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Karijini National Park and Ningaloo Reef

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Days

10 Days

Tour Type

Walking

From

$3,304 Twin Share

Start
Paraburdoo
Finish
Exmouth
Physical Rating
4.0 Moderate to challenging
Tour Distance
Various walk lengths up to 10km
Group size
Min 1, Max 15
Tour Code
PJXN

Overview

Minimise the driving time and maximise the adventure on this 10-day camping trip in Western Australia. Snorkel in the clear waters of Turquoise Bay at Ningaloo Reef, take a dip in secluded swimming holes fed by tumbling waterfalls, explore the rugged landscapes of Karijini National Park hike to scenic locations with your group of likeminded adventurers. With the perfect combination of activities and relaxation, surrounded by some of Australia’s most incredible scenery, this trip is perfect for hikers and nature-lovers – you'll also have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks!

Highlights of this walk

  • Explore Karijini National Park with visits and hikes to Dales, Weano and Hancock Gorges and swims in Kermit's and Handrail Pools. Then, take the challenge and summit Mt Bruce – Australia’s second highest peak.
  • Chill out and enjoy the scenery! There’s no need for a map or GPS on this walking trip – with an expert local leader that knows the area inside-out, all you have to do is enjoy the journey.
  • Snorkel Ningaloo Reef, where you’ll see rich and diverse marine life plus vibrant coral creating a rainbow of colours underneath the turquoise waters.
  • Take the opportunity for an (optional) experience of a lifetime and go swimming with whale sharks, the world’s biggest fish, off Western Australia’s Coral Coast.
  • Enjoy breakfast at your campsite, fresh picnic lunches in incredible locations and delicious campfire dinners prepared by your leader – with all meals taken care of, you can focus on soaking up the landscape.

Itinerary

Welcome to Paraburdoo! Your Australian adventure will start right away with a pickup from the airport. Your group will then drive into Karijini National Park – home of the Banjima, Innawongka and Eastern Guruma peoples. This is Western Australia’s second-largest national park, with a landscape more than 2.5 billion years old and home to some of the best hiking trails in the state. When you arrive, get to know your group over sunset drinks and dinner before settling into your comfortable tent for the night.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)

Today's hike will be all about Dales Gorge. Explore Fortescue falls from above before descending down to the gorge floor to Fern Pool, a sacred site for the Banjima people. With deep red rocks, lush ferns and waterfalls, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered your own private paradise. Don’t forget your swimmers today, as you’ll have the chance to cool off here. Once you return to the surface, drop into the Visitor’s Centre to learn more about the park and perhaps grab an ice cream, before heading back to camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)

After breakfast, lace up your hiking boots for the hike to Mt Bruce – Western Australia’s second highest peak. This full day ridge walk has it all, from paths that feel like you’re taking a gentle stroll to rock scrambles and climbs so steep there’s a chain for support. When you reach the top of the mountain, the 360-degree views of the Karijini Range and its red landscape make the challenge worthwhile.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)

Today’s occasionally challenging walk has four major highlights including two of Karijini National Park’s most famous gorges, Hancock and Weano. The trail to Junction Pool Lookout is relatively flat and has terrific views of Hancock and Joffre Gorges. Cool down as you wade through pools and streams to reach your destination and soak up the scenery. Go for swims in Kermit’s Pool and Handrail Pool then make the return trip to camp for a shower and dinner under the stars.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)

We are venturing further a field today to the very western side of the national park - Hamersley Gorge. It will take us an hour and a half to drive there this morning, but you will be enraptured by the ever changing scenery on the drive. The organic shapes of geology of Hamersley Gorge is interesting in itself as the bedding planes cascade into the water. It almost looks as if the land has tipped sideways! There is a shaded lookout at the top and we will embark o the short walk along the rock staircase down into the gorge to be rewarded with a dip in the gorge pool. In the afternoon we depart for Cheela Plains, a true outback station stay where you will enjoy a delicious meal under the spectacular desert sky!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)

Grab your favourite tunes or a good book and settle back and rest your legs on the drive from Cheela Plains to Exmouth. There will be time to stop and stretch your legs along the way and have lunch together before you arrive at your campsite at Yardie Homestead, near Exmouth in time to watch the sun set into the Indian Ocean.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)

Less than 1 in 3 million people have swum with whale sharks and today, you could be one of them! Book early for the opportunity to go on an (optional) experience of a lifetime and swim with whale sharks – the world’s biggest fish – off Western Australia’s Coral Coast. It’s not unusual for these gentle creatures to grow up to 10 m in length, which makes swimming alongside them an incredible experience. You might instead like to take a half-day snorkelling glass bottom boat tour or just chill out at the accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)

Get set for a day of adventure in Cape Range National Park, with a series of short walks, snorkels and swims along the coast. First, you’ll explore Mandu Mandu Gorge on a walk that follows the route of an ancient riverbed. Then, spot rock wallabies in Yardie Creek Gorge. From here, you’ll head to Turquoise Bay on Ningaloo Reef – part of the traditional lands of the Baiyungu, Thalanyji and Yinigurdira peoples – for swimming and snorkelling among the corals. Tonight, you’ll sit down for a group dinner back at Yardie Homestead.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)

Today you‘ll head to Charles Knife Canyon for a walk on the Badjirrajirra Trail to Shothole lookout, with views that seem to stretch on forever across gorges cut into the limestone karst. We’ll use the cooler morning weather to explore this area. Later, cool off in Ningaloo’s sparkling waters and go in search of turtles around the small islands known as the Oyster Stacks. After another full day of exploring, it’s back to camp at Yardie Homestead for the last night of the trip.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)

After breakfast today, you’ll be transferred to Exmouth (Learmonth) Airport for your flight back to Perth. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

  • 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

  • Private Vehicle, Walking

Accommodation

  • Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities) (9 nights)

Included activities

  • Explore Karijini National Park with visits and hikes to Dales, Weano and Hancock Gorges and swims in Kermit's and Handrail Pools. Then, take the challenge and summit Mt Bruce – Australia’s second highest peak.

  • Chill out and enjoy the scenery! There’s no need for a map or GPS on this walking trip – with an expert local leader that knows the area inside-out, all you have to do is enjoy the journey.

  • Snorkel Ningaloo Reef, where you’ll see rich and diverse marine life plus vibrant coral creating a rainbow of colours underneath the turquoise waters.

  • Take the opportunity for an (optional) experience of a lifetime and go swimming with whale sharks, the world’s biggest fish, off Western Australia’s Coral Coast.

  • Enjoy breakfast at your campsite, fresh picnic lunches in incredible locations and delicious campfire dinners prepared by your leader – with all meals taken care of, you can focus on soaking up the landscape.

Dates & Availability

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Important Notes

  • This is a camping tour with lots of comfort. (As we like to say it’s a camping tour for non campers!) Each person will have the use of their own semi permanent tent and a comfy camping bed. Even if you are travelling with a friend or a significant other you will have access to your own tent or you are more than welcome to share. You will need to bring a pillow and sleeping bag or you can hire a sleeping bag from us for $67 (to cover dry cleaning at the end of the tour).
  • Start & End Times: The trip begins at Paraburdoo Airport on day 1. For pick up times for the different days of the week please read the joining point instructions carefully. The trip finishes finishes with a transfer to Exmouth or Exmouth Airport on the last day.
  • Optional Whale Shark Tour: We highly recommend you swim with the whale sharks, it is an amazing experience. It is not included in the tour price, guests will need to advise us well ahead of time if you would like to add this option as this experience books out each year. Please also note that whale sharks visit the region between mid-March and mid-September only.
  • Whale Shark Tour (Bottom Glass Boat option): Alternative to those who may not feel comfortable swimming at sea is a half-day glass-bottomed boat snorkelling tour, which is provided within the protection of the reef. The water is calmer and shallower, and is a great option for those with a bit of trepidation for the open ocean.
  • Fitness: All walks are less than 10 km but each has its challenges. The terrain is rocky and there is a lot of ascending and descending – both for the peaks and the gorge walks. A reasonable level of fitness, mobility and balance is required to fully enjoy the trip.
  • Flights: Upon booking we will let you know which flight into Paraburdoo you will need to book onto. Due to flight availability the itinerary may change slightly.  On some departures guests will stay the first night in Tom Price and then head into Karijini National Park the following day. All departure dates will still go to all the same gorges and sights.
  • Last Day of Tour: Our tour team will drop guests into the township of Exmouth (Ningaloo Centre) for an estimated arrival time of approx. 09.30am. For those that wish we will continue to the airport for an estimated arrival time of approx. 10.15am -10.30am. For those that are dropped off in the town of Exmouth and have an afternoon flight you can book an airport transfer with www.exmouthbuscharters.com.au. They work their transfer around flight departures and costs currently are approx. $40 per adult.
  • In the event of unforeseeable circumstances that require a modification to the itinerary or accommodation, we will make every effort to provide a suitable alternative.

Karijini & Ningaloo FAQs – About the Tour

The Karijini National Park and Ningaloo Reef tour runs for 7 days, starting in Paraburdoo and ending in Exmouth. It includes multiple guided hikes in Karijini’s gorges, swimming in natural pools, and snorkelling on Ningaloo Reef. All transport, accommodation, most meals, and experienced local guides are included.

The tour includes all accommodation, daily breakfasts, lunches, and most dinners, all National Park entry fees, snorkelling gear for Ningaloo Reef, experienced walking guides, and all ground transport. Flights are not included, but arrival and departure transfer details are provided to match the itinerary.

The tour starts in Paraburdoo, Western Australia, with a short transfer to Karijini National Park, and finishes in Exmouth, near Ningaloo Reef. Guests fly into Paraburdoo Airport and depart from Learmonth Airport, with transfer options available for both.

Accommodation is a mix of semi-permanent tents with beds in Karijini National Park and Exmouth. All camping setups include stretcher beds, mattresses, linen, and access to flushing toilets and showers.

No. All walks are pack-free. You only carry a small daypack with water, snacks, sun protection, and a camera. Main luggage is transported between accommodations by the support vehicle.

A moderate fitness level is recommended. Walks in Karijini National Park can involve uneven rocky terrain, short steep sections, and ladder climbs. Ningaloo Reef activities include gentle beach entries for snorkelling.

No, flights are not included. Guests must book their own flights into Paraburdoo and out of Learmonth (Exmouth). The tour provides recommended flight times to ensure smooth transfers and tour departure.

The maximum group size is generally 14 guests. This small group size ensures a personalised experience, allowing guides to provide individual support and share local insights during walks and snorkelling.

Yes, all breakfasts, lunches, and most dinners are provided. Meals are fresh, nutritious, and cater to dietary requirements with advance notice. Snacks and fresh fruit are available daily, and guests may bring limited alcohol.

From May to September, days are typically dry with temperatures in the mid to late 20°C, ideal for walking and snorkelling. Nights in Karijini can drop to single digits in June–August, so warm layers are essential.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days, and warm layers for cool Karijini nights. Include sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a 3L water capacity for walks. A head torch and waterproof bag for electronics are also useful.

Sturdy hiking shoes or lightweight boots with good grip are ideal for Karijini’s rocky trails. For Ningaloo, reef shoes are recommended for protection while entering the water. Avoid sandals for hiking as they offer limited support.

From May to September, Karijini days are warm (20–28°C) and nights can be cold, dropping to 5°C. Ningaloo Reef stays warmer at night, making it comfortable for evening beach walks. Rain is rare, but conditions can change quickly in the Pilbara.

Yes. Karijini National Park has natural swimming holes such as Fern Pool and Circular Pool. At Ningaloo Reef, guided snorkelling gives you the chance to swim with marine life in crystal-clear waters.

Walks vary from easy gorge strolls to challenging scrambles over rocks and through narrow chasms. Most walks are 3–8 km and take 1–4 hours. Good balance and comfort with uneven terrain are essential.

Phone reception in Karijini is limited to certain spots like Mount Bruce and the Eco Retreat (Telstra is best). Ningaloo has better coverage in Exmouth, but remote beaches often have no signal. Carry a battery pack for charging.

Karijini has snakes and insects, but encounters are rare if you stay on trails. Ningaloo’s reef is safe to swim with guided supervision, though marine stingers can be present in warmer months. Always follow your guide’s safety advice.

Hancock Gorge is one of the most popular walks, featuring the famous “Spider Walk” and stunning pools. Mount Bruce, WA’s second-highest peak, is also a favourite for its panoramic Pilbara views.

Carry at least 3 litres of water per person for Karijini hikes due to low humidity and exposure to sun. In Ningaloo, bring 1–2 litres for shorter coastal walks and snorkelling trips.

For Karijini, good hiking shoes, a hat, and layered clothing are essential. For Ningaloo, snorkel gear is provided, but reef shoes are recommended. A small dry bag is useful for protecting electronics.

Yes, you can walk Karijini National Park independently, but you’ll need to organise your own transport, permits, and safety gear. Many gorges require navigation skills and confidence with remote hiking conditions.

Yes. A guided Karijini and Ningaloo tour includes all transport, park fees, meals, and expert local knowledge. It removes the stress of remote trip planning and ensures safe access to hard-to-reach areas.

Perth is the main gateway, with flights to Paraburdoo for Karijini and Learmonth Airport for Ningaloo Reef. Guided tours often connect both regions in one itinerary for convenience.

No permit is needed for day walks, but park entry fees apply. If camping overnight, you must book and pay for designated campgrounds in advance.

The drive from Karijini to Ningaloo Reef via Exmouth is around 650 km and takes 7–8 hours. Guided tours provide private coach transport, breaking up the journey with scenic stops.

Yes. Karijini has many separate gorge walks, so you can choose shorter routes like Fortescue Falls or longer hikes like Mount Bruce. Guided itineraries combine a variety of trails over several days.

Hancock Gorge, Weano Gorge, and the full Mount Bruce summit hike are considered the most challenging. These involve steep climbs, rock scrambling, and narrow water crossings.

You don’t need technical climbing skills, but a good level of fitness and balance is recommended. Training on rocky, uneven surfaces will make the walks more enjoyable and safer.

Official sources include the WA Parks and Wildlife Service website and visitor centres in Tom Price. Tour operators like Inspiration Outdoors offer detailed itineraries and walking advice.

It’s possible but not recommended. Summer temperatures in Karijini often exceed 35°C, making hikes unsafe. The best time to combine Karijini and Ningaloo is May–September.

What Our Travellers Say

Karijini National Park and Ningaloo Reef

“We travelled in Karijini National Park and out to Exmouth with Inspiration Outdoors in August 2024. It was an absolutely incredible experience. Our guides, Cammie and Dan were exceptional!! They made the tour! Their knowledge, enthusiasm and care went above and beyond. The food was exceptional – well thought out and presented with flair! Always plenty of delicious food.”

— Julie B. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive everything you need to prepare for your trip – from packing lists to pick-up details. As we’re part of the Intrepid Travel Group, your booking will follow Intrepid’s Standard Terms and Conditions, including payments, cancellations, and communications. You’ll hear from their team directly with all the key info and reminders.

Have questions before or after booking? Just reach out – we’re here to help.

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