Ningaloo Reef Explore 7 Day Tour | Perth to Exmouth

Day 1: Perth → The Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake → Kalbarri

Kick off your adventure with a guided tour through the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, before enjoying lunch by the sea at Jurien Bay. You'll journey up Indian Ocean Drive for stunning coastal views, stopping off at the must-see attraction just outside of Geraldton, the Pink Lake (Hutt Lagoon, conditions permitting). Then it’s on to the seaside town of Kalbarri for our overnight accommodation.

• Meals: Lunch & Dinner
• Accom: Accommodation: Pelicans Nest Kalbarri (Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms – ensuite) or Kalbarri Backpackers YHA (Dorm – shared bathroom facilities). 
• Driving Distance: 575km
• Hike Distance: 2km

Day 2: Kalbarri → Monkey Mia

Rise early for a magical start to the day, with a photo opportunity at sunrise at either Nature’s Window or the Kalbarri Skywalk. Visit the marvels of The Murchison Gorge and Z-Bend in Kalbarri National Park. We then travel on to the famous Billabong Roadhouse for refreshments and lunch (at guest’s own expense). From here, we visit the remarkable living fossils known as The Stromatolites, located within the World Heritage Listed Shark Bay. Then it’s on to Monkey Mia for our accommodation by the beach.

• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Accom: RAC Monkey Mia Resort Budget Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms & Backpacker Dorms or similar (shared bathroom facilities). 
• Options: Kalbarri Abseiling Z-Bend
• Driving Distance: 450km
• Hike Distance: 3km

Day 3: Monkey Mia → Coral Bay → Ningaloo Reef

This morning, meet the famous Monkey Mia Dolphins and get some amazing photos. Enjoy chill-out time on the beach, or enjoy a coffee before we get back on the road. Check out the spectacular cliff views overlooking Denham at Eagle Bluff. Take a stroll along Shell Beach, followed by lunch. Then, we head off to settle into our accommodation in Coral Bay, located right on the famous Ningaloo Reef.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accom: Ningaloo Coral Bay Budget Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms or Backpacker Dorms or similar (shared bathroom facilities)
  
• Driving Distance: 580km
• Hike Distance: 2km

Day 4: Coral Bay & Ningaloo Reef

You’ll have most of the day to explore the Ningaloo Reef at your own leisure. Choose to join a boat tour or enjoy free time to experience the beautiful beaches Coral Bay has to offer. Go for a stroll on the beach and check out the shark nursery, swim with the manta rays (optional extra), or go for a snorkel on the Ningaloo Reef, only metres from shore. This evening, we take the short drive up the peninsula to Exmouth and check into our accommodation for two nights in the town centre.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accom: Potshot Hotel Resort Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms (ensuite) or Backpacker Dorms or similar (shared bathroom facilities)
• Options: Swim with Manta Rays, Snorkel Ningaloo Reef, Glass Bottom Boat Tours
• Driving Distance: 155km

Day 5: Ningaloo Reef → Cape Range National Park →  Turquoise Bay → Exmouth

Today, we explore Cape Range National Park, a spectacular place of rugged limestone ranges and pristine beaches. Relax on the beach or choose to go snorkelling at the stunning Turquoise Bay. The afternoon is free to explore the township of Exmouth or sit back and enjoy the pool. Alternatively, choose to join a whaleshark (Mar-Sep) or humpback (Aug-Oct) swim tour (at guest’s own expense and seasonal). The day concludes with a visit to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse at sunset.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accom: Potshot Hotel Resort Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms (ensuite) or Backpacker Dorms or similar (shared bathroom facilities)
• Options: Whaleshark (Mar-Sep) or Humpback (Aug-Oct) Swim (pre-booking required)
• Driving Distance: 135km. Hike Distance: 1km

Day 6: Exmouth → Geraldton

Today is a long travel day south. We visit the town of Carnarvon and one of the local banana or mango plantations (seasonal). Enjoy lunch on the waterfront of Carnarvon, before stopping off for a photo opportunity overlooking the Murchison River. We'll have a refreshment stop along the way at Billabong before arriving at our final overnight destination in Geraldton. The group will enjoy their final dinner together at The Murchison Tavern (discounted meals are available at guests’ own expense).

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accom: Geraldton Accommodation Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms or Backpacker Dorms or similar (shared bathroom facilities)
• Driving Distance: 785km

Day 7: Geraldton → Perth

Enjoy the HMAS Sydney Memorial with stunning views of Geraldton. Take a walk along the 3-bay walk at Green Head before wandering amongst the sand dunes of Lancelin. If you’re feeling adventurous, try out sandboarding for a bit of fun! Kick back and relax on the bus for the last stretch, taking in the last views of the scenic countryside before making your way back towards Perth, with drop-off starting around 5:00 pm.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Driving Distance: 465km

Optional Activities (Additional Cost)

• Kalbarri Abseil (Day 2): Two descents at a beginner level down the gorge walls in Kalbarri National Park.
• Swim with Manta Rays (Day 4): A 5-6 hour eco-tour of the Ningaloo Reef with Coral Bay Ecotours. Includes equipment, meals, and reef snorkelling.
• Glass Bottom Boat (Day 4): Guided reef tour with viewing through the glass. Options include snorkelling and a visit to the turtle sanctuary.
• Whaleshark Swim (Day 5, Mar-Aug): An unforgettable full-day tour to swim with the biggest fish in the sea. Includes equipment, meals, and a free video.
• Humpback Whale Swim (Day 5, Aug-Oct): A full-day tour to search for and swim with Humpback Whales. Includes equipment, meals, and free video.

Note: Optional tours are operated by third parties and must be pre-booked. Competent swimming ability is required for all in-water activities.