Untamed Pilbara and West Coast

Trip Type: Guided Holiday
Australia | 13 Days

NZD 10,362.00 /Person

The northern reaches of Western Australia unite some of the most diverse, and dramatic, landscapes in the country. From yawning red-rock gorges to ...

Untamed Pilbara and West Coast

The northern reaches of Western Australia unite some of the most diverse, and dramatic, landscapes in the country. From yawning red-rock gorges to blissfully blue marine parks, powdery white beaches to fiery orange sunsets, a colourful journey awaits. Your itinerary takes you from below the surface of the sea at Ningaloo Reef, with Karijini, the Pinnacles and Monkey Mia just some of the postcode-perfect places in between.

Welcome to Broome

Multicultural Broome delivers many surprises, from its eclectic restaurants to its long pearling history – the pristine waters produce some of the most prized pearl oysters in the world. Discover Broome’s other standout attraction: its sunsets. You have today at leisure. Follow locals to the sand on Cable Beach and salute the end of your first spectacular day in WA with your Travel Director, glass of bubbles in hand.

Accommodation:

Cable Beach Club Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Broome

Broome Free Time

Which direction should you choose to venture today? Head north deep into the Kimberley where the Horizontal Falls reveals the power of nature. Get some perspective of the tides here on a scenic flight. Or perhaps veer off to a pearl farm, to witness the precision that goes into growing and harvesting these gems (both own expense). Or simply enjoy Broome’s tropical climes, strolling along 22-kilometre Cable Beach, hunting for dinosaur footprints and browsing boutiques.

Accommodation:

Cable Beach Club Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Broome

Broome - Port Hedland

The eye-opening colours of the Pilbara are your backdrop today - rich red earth streaked with mineral deposits. Settle in Port Hedland, home to the world's largest bulk export port.

Accommodation:

Hospitality Port Hedland

Locations Visited:
  • Broome

Port Hedland - Karijini National Park

Love at first sight? It’s likely to happen at Karijini National Park. This is nature amplified, a place of immense gorges and deep, dark chasms; waterfalls and gem-like rock pools. This red slice of the Hamersley Range is a magnet for nature lovers, not only for the earthly delights but also the creatures that call the cliffs home.

Accommodation:

Karijini Eco Retreat

Locations Visited:
  • Port Hedland

Karijini National Park

It took billions of years to create the geological wonders of Karijini: the striking red escarpments and the quiet gorges all enveloped by tall gums. You have a single day to explore, so bring your stamina and sense of adventure. You’re heading deep into the national park, discovering hidden nooks and waterholes just begging you to swim in them. Things get hot here – why not dive in?

Accommodation:

Karijini Eco Retreat

Locations Visited:
  • Karijini

Karijini National Park - Exmouth

It’s an epic commute across the Pilbara from inland Karijini to Exmouth on the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Coast. While you’re driving, dream about all the marine creatures that await in Ningaloo Reef. Many fish and cetaceans live here year-round, but some larger-than-life visitors only drop in at certain times, on their migratory path.

Accommodation:

Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Karijini

Exmouth Free Time

Steel yourself for a few ‘pinch-me’ moments today. You could choose to snorkel (with an ethical operator) over Ningaloo Reef (own expense). Time of year pending, you may have whale sharks and possibly humpback whales in your company. Nothing quite prepares you for the initial moment you glimpse these gentle giants up close. Or, spend your day strolling the sand and cruising with dolphins at sunset. The choice is yours.

Accommodation:

Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Exmouth

Exmouth - Carnarvon

You don’t need to get your hair wet to experience the sheer wonderment of Ningaloo Reef. A Coral Bay glass-bottom boat cruise gets you within a whisker of turtles, colourful coral and  fish. You won’t know where to look, although your on-board naturalist will help guide your gaze. From staring at the sea to staring at the stars: your next port of call is the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum. Did you know it played a role in the 1969 moon landing? Just one fascinating fact you’ll learn from your passionate guide.

Accommodation:

Best Western Hospitality Inn Carnarvon

Locations Visited:
  • Exmouth

Carnarvon - Monkey Mia

While stromatolites might sound like something belonging in a cave, these ‘living fossils’ grow in the water at Hamelin Pool. Rock-like in appearance, they’re actually alive, and reveal what life might have been like 3.5-billion years ago. Remarkably, this is the world’s most abundant colony of them. It’s just one of the natural allures of the state’s World Heritage listed Shark Bay, which is also characterised by Shell Beach, formed from billions of coquina bivalve shells.

Accommodation:

Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Carnarvon

Monkey Mia Free Time

Sparkling turquoise water, powdery white sand, ochre dunes – Monkey Mia knows how to dial up the drama. And then there are the wild resident dolphins, which famously swim to shore every morning to splash about in the shallows and interact with humans. It’s a hard act to follow. Perhaps choose an optional sunset cruise, or get some perspective of the bay on a scenic flight (own expense).

Accommodation:

Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

Locations Visited:
  • Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia - Geraldton

Kalbarri National Park is known for many things: its gorges, towering coastal cliffs and rare wildlife among them – spot peregrine falcons from Hawks Head Lookout. And then there are the wildflowers, which bloom and blanket much of the countryside in spring, transforming it into a floral wonderland. Arriving in Geraldton, pay homage to sailors lost off the WA coast during WWII at the HMAS Sydney Memorial.

Accommodation:

Mantra Geraldton

Locations Visited:
  • Monkey Mia

Geraldton - Perth

Two final wilderness highs provide a fitting end to this journey of contrasts. Within Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles create a moonscape that appears plucked from a science fiction film, its staggering collection of natural limestone structures jutting into the sky. It’s a spiritual place, as is nearby Yanchep National Park. Here, on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, your Aboriginal guide's Dreamtime stories tell the tale of how the land was created. This tour is hands-on, so expect to taste bush tucker and try the didgeridoo. Arriving in Perth you have a Farewell Dinner to swap contact details with your new friends and reminisce about your western adventure.

Accommodation:

Crowne Plaza Perth

Locations Visited:
  • Geraldton

Farewell from Perth

How do you pick a favourite adventure from the last 13 days? You don’t have to – let them all shine in equal measure in your memory.

Locations Visited:
  • Perth
  • • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide • 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Ningaloo Coast & Shark Bay. • Shark Bay, Karijini, Nambung & Yanchep National Parks entrance fees • Centrally located premium hotels • Arrival and departure private airport transfers
  • Launch into the sky at the Carnarvon Space Museum, then take a deep dive below the surface while cruising World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef.
  • Experience didgeridoo playing, spear throwing, and find out the significance of our plants and animals to the original custodians at Yanchep National Park
  • Discover the culture of the Nyoongar people of Western Australia’s southwest: their seasonal movements, language and how knowledge is passed from generation to generation.
  • We’ll forgive you for not wanting to leave Karijini National Park, a magical place where waterfalls drop into turquoise rock pools. A salve for the soul.
  • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Ningaloo Coast & Shark Bay. Shark Bay, Karijini, Nambung & Yanchep National Parks entrance fees Centrally located premium hotels Arrival and departure private airport transfers
  • Water bottle Warm layers in cooler months Camera Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
  • Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price. Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 3.00pm into Broome AirportDay 13 – flights to depart anytime from Perth Airport Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included.
  • Extreme temperatures can be experienced in this remote region of Australia. This trip is recommended for those with a moderate level of fitness.

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Destination Details
Australia | 13 Days
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Broome, Australia
Trip Finishes:
Perth (WA Aus), Australia
Countries Visited:
Australia

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