Autopia Tours 6 Day Perth to Exmouth Coral Coaster - Standard Double/Twin Room

Map View Full Details Reviews

A 6 day, 5 night small group journey from Perth to Exmouth along Western Australia's Coral Coast, a region known for its natural scenery, diverse wildlife and beaches.

Days

6 days, 5 nights

Age

6 and over; under 18s with an adult; single room 18 and over

Group size

Small group, 6 to 23

Start / finish

Perth / Exmouth

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

3 nights in private ensuite motel rooms (Kalbarri, Exmouth)
2 nights in private hostel rooms (Monkey Mia, Coral Bay)

Transport

Air-conditioned mini-coach with a driver-guide

Meals

5 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners, cooked together with the group

Route

Map of Autopia Tours 6 Day Perth to Exmouth Coral Coaster - Standard Double/Twin Room

View map

Included experiences

Pinnacles Desert — limestone spires
Kalbarri National Park — Skywalk, Nature's Window and Z Bend hike
Shark Bay — Shell Beach and the stromatolites
Monkey Mia — wild dolphins
Coral Bay — snorkelling Ningaloo Reef
Turquoise Bay — swimming
Cape Range National Park — guided tour and Vlamingh Head Lighthouse at sunset

Autopia Tours 6 Day Perth to Exmouth Coral Coaster - Standard Double/Twin Room

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: PERTH TO KALBARRI

A long first day north. The first stop is the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, where thousands of limestone pillars, some taller than a person, stand out of yellow sand. They formed from ancient seashells, and your guide walks you through them. Lunch is at Jurien Bay, then the Indian Ocean Drive runs along white dunes and empty beaches. Conditions permitting, you pull over at the pink lake north of Geraldton, coloured by algae that thrive in very salty water. By evening you reach Kalbarri, where the Murchison River meets the sea. Lunch and dinner are included.

Overnight: Kalbarri

DAY 2: KALBARRI NATIONAL PARK TO MONKEY MIA

Up for sunrise at Nature's Window, a natural arch of banded red sandstone that frames the river gorge, or at the Kalbarri Skywalk, two platforms that jut out over the gorge about 100 metres above the Murchison River. Next you hike into Z-Bend, where the river doubles back on itself between cliffs; the Tumblagooda sandstone here holds some of the oldest tracks left by animals walking on land. Want more? Abseiling at Z-Bend is an extra-cost option. Lunch is by the river mouth, then a long afternoon drive north into Shark Bay, World Heritage-listed since 1991, with breaks along the way.

Overnight: Monkey Mia

DAY 3: MONKEY MIA TO CORAL BAY

Morning is for the dolphins. At Monkey Mia wild bottlenose dolphins have been swimming into the shallows to meet people since the 1960s, and rangers now run the visit to keep them wild. After some beach or café time you stop at Eagle Bluff, a cliff walk over Denham where you can often look down on sharks, rays and turtles in the clear water. Shell Beach follows, a beach built not of sand but of tiny cockle shells piled metres deep for about 110 km. Then it's lunch and the long drive north to Coral Bay.

Overnight: Coral Bay

DAY 4: CORAL BAY AND NINGALOO REEF

Today is mostly free. Ningaloo Reef runs about 260 km along this coast and was World Heritage-listed in 2011, and at Coral Bay it starts just a few steps off the beach. Grab a snorkel and float over the coral, or walk to the shark nursery, where young reef sharks cruise the shallows. Prefer to go further? For an extra cost you can take a boat tour or swim with the manta rays that live around Coral Bay all year. In the evening you drive up the peninsula to Exmouth.

Overnight: Exmouth

DAY 5: CAPE RANGE NATIONAL PARK AND VLAMINGH HEAD

Your guide takes you over to the western side of the cape and into Cape Range National Park, where red limestone ranges cut by gorges drop to the reef. At Turquoise Bay you can snorkel or simply laze on the white sand; the reef is close enough to reach from the beach. The tour is back in Exmouth by early afternoon, giving free time in town. From March to August you can join a whale shark swim, or a humpback swim later in the season, at your own expense. The day ends at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, lit in 1912, to watch the sun go down over the Indian Ocean.

Overnight: Exmouth

DAY 6: EXMOUTH

A last breakfast with the group, then check out by 10am and the tour ends in Exmouth. The town grew from 1967 to serve the naval communication station on the cape, and its airport has flights south to Perth. Plenty of travellers stay a few more days for the reef.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Selected Perth pick-up points. Be ready at least 10 minutes before the departure time.
Finishes: Selected Exmouth drop-off points.
Minimum age: 6 years. Children aged 6 to 17 must be with an adult or guardian at all times. Single rooms are for adults 18 and over.
Fitness: A moderate to advanced level of fitness is needed. Walks are 2 to 3 km a day, often over steep rocky sections in direct sun and high humidity, about 7 km in all. Guests over 70 need a doctor's certificate 30 days before travel. Not suitable for travellers using wheelchairs, walkers or strollers.
Dietary needs: Gluten free, vegan, dairy free and vegetarian diets can be catered for; tell the operator about dietary needs and medical conditions when booking.
Accommodation note: The double or twin room option suits adults or children.
Please note: Luggage is limited to one 20 kg travel bag and one 5 kg day bag. Guests help with meals, cleaning up and loading the vehicle. Itineraries may vary with the seasons, and some park sites occasionally close or don't allow swimming. The tour goes ahead in rain unless the operator contacts you.

What to bring

2 litre refillable water bottle
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Towel and toiletries
Swimwear
All-weather clothing for hot days and cold nights
Comfortable closed walking shoes
Overnight bag and a small day pack
Headlamp or torch
Insect repellent
Camera and a power bank
Money for snacks and meals

What is included

One-way journey from Perth to Exmouth
3 nights in a private motel room with ensuite (Kalbarri, Exmouth x 2)
2 nights in a private hostel room (Monkey Mia, Coral Bay)
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners (guests help prepare)
Admission to all national parks
Dolphin experience fees
Guided walks (about 7 km in total)
Experienced driver-guide with local commentary
Air-conditioned mini-coach travel
Selected Perth pick-up and Exmouth drop-off points

Not included

Meals not listed in the itinerary — there are plenty of chances to buy food along the way or dine out with the group
Hotel transfers to the pick-up point before or after the tour
Optional activities and tours, and equipment hire
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

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.

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.

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

4.6

Based on 10 reviews

Verified from

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

AI summary of 10 reviews

Travellers consistently praise the guides and drivers for being knowledgeable, friendly, well-organised and attentive, and they frequently highlight the quality of activities and the diverse mix of fellow passengers on the tour. The most striking aspect of feedback is the natural beauty of Western Australia and the scenic locations visited, particularly around Monkey Mia, Coral Bay and Exmouth, which travellers found rewarding despite long hours on the bus. The most common concern relates to accommodation standards, with several travellers noting that some properties were disappointing, tired or did not meet expectations, though most recognised this reflected the remote nature of the itinerary; additionally, some travellers mentioned that bus journeys were lengthy and seats uncomfortable, and that meal variety could be improved.

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)

A very good tour with amazing sights in a beautiful part of Australia. Our guide and driver Gus was very informative and lots of fun.

brad Verified· Travelled 18th April 2025

Read original ↗

(4/5)

The mix of ages and nationalities was a real plus, and Danny did so much as driver and guide, always cheerful and friendly. It goes to beautiful places but is tiring with so much bus time, and the seats weren't very comfortable. The first two stays were very good, but Coral Bay was dirty and the Exmouth rooms basic, though clean.

Carola Verified· Travelled 24th June 2024

Read original ↗

(4/5)

A great tour with an excellent driver and guide in Carlos, well organised and attentive to our needs, with wonderful places from sunrise to sunset. The bus rides were long and full, but worth it. I'd recommend the one-way tour, flying out of Exmouth.

Susan Verified· Travelled 16th February 2024

Read original ↗

(5/5)

Geoff was an excellent guide, informative, kind and great for a laugh. We missed a few things due to weather and road accidents, but other stops made up for it, and I made two friends for life. The bus was clean and I'd use Autopia again.

Lydia Verified· Travelled 25th September 2023

Read original ↗

(5/5)

The most satisfying tour I've done, with friendly fellow travellers, exciting activities and an attentive guide in Geoff. I'd urge my friends to do it.

Richard Verified· Travelled 6th April 2023

Read original ↗

(5/5)

I had a payment hiccup when booking, but the team kindly fixed it and even called to keep me updated. The tour was so good I was sad when it ended.

Mika Verified· Travelled 3rd November 2022

Read original ↗