10 Day Perth to Exmouth return via Karijini

Itinerary

Day 1 - Perth to Kalbarri (H)

We depart Perth and head North through market gardens and vineyards to join up with Highway 1 on our way to Nambung National Park and the fascinating Pinnacles Desert. After exploring these unique formations we continue our journey northwards along coastal roads to Geraldton.

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 Kalbarri and our overnight accommodation. (L,D)

Day 2 - Kalbarri to Denham (H)

After an early rise we have a short drive to Murchison Gorge in Kalbarri National Park. Here we take time to view Natures Window, the Loop and discover the wonders of the Z-Bend Gorge. At Z-Bend Gorge it is an exhilarating 150 metre descent into the heart of the gorge – well worth the effort – where 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).

This afternoon it’s time to make our way toward Monkey Mia, stopping at the beautiful Shell Beach and then onto Denham for our overnight stop. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - Denham and Warroora (SS)

After a short drive across the Peron Peninsula we make our way down to the beach and the world famous Monkey Mia dolphins – its a unique experience and there are some fantastic photo opportunities. Almost as famous as the dolphins are Monkey Mia’s pelicans. Check them out during the dolphin feeding.

Soon it is time to leave and head towards Carnarvon, however before we leave the Shark Bay area we stop at the fascinating stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. A take a well earned break at Carnarvon before we finish the day by driving off the highway and out to Warroora sheep station. Tonight we enjoy dinner around an open fire before heading of to bed in the shearers quarters. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Warroora, Coral Bay & Exmouth (H)

Today is yours to explore Coral Bay and the wonders of the Ningaloo Reef and its fantastic marinelife. You can go snorkeling, cruise on the glass bottom boat, take a quad bike tour or even a joy flight over the reef (all optional extra’s). Today is a day to relax.

Late afternoon and its time for the short drive into Exmouth. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Exmouth (H)

A full day to explore Exmouth. After breakfast it’s time to jump on the bus and head out to Yardie Creek in the Cape Range National Park. Then we start our slow return to Exmouth. Have a swim or sunbathe at beautiful Turquoise Bay and discover this northern part of Ningaloo Reef, Enjoy spectacular views from historic Vlahming Head Lighthouse, stroll along pristine beaches. We return to our hostel late afternoon. (B,L)

Day 6 - Exmouth and Karijini (C)

This morning we are up early for a short tour around Exmouth and the North West Cape to take in some of the spectacular scenery. A visit to Vlaming Head lighthouse with its 360 degree views of the Ningaloo reef, Exmouth Gulf and the Cape Range is a must. If the weather is fine then perhaps we can enjoy a quick swim before we have to head off to Tom Price, gateway to Karijini National Park. For most of the day we will be traveling through the vast cattle stations of the Pilbara before arriving at Karijini. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Karijini (C)

Good strong walking shoes, bathers, towel and a small backpack as well as your camera and plenty of film are a must today as it is time to discover the many wonders of Karijini National Park. The Hamersley Ranges were formed more than 2,500 million years ago and contain some of the oldest land formations on the planet. Hamersley Gorge with its spectacularly coloured walls and spa pool, breathtaking Oxer’s Lookout, Hancock Gorge, and Handrail Pool hidden deep within Weano Gorge are all on the agenda for today. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Karijini (CP)

Starting early this morning we explore more of the Park. Once again we need good walking shoes, bathers and towel and a small backpack. We start our adventure with a steep climb down into Dales Gorge and Circular Pool. After a refreshing dip in the crystal clear water at Circular Pool we trek up the Gorge to beautiful Fortescue Falls. Giant Paperbark trees, high canyon walls and the constant sound of water cascading over tiny waterfalls all add to the tranquil beauty of this very special place. Finally the lacelike waterfall of Fortescue Falls appears at the end of our trek. Time for a brief rest before we climb to the top of the falls and plunge into the undergrowth and make our way to the hidden jewel of Karijini - Fern Pool. Fern Pool has to be the most beautiful swimming hole in Karijini and we have time for a relaxing swim before returning to the top of the Gorge. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Karijini and Gt Northern Highway (C)

We start the day with a short drive out to Auski Roadhouse before beginning our drive south down the Great Northern Highway. We pass through the iron ore mecca of the north - Newman and pass through many of the large sheep stations of the region, some over 1 million acres in size. We set up our last nights camp together in this station country. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Nallan Station to Perth

Today is the last day of our Karijini adventure. Leaving early we head off down the highway to the gold mining town of Mt Magnet. A short break and once more when 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. Here we have time for a short break and a chance to take in the atmosphere of this unique town. As the day draws to a close we finally arrive in Perth completing a memorable 10 day journey that has included some of the best tourist destinations in Western Australia. (B,L)

(H) - Backpackers Hostel
(FS) - Farmstay
(SS) – Sheep Station
(CP) - Caravan Park