Red Earth Safaris Perth to Exmouth One Way

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The road between Perth and Exmouth is packed with places that deserve more than a quick roadside stop. This one-way trip takes you through some of Western Australia's landscapes and gives you time to actually experience them.

Days

6 days

Group size

Max 12

Start / finish

Perth / Exmouth

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

Shared dormitories, with a night in shearers' quarters on an outback sheep station

Transport

Guided transport from Perth to Exmouth with a local guide

Meals

Some meals included, as set out in the itinerary

Route

Map of Red Earth Safaris Perth to Exmouth One Way

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Included experiences

Lancelin — sandboarding the dunes
Nambung National Park — the Pinnacles
Kalbarri National Park — Z-Bend Gorge, Nature's Window and the Skywalk
Monkey Mia — bottlenose dolphins
Shell Beach and Hutt Lagoon
Outback sheep station — overnight stay
Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park — swimming and snorkelling

Red Earth Safaris Perth to Exmouth One Way

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

FIRST: PERTH TO LANCELIN AND THE PINNACLES

Your guide sets the daily stages, and the route runs north in this order. It starts early in Perth. At Lancelin, about 125 km up the coast, a field of bare white dunes rolls back from the beach, and you get a board to ride them. Wax up, lie down, and embrace the face-plant. Further on is Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles, thousands of limestone pillars, some taller than a person, standing out of yellow sand. They are made of lime from ancient seashells, uncovered as the wind blew the sand away.

ON THE ROAD NORTH: HUTT LAGOON AND KALBARRI

North of Geraldton the road passes Hutt Lagoon, a salt lake turned pink by an alga that makes the same red pigment as carrots; the colour is strongest on a sunny day. Then it's Kalbarri National Park, where the Murchison River has cut a gorge through red and white banded sandstone. Nature's Window is a natural rock arch framing the river bend, and at Z-Bend the gorge zigzags far below the lookout. The Kalbarri Skywalk, opened in 2020, pushes two platforms out into space 100 m above the river.

SHARK BAY AND MONKEY MIA

Next is Shark Bay, World Heritage-listed since 1991. Shell Beach is made almost entirely of tiny cockle shells, piled metres deep, because the bay's water is too salty for most of the cockles' predators. At Monkey Mia, wild bottlenose dolphins have been swimming into the shallows to meet people since the 1960s. Rangers manage the visits, and you stand knee-deep in the water as they come in. Shark Bay also holds some of the world's largest seagrass meadows, grazed by dugongs.

Overnight: Monkey Mia (Monkey Mia Resort)

A NIGHT ON AN OUTBACK STATION

Heading north again, you leave the coast road for a night on a working outback sheep station. You sleep in the old shearers' quarters, the bunkhouse every station kept for the teams who moved from farm to farm at shearing time. Out here, far from town lights, the night sky is the show: the Milky Way from one horizon to the other, and stars down to the ground. It's a rare look at how sheep country really works.

Overnight: An outback sheep station (shearers' quarters)

CORAL BAY AND NINGALOO REEF

At Coral Bay the Ningaloo Reef comes right in to the beach, so you can walk off the sand and snorkel over coral within metres. Ningaloo runs about 260 km along the coast and is one of the largest fringing reefs in the world, World Heritage-listed in 2011. Look for turtles, reef sharks and parrotfish. From here it's on north to Exmouth on the North West Cape.

LAST DAY: EXMOUTH AND CAPE RANGE

In Exmouth the free Explorer Tour takes you out onto the cape. Cape Range National Park is a spine of limestone ridges and deep gorges, home to black-flanked rock-wallabies, running down to the reef on its western side. At Turquoise Bay the current carries you along the reef on a drift snorkel, one of the best in Australia. The trip ends in Exmouth. The next chapter is up to you: whale sharks from March to July, humpback whales in winter.

Map

Good to know

Finishes: Exmouth. This is a one-way trip; return transport to Perth is only on the 8-day tour.

What to bring

Towel
Toiletries
Comfortable walking shoes
Swimwear
Sunscreen
Hat
Jumper
Water bottle
Camera

What is included

Transport from Perth to Exmouth
Experienced local guide
Shared dormitory accommodation
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
National park entry
Lancelin sandboarding
Monkey Mia dolphin experience
Kalbarri National Park experiences
Shell Beach
Outback sheep station experience
Free Explorer Tour in Exmouth

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.