Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley

Trip Type: Guided Holiday
Australia | 21 Days

NZD 17,540.00 /Person

Three weeks of natural drama awaits on this unrivalled road-trip, covering two states, dozens of gorges, a wonderland of waterfalls and countless e...

Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley

Three weeks of natural drama awaits on this unrivalled road-trip, covering two states, dozens of gorges, a wonderland of waterfalls and countless encounters with wildlife. Fancy swimming with whale sharks, spotting crocs and meeting dolphins? Then there are the World Heritage Sites, national park trips and blazing sunsets. The ultimate in Northern Territory and Western Australia tours, it’s a journey that puts life in perspective – in the best possible way.

Welcome to Perth

The WA capital is colourful in more ways than one. There are alleys lined with eye-popping street art, and wildflowers blanket Kings Park. Discover the sights with your Travel Director, and then meet again at a Welcome Dinner.

Accommodation:

Crowne Plaza Perth

Locations Visited:
  • Perth

Perth - Geraldton

Talk about starting on a high. First stop is Yanchep National Park, where, on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, your Aboriginal guide decodes native plants and tells Dreamtime stories. Just as scene-stealing are Nambung National Park’s Pinnacles, limestone structures jutting into the sky. Arriving in Geraldton, pay homage to sailors lost during WWII at the HMAS Sydney Memorial.

Accommodation:

Nesuto Geraldton Apartment Hotel

Locations Visited:
  • Perth

Geraldton - Monkey Mia

Arriving at Kalbarri National Park, enjoy spectacular views from the Kalbarri Skywalk over the Murchison River Gorge. If you’re here during wildflower season, expect acacia, banksia and caladenia in full bloom. And just when you thought the outlook couldn’t get any better, you arrive at Monkey Mia.

Accommodation:

Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Geraldton

Monkey Mia Free Time

If you didn’t fall in love with the gin-clear waters and powdery sand of Monkey Mia last night, you will today. Meet the dolphins that turn up to the shore every morning, then spend the afternoon at leisure. Optional sunset cruise, perhaps? Or a scenic flight over the bay?

Accommodation:

Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia - Carnarvon

Prepare yourself for the ‘living fossils’ at Hamelin Pool, home to the most abundant colony of stromatolites in the world. The state’s World Heritage listed Shark Bay is also characterised by Shell Beach, formed from billions of coquina bivalve shells. Your next stop is the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum. Did you know it played a role in the 1969 moon landing, and was instrumental in the space race? These are among the gallery’s claims to fame, as you’ll discover touring the collection.

Accommodation:

Best Western Hospitality Inn Carnarvon

Locations Visited:
  • Monkey Mia

Carnarvon - Exmouth

Today’s cruise in a glass-bottomed boat allows you to glimpse the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Coast in comfort. Gliding around Coral Bay, your guide will point out colourful corals, turtles and angelic fish.

Accommodation:

Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Carnarvon

Exmouth Free Time

Depending on the time of year, Ningaloo Reef is home to both whale sharks and humpbacks. You can opt to snorkel with both (ethically) or book a sunset cruise to see some breaching and blowing, sparkling wine in hand.

Accommodation:

Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Exmouth

Exmouth - Karijini National Park

Take one last look over the Exmouth waters before continuing north to Western Australia's famous Pilbara region. Known for its rich landscape, red earth and vast mineral deposits, the region's diverse landscape will fascinate you.

Accommodation:

Comfort Inn, Karratha

Locations Visited:
  • Exmouth

Karijini National Park

Karijini National Park is a place where gorges seem to cleave off the edge of the Earth, waterfalls tumble from escarpments and remote turquoise rock pools shimmer like precious gems. It took billions of years to create the geological wonders you see: the red layered cliffs, the quiet gorges and the soaring gum trees.

Accommodation:

Tom Price Motel

Locations Visited:
  • Karratha

Karijini National Park - Port Hedland

The eye-opening colours of the Pilbara region are your backdrop today – rich red earth streaked with mineral deposits. It’s sparsely populated, but you will find people in the major hub of Port Hedland. Before you leave, head to a lookout to spot migrating humpback whales and snubfin dolphins cruising along the coast, season pending.

Accommodation:

Hospitality Port Hedland

Locations Visited:
  • Tom Price

Port Hedland - Broome

The reason Broome was born is because of pearls. Today, it’s just as well known for its Indian Ocean sunsets, best enjoyed from a vantage on the Cable Beach sand.

Accommodation:

Cable Beach Club Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Port Hedland

Broome Free Time

Today is yours to explore. Or simply relax on Cable Beach.

Accommodation:

Cable Beach Club Resort

Broome - Fitzroy Crossing

Preserved for 125 million years in the reef rock at Gantheaume Point are the imprints of long-extinct dinosaurs. Remarkably, the Broome coast has become one of the most significant paleontological sites in the world. Glimpse their stomping ground before venturing toward Fitzroy Crossing.

Accommodation:

Fitzroy River Lodge

Locations Visited:
  • Broome

Fitzroy Crossing - Halls Creek

Visit the spectacular Mimbi Caves with an Indigenous guide and take a deep dive into First Nations culture, discovering ancient rock paintings and Dreamtime stories. Observe the limestone formations and crystal-clear freshwater pools that remain from a 350-million-year-old Devonian Great Barrier Reef. More Aboriginal history and culture awaits at the Yarliyil Arts Centre in Halls Creek.

Accommodation:

Kimberley Hotel

Locations Visited:
  • Fitzroy Crossing

Halls Creek - Emma Gorge

From here, get a taste of the Gibb River Road, before arriving to El Questro Wilderness Park, backdropped by the rusty red Cockburn Range. Hidden among the pandanus and palms are a string of slick safari-style tents.

Accommodation:

Emma Gorge Resort, Tented Cabin with private facilities

Locations Visited:
  • Halls Creek

El Questro Wilderness Park

The Kimberley’s sounds follow you to Chamberlain Gorge, your boat dwarfed by its soaring escarpments. Afternoon remedy? A splash in the resort's pool, perhaps.

Accommodation:

Emma Gorge Resort, Tented Cabin with private facilities

Locations Visited:
  • El Questro Wilderness Park

Emma Gorge - Kununurra

Kununurra was born through the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. It now waters crops like sugarcane, turned into lip-smacking rum at Hoochery Distillery. A cruise to sunset here is something you won’t forget in a hurry.

Accommodation:

The Kimberley Grande

Locations Visited:
  • Emma Gorge

Kununurra

Today is one of decisions: An optional flight over (or 4WD tour of) the Bungle Bungles? Or a wander with your Travel Director through Mirima National Park. In between, explore the Waringarri Aboriginal Art Centre on a guided tour.

Accommodation:

The Kimberley Grande

Locations Visited:
  • Kununurra

Kununurra - Katherine

Say goodbye to WA and hello to the NT, your introduction to the state the vast pastoral lands that characterise the outback here. Locals come with plenty of country swagger, as you’ll discover at the Katherine Outback Experience. After songs and entertainment, your special Be My Guest evening of dining under the stars begins.

Accommodation:

Contour Hotel Katherine

Locations Visited:
  • Kununurra

Katherine - Darwin

Nature rules at Nitmiluk National Park, where you cruise through dramatic Nitmiluk Gorge. Your northern sojourn reveals the region’s historic events, all the way to Darwin.

Accommodation:

Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Locations Visited:
  • Katherine

Farewell from Darwin

It’s hard to believe this epic adventure has come to an end. Three weeks of incredible memories to take home with you.

Locations Visited:
  • Darwin
  • • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide • 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Ningaloo Coast & Shark Bay. Plus, Purnululu National Park (optional Bungle Bungles) • Centrally located premium hotels • Shark Bay, Hidden Valley, Karijini, Nambung, Yanchep and Nitmiluk National Parks and El Questro Winderness Park entrance fees • Arrival and departure private airport transfers
  • Support local Aboriginal artists with a visit to a Kimberley Indigenous Art Gallery.
  • Explore the Waringarri Aboriginal Art Centre on a guided tour, meeting Indigenous creatives at work and maybe picking up a piece to take home.
  • Explore the spectacular Mimbi Caves with an Aboriginal guide, where you'll observe the delicate limestone formations, brilliantly vivid colours and crystal clear freshwater pools.
  • Your First Nations host in Yanchep National Park is on a mission to reveal its ancient history. Dreamtime stories and bush-tucker tastings await.
  • Have you ever wondered what life was like 3,500 million years ago? At Hamelin Pool you’ll find out while witnessing the world’s most abundant colony of stromatolites.
  • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Ningaloo Coast & Shark Bay. Plus, Purnululu National Park (optional Bungle Bungles) Centrally located premium hotels Shark Bay, Hidden Valley, Karijini, Nambung, Yanchep and Nitmiluk National Parks and El Questro Winderness Park entrance fees Arrival and departure private airport transfers
  • Warm layers in cooler months Camera Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle
  • Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price. Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 12 noon into Perth AirportDay 21 – flights to depart anytime from Darwin Airport Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included.
  • Extreme temperatures can be experienced in this remote region of Australia. Guests should be made aware that this trip is recommended to guests with a moderate level of fitness. In addition, the walk to Emma Gorge considered “Difficult” and not all guests will be able to complete the walk. Some sections of Mimbi Caves have very low light and are rocky in parts. A torch is recommended.

Departure

Arrival

Availability

Booking Enquiry

Destination Details
Australia | 21 Days
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Perth (WA Aus), Australia
Trip Finishes:
Darwin, Australia
Countries Visited:
Australia

More Experiences From Australia