Autopia Tours Coastal Loop Perth to Monkey Mia Return

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A 4 day small group loop from Perth to Monkey Mia and back, through the World Heritage gateways of Kalbarri and Shark Bay, with dolphins at Monkey Mia and the rock formations of the Pinnacles.

Days

4 days, 3 nights

Age

Over 70s need a doctor's certificate

Group size

Small group, max 16

Start / finish

Perth / Perth

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

Twin share, private double or twin, or private single resort or motel rooms in Kalbarri, Monkey Mia and Geraldton

Transport

Air-conditioned mini-coach with a driver-guide

Meals

3 breakfasts and 1 lunch

Route

Map of Autopia Tours 'Coastal Loop' Perth to Monkey Mia Return (Shared Accommodation)

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Included experiences

Nambung National Park — the Pinnacles Desert
Cervantes — lunch and factory tour at the Lobster Shack
Kalbarri National Park — Skywalk, Nature's Window and Hawks Head
Shell Beach — a beach of cockle shells
Monkey Mia — wild dolphins
Pink lake on the Indian Ocean coast
Geraldton — HMAS Sydney memorial

Autopia Tours 'Coastal Loop' Perth to Monkey Mia Return (Shared Accommodation)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: PERTH TO KALBARRI

The trip leaves central Perth in the morning and heads up Indian Ocean Drive, the coast road that runs past white dunes and wind-bent scrub. Lunch is in Geraldton, the biggest city on this stretch of coast. North of town you pull over at Hutt Lagoon, a salt lake turned bubblegum pink by an alga called Dunaliella salina, which makes beta-carotene; the colour is strongest on a sunny day. Just south of Kalbarri the coast breaks into red sandstone cliffs, and a 2.5 km walk links Natural Bridge, an arch the sea has cut from the headland, with Castle Cove. Watch the water below for dolphins and, between July and November, migrating humpback whales.

Overnight: Kalbarri (Kalbarri Edge Resort or similar)

DAY 2: KALBARRI NATIONAL PARK TO MONKEY MIA

An early start takes you inland to Kalbarri National Park, where the Murchison River has carved an 80 km gorge through layered red and white Tumblagooda sandstone over 400 million years old. Nature's Window is a natural arch that frames the river bend below. At the Kalbarri Skywalk, two platforms jut 25 and 17 metres out over the gorge, about 100 metres above the river. After lunch at the Billabong Roadhouse (own cost) you turn into Shark Bay, World Heritage-listed since 1991. Shell Beach is made of tiny white cockle shells up to 10 metres deep. By late afternoon you're at Monkey Mia, free to swim, hire a kayak or look for turtles and emus.

Overnight: Monkey Mia (RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort or similar)

DAY 3: MONKEY MIA DOLPHINS TO GERALDTON

Morning is the reason for the trip: the Monkey Mia dolphins, wild bottlenose dolphins that have been swimming into these shallows to meet people since the 1960s. Rangers run the session, and a few lucky visitors are chosen to hand out fish. Afterwards you have free time, or for an extra cost you can join a wildlife cruise to look for dugongs. On the way out you stop at Eagle Bluff, a cliff-top boardwalk where sharks, rays and turtles cruise the clear water below, and lunch on the foreshore at Denham, the westernmost town in Australia. The afternoon drive heads south past the Overlander Roadhouse and over the Galena Bridge on the Murchison River, reaching Geraldton around dusk.

Overnight: Geraldton (Hospitality Geraldton or similar)

DAY 4: GERALDTON, CERVANTES AND THE PINNACLES TO PERTH

The day starts at the HMAS Sydney II Memorial, whose dome is made of 645 steel seagulls, one for each sailor lost when the ship sank off this coast in 1941. Nearby, the red and white Point Moore Lighthouse has guided ships since 1878. Heading south, you walk the foreshore at Port Denison and the long jetty at Jurien Bay. Lunch is at the Lobster Shack in Cervantes, followed by a tour of the factory where the western rock lobster catch is processed. The last stop is the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, thousands of limestone pillars up to 3.5 metres tall standing in yellow sand. You're back in Perth in the evening.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Selected Perth pick-up points. Be ready at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Fitness: A moderate to high level of fitness is needed. Walks are 2 to 3 km a day, often over steep rocky sections in direct sun and high humidity; walks go ahead at the guide's discretion. Travellers over 70 need a doctor's certificate 30 days before travel.
Suits: Not suitable for travellers with limited mobility, wheelchairs, walkers or strollers.
Dietary needs: Most dietary needs and food allergies can be catered for; tell the operator about dietary requirements or medical conditions when you book.
Accommodation note: Solo travellers in shared accommodation are paired with another solo traveller in a twin room, of the same gender where possible but not guaranteed.
Please note: Guests help with meal preparation, clean-up and loading the vehicle. Itineraries may change with the seasons or park closures. The tour goes ahead in rain unless the operator contacts you. No departures 21 December to 4 January or 29 to 31 March.

What to bring

2 litre refillable water bottle
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Beach towel and toiletries
Swimwear
All-weather clothing for hot days and cold nights
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
One 15 kg overnight bag and one 5 kg day pack
Torch or headlamp
Insect repellent and camera
Power bank
Money for snacks and meals

What is included

3 nights in resort or motel rooms in Kalbarri, Monkey Mia and Geraldton: twin share with a shared ensuite, a private double or twin with ensuite, or a private single with ensuite, depending on the option you choose
3 breakfasts and 1 lunch
Entry to 3 national parks
Dolphin experience fees
Lobster Shack factory tour
Guided walks
Experienced driver-guide and local commentary
Air-conditioned mini-coach
Pick-up and drop-off at selected Perth points

Not included

Meals not listed — there are chances to buy food along the way or dine out with the group
Hotel transfers to the nominated pick-up point before and after the tour
Optional activities, tours and hire equipment
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Personal expenses

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

Mum and I had a fantastic time on our trip to Monkey Mia, with a lovely group who all got on. Our driver Carla was wonderful, nothing was too much trouble, and we laughed a lot and saw lovely places.

Belinda Verified· Travelled 21st December 2019

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