7 Day Perth to Exmouth & Return to Perth

Day 1: Perth to Kalbarri

Departing from Perth around 7.30am we soon leave the early morning city traffic behind. Traveling past market gardens and vineyards on the outskirts of the city we join up with Highway 1 on our way to Nambung National Park and the fascinating Pinnacles Desert. These ancient rocks have been visited and photographed by people from all over the world and are a must see item on many travelers itineraries. After exploring these unique formations we continue our journey northwards along coastal roads passing by seaside fishing towns such as Jurien Bay, Greenhead, Leeman and Port Denison.

After a short break we head out to some local sand dunes for an adrenalin rush sand boarding down these huge slopes. From here we continue on to toward the city of Geraldton arriving mid afternoon. Geraldton is the major port, administration and commercial center for the Midwest agricultural and mining district. Another brief stop and it is time to complete our touring for the day by driving through rolling farmlands of Northampton to the seaside resort town of Kalbarri and our overnight accommodation.

Meals: L, D

Day 2: Kalbarri to Shark Bay

After an early rise we leave Kalbarri and take a short drive to Murchison River Gorge in Kalbarri National Park. Here we take time to view Natures Window and the Loop in the early morning light. Later we discover the wonders of the Z-Bend Gorge where it is an exhilarating 150 metre descent into the heart of the gorge - well worth the effort - here there is time to explore and swim in the tranquil fresh water pools. For the adventurous there is even an opportunity to try your hand at abseiling (optional activity at additional cost) at one of the most beautiful abseiling sites in the country.

After all this activity it is time for a well earned lunch break. Following lunch we make our way toward Monkey Mia. Leaving the Park we are soon passing through a variety of ever changing outback countryside before entering the Shark Bay World Heritage area and stopping at the beautiful Shell Beach. Finally, in the late afternoon, we reach Denham, Australias western most town, for our second overnight stop.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Shark Bay to Coral Bay

Today is our chance to meet the world famous "beach" dolphins of Monkey Mia. Leaving Denham nice and early we have a short drive across the Peron Peninsula before making our way down to the "dolphin" beach. This group of dolphins and their offspring have been providing visitors with a unique interactive experience for many years and there can be some fantastic photo opportunities. The new Visitors Centre will also provide you with a wealth of information about the history, and flora and fauna of this very unique World Heritage area.

All too soon its time to continue our journey northwards. As we travel back along the Peron Peninsula to the North West Coastal Highway our guide will be able to point out some of the remarkable reasons why Shark Bay is such an important area for conservation.

Back on the highway it is time for a brief stop at the isolated Overlander Roadhouse, in the middle of one of the longest straight sections of road in Australia - nearly 100km without a bend or turn.

From here, we head to Carnarvon with a stop at a banana plantation (time permitting). From Carnarvon we finish the day by driving the highway to Coral Bay, the Jewel of the North.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Coral Bay and Exmouth

It's time to explore! Spend today discovering the wonders of the Ningaloo Reef and its fantastic marine wildlife.
Swimming with whalesharks  Here the Ningaloo Reef is just metres from the shore and today is yours to explore the wonders of the Reef and its fantastic marine widlife. You can catch some sun on pristine beaches, go fishing in specially designated areas, swim amongst thousands of multi-coloured fish - perhaps even Whale Sharks or giant Manta Rays during the right season, go snorkeling over beautifully coloured coral, cruise on the glass bottom boat, take a quad bike tour or even a joy flight over the reef (some options are at extra cost). Today is a day to relax.  Late this afternoon we make the short trip to Exmouth.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Exmouth

Another day of freedom and relaxation! You can head underwater to go diving (optional) or we'll tour around the area including great snorkelling and lazing on the beach at Turquoise Bay. We will also take a short walk at Yardie Creek.

B, L

Days 6-7: Exmouth to Perth

We hit the road at 6.30am to begin our trip back to Perth, staying overnight at Northbrook Farmstay for our last evening together.

In the morning, it's a short trip to the Principality of Hutt River, where you'll be fascinated with Prince Leonard's story and why he seceded from Australia – a unique story!

Bring your passport along to add another stamp! From here, our journey south towards Perth continues. Along the way we stop at Greenough Wildlife Park, which is home to a python breeding centre.

Get friendly with a snake (and other native animals) if you're game! We arrive back in Perth in the late afternoon.

Day 6 Meals: B, L, D

Day 7 Meals: B, L