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. – 10 Days ex Paraburdoo, challenging terrain, 75km

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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.

As this tour takes us to some remote places it is one of our comfortable camping-based tours. Each guest will stay in a semi permanent tent, with a cosy camping bed.

*Please note the departure from the 12 - 21 April 2023 will increase in price to $3,699pp. This is due to the once in a lifetime Ningaloo Eclipse – 2023 Total Solar Eclipse which our guests will have front row seats to! At 11:27am on April 20 2023, the shadow of the moon will graze the tip of Western Australia in a 40-kilometre wide track, as it travels over the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo region near Exmouth, making it the most accessible land-based place on Earth to view the spectacle.

Karijini National Park & Ningaloo reef tour at a glance

10 days / 9 nights comfortable camping
Starts in Paraburdoo and finishes in Exmouth
Semi permanent tents and comfy camping beds
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

Highlights of this walk

Enjoy walking, swimming in the gorges of Karijini National Park and Ningaloo Reef on this guided tour. Our tours start in Karijini and then head 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. Starting in Karijini we will walk, swim and explore through many ancient gorges, then it’s off to Cheela Plains station stay for a ridgee didge outback station stay, 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.

Day 1 - Arrival Day. Fly into Paraburdoo drive to Karijini National Park

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

Day 2 – Kalamina Gorge, Karijini Visitors Centre and Dales Gorge

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

Day 3 – 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 4 – Hancock and Weano Gorge

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

Day 5 – Walk to Joffre gorge, drive to Cheela Plains (via Tom Price)

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.

Accommodation: Cheela Plains Station Stay

Meals: BLD

Day 6 – 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.

We will arrive with time to watch the sun set into the Indian Ocean.

Accommodation: Yardie Homestead Caravan Park

Meals: BLD

Day 7 – 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: Yardie Homestead Caravan Park

Meals: BD

Day 8 – Yardie creek walk and snorkel turquoise

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

Day 9 – Charles knife canyon and snorkel Oyster stacks

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

Day 10 – Departure day

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 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.

Meals: B

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

Accommodation

This is one of our two comfortable camping tours (the other one is the Kimberley). Each night we camp in designated campgrounds. Due to flight availability, some departures stay overnight in a motel in Tom Price and/or Exmouth but all departures will still get to experience all the sites on our itinerary.

All camping equipment is provided, except sleeping bags and pillows. The tents are semi permenant spacious four person tents, which will be used for one or two people if you are coming as a couple. A mattress is provided to sleep on as well as a knee high stretcher bed.

There are flushing toilets and showers at all of our accommodations, however during the day when we are out and about long-drop toilets will be available. There is also ample opportunity for swimming on most days.

The only washing machines are at Cheela Plains and accommodation in Exmouth. Water is available for bucket washing of clothes in Karijini if required. 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 at Karijini Eco Retreat (small selection served at bar and expensive) and on our way through Tom Price (bottle shop) and Exmouth (bottle shop). There is very limited capacity for cooling drinks.

Transport

The tour starts in Paraburdoo and finishes in Exmouth. Transport throughout the tour is via an air conditioned coach.

Flights to Paraburdoo are operated by Qantas. When booking, we will specify your arrival flight which you will need to book. We will pick you up from the airport and off we go….

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 22 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 place you in a room with someone of the same gender. If you have opted for a single supplement, this means you will have your own room but we won't always be able to guarantee your own bathroom and king/queen bed 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, but we welcome all adults on our tours. 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

From $3,099.00 AUD per person

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!

Ask about this tour:

If you would like to book this tour, or just want to learn a bit more about it, please fill in the enquiry form below and we will get back to you to confirm availability or to answer your questions.

With multiple departure dates, write about your chosen month in the Question box

Other ways to get in touch

1300 544 882
walk@inspirationoutdoors.com.au

Check availability / book now

What happens after I book?

After you have filled in a registration form, we will send you all 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?

If you need to cancel your tour;

85 days or more, you will be refunded all monies paid, less a $50 administration fee.
42 to 84 days prior to departure, you will lose your deposit
28 to 41 days: 25% of full tour cost
14 to 27 days: 50% of full tour cost
less than 14 days: 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

Day 1 - Arrival Day. Fly into Paraburdoo drive to Karijini National Park

Day 2 – Kalamina Gorge, Karijini Visitors Centre and Dales Gorge

Day 3 – Mt Bruce

Day 4 – Hancock and Weano Gorge

Day 5 – Walk to Joffre gorge, drive to Cheela Plains (via Tom Price)

Day 6 – Drive to Exmouth

Day 7 – Optional Whale shark or snorkelling tours

Day 8 – Yardie creek walk and snorkel turquoise

Day 9 – Charles knife canyon and snorkel Oyster stacks

Day 10 – Departure day

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

From $3,099.00 AUD per person

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