Karijini National Park and Ningaloo Reef

We will pick you up from the airport at Paraburdoo and head into the beautiful Karijini National Park in time for sunset drinks and dinner.*

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.

Accommodation: Karijini National Park – Eco Retreat campground

Meals: D

First up today, we will head deep into the park to check out the spectacular Kalamina gorge. Though the path is rocky and uneven under foot this is one of the easier walks with a mostly gentle descent. At the bottom of the gorge, we will be rewarded by one of Karijini’s perfect swimming holes where we can cool off.

After Kalamina gorge, we will take the opportunity to stop in at the Visitor’s centre to check out the information about the park and grab yourself an ice cream. After a picnic lunch, we will go to Dale’s Gorge where we will spend the rest of the afternoon. Dale’s, Circular pool and Fern Pool are iconically Karijini. The stunning water holes with their deep red rocks and lush ferns, and waterfalls offer an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.

Once we have had a fill, we will head back to camp for meal under the stars.

Accommodation: Karijini National Park – Eco Retreat campground

Meals: BLD

Mt Bruce is Western Australia’s second highest peak. The Mt Bruce walk trail is a fantastic ridge walk, with some steep and rocky sections along the route. From one side you’ll have the vista of Karijini Range; from the other an iron ore mine! The 9.5 km return walk will take us most of the day and is definitely worth the effort.

Accommodation: Karijini National Park – Eco Retreat campground

Meals: BLD

We’ll explore two of the most iconic gorges in Karijini – Hancock and Weano. The walks are challenging in places, but not difficult. Both involve some wading and clambering on rocks and ledges; and both reward us with fantastic jade pools nestled deep within the narrow gorge walls. Highlights include Kermits Pool and Handrail Pool.

Accommodation: Karijini National Park – Eco Retreat campground

Meals: BLD

Before we say goodbye to Karijini we will walk from our campsite to Joffre Gorge. Navigating some fairly large boulders we’ll find a natural amphitheatre, with a waterfall and a delightful paddling pool. A little further down the gorge it drops into the ‘Olympic Swimming Pool’ which is around a 200m swim with sheer cliffs either side.

After lunch we depart Karijini for Cheela Plains (approx. 200km drive), a true outback station stay where you will be amazed by the night sky of the desert on an included astronomy tour.

Accommodation: Cheela Plains Station Stay

Meals: BLD

What is a trip to Ningaloo with the opportunity to swim with the whale sharks? Some of our guests have said the experience is “one of the best things I have ever done in my life”.

High praise!

The tours are optional, but highly recommend. Alternative activities are available and can be arranged for those who do not want to do a Whale shark tour.

Accommodation: Yardie Homestead Caravan Park

Meals: BD

Today we will explore Cape Range national park, with a series of short walks, snorkels and swims along the coast.

Spot rock wallabies and an incredible array of sea life on this wonderful day. We will explore Mandu Mandu gorge and Yardi Creek gorge then head to Turquoise Bay on Ningaloo Reef for a swim and snorkel  before heading back to Yardi Homestead for our last night.

Accommodation: Yardie Homestead Caravan Park

Meals: BLD

Having experienced Ningaloo from the water, today we will spend a bit more time on dry land. Known locally as the Badjirrajirra Trail, this 6.8km walk will take us into the heart of the Cape Range National park. With gorges cut into the limestone karst, the trail leads us through spinifex country offering views that seemingly go on forever.

Compared to some of our exploits in Karijini this trail will be relatively easy. The heat can definitely be a factor though, so we may have to augment today’s itinerary if this is the case.

That said, after exploring the Charles Knife Canyon, we will head back to the blue waters of Ningaloo for another opportunity to snorkel. This time visit Oyster stacks with its rich array of marine life. Hopefully we will spot a turtle!

After another full day of exploring, we will head back to camp for the last night.

Accommodation: Yardie Homestead Caravan Park

Meals: BLD

Our last day! After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Perth, or alternatively make your own onward travel arrangements.

Please note: Our tour team will do an airport drop off based around the first flight departure of the day. At the same time they will also do a drop off into the township of Exmouth for those who decide to catch an afternoon flight. You will be able to catch a shuttle from Exmouth to the airport later in the day to make your flight.

Meals: B