11 Day West Coast Perth to Broome Tour

Itinerary

Day 1 - Perth

Welcome to WA! Perth being the capital city is the perfect place to commence your holiday. You and your fellow travellers will arrive in Perth from all corners of the globe today, so there’s no group activity planned. The noticeboard at your Perth accommodation provides many sightseeing and activity options should you arrive early. You’ll also find information about our first group meeting, held this evening at approximately 5pm. Please make every effort to attend this meeting.

Overnight: Budget Hotel

Day 2 - Perth to Kalbarri

This morning it’s an early start as we will make our way north through the Swan Valley on our way to Nambung National Park, home of the famous “Pinnacles”. Here a moonscape of coloured quartz, studded with fascinating limestone pillars makes a pretty bizarre picture! A definite Kodak moment! It’s then further along the Coral Coast - a treasure trove of gorgeous beaches, exotic marine life, national reserves and the bluest ocean you’ll see anywhere in the world. With the Indian Ocean to the west, we head to Kalbarri where we’ll be staying on a farming station situated on the Murchison River. Here you’ll find plenty of native wildlife, a run of over 40 horses and plenty of wide open spaces to enjoy. Tonight we head to Finlays in Kalbarri - an absolute must when in the area and highly recommended by the locals! The unusual setting in an old ice works where at times, includes occasional fireside ballads - Finlay’s on a balmy night is a treat.

Meal: Lx1 Dx1
Overnight: Big River Ranch Farmstay (share facilities)

Day 3 - Kalbarri to Monkey Mia

Today we head further north to Shark Bay and Monkey Mia, home of the wild dolphins. On route we will make a brief stop to see stromatolites – the beginners of life. Tonight we’ll join an aboriginal cultural walking tour to discover the ancient wisdom of Gulgadagudu (Shark Bay) through Aboriginal eyes.

Meal: Bx1 Lx1
Overnight: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

Day 4 - Monkey Mia

Relax, enjoy the surroundings and wait for Monkey Mia’s famous visitors to arrive. Since the early 1960s, a pod of wild bottle-nosed dolphins began what has now become a ritual. Every day a number of dolphins swim into the clear shallows of the bay to interact with humans. It shouldn't be missed and will be a real highlight of your trip. This afternoon you have time to try one of the many activities* available on land or sea!

Meals: Bx1 Dx1
Overnight: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

Day 5 - Monkey Mia to Coral Bay

This morning our drive takes us via the township of Carnarvon to Coral Bay. This is the perfect destination for anyone seeking relaxation, adventure or simply something different. Well known for its marine life, Coral Bay is a great place to see whale sharks, humpback whales, dugongs, manta rays, turtles and an abundance of fish species (seasonal). Enjoy the colourful coral formations from a scenic submersible craft this afternoon – a great way to kick off your visit to this awesome Bay!

Meals: Bx1 Dx1
Overnight: Campground Coral Bay

Day 6 - Coral Bay

Today is a leisurely day to enjoy the wonders of Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. This is not only Western Australia's largest fringing coral reef, but one of the largest reefs worldwide that can be reached just by stepping off the beach. Awesome!!! Swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters, do a once-in-a-lifetime manta ray swim* or get up close and personal with the largest fish in the ocean, the Whale Shark*! Everything is BIG in WA!!!!!!

Meals: Bx1 Dx1
Overnight: Campground Coral Bay

Day 7 - Coral Bay to Karijini National Park

Today we head away from the coast, where we’ll break for refreshment stops at Nanutarra Roadhouse and Paraburdoo before reaching the rugged, but beautiful Karijini National Park. Haunting in its red beauty and unbeatable for adventure, the park is famous for its sheer gorges, waterfalls and cool swimming holes. Our campsite here, deep in the Aussie Outback is special.

Meals: Bx1 Lx1 Dx1
Overnight: Campground Karijini National Park

Day 8 - Karijini National Park

Rise and shine early today so that we have plenty of time to explore this intriguing and spectacular National Park. We'll visit Joffre Gorge, Oxers Lookout, Weano Gorge and take a dip in this spectacular area. For the more adventurous, the challenging ‘spider walk’. Tonight we'll swap stories back at camp.

Meals: Bx1 Lx1 Dx1
Overnight: Campground Karijini National Park

Day 9 - Karijini to 80 Mile Beach

Onto Port Hedland, a town built on the iron-ore boom of the 1960’s. Here, iron-ore from some of the world’s largest iron-ore mines is loaded onto the world’s biggest ore carriers for international consumption. Port Hedland is also renowned for its Indigenous culture and history, long trains, big ships, salt piles and red dust. Our camp tonight is on the sweeping shores of 80 Mile Beach with views of the Indian Ocean.

Meals: Bx1 Dx1
Overnight: Campground 80 Mile Beach

Day 10 - 80 Mile Beach to Broome

Back on the Great Northern Highway and a refreshment stop at the Sandfire Roadhouse before we continue on to cosmopolitan Broome. From its rough and tumble, romantic pearling history to the cosmopolitan character of Chinatown, to the turquoise waters, red sandstone cliffs and the endless expanse of white....the colours and moods of Broome will blow you away. You’ll have the opportunity to experience world famous Cable Beach at sunset. Tonight you’re free to explore this multi-cultural town at one of the many local cafes and restaurants.

Meals: Bx1
Overnight: Roebuck Bay Caravan Park Campground

Day 11 - Broome

Make the most of a sleep in this morning and time to recharge the batteries after your 11 day adventure. You are free to leave Broome at any time this day. If you have some free time, get out and about and explore this colourful town.

Meals: Bx1

Driving Distances

Further Information

NOTE: Age Restrictions Apply

This is an Open Aged Tour for passengers over the age of 12 years, however senior travellers must have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their tour as the itinerary takes you to remote regions and days can be long through rugged regions, with very basic camping facilities. Children between 12-18 must also be accompanied by an adult.

Trip Notes

Please note that some activities within Australia’s national parks are dependent on weather.

Our experienced guides will tailor all of the activities based on seasonal & cultural conditions throughout the year, to maximise your experience and enjoyment. Any deviation from this itinerary will be made with serious consideration and your best interests and safety our priority.

This itinerary is valid for departures 1 April 2009 – 31 March 2010 and is subject to change without notice.

Optional Activities are not included in Tour Price & itinerary is subject to weather and cultural conditions.

Price Includes

All applicable park entrance fees, meals as indicated, accommodation, camping fees & equipment per the itinerary.

Maximum people: 18

Luggage

Our vehicles have limited space therefore please keep luggage to a minimum (i.e a small soft bag).

Participation

Our tours are activity and participation based. During your travels with us you will have the opportunity to assist with daily activities such as setting up meal times, pitching tents or clearing meal dishes. None of this is difficult however many hands make light work and any assistance provided to crew is always much appreciated.

What to bring

Please check with your agent at time of confirmation. However, for most tours you will need the following: towel, water bottle, flash light, small pillow, toiletries and items of a personal nature, hat, sturdy walking shoes, sun screen,camera and film, warm clothing for night time in winter months and wet weather gear. Furthermore sleeping bags are required on this tour. You can hire them from the crew for A$25 per person or bring your own.

Your Accommodation

The accommodation you will experience has been carefully selected; however, it will vary to suit each location. In general, our accommodation is comprised of the following types:-

LODGES - basic form of accommodation featuring bunk style accommodation and communal showers and toilets (two nights at Monkey Mia).

CAMPING - portable, easy to erect, pyramid style tents with sewn in ground sheets and full standing room inside. Two people share each tent. Comfortable foam sleeping mats are also provided.

FARMSTAY – basic multi-share farm-quarters accommodation with share bathroom facilities that gives you a roof over your head for the wetter months and a fire pit outside to enjoy during cooler evenings. The accommodation on your tour is in lodges (for 2 nights only), farm quarters (1 night) or in our easy to erect two person tents.

To help keep costs down, lodge accommodation is on a 4-share basis however, if you
are travelling with a special partner, for a small surcharge, twin accommodation can be
arranged at most destinations. All camping night stops are twin share. *Under certain circumstances, these properties detailed in your itinerary may be substituted for similar accommodation.

Packing List

The key note of our holidays is informality. You therefore, will need mainly casual clothes.

Suggested clothing list

• 2 pairs of jeans
• 1 casual shirt
• 2 sweaters, 1 warm jacket (coat)
• 4 t-shirts, 3 pairs of shorts
• 1 towel
• Underwear and socks
• Swimwear and beach towel
• Shoes (include 1 pair of neat casuals and 1 pair of walking shoes suitable for steep rocky terrain - preferably hiking boots. Also 1 pair suitable for walking in water at Tunnel Creek)

Odds and Ends

• Portable drinking container - not less than 1 litre (essential)
• Sun hat (essential), Sunglasses, insect repellent
• Travel pillow, torch, alarm clock, camera
• Small polythene bags
• Aspirin, medicines, sunscreen, tissues etc
• Sleeping Bag – These can be hired for $25

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

PERTH

Motel Accommodation:
Goodearth Hotel
195 Adelaide Tce,  PERTH WA 6004
PH: (08) 9492 7777

Backpacker Accommodation:
The Emperors Crown
85 Stirling St,  PERTH WA 6000
PH: (08) 92271400

BROOME

Motel Accommodation:
Roebuck Bay Hotel
Carnarvon Street BROOME WA 6725
PH: (08) 9192 1221