Wildlife Tours Australia Perth to Exmouth One Way Adventure - Basix Shared Accommodation

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A 6 day one-way small group trip from Perth to Exmouth up Western Australia's Coral Coast, through deserts, gorges and dolphin-filled bays, staying in shared hostel rooms. For travellers 18 and over.

Days

6 days, 5 nights

Age

18 and over; doctor's certificate needed at 75+

Group size

Small group, max 23

Start / finish

Perth / Exmouth

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

Shared hostel bunk rooms with communal bathrooms in Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, Coral Bay and Exmouth

Transport

Air-conditioned mini-coach with a driver-guide

Meals

5 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners, with guests helping to prepare

Route

Map of Wildlife Tours Australia Perth to Exmouth One Way Adventure - Basix Shared Accommodation

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Included experiences

Nambung National Park — Pinnacles Desert
Shark Bay — Shell Beach and the Stromatolites
Monkey Mia — wild dolphins
Coral Bay — Ningaloo Reef snorkelling
Cape Range National Park — Turquoise Bay
Vlamingh Head Lighthouse — sunset
Coral Bay or Exmouth — optional manta ray or whale shark swim

Wildlife Tours Australia Perth to Exmouth One Way Adventure - Basix Shared Accommodation

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Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: PERTH TO KALBARRI

An early pick-up in central Perth, then north up the coast for the longest drive of the trip, about 575 km. Lunch is by the Indian Ocean, and in Nambung National Park your guide leads a walk through the Pinnacles Desert, thousands of limestone pillars, some more than three metres tall, rising from yellow sand. The road then runs on through Geraldton, the Mid West's port city, where a hilltop memorial honours the 645 crew of HMAS Sydney, lost off this coast in 1941. You reach Kalbarri at the mouth of the Murchison River in time for dinner.

Overnight: Kalbarri (Kalbarri Backpackers, shared dorm)

DAY 2: KALBARRI GORGES TO SHARK BAY

This morning is in Kalbarri National Park, where the Murchison River has cut its gorge through red and white banded Tumblagooda sandstone, laid down about 400 million years ago. Nature's Window is a wind-carved arch in that rock that frames the river below. At the Z Bend the river doubles back on itself, and the trail drops down into Murchison Gorge. Up for more? Abseiling at the Z Bend can be booked on tour. In the afternoon you cross into the Shark Bay World Heritage Area and stop at Shell Beach, made of the shells of a single tiny cockle species, piled up to ten metres deep.

Overnight: Monkey Mia (RAC Monkey Mia Resort backpacker dorms or similar)

DAY 3: MONKEY MIA TO CORAL BAY

Wild bottlenose dolphins have been swimming into the shallows at Monkey Mia for more than 50 years, and the morning dolphin encounter is the reason most people come. Rangers run it, and the dolphins choose whether to visit. Afterwards there's time on the beach before you head off to see the Stromatolites. Shark Bay's are among the best living examples on earth: mounds built by microbes that grow about a third of a millimetre a year. Then it's a long drive north, about 580 km, to Coral Bay, a tiny town where the reef starts a short swim from the sand.

Overnight: Coral Bay (Ningaloo Coral Bay backpacker dorms or similar)

DAY 4: CORAL BAY AND NINGALOO REEF TO EXMOUTH

A whole day in the water if you want it. Ningaloo Reef runs for about 260 km along this coast and has been World Heritage-listed since 2011, and at Coral Bay you can snorkel it straight off the beach, among coral bommies, reef fish and the odd turtle. For an extra cost you can join a manta ray swim, a reef snorkel trip or a glass-bottom boat tour; book these to finish by mid-afternoon. Manta rays feed off Coral Bay all year. In the evening the group drives 155 km north to Exmouth, a town founded in 1967 alongside the Harold E. Holt naval communication station.

Overnight: Exmouth (Potshot Hotel Resort backpacker dorms or similar)

DAY 5: CAPE RANGE NATIONAL PARK

Today is Cape Range National Park, a dry limestone range of gorges dropping to a coast of white beaches and reef. Call in at the Milyering Visitor Centre on the coast road for the park's story, then swim at Turquoise Bay, where a gentle current carries snorkellers along the reef parallel to the beach. Prefer something bigger? From about March to August you can pay to swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea, and from about August to October with humpback whales. The day ends at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, built in 1912 and named after the Dutch captain Willem de Vlamingh, who sailed this coast in 1697. Watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean from the hill.

Overnight: Exmouth (Potshot Hotel Resort backpacker dorms or similar)

DAY 6: EXMOUTH

A last breakfast together, then check out by mid-morning in Exmouth, where the trip ends. Plenty of people stay on for a few more days of reef and gorges, so if you have time, it's worth staying longer.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Selected inner-city Perth pick-up points.
Finishes: Selected drop-off points in Exmouth.
Minimum age: Adults 18 and over only. Travellers 75 or over must provide a doctor's certificate at least 30 days before departure.
Fitness: Moderate to advanced fitness is needed. Daily walks are 2–3km over uneven, rocky ground, often in direct sun and high humidity, and one walk is about 7km. Not suitable for travellers using wheelchairs, walkers, prams or strollers.
Dietary needs: Tell us about dietary needs and food allergies when booking; options are limited once the tour has started.
Accommodation note: Shared bunk rooms with communal bathrooms.
Please note: Guests help with simple tasks such as meal prep and loading luggage. Please tell us about any medical conditions, and any oversized or extra luggage, when booking. Itineraries may change for weather, cultural reasons, safety or seasonal closures.

What to bring

2L refillable water bottle
Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Beach towel, shower towel and toiletries
Swimwear
Clothing for hot days and cool nights
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
One travel bag (max 23kg) and a small day pack (max 5kg)
Torch or headlamp
Insect repellent and camera
Some cash for snacks and extra meals

What is included

One-way transport from Perth to Exmouth in an air-conditioned mini-coach
5 nights in shared hostel rooms: Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, Coral Bay and Exmouth (2 nights)
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners, with guests helping out
All national park entry fees
Monkey Mia dolphin experience fees
Guided walks (about 7km in total, grade 1–3)
Driver-guide with local commentary
Selected inner-city Perth pick-up and Exmouth drop-off points

Not included

Meals not listed
Hotel transfers before and after the tour
Optional activities and gear hire, such as manta ray and whale shark swims
Travel insurance
Spending money

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

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.

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 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.