Kalbarri Coral Coast Walking Tour

$3,195pp – 8 Days, easy terrain, 50km: Experience the best of the Coral Coast in 8 days. Explore the Abrolhos Islands by air and land, Dirt Hartog Island, Pinnacles, wildflowers of Mt Lesueur NP and Coalseam and walk the red ocean cliffs and ancient gorges in Kalbarri and the Dolphins of Monkey Mia.

Escape the cold this winter for a truly memorable adventure to the Coral Coast and Kalbarri National Park. Western Australia’s Coral Coast is a stunning place, with peaceful gorges, spectacular coastline, beautiful wildflowers and amazing geology. This is the place where life first walked on the earth!

Over eight days, you will enjoy a number of walks within Kalbarri National Park, the colourful everlastings of Coalseam, a scenic flight and day trip to the “shipwreck” Abrolhos Islands, two nights on the remote and rugged Dirt Hartog Island, the Pinnacles, the dolphins of Monkey Mia and the hidden gem, Mt Lesueur National Park. Excellent healthy food, comfortable accommodation and professional guiding will make your experience all the more enjoyable.

The Coral Coast Kalbarri walking tour is relatively easy going, with plenty of time to relax. The longest walk is about 10 km and the terrain is not too difficult. There is some clambering on rocks, but we take our time.

Highlights of this walk

Warm winter weather, strange and beautiful wildflowers, spectacular cliff-top walking, beautiful gorges and swimming holes. Explore the Abrolhos Islands by air and land, and experience the remote Dirt Hartog Island. Magic!

Pinnacles at sunrise Kalbarri tour — The strange shapes of the Pinnacles desert

Everlasting flowers — Coalseam everlasting flowers

Lesueur wildflowers Kalbarri tour — Beautiful wildflowers

Natures Window Kalbarri National Park — Beautiful red sandstone gorges

Abrolhos - Kalbarri walking tour — Relax at the Abrolhos Islands

Kalbarri sunset drinks — Friendly, social atmosphere

Walking Tour Itinerary

A guide will accompany you on each day’s walk. The itinerary may alter depending on local conditions and weather.

Day 1: Perth to Pinnacles + Yued Ponar Trail, Mt Lesueur National Park

7km

We will leave the city at 7:30am and head to one of Western Australia’s most iconic destinations. The Pinnacles (Nambung National Park) is one of the strangest landscapes you will ever experience. Take a short walk around this limestone “forest” before we hit the road again towards our first big walk.

Our afternoon walk is at the stunningly pristine Mt Lesueur National Park. One of the best wildflower spotting locations in WA, this 7 km loop walk has some fabulous views and many endemic wildflower species. There are definitely some challenges to this walk, with some rocky ground and a few ascents, but it is doable for the everyday walker, and well worth the effort.

After the walk, we will head the short distance to Jurien Bay, where we will stay at the Jurien Bay Motel Apartments, and dinner will be a typical country pub meal down at the local.

Accommodation: Jurien Bay Motel Apartments

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Wildflower tour at Hi Vallee Farm, Coalseam Conservation Park and Geraldton

3km

Wildflowers, wildflowers and more wildflowers! This is a really easy day, with a short drive out to Hi Vallee Farm in Badingarra, to meet local floral icon Don Williams and his wife Joy. Don will take us on a tour of his property, sharing all his knowledge from years in the bush. Whether you are a casual lover of colour, or a real flower geek, a few hours with this local character is a morning well spent.

After Don and Joy’s place, we will head north (2.5hrs) and roll out the yellow carpet! Whilst you may never have heard of Coalseam Conservation park, you have definitely seen photos of the carpets of colourful everlasting flowers. We have timed the departure of this tour to give us the best chance to see the everlastings at their peak, but nature can be cruel, so there are no guarantees.

There is a flat easy 3km walk within Coalseam which we will do, taking our time to enjoy one of Western Australia’s most memorable experiences.

From Coalseam it is about a 1.5 hr drive to Geraldton, where we will base ourselves for the next two nights at a local 3.5 star motel.

Accommodation: Geraldton

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: A day tour of the Abrolhos Islands

It’s an exciting day today as we hop on our own charter planes and fly over to the Abrolhos Islands, about 80 km off the coast of Geraldton. We’ll take a scenic flight over the chain of islands, learning about their history and infamous shipwrecks, before setting down at East Wallabi Island. Here you can enjoy a short guided nature walk and a snorkel in the pristine waters. We return to Geraldton mid/late afternoon and then head up to Kalbarri in time for sunset drinks and nibbles while your guides prepare you a delicious dinner.

Accommodation: Geraldton

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Kalbarri National Park, Murchison River Gorge

9km

We start the day with a 1hr 45min drive to Kalbarri. We’ll have a wonderful day today exploring some of the ancient gorges of the Murchison River. We’ll visit Natures Window and walk the 9 km Loop Trail, which takes us from the top of the gorge wall, down into the beautiful gorge itself to walk beside the river. If the weather’s nice, you might enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool water at lunch time.

In the afternoon, we’ll have an easy exploration of the Z Bend Gorge where we will take a short stroll and soak up the tranquil atmosphere.

Accommodation: Kalbarri Edge Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Kalbarri National Park

8km

The views along the Kalbarri coast are nothing short of spectacular – with pink and red layers of sandstone cliffs contrasted against the turquoise Indian Ocean. We’ll walk the length of the Bigurda Trail in the morning. This trail stretches for 8 km along the top of the sea cliffs from Eagle Gorge to the Natural Bridge.

In the afternoon we’ll explore the coastal areas closer to town, including a 3 km loop walk around Mushroom Rock and Rainbow Valley.

Accommodation: Kalbarri Edge Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Drive to Denham, and across to Dirk Hartog Island

After all of the activity of the past few days, it is time to get some kilometres under our belt. We have about 375km to cover today. There are few stops along the way, but really we just need to smash it out, so we can get ourselves on the island! That said, there is no way that we will drive past the 3.5 Billion year old stramatolites in Hamelin Pool. That’s billion with a “B”.

We will be in Denham in the mid afternoon, in time for a ferry across to Dirk Hartog Island, where we will meet the locals and check into the eco resort. Hopefully we snag one of the famed Shark Bay sunsets, which are widely considered as some of the most spectacular in Australia.

Accommodation: Dirt Hartog Eco Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Dirk Hartog Island

14km + 6.5km optional extra

Today’s adventure is truly unique. We will be tracing the steps of explorers, with a stunning walk along the western coast. The cliffs tower up to 150 high above the surging Indian ocean, which incessantly pounds the coast below. Keep an eye out for whales and sea birds, and spectacular rock formations. This is an energising walk, in the sea spray of the Indian ocean.

We have a couple of options for the length of the walk today, so take the challenge of the longer walk if you are feeling up to it, or choose the more relaxed option, if that is what you need.

After the walk, we will take sunset drinks before dinner at the lodge.

Accommodation: Dirt Hartog Eco Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Morning Ferry to Denham and the dolphins of Monkey Mia

We have an early morning ferry back to the mainland, but just as well, as we have a 10am date with the dolphins! One of Western Australia’s much loved experiences, see the resident bottlenose up close and personal.

The tour ends just after lunch, with wet feet and a drop off at the airport. The flight back to Perth (not included in tour price ~ $150-$200) is scheduled for 13:35, arriving in Perth at 15:35. For those returning to the East Coast, there should be plenty of time to make an evening flight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Details about accommodation, what to bring, transportation, food, etc.

Accommodation

This tour includes five night’s twin share or double accommodation in three excellent establishments in Geraldton, Kalbarri and Cervantes.

In Geraldton we’ll stay at the 3½ star rated Best Western Inn, offering spacious and well appointed rooms. We’ll dine at the onsite restaurant.

Relax and enjoy three nights at Kalbarri Seafront Villas – centrally located, with spectacular river and ocean views. Villas are self contained so sit back and enjoy the view with a glass of wine in hand as your Inspiration Outdoors guides prepare you delicious two-course dinners each night.

Our final two nights will be spent at the beautiful Dirt Hartog Eco Lodge on the Island. , a 3½ star property offering quality accommodation, comfort and friendly service. We’ll eat in the onsite restaurant for our final evening meal.

What to bring

We will send you a list of what to bring when you book. Please note that you do not need to bring linen or towels.

Food

Inspiration Outdoors always provides an excellent standard of catering. All meals are included.

Breakfasts are simple and healthy, with cereals, fruit, yogurt, toast, juice, teas and fresh brewed coffee available.

Tasty and varied lunches are prepared daily by your guides. They may include fresh salads, slices, cold meats, cheese, spreads and breads – either enjoyed as a picnic with the bus or a packed lunch out on the track.

In the evenings your guides will prepare some nibbles for you to enjoy while dinner is being prepared. Dinner is a two course meal. In Geraldton and Cervantes, on the first and last night, we will enjoy dinner in our accommodation’s restaurants. In Kalbarri your Inspiration Outdoors guides will prepare you three delicious and nutritious dinners.

Each day your guide will carry tea, coffee and a home-made cake for morning tea. Fruit is also available for you to take with you. If you need additional snacks e.g. muesli bars, chocolate etc you will need to supply those. There will be time for you to purchase alcohol and supplies during the week.

Please let us know of any dietary requirements before you book – we are happy to adapt our menu to most dietary needs. Assistance is always appreciated with clearing away and washing up.

Transport

We use a well serviced and maintained air-conditioned minibus to drive from Perth to Kalbarri and back, and to and from the tracks each day. We’ll fly over the chain of Abrolhos Islands using Geraldton Air Charter small planes, piloted by experienced and knowledgeable pilots.

This walk includes

5 nights accommodation in Geraldton, Kalbarri and Cervantes

Enjoy the comfort of your motel-style room in Geraldton and Cervantes, and the villas with river and ocean views in Kalbarri

Air charter and tour of Abrolhos Islands

Enjoy a scenic flight over the infamous ‘shipwreck’ islands, followed by a walk and a snorkel on one of the northern islands

All meals, including morning tea and snacks

We pride ourselves on providing you with fresh, wholesome food. Enjoy healthy breakfasts, delicious morning teas, fresh picnic and packed lunches, fruit and hearty two-course dinners each day.

All transport via air-conditioned bus, departing from and returning to Perth

Central pick-up points in Fremantle and Perth CBD. Transport each day to and from the track.

Professional guiding and support from local guides

We go the extra mile to make sure your tour will be memorable. We guide you on each walk, tell stories about the surroundings and make sure you return home feeling better than ever.

Kalbarri Tour FAQs

How hard is the Kalbarri tour?

This is a fairly moderate tour. Some of the walks are rocky underfoot, however the distances are not long.

Posted in: Kalbarri Tour FAQs

What size plane do we take to the Abrolhos Islands?

We fly to the Abrolhos Islands with Geraldton Air Charters. They have a number of different types of planes depending on the size of our group. Here is a link which shows their current fleet http://geraldtonaircharter.com.au/fleet

Posted in: Kalbarri Tour FAQs

About Walking Tours In General

How hard are the walks?

The difficulty of the walks ranges from tour to tour, from easy to challenging. We design all of our walking tours to be achievable for those with a moderate level of fitness. We do recommend doing some training before most tours, because physical activity is always more enjoyable if you are physically prepared. We will send you information about how to train when you book.

When on tour we find that a positive mental attitude is most important and that if you focus on the scenery, the company and the moment, and not on the kilometres, then you find yourself reaching your destination with little problem. You can always have a day or sometimes an afternoon off to relax if you feel like it. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete a walk, give us a call on (08) 6219 5164 and we can talk you through it.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

Do I have to twin-share accommodation? Can I have my own room?

Our tour prices are based on rooms being twin share (two single beds in one room) or double (one double/queen bed in a room, shared by a couple). If you are travelling alone, we will give you a room with someone of the same sex. Sometimes, depending on the accommodation, it is possible to pay a single supplement to ensure that you have a room to yourself – please ask us if this option is available when you book. We won’t always be able to guarantee your own bathroom with a single supplement due to the types of accommodation we use for group bookings. Often we stay at 2 or 3 bedroom chalets so that we can cook and have a common area for the group to relax and mingle at the end of your days walk. If having your own bathroom is important, give us a ring and we will see if it is possible.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

Will I hold up the group if I’m a slow walker?

We find a lot of people who haven’t been on a walking tour before worry about this, but it’s rarely an issue. We keep a comfortable steady pace with plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenery along the way. Usually the group will spread out over a couple of hundred metres as we walk.

Normal walking pace on a formed surface like a road or footpath is around 4.5 – 6 km per hour and we tend to average just over 3 km per hour on bush tracks. It’s not a stroll but it’s not a brisk walk either. If you feel you may be slower than this, try some longer training walks to increase your walking fitness.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

What is the average age of Inspiration Outdoors’ guests?

About 80% of our walkers are aged between 45 – 75. Our youngest guest has been about 35 and our oldest was 82. We get a roughly 60/40 female to male split.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs

What’s the food like? Can you cater for my dietary needs?

We serve simple, nutritious and delicious food on tour, using fresh and local ingredients as much as possible. Of course, if you like, you can indulge in some less nutritious treats as well – you’re on holiday after all and Emily bakes a mean cake. Breakfast, home-made morning tea, lunch, fresh fruit, pre-dinner nibbles and a two course evening meal are all included. We are happy to adapt our menu to suit many dietary needs including gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets – please ask when you book.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

Are your walking tours just for “bushwalkers”?

Our walks are for anyone who enjoys walking and nature – bushwalkers or not. Our walks are conducted in safe, supportive and fun environments and you don’t need specialised equipment or experience to undertake them. We give you information about what you will need to bring and how you should prepare for each tour and we’re always here to answer any questions or concerns.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs

Do I have to walk every day on tour?

Of course not – it’s your holiday and you should do what you feel! Relax at the accommodation, come for a drive, get dropped off in town or go for a stroll of your own. On some days there is also the opportunity to walk for part of the day. This last option depends on whether there is vehicle access to the track.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

What do I have to carry when I walk?

Very little. A water bladder or bottles, a rain jacket, some personal first aid supplies and, on some days, lunch. You will probably want a camera as well. We return to accommodation each evening so there is no need to carry a large backpack.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

What people have said

The relaxed and friendly environment made me feel like I was with a group of friends even though I hadn’t met any of the other people before. No one was pressured into going beyond there capabilites. The food was awesome!! Guides were great.

Dayle, Kalbarri 2015

Another great trip with IO; the diversity was wonderful – snorkling on a beautiful blue and purple and pink coral reef, walking through amazing wildflowers, red coastal cliffs and gorges, driving through green and yellow crops, flying over white beaches and turquoise water. All with good company, food and wine!

Anne T, Kalbarri 2014

Pricing

AUD $3,195 per person

Reserve your seat with a $350 deposit and pay the balance closer to the tour.

Money-Back Guarantee

Our number one priority at Inspiration Outdoors is to ensure our guests have a great experience on EVERY tour.

We can't guarantee the weather, bush fires or events beyond our control, but we do guarantee that:
– your guides are professional, friendly and hard working.
– your itinerary is well organised and thought out.
– the particulars of your tour (accommodation, transport, food etc), are as described on the website and in the tour notes.

We stand behind our guarantees. If you come on a tour with Inspiration Outdoors and we do not fulfil these promises, we will give you your money back.

Other ways to get in touch

+61 8 6219 5164
walk@inspirationoutdoors.com.au

What happens after I book?

After you have paid a deposit and filled in a registration form, we will send you any extra information you may need, including a list of what to bring and how best to prepare for the tour.

Payment in full is required at least six weeks prior to the tour (bookings can still be made within six weeks of tour start date if there are places available). We will email or call you to remind you when this is due.

Finally, we will contact you prior to your tour to confirm pick-up times and locations. If you have any questions or concerns at all before or after you have booked, please don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can go through them with you.

What are my payment options?

Payment can be made by:

Direct deposit
Cheque
Credit card

Can I cancel my booking?

We hope that you do not need to cancel your booking. However, if you do, our cancellation fee, based on the notice given prior to the departure date, is:

More than 12 weeks: $50 administration fee
6 to 12 weeks: loss of deposit
4 to 6 weeks: 25% of full tour cost
2 to 4 weeks: 50% of full tour cost
less than 2 weeks: 100% of full tour cost, no refund

If you have any concerns about cancelling, please take out travel insurance covering this contingency. This policy will be adhered to despite the most compelling and compassionate circumstances.

Kalbarri Coral Coast Walking Tour

Highlights of this walk

Walking Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Perth to Pinnacles + Yued Ponar Trail, Mt Lesueur National Park

7km

Day 2: Wildflower tour at Hi Vallee Farm, Coalseam Conservation Park and Geraldton

3km

Day 3: A day tour of the Abrolhos Islands

Day 4: Kalbarri National Park, Murchison River Gorge

9km

Day 5: Kalbarri National Park

8km

Day 6: Drive to Denham, and across to Dirk Hartog Island

Day 7: Dirk Hartog Island

14km + 6.5km optional extra

Day 8: Morning Ferry to Denham and the dolphins of Monkey Mia

Accommodation

What to bring

Food

Transport

This walk includes

5 nights accommodation in Geraldton, Kalbarri and Cervantes

Air charter and tour of Abrolhos Islands

All meals, including morning tea and snacks

All transport via air-conditioned bus, departing from and returning to Perth

Professional guiding and support from local guides

Kalbarri Tour FAQs

About Walking Tours In General

Beautiful walks in the daytime, relax with fellow walkers each evening

What people have said

Pricing

AUD $3,195 per person

Reserve your seat with a $350 deposit and pay the balance closer to the tour.

Money-Back Guarantee

Ask about this tour:

Other ways to get in touch

What happens after I book?

What are my payment options?

Can I cancel my booking?

The 15 Bushwalking Essentials You Absolutely Must Know