Karijini National Park and Ningaloo Reef

Explore Karijini and Ningaloo Reef over nine glorious days. Red earth, spinifex, cool deep gorges and stunning snorkelling on a picture perfect coral reef. $2,995pp – 10 Days ex Paraburdoo, challenging terrain, 75km

Explore the dramatic gorges of Karijini National park, and soak up the beauty of the Ningaloo reef on this amazing guided tour. This is an active holiday that will leave you feeling on top of the world at your absolute best, with the perfect blend of activity and rest.

Our Karijini National Park tour and Ningaloo reef tour is designed to give you an in depth walking tour of Karijini as well as an opportunity to swim with the whale sharks and snorkel on the Ningaloo reef. There is plenty of time to swim in many of the gorges and ample time to relax and take in the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful landscapes. By flying into Paraburdoo and out of Exmouth we have minimised driving time.

To see more photos from our Karijini tours, visit our Flickr page.

Please note that this is one of our comfortable camping-based tours, with all camping equipment provided (see Accommodation section below for details).

Karijini National Park & Ningaloo reef tour at a glance

10 days / 9 nights comfortable camping
Starts in Paraburdoo and finishes in Exmouth (we can arrange your flights!)
Excellent camping gear with one tent per person
Small group size
Comfortable transport in a small bus
Some of Australia’s most amazing scenery
Active yet relaxed pace
Optional Whale shark tour of Ningaloo reef
All meals provided
2 expert guides

Click here to Download our Karijini National Park and Ningaloo Reef – Info For Walkers Document

Click here to Download our Karijini National Park and Ningaloo Reef – Tour Itinerary Document

Highlights of this walk

Enjoy walking, swimming in the gorges of Karijini National Park and Ningaloo Reef on this guided tour. Our tours starts in Tom Price, and goes to Karijini and then across to Exmouth and the Ningaloo reef.

Walking Tour Itinerary

We start our tour in Paraburdoo and head north up to Karijini, where we take in some of the world’s most striking features and landscapes. Our leisurely pace allows plenty of time to soak in the feel of the Pilbara and to swim in the many idyllic swimming holes. We spend five full days in Karijini walking, swimming, exploring and relaxing before we drive across to Exmouth and the fabulous Ningaloo Reef. Fly back home from Exmouth with memories that will last a lifetime.

Some of the walks are easy and some are quite challenging, but all are spectacular and you are often rewarded with a refreshing swim at the end. You only carry a day pack as you walk and there is often the option to turn back when you wish. 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.

N/B The itinerary may vary according to conditions and advice.

Fly into Paraburdoo/ Transfer to Tom Price

Day 1 – Arrival Day

We will pick you up from the airport at Paraburdoo for the 80km transfer to Tom Price where we will spend the night.

The flight that we recommend booking is the one that leaves Perth at 1:30pm and will get you to Paraburdoo by 3:30pm. (on the 15th May 2020 there isn’t a 1:30pm flight so we recommend the 2:40pm flight)

Give us a call at the office, 08 6219 5164 if you have questions about flights.

Accommodation: Camping at Tom Price Caravan Park

Meals: D

2020 Tours: Fly into Paraburdoo

Tour 1: 2 – 11. May 2020 – Fly in 2 May 2020
Tour 2: 5 – 14. May 2020 – Fly in 5 May 2020
Tour 3: 15 – 24. May 2020 – Fly in 15 May 2020
Tour 4: 18 – 27. May 2020– Fly in 18 May 2020
Tour 5: 28 May – 6 Jun 2020 – Fly in 28 May 2020
Tour 6: 31 May – 9 Jun 2020 – Fly in 31 May 2020
Tour 7: 10 – 19. Jun 2020 – Fly in 10 Jun 2020
Tour 8: 13 – 22. Jun 2020 – Fly in 13 Jun 2020
Tour 9: 23. Jun – 2. Jul 2020 – Fly in 23 Jun 2020
Tour 10: 26. Jun – 5. Jul 2020 – Fly in 26 Jun 2020
Tour 11: 6 – 15. Jul 2020 – Fly in 6 Jul 2020
Tour 12: 20 – 29. Jul 2020 – Fly in 20 Jul 2020

Day 2 – Tom Price to Karijini + Dales Gorge

By morning tea time, we will be relaxing in one of Australia’s most beautiful gorge systems! We’ll spend the rest of the day exploring Dales Gorge, with Circular Pool, Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool all offering wonderful swimming opportunities.

In the evening we set up camp and relax into our home away from home for the next three nights at Karijini.

Accommodation: Karijini National Park – Eco Retreat campground

Meals: BLD

Day 3 – Knox Gorge, Kalamina and Joffre Gorge

We’ll spend the morning enjoying Knox Gorge. It’s a steep descent into the gorge with some loose rock but there’s no prize for first place so we’ll take our time and then enjoy wandering beneath the towering gorge walls as far as we can go.

After lunch we’ll climb down some fairly large boulders into Joffre Gorge. Here we’ll find a natural amphitheatre, with waterfall and 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.

Accommodation: Karijini National Park – Eco Retreat campground

Meals: BLD

Day 4 – Mt Bruce

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

Day 5 – Hancock and Weano Gorge then drive to Tom Price

We’ll pack up camp this morning before heading out to 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.

In the afternoon we’ll say goodbye to Karijini and head for Tom Price where we will spend a night in cabins at Tom Price Caravan Park. A little break away from your tents.

Meals: BLD

Day 6 – Mt Jarndunmunha (Mt Nameless) and Cheela Plains

We can walk directly from our camp to climb Mt Jarndunmunha this morning or guests can go on an optional mine site tour (Tom Price was essentially built by Rio Tinto to house it’s employees and their families) . It’s a fairly steady ascent all the way to the summit but the views over Tom Price and surrounds are great.

After lunch we’ll have a look around Tom Price before heading for a true outback station stay at Cheela Plains where we will be amazed by the night sky of the desert on an included astronomy tour.

Accommodation: Cheela Plains Station Stay.

Meals: BLD

Day 7 – Drive to Exmouth

Time to rest the legs on a travel day. Western Australia is a big place so it will take us much of the day to get across to Exmouth. On route we will take a drive up through the spectacular Charles Knife Canyon.

We will arrive with time to set up the tents one more time and then watch the sun set into the Indian Ocean.

Accommodation: Yardi Homestead Caravan Park

Meals: BLD

Day 8 – Optional Whale shark or snorkelling tours

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: Yardi Homestead Caravan Park

Meals: BD

Day 9 – Cape Range National Park

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: Yardi Homestead Caravan Park

Meals: BLD

Day 10 – Ningaloo Reef Snorkel

Our last day! We will get you to the airport in time for your flight but not without the opportunity to have one last snorkel and swim on Ningaloo Reef. After heading back to the campsite for a quick shower and lunch we will have you on the plane back to Perth feeling amazing with a great sense of achievement and a fabulous set of memories.

Please book flights 3:15pm or later to return to Perth.

Meals: B, L

2019 Tours – Fly out of Exmouth (Learmonth)

Tour 1: 17 – 26. Apr 2019 – Fly out 26th April 2019
Tour 2: 30. Apr – 9. May 2019 – Fly out 9th May 2019
Tour 3: 22 – 31. May 2019 – Fly out 31st May
Tour 4: 4 – 13. Jun 2019 – Fly out 13th June

2020 Tours: Fly out of Exmouth (Learmonth)

Tour 1: 2 – 11. May 2020 – Fly out 11 May 2019
Tour 2: 15 – 24. May 2020 – Fly out 24 May 2019
Tour 3: 28. May – 6. Jun 2020 – Fly out 6 June 2019
Tour 4: 10 – 19. Jun 2020 – Fly out 19 June 2019
Tour 5: 23. Jun – 2. Jul 2020 – Fly out 2 July 2019
Tour 6: 6 – 15. Jul 2020 – Fly out 15 July 2019
Tour 7: 20 – 29. Jul 2020 – Fly out 29 July 2019

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

Details about accommodation, what to bring, transportation, food, etc. See the PDF file for printing

Accommodation

This is one of our two camping tours (the other one is the Kimberley). Each night we camp in designated campgrounds, staying between one and five nights at each location.

All camping equipment is provided, except sleeping bags and pillows. The tents are spacious four person tents, which will be used for one or two people if you are coming as a couple. A thick self inflating mattress is provided to sleep on as well as a knee high stretcher bed. If you’ve never put up a tent before, don’t worry, we’ll help you become an expert in no time.

There are long-drop toilets in Karijini and flushing toilets in Exmouth. Showers are available all the way There is also ample opportunity for swimming on most days.

The only washing machines are at Tom Price caravan park and Exmouth. Water is available for bucket washing of clothes. We find that clothes get so dirty and dusty you might as well keep wearing the same ones!

What to bring

Luggage: Due to health and safety requirements, please limit your luggage to one small-medium sized, soft sided bag per person – it has to be loaded and unloaded many times. 12 kg should be sufficient. If you’re travelling as a couple, please pack two smaller bags rather than one large one. Sleeping bag, pillow, day pack and walking poles can be additional to your main luggage bag.

Suggested items to pack for your tour:

Pillow, sleeping bag and sleeping sheet (in a sturdy plastic bag if they don’t fit in your luggage);
Day-pack – one with a waist strap is best to help take some weight off your shoulders;
Shorts or trousers and shirts for walking – lightweight and quick-dry material are best;
Casual clothing for evenings and rest days;
Warm clothing in case of cold evenings and mornings – jumper, tracksuit pants, beanie;
Waterproof jacket;
Walking socks;
Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or boots (ankle support is recommended as many surfaces are rocky and uneven);
Reef sandals or shoes for walking in water. Make sure they have good grip even when they’re wet;
Ankle gaiters/sock protectors suitable for hot weather (not plastic);
Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (and consider your clothing);
Bathers and small swimming towel (lightweight so you can easily carry them);
Bath towel;
Toiletries, hand sanitiser and personal medication;
Reliable headlamp with spare batteries (much better than a torch because you can use both hands when wearing a headlamp);
Any preferred first aid supplies such as blister treatment (your guides will carry a first-aid kit);
Water bottle/s – 2 to 3 litre capacity;
Fly net (to go over hat);
Insect Repellent;
Camera and charger/batteries (You can use your battery charger on the bus while we are driving). A waterproof camera is great for the many swimming holes;
Walking poles if you use them;
A lunch container so your sandwich doesn’t get squashed;
Snacks for the walks if desired.

At this time of year (May/June) the days are typically clear and warm (average max 25 to 29°C) and the nights are usually mild but can get quite cold (average min 11 to 14°C).

Not Included:

Travel insurance (recommended)
Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls etc)
Alcohol and carbonated drinks
Pre and post tour accommodation
Flights

Food

You will be surprised at just how good the food is despite our remoteness and lack of facilities. Breakfast comprises cereals, fruit and toast, with the occasional cooked breakfast thrown in. Lunch is cold meats and salads as sandwiches, rolls or wraps. Dinner is a simple but yummy two course meal.

In addition, morning tea is provided and fresh fruit is available at all times. We are not allowed to have campfires in either of the national parks; food is cooked on gas stoves. All eating utensils are provided.

You may bring a small amount of alcohol with you, either in casks or cans – we can’t take glass. There will be an opportunity to purchase alcohol and other supplies during the tour when we stay in Tom Price. There is very limited capacity for cooling drinks.

Transport

The tour starts in Paraburdoo and finishes in Exmouth. Transport throughout the tour is via our air conditioned 21 seater coach (though we only take 15 guests)

Flights to Paraburdoo are operated by Qantas. We will pick you up from the airport but talk to us before arranging flights. If you would like us to book your flights, just let us know (no service charge).

Flights from Exmouth are also operated by Qantas. We will drop you at the airport in time for your flight.

This walk includes

Camping and entrance fees

All camping and park entrance fees are included

Emergency support

Wilderness first aid trained guides carry radios, satellite phones and a full first aid kit so you can walk without worry.

Excellent itinerary and planning

Drawn from 14 years experience.

High quality camping equipment

We’ll provide you with a spacious tent, camp bed, mattress, eating utensils and camp chair

Meals prepared in our camp kitchen

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are provided.

Professional guides and experienced outback driver

Our crew will see that your experience is enjoyable, relaxing, safe and extraordinary. Leave the heavy work to us while you soak in the magic.

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 and king/queen beds 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 the team bake some mean cakes. 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

Thank you once again for the great care your team take, making us feel so safe and able to go beyond what we could manage ourselves. I hope to travel with you again…

Jeannie, Pilbara & Karijini 2015

I had a superb holiday which exceeded my expectations in the most unexpected ways, which was perfect. What a delightful group of walkers I had the opportunity to holiday with, all drawn by your attitude and approach which clearly resonates with many people. And wonderful food. Thanks!

Judith, Karijini and Pilbara 2015

Pricing

$2,995 AUD per person ex Paraburdoo

Secure your place with a $350

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.

See why we love Karijini National Park!

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.

Karijini National Park and Ningaloo Reef

Karijini National Park & Ningaloo reef tour at a glance

Highlights of this walk

Walking Tour Itinerary

Fly into Paraburdoo/ Transfer to Tom Price

Day 2 – Tom Price to Karijini + Dales Gorge

Day 3 – Knox Gorge, Kalamina and Joffre Gorge

Day 4 – Mt Bruce

Day 5 – Hancock and Weano Gorge then drive to Tom Price

Day 6 – Mt Jarndunmunha (Mt Nameless) and Cheela Plains

Day 7 – Drive to Exmouth

Day 8 – Optional Whale shark or snorkelling tours

Day 9 – Cape Range National Park

Day 10 – Ningaloo Reef Snorkel

Accommodation

What to bring

Food

Transport

This walk includes

Camping and entrance fees

Emergency support

Excellent itinerary and planning

High quality camping equipment

Meals prepared in our camp kitchen

Professional guides and experienced outback driver

About Walking Tours In General

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

What people have said

Pricing

$2,995 AUD per person ex Paraburdoo

Secure your place with a $350

Money-Back Guarantee

See why we love Karijini National Park!

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