WESTERN AUSTRALIA CORAL COAST 13 days



This itinerary visits cosmopolitan Perth, maritime Fremantle, Nambung Park, Francois Peron and Kalbarri National Park, fun filled Monkey Mia, Shark Bay and Ningaloo Coral Coast Reserve and Cape Range National Park.

Western Australia, covering the western third of the country, is mostly dry Outback. Most people live in the fertile southwest, where you'll find the Margaret River wine region and Perth, the riverside capital. Ningaloo Reef is famous for amazing sea life, especially whale sharks. It's a hidden gem for snorkeling, diving, and ocean adventures.

In the far north, the Kimberley region is home to ancient Aboriginal rock art, the Bungle sandstone domes and Broome, with Cable Beach camels and a pearling industry.

Important detail about this itinerary:

To enjoy the trip and save time, rent a car for a one-way drive to Exmouth, then fly back to Perth. This plan helps you see more without spending hours on dull roads.

Before you go:

DAY 1 - 3

  • Perth the largest city in Western Australia is surrounded by the Indian Ocean on one side and the Australian outback on the other. Perth is known for its glorious beaches, low pollution, green spaces and fine dining experiences, plus the most hours of sunshine in Australia.

  • Arrive at Perth airport and transfer to your hotel. Which neighborhood to stay ?

    • ✅ Top Reasons to Stay in Northbridge:

      • It’s ideal if you want to be in the heart of Perth’s culture, food, and nightlife.

      • Walkable to Everything: Just a 5–10 minute walk to the Perth CBD and the main train station.

        1. Vibrant Dining & Nightlife Scene: Home to Perth’s best Asian eateries, bars, craft breweries, and rooftop venues.

        2. Elizabeth Quay - is a short walk from Northbridge in Perth’s CBD.
          – it’s a riverside precinct with cafes, public art, walking paths, shops and views of the Swan River. You can also catch ferries and river cruises here.

        3. Northbridge has an Urban Energy with a more Local Feel character & personality than the busines-focused CBD.

    • ✅ Top Reasons to Stay in Scarborough (Perth’s beachside suburb) — it's all about ocean views, relaxation, and coastal lifestyle.

      • One of Perth’s top beaches for swimming, surfing, and watching sunsets over the Indian Ocean. It has casual cafés, beachfront bars, yoga studios, and surf shops.

      • Perfect for a quiet beach getaway, just 25 minutes by car or bus from the city center (CBD).

    • ✅ Top Reasons to Stay in Fremantle — discover Australia’s best-preserved 19th-century port.

      • It’s known for its maritime history, Victorian architecture and the largest convict-built prison in Australia.

        • Fremantle Prison (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

          • It's a significant example of a convict-built prison and one of the best-preserved in the world. 

          • Explore eerie tunnels, convict history, and nighttime ghost tours.

        • WA Maritime Museum and the WA Shipwrecks Museum.
          —Home to historic vessels and shipwrecks, including Australia's winning America's Cup yacht, Australia II.

        • Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbor - a backdrop of lively boardwalk restaurants, bars, cafes line the harbor

        • Enjoy the bustling, centrally located, Cappuccino Strip (South Terrace) with al fresco dining and coffee round the clock makes Fremantle a social hub. <Eat and drink>

        • Enjoy Indian Ocean fresh seafood and craft beers.

        • Captain Cook Cruises offers scenic cruises along the Swan River. The one-way cruise from Fremantle's B Shed to Perth’s CBD takes approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes.

        • <Accommodations>

  • Activities <Learn more>

  • Overnight: Perth (3 nights)

  • Distance: Perth ---> Fremantle. 30 minutes

DAY 4

  • Start the day early and head north to the Lancelin Sand Dunes. An early departure helps avoid feeling rushed on busy days.

  • Lancelin Sand Dunes: Experience the vast white sand dunes, ideal for sandboarding & panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

  • Highlights:

    • Massive White Sand Dunes: Towering dunes with soft, powdery white sand. The largest in Western Australia, they’re popular for photography and adventure sports.

    • Sandboarding: You can rent sandboards locally from small stands near the dunes.

    • 4WD Adventures: Take a tour on the dunes for a thrilling off-road experience.

    • Ocean Views: Climb the higher dunes for sweeping views of the Indian Ocean.

  • Continue to Nambung National Park (The Pinnacles Desert): Explore the unique limestone formations known as the Pinnacles, set against a backdrop of golden sands and clear blue skies.

    • Thousands of limestone pillars rise up to 4m out of the stark landscape of yellow sand. Some are jagged, sharp-edged columns, others resemble tombstones.

    • A four (4) km one-way loop track winds through the Pinnacles Desert and the many pull-over bays give visitors the opportunity to get out and explore the desert on foot.

  • Fuel: Ensure your gas tank is full each day, as fuel stations can be sparse in remote area.

  • Overnight: Geraldton

    Distance:

  • Perth —> Lancelin Dunes, 90 minutes

  • Lancelin Dunes —> Nambung :Park, 1 hour

  • Nambung Park —> Geraldton, 3 hours

Kalbarri coastline trail map

DAY 5

  • It’s essential to leave early—ideally at sunrise. Because of the long drive , starting at sunrise gives you time to enjoy scenic stops without feeling rushed.

  • First stop is Hutt Lagoon. A unique photo opportunity.

    • Hutt Lagoon, ("Pink Lake") is a striking natural wonder located near the town of Port Gregory. Situated approximately 1-hour north of Geraldton and 45 minutes south of Kalbarri.

    • The pink hue is created by the presence of algae.

  • Discover the Kalbarri coastline. If you have only a couple of hours or less to explore the Kalbarri coastline trails, here are a few options tailored to your timeframe:

    • Option 1: Natural Bridge to Island Rock Walk (1.8 km return, 30–60 minutes)

      • This short, easy walk links two of Kalbarri's iconic coastal formations: Natural Bridge and Island Rock. The trail offers accessible via a boardwalk, making it suitable for all fitness levels. This section provides a high scenic payoff in a short amount of time.

    • Option 2: Eagle Gorge Lookout Walk (1 km return, ~30 minutes)

      • A short, rewarding hike with beautiful coastal views leading to the quiet Eagle Beach. It’s the starting point of the Bigurda Trail. The trail is steep and rocky, so wear sturdy shoes. 👍 Great for a quick, scenic trip.

    • Option 3: Mushroom Rock to Rainbow Valley Loop (1.5 km loop, ~1 hour)

      • This loop trail links Mushroom Rock and Rainbow Valley, offering interpretive signs that highlight botanical and geological features. The walk is relatively easy and provides insights into the area's unique landscape.

  • Afterwards continue to Monkey Mia.

    • The town of Denham is where you will find good and services, approx. 15 minutes from Monkey Mia.

  • Overnight: Monkey Mia. ( 2 nights) Best lodging is Monkey Mia Resort.

  • Distance:

    • Geraldton —> Kalbarri coastline

    • Kalbarri —> Monkey Mia , 4 hrs.

    • If your a avid hiker consider a Extra Day visiting Kalbarri National Park - known for its stunning red colored river gorges and surf pounded coastal cliffs. <Map>

    • Kalbarri Park brochure.

    • The Loopand the Z-Bend Gorge are two (2) impressive gorges.

      The walk around the Loop, starts at Nature’s Window takes 6 hours.

    • Directions to the starting point.

      Z Bend trail is a easy 2.5 km roundtrip trail.

      Directions to the starting point.

    • Bigurda Trail - lookouts dot the impressive coastal trail south of Kalbarri town.

    • The trail (8 km one-way) follows the cliff tops between Eagle Gorge and Natural Bridge.

    • Make arrangement to be dropped off at Eagle Gorge and hike south along the coastal cliffs for 3 to 5 hours, finishing up at the Natural Bridge and then be picked up rather than returning back.

    • From July to November you may spot migrating whales. text goes here.

    • Bush flies are most active at Kalbarri National Park during the hotter months, especially from October to April, with a peak in late spring and summer (November to March) description.

    • They swarm around your face, they do not bite but persist.

    • They occur in large numbers and difficult to shoo away !

    • Consider wearing a head net. < Shop>

  • <Map and Information>

    <The coastal town of Kalbarri makes for a perfect base for visiting Kalbarri Park>

kalbarri-1922205__340.jpg

Kalbarri National Park FAQ’S

 
andy-t-5tGiaWu1QQs-unsplash.jpg

ℹ️ READ MORE ABOUT SHARK BAY

sunset-2707843_1920.jpg

LOCATION OF SKIPJACK POINT

DAYS 6-7


DAY 7 - 10

  • Depart Monkey Mia and drive to the Ningaloo Reef region. It’s an uninteresting 6-hour journey.

    • Keep an eye on your fuel gauge—petrol stations are few and far between.

    • We suggest four (4) relaxing days in the Ningaloo Reef region.

  • If time allows, consider a quick stop at Coral Bay.

    • It's a small beach town famous for clear water and lots of sea animals. It has the biggest group of manta rays in Western Australia, and you can swim with them.

    • At Coral Bay, you can walk straight off the beach to snorkel at the reef. <Things to do>

    • Afterward continue to Exmouth, the main Ningaloo hub. (Coral Bay is 2 hours south)

water-1283152_1920.jpg

Protected area from Coral Bay to Exmouth

  • The Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area is regarded as one of the last great ocean paradises in the world. It is 270 km. long and is Australia's largest fringing coral reef and positioned very close to a landmass.

  • The Ningaloo Reef stretches from Coral Bay to Exmouth. <Learn More>

  • Discover “things to do” in Exmouth and at Ningaloo Marine Park. —Exmouth offers all the essential services travelers need:

    • Accommodations, restaurants, shops, fuel stations, car hire, tour operators and visitor center are all here.

    • Exmouth is a popular hub for water sports, known for its incredibly rich marine life.

    • Best tour operators to capture the ocean life: Three Islands and Kings Ningaloo Reef Tours

 

  • Exmouth, located on Western Australia's Coral Coast, is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. This pristine marine environment offers a plethora of tours that allow visitors to experience its vibrant underwater world and diverse marine life. Here are some of the top tours you can embark on in Ningaloo Reef:

    🐋 Whale Shark Swimming Tours (March–August)

    Swimming with whale sharks, the world's largest fish, is a highlight of any visit to Ningaloo Reef. Here are some reputable operators offering this unforgettable experience:

    • Ningaloo Whale Shark Swim: Offers tours with their own spotter plane, enhancing the chances of locating whale sharks. They provide a high crew-to-guest ratio and a sighting guarantee, ensuring a personalized and safe experience.

    • Live Ningaloo: Specializes in intimate tours with a maximum of 10 guests, allowing for more time in the water and personalized attention. Their tours are led by marine scientists, providing educational insights into the marine ecosystem.

    • Three Islands Whale Shark Dive: Known for their full-day snorkel tours, they offer a comprehensive experience with complimentary photos and a spotter plane to locate whale sharks.

    • Kings Ningaloo Reef Tours: a sighting guarantee, offering a free repeat tour or partial refund if no whale sharks are sighted. They also include professional photography services.

    🐢 Kayak & Snorkel Adventures (Year-Round)

    For those seeking a more active exploration of Ningaloo Reef, kayaking and snorkeling tours offer an immersive experience:

    • Exmouth Adventure Co: Offers a variety of tours, including the "Coral by Kayak" half-day tour and the "Lagoon Explorer" full-day tour, allowing participants to paddle over coral gardens and snorkel in vibrant marine habitats.

    • Turtle Tour – Half Day Sea Kayak & Snorkel: This tour focuses on observing turtles in their natural habitat within the Bundegi Sanctuary Zone, combining kayaking with snorkeling opportunities.

    • Multi-Day Expeditions: For a more extended adventure, consider multi-day kayaking and snorkeling expeditions that include camping along the coast, offering a deeper connection with the natural environment.

    🐠 Snorkeling & Diving Tours (Year-Round)

    Ningaloo Reef's rich biodiversity makes it a prime location for snorkeling and diving:

    • Ningaloo Discovery: Provides eco-certified snorkeling tours, allowing participants to explore the reef's vibrant marine life in a sustainable manner.

    • Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo: Offers a range of diving experiences suitable for all skill levels, including dives at the renowned Exmouth Navy Pier and Lighthouse Bay.

    🐋 Humpback Whale Tours (July–October)

    During the humpback whale migration season, several operators offer tours to observe and swim with these majestic creatures:

    • Ningaloo Whale Shark Swim: Extends their offerings to include humpback whale interaction tours, providing opportunities to swim with these gentle giants under guided supervision.

    🐠 Miscellaneous Tours: (Year-round)

 

<Detailed Map of Ningaloo Coast>

DAYS 11-12

  • Continue to explore the Ningaloo Marine Coast.

  • Ningaloo Reef is filled with vibrant marine life just steps from the shore. Sheltered by the reef’s outer edge, a shallow, clear lagoon invites snorkelers of all ages and skill levels to explore its thriving underwater world.

    • Best Beach: Turquoise beach, Lakeside beach and Osprey beach.

    • Best Snorkeling: Turquoise beach-drift area and Oyster Stacks.

      • Oyster Stacks — The shallow waters do mean that Oyster Stacks should only be snorkeled at high tide, when there is sufficient water to cover the reef.

  • Ningaloo Ecology cruises.

  • Cape Range National Park - a spectacular place of rugged limestone ranges, breathtaking deep canyons such as Yardie Creek surrounded by pristine beaches, in particular Turquoise Bay.

    • Ningaloo Safari Tours - runs guided tours daily to explore the Cape Range Park.

    • A popular 1-hr tour is the Yardi Creek Boat tour. Cruise the tranquil waters of Yardie Creek gorge. Navigate through shear limestone cliffs in search of the timid black-flanked rock wallaby and majestic osprey.

  • Flights between Learmonth (LEA) to Perth (PER) are operated by Qantas Airways, offering convenient options for travelers.

  • Distance:

    • Exmouth —> Tantabiddi Boat Ramp or Turquoise beach, 50 minutes.

    • Exmouth —> Learmouth airport, 35 minutes

    • Exmouth —> Perth, 1300 km (best option is to fly back to Perth)

DAY 13

CORAL BAY-PROS AND CONS

Coral Bay and the Exmouth region both offer access to the stunning Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, but they provide very different tourist experiences.

<Read more about the key differences>

NINGALOO-PROS AND CONS

 

NATIONAL PARKS VISITOR GUIDE BROCHURES:

image1.jpg
 
faq (1).png

  • FAQ’s

    1. What is the time difference between Australia and the USA.?

    The west coast of Australia is 12 hours ahead of the east coast of the US, and 15 hours ahead of the west coast of the USA.

    Both countries operate daylight savings time during their summer months.

    2. What currency is used in Australia?

    Australian currency ($A) is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = A$1). Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 denominations. Coins come in $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c denominations.

    3. What Credit Cards can I use in Australia?

    The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, MasterCard, Visa and JCB.

    4. What is the electrical current for Australia ?

    The electrical current in Australia is TYPE I, 240/250 volts, AC 50Hz. The Australian three pin power outlet is different from that in North America so you will need an adapter socket. If your appliances are not 240/250 volts you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 11OV appliances are usually found in leading hotels.

    5. How should I obtain cash in Australia?

    Nearly all Australian ATMs accept USA bank cards, the rate of exchange is very competitive and the transaction is small (the fee will vary from bank to bank)

    6. Do I need to get any specific vaccinations before entering Australia?

    Vaccinations are NOT required unless you have come from, or visited, a yellow fever infected country or zone within six days before arrival. No other health certificate is required to enter Australia.

    7. Is all water safe to drink in Australia?

    Yes, it is safe to drink tap water anywhere in Australia. Bottled water is available throughout the country.

    8. What precautions should I take to protect myself from the sun in Australia?

    The sun in Australia is extremely strong, especially in summer (December – February). Wear a hat to protect your face and sunglasses to protect your eyes and a minimum SPF15+ to prevent sunburn.

You can search for your hotel at booking.com

Search for your hotel

 
image1.png
 
sharon-mccutcheon-665638-unsplash.jpg

Average cost:

(EXCLUDING AIRFARE)

$$$ USD for two (2) people

Budget: $5,500

Moderate: $6,500

Luxury: $7,600 +

 
image1.jpg

🌤️ Climate Guide:

 
 
 

Western Australia Coral Coast Map

Coral Reef Gallery

🎬 Video

 
 
Sources: wikepedia.org, wikitravel.org
No copyright infringement is intended on this website by travelwildnow.com