Autopia Tours: Perth to Exmouth Explorer 7 Day (Basic Shared Accommodation)

This fare price is (Per Person) suitable for Adults 18+ over in a Shared Dormitory Room. Not suitable for children 17 years and under.

TOUR CODE: PXR7-B --- Basic Hostel Accommodation (Dormitory Share)

OPERATES: Fridays (all year round), Mondays (Magg

TOUR DURATION: 7 Days / 6 Nights

MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: Criterion Hotel, 560 Hay Street, Perth @ 7:25am

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Wonder at the limestone outcrops of The Pinnacles in Nambung National Park
• Uncover the beauty and adventure of Kalbarri National Park and valley views from the Skywalk
• Early morning hike to Nature’s Window, The Z-Bend and cliff top views of Murchison Gorge
• Visit the World Heritage Listed Shark Bay, to experience a wild dolphin encounter at Monkey Mia
• Stroll along Shell Beach made entirely of tiny white cockle shells and oldest living fossils, The Stromatolites
• Snorkel the Ningaloo Reef and discover the underwater world of Coral Bay
• Opportunity to swim with Manta Rays or Whalesharks
• Relax & unwind in the clear waters of Turquoise Bay

ITINERARY:

Discover why Western Australia is a nature lovers’ paradise. Become an Exmouth Explorer and experience the many wonders of the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef. As you journey through the idyllic West Coast you will experience a totally different side to Australia, a region many are yet to discover!

Start your adventure in the most remote capital city of Perth before heading north into the nature lovers’  paradise that is  Western Australia. Hike down to the banks of the Murchison River and peek through  Nature’s  Window into an ancient gorge.  For those seeking a unique view over the gorge, there’ll also be an opportunity to test your abseil skills  (own expense).  A visit to the World Heritage Listed region of Shark Bay will leave you in awe of the beauty of nature.  Here you can marvel at a beach made entirely of tiny shells, meet the world’s oldest living fossils, the stromatolites, and witness dolphins playing just offshore at Monkey Mia.    

The region is not only home to around 2000 dolphins but also turtles, dugongs, kangaroos, and emus!  Be amazed by your visit to the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef, known for its diverse marine life, manta  rays, and whale shark visitors!  Stay overnight in Coral Bay, a town right by the beach which boasts coral so close to shore you can swim out to view it.  Or join a tour in search of whale sharks or manta rays.  Whether you choose to join a boat tour or simply relax on the beach, the pristine beaches and turquoise waters here will leave a truly lasting impression.     

We follow the road as far north as Exmouth Cape, a place where rugged mountains flow almost down to  the sea.  Stand atop Vlamingh Head at the lighthouse for views over the reef and ranges.  In spring, you  may even spot the migrating humpback and whalesharks as they go by.  Complete your tour of the  Cape  with a visit to the snorkelling haven of Turquoise Bay. From  Exmouth, we make our way back down towards Perth stopping for many comfort breaks and seaside stops. Take this last opportunity for you to solidify new friendships and reflect on your adventure together.

Day 1: Perth - Kalbarri

Kick off your adventure with a guided tour through the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, before enjoying lunch by the sea at Jurien Bay and journey up Indian Ocean Drive for some stunning coastal views.  Stopping off at the must-see attraction just outside of Geraldton, known as the Pink Lake located off the coral coast highway (conditions permitting). Then it’s on to the seaside town of Kalbarri for our overnight accommodation.  Meals: Lunch & Dinner. Accom: Kalbarri YHA Backpackers Shared Dormitory (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative. Driving Distance: 575km. Hike Distance: 2km Grade 1-2.

Day 2: Kalbarri - Monkey Mia

Rise early for a magical start to the day, with a photo opportunity at sunrise at either Nature’s Window or the Kalbarri Skywalk. Visit the marvels of The Murchison Gorge and Z-Bend in Kalbarri National Park where water has carved its way through sandstone. Witness bright pops of colour here during wildflower season (spring). After lunch by the River mouth in Kalbarri we travel on towards Monkey Mia with plenty of comfort stops along the way before arriving at our accommodation by the beach. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch* & Dinner (*Lunch included from 01Apr2024). Accom: RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Backpackers Shared Dormitory (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative. Options: Kalbarri Abseiling Z-Bend (payable onboard). Driving Distance: 450km. Hike Distance: 3km Grade 3-4.

Day 3: Monkey Mia - Coral Bay

This morning meet the famous Monkey Mia Dolphins and get some amazing photos. Enjoy chill-out time on the beach here or enjoy a coffee at the restaurant before we get back on the road in the morning. Check out the spectacular cliff views overlooking Denham at Eagle Bluff. Take a stroll along a beach made entirely of tiny shells followed by lunch. Before heading off to settling into our accommodation in Coral Bay, located right on the famous Ningaloo Reef. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Accom: Ningaloo Coral Bay Backpackers Shared Dormitory (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative. Driving Distance: 580km. Hike Distance: 2km Grade 1. 

Day 4: Coral Bay - Exmouth

You’ll have most of the day to explore the Ningaloo Reef, Australia’s largest Fringe reef, at your own leisure. Choose to join a boat tour or enjoy free time to experience the beautiful beaches Coral Bay has to offer. Go for a stroll on the beach and check out the shark nursery, swim with the manta rays (additional cost), or go for a snorkel on the Ningaloo Reef only metres from shore. This evening we take the short drive up the peninsula to Exmouth and check into our accommodation for two nights in the town centre. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Accom: Potshot Hotel Resort Backpackers Shared Dormitory (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative. Options: Swim with Manta Rays, Snorkel Ningaloo Reef, Glass Bottom Boat Tours. Driving Distance: 155km Grade 1.

Day 5: Exmouth

Today we drive through the Cape Range National Park, a spectacular place of rugged limestone ranges, breathtaking deep canyons and 50km of pristine beaches. Relax on the beach or choose to go snorkelling at the stunning Turquoise Bay,  before finishing the tour in the early afternoon in time for lunch. Free time in the afternoon to explore the township of Exmouth only a 500 meter walk from our accommodation or sit back and enjoy the pool at our accommodation. Or choose to join a whaleshark or humpback swim tour and spend the day meeting some of the Ningaloo Reef’s most famous visitors (at guests' own expense and seasonal).  Visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse at sunset.  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner. Accom: Potshot Hotel Resort Backpackers Shared Dormitory (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative. Options:  Whaleshark (Mar-Sep) or Megafauna Humpback / Whaleshark swim (Aug-Oct) (pre-booking required). Driving Distance: 135km. Hike Distance: 1km Grade 1-2.

Day 6: Exmouth - Geraldton

Visit the town of Carnarvon and one of the local banana or mango plantations (seasonal). Enjoy lunch on the waterfront of Carnarvon, before stopping off for a photo opportunity overlooking the Murchison River. 

Refreshments stop along the way at Billabong for coffee & ice-creams. Before arriving at our final overnight destination in Geraldton. The group will enjoy their final dinner together at The Murchison Tavern after a long day of driving, (meals available at guests' own expense).  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Accom: Geraldton Backpackers on the Foreshore Shared Dormitory (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative. Driving Distance: 840km.

Day 7: Geraldton - Perth

Enjoy the HMAS Sydney Memorial with stunning views of Geraldton. Take a walk along the 3 bay walk at Green Head before wandering amongst Stromatolites of Lake Thetis. Have a lavender ice cream at the Yanchep Lavender farm before kicking back on the bus as we head into Perth with drop off starting around 6:00pm. Meals: Breakfast. Driving Distance: 465km

INCLUSIONS:

• 6 Nights’ dorm share accommodation - with shared bathroom (Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, Coral Bay, Exmouth x2, Geraldton)
• Includes 6 x Breakfast, 4 x Lunch, 5 x Dinner
• Admission to all National Parks
• Dolphin experience fees
• Guided walks (up to ~8km, grade 1-4)
• Australian wildlife sightings, in the wild!
• Hosted by an experienced driver-guide
• Air-conditioned mini-coach travel
• Comprehensive local tour commentary
• Selected Perth pick-up/drop-offs points

• Any meals not indicated within the itinerary - plenty of opportunity will be provided to purchase food along the way or dine out with the group
• Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
• Optional activities and/or tours, and hire equipment extra.
• Travel insurance is highly recommended
• Personal expense

WHAT TO BRING:

2L Refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, towel & toiletries, bathers or swimwear, all-weather clothing (extreme conditions day/night), comfortable sturdy hiking shoes, closed shoes, 15kg overnight bag & small day pack, flashlight, headlamp or torch, insect repellent & camera, recharge power bank, money for snack and meals, a sense of adventure.

CHILD POLICY: 

This fare price is (Per Person) suitable for Adults 18+ over in a Shared Dormitory Room. Children aged between 6 to 17 years old are required to stay in standard private accommodation and must be accompanied by a legal guardian or adult. Private accommodation upgrades are available on a different product listing, subject to availability. This tour is not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under.

WEATHER:

The weather in Western Australia can be extreme. It is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 40+ degrees Celsius in summer and can get below zero overnight in winter. Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• Mandatory passenger details are required at the time of booking: date of birth, and phone number.
• While we endeavor to cater to most dietary needs, passengers MUST advise their booking agent at the time of booking. The tour operator must also be notified of any food allergies or known medical conditions at the time of booking.
• A moderate to advanced level of fitness is required to complete the walks. The length of walks will be between 2km to 3km each day, often over steep rocky sections and in direct sunlight and high humidity. An approximately 8km of walking is included in this tour. Embarking on the hikes will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure safety of guests. Therefore a medium/high level of fitness is required and doctors certificate is required for people over 70 years (30 days prior to travel).
• This fare price is (Per Person) suitable for Adults or Children in a Double/Twin/Single Room.
• Children aged between 6 to 17 years old, must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times and must stay in private twin rooms. Not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under.
• All private rooms are subject to availability and on-request, not available during school holidays.
• Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 15kg travel bag, 1 x 5kg day bag. Not suitable for mobility impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers or strollers.
• Itineraries may need to vary, potentially at short notice, to adapt to seasonal changes, and occasionally sites in the parks close or do not allow swimming. As safety is our top priority we plan accordingly to ensure our guests have the most fun and best experience possible while on tour.
• Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean up, and vehicle unpacking/loading, so everyone can relax together after a long day touring. It’s also a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers.