retreat. Refresh with an iced coffee at the Retreat before returning to our camp for dinner.
Note that the trails to Hancock Gorge, Kermit’s Pool, and Junction Pool are Grade 5 walks and can only be attempted by very experienced walkers with a high level of fitness and mobility. Due to the general nature of this tour and the safety risks of these very challenging trails we do not include these walks on our itinerary.
Today’s walks in Karijini National Park are Grade 2 & 3 (Easy – Moderate) and include some narrow trails with loose surfaces, minor obstacles and a series of steps.
Accommodation here is in simple safari-style tents with shared bathroom facilities, within the incredible scenery of Karijini National Park. Tents have stretcher beds and sleeping bags will be provided however you can bring your own if you prefer. Tents are twin share, with a single supplement not available for our stay here.
Today you have a full-day guided tour of the highlights of Karijini National Park ahead of you. Start the day with the descent to Jubula (Fortescue Falls), Karijini’s only spring-fed and permanent waterfall. Follow the 251 steps down the steel staircase into the 100m deep Ngirribungunha (Dale Gorge). The pool at the bottom of the waterfall is a perfect place for a refreshing swim. Another 300m along the gorge is Jubura (Fern Pool) – a sacred place for the Banyjima, Kurama, and Innawonga people. To show your respect, please enter the water quietly and avoid making loud noises. After lunch, head to the Karijini Visitor Centre. Inside, a range of displays takes you on a journey of places and people, past and present, through stories of geology, plants, animals, and Aboriginal people and their culture. The centre provides employment opportunities for local Aboriginal people and gives you a chance to speak with them and learn about their association with the land. From here, you’ll return to camp for the evening to relax before enjoying another meal cooked by your leader under the southern sky.
Today’s walks are Grade 3 – 4 (moderate to challenging), approximately 800m to Jubula (Fortescue Falls) and 300m to Jubura (Fern Pool) for a total walking time of about 90mins.
After breakfast this morning you’ll depart your safari camp and make your way back to Tom Price to refuel, before heading to Hamersley Gorge, in the northwest of Karijini National Park. Enjoy a walk in Hammersley Gorge including of course the option for a swim. Head back to a pub in Tom Price for lunch, before driving for the afternoon back to our station stay at Cheela Plains. After checking in and having time to freshen up, join the group for dinner at the accommodation.
Today’s walks are Grade 3 – 4 (moderate – challenging). The Hammersley Gorge Walk (1km, approx 3 hours return) has a difficult ascent back up. The Hammersley Waterfall Walk is a less strenuous option, with more structured steps (400m, approx 30 min return).
This morning after breakfast you’ll check out of your accommodation and begin driving back to Exmouth. After driving for approximately two and a half hours, you’ll stop at Nanutarra Roadhouse for an optional lunch. Upon arriving in Exmouth in the afternoon check in to your accommodation for a chance to unwind. Perhaps catch up with your group again tonight for dinner and a chance to reflect on the incredible adventures you’ve shared in Australia’s Northwest.
Total driving time today will be approximately 6.5 hours. Your leader will change again today as you say goodbye to your specialist outback guide.
Today your trip comes to an end after breakfast. Say goodbye to your fellow travellers or consider staying longer in Exmouth to further explore Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park. We are happy to book additional nights at our hotel (subject to availability). Please speak to your booking agent for details.
| Departing | Finishing | Total from AUD | |
| Sat 1 Apr 2023 | Sat 8 Apr 2023 | Available | $4,290 |
| Sat 29 Apr 2023 | Sat 6 May 2023 | Available | $4,290 |
| Sat 13 May 2023 | Sat 20 May 2023 | Available | $4,290 |
| Sat 27 May 2023 | Sat 3 Jun 2023 | Available | $4,290 |
| Sat 3 Jun 2023 | Sat 10 Jun 2023 | Available | $4,420 |
| Sat 10 Jun 2023 | Sat 17 Jun 2023 | Available | $4,420 |
| Sat 17 Jun 2023 | Sat 24 Jun 2023 | Available | $4,420 |
| Sat 24 Jun 2023 | Sat 1 Jul 2023 | Available | $4,420 |
| Sat 1 Jul 2023 | Sat 8 Jul 2023 | Available | $4,420 |
| Sat 8 Jul 2023 | Sat 15 Jul 2023 | Available | $4,420 |
| Sat 15 Jul 2023 | Sat 22 Jul 2023 | Available | $4,420 |
| Sat 22 Jul 2023 | Sat 29 Jul 2023 | Available | $4,420 |
| Sat 29 Jul 2023 | Sat 5 Aug 2023 | Available | $4,420 |
| Sat 5 Aug 2023 | Sat 12 Aug 2023 | Available | $4,420 |
| Sat 12 Aug 2023 | Sat 19 Aug 2023 | Available | $4,420 |
| Sat 19 Aug 2023 | Sat 26 Aug 2023 | Available | $4,420 |
| Sat 26 Aug 2023 | Sat 2 Sep 2023 | Available | $4,420 |
| Sat 2 Sep 2023 | Sat 9 Sep 2023 | Available | $4,290 |
| Sat 9 Sep 2023 | Sat 16 Sep 2023 | Available | $4,290 |
| Sat 16 Sep 2023 | Sat 23 Sep 2023 | Available | $4,290 |
| Sat 23 Sep 2023 | Sat 30 Sep 2023 | Available | $4,290 |
| Sat 30 Sep 2023 | Sat 7 Oct 2023 | Available | $4,290 |
| Sat 14 Oct 2023 | Sat 21 Oct 2023 | Available | $4,290 |
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