Perth to Exmouth & Return with Monkey Mia & Ningaloo Reef

Perth to Exmouth & Return with Monkey Mia & Ningaloo Reef is a 7-day journey through some of Western Australia’s most iconic sights, all for $1,184 per person. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour takes you from the bustling city of Perth into the heart of the Coral Coast, where you’ll encounter surreal landscapes like the Pinnacles, explore national parks with dramatic gorges, and snorkel in the world-famous Ningaloo Reef. Along the way, you’ll also visit the charming Monkey Mia to see dolphins, relax at Hamelin Pool with ancient stromatolites, and enjoy a farm stay experience that offers genuine country hospitality.

What we love most about this tour? First, the diversity of landscapes and experiences—from the otherworldly limestone spires of the Pinnacles to the vibrant marine life at Ningaloo Reef, you’re never far from a new visual or adventure. Second, the small group size (limited to just 16 travelers) means a more intimate, flexible experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and really connect with the guide.

A consideration? The tour involves quite a bit of driving, so if you’re sensitive to long hours on the road, this might feel a bit tiring. Also, since some activities like swimming with whale sharks or abseiling are optional and not included, budget and planning for extras could be necessary.

This tour suits travelers who crave authentic experiences, enjoy wilderness and wildlife, and prefer the convenience of a guided trip that minimizes planning. It’s especially good for those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and a mix of scenic stops and local insights.

Key Points

• Diverse Landscapes: From the Pinnacles’ limestone spires to Kalbarri’s gorges and Ningaloo’s coral reefs, each stop offers a unique scenic highlight.
• Wildlife Encounters: Get close with dolphins at Monkey Mia and snorkel with turtles and manta rays at Ningaloo Reef.
• Authentic Experiences: Enjoy a farm stay, feeding animals and listening to local stories, adding a genuine touch to your adventure.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Steve impress with their knowledge and flexibility, making the trip both educational and enjoyable.
• Value for Money: The tour includes most meals, entrance fees, and memorable activities like wildlife parks and lighthouse sunsets.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups create a more personalized experience, fostering better interaction and comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Perth to Kalbarri

We start by heading north along the scenic Coral Coast, with the first key stop at Nambung National Park to see The Pinnacles. These eerie limestone formations, rising from the desert sands, instantly create a sense of otherworldliness. It’s a perfect spot for photos and marveling at natural oddities. The guide will likely share insights into how these ancient structures formed, making it more than just a pretty sight.

Next, we visit Geraldton, a historic port city known for its rock lobster, pearls, and shipwrecks. If timing allows, there’s a chance to see the Pink Lake, a seasonal marvel with its vibrant hue. After a day of travel and exploration, we settle into Kalbarri for the night, where the chance to relax and prepare for the adventures ahead is welcomed.

Day 2: Kalbarri National Park to Shark Bay

Kalbarri’s rugged gorges and river valleys are a highlight, especially the iconic Natures Window. This natural rock formation frames the landscape like a picture, offering spectacular views and great photo ops. For the more adventurous, abseiling options are available, adding a thrill to the day.

As we leave Kalbarri, we head into the Shark Bay area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the landscape shifts dramatically—red cliffs, expansive beaches, and salt flats. The Hamelin Pool area is famous for its 3-billion-year-old stromatolites, living fossils that give a glimpse into the earliest life forms on Earth. Watching these microbial structures in the quiet of the bay is a humbling experience.

Day 3: Shark Bay to Coral Bay

The morning is dedicated to the marine marvels of Monkey Mia, where the star of the show is, of course, the dolphins that visit regularly. The guide will tell stories about their history and behaviors, adding depth to the experience of watching these intelligent creatures.

Later, we visit Hamelin Pools to see the stromatolites, ancient microbial structures that have survived for billions of years. It’s a rare chance to witness living fossils and understand Earth’s early biological history.

In the late afternoon, we arrive at Coral Bay, a small coastal town with access to Ningaloo Reef. Sunset here is particularly beautiful, with the sky turning vibrant as the day winds down.

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Day 4: Coral Bay & Ningaloo Reef

This day is dedicated to experiencing the vibrant underwater world of Ningaloo Reef. You can snorkel just meters from the shore, where you’ll see turtles, manta rays, and an astonishing variety of fish and coral. For those wanting a more immersive experience, a boat tour (additional cost) offers the chance to swim with larger marine life, including whale sharks (seasonal), which are among the world’s largest fish and a bucket-list encounter.

The reef’s proximity to land means you don’t need to travel far to enjoy incredible marine biodiversity, making this one of the most accessible coral reefs for snorkeling worldwide.

Day 5: Exmouth & Cape Range National Park

Leaving Coral Bay, we explore Cape Range National Park, where rugged limestone ranges meet sweeping beaches and deep canyons. Here, wildlife like emus, kangaroos, and bustards are common sights. The park offers fantastic hiking opportunities, with scenic spots like Turquoise Bay—perfect for a cooling swim.

For the daring, there’s an optional whale shark swim (additional cost), but if you prefer a more relaxed day, the park’s stunning scenery and wildlife are satisfying enough. We end the day watching the sunset from Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, a peaceful spot with panoramic views over the Indian Ocean.

Day 6: Exmouth to Northbrook Farm

The journey south takes us past Carnarvon, a hub for fresh seafood and tropical produce. It’s a good spot to appreciate the region’s agricultural importance.

The real treat is the farm stay at Northbrook Farm, where you get a taste of authentic country life. Feeding animals, playing farmhand, and listening to local stories under the stars makes for an unforgettable night. This part of the trip offers a slower pace, connecting us with the land and local people.

Day 7: Return to Perth

On our way back, we visit Geraldton to see the HMAS Sydney Memorial, a powerful tribute to the navy ship and its crew. Other highlights include the St Francis Xavier Cathedral and Point Moore Lighthouse, each offering a glimpse into the area’s maritime history.

Before returning to Perth, we stop at Greenough Wildlife and Bird Park to meet rescued animals like dingos, emus, saltwater crocodiles, and orphaned kangaroo joeys. It’s a charming way to close out the trip with up-close animal encounters.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Most of your major activities are included—entrance fees, local guides, and meals—making the price of $1,184 a solid deal given the diverse highlights. The accommodation in hostels and a farm stay keeps costs manageable while still offering authentic experiences.

The tour’s focus on natural wonders, wildlife, and local culture makes it ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of scenic beauty and immersive activities. Its small group size ensures you’re not lost in a crowd, and the knowledgeable guides like Steve receive praise for their friendliness and insight.

What Could Be Improved?

The itinerary involves long travel days, which might feel a bit rushed if you prefer to linger longer at one spot. Also, activities like swimming with whale sharks or abseiling are optional and incur extra costs, so budget planning is wise.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re eager to see some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes with minimal hassle, this trip is perfect. It’s suited for those who appreciate wildlife, stunning scenery, and authentic local experiences, and who don’t mind a few days on the move. It’s not designed for travelers with mobility issues or young children, given the physical nature of some activities and the rugged terrain.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a carefully curated introduction to Western Australia’s diverse landscapes. With highlights like the Pinnacles, Shark Bay, Ningaloo Reef, and farm stay experiences, it balances scenic grandeur with authentic encounters. The small group setting and engaging guides make it a memorable, personal adventure.

For anyone keen on wildlife, breathtaking views, and learning about the land’s history—this trip hits all those marks. It’s a smart choice for travelers who want a well-organized, immersive experience without the stress of planning every detail themselves.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18 due to the physical activities and nature of the trip.

What is included in the price?
Most meals (6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners), entrance fees to parks like Nambung and Kalbarri, wildlife encounters, and accommodations are included.

Are the accommodations comfortable?
They are hostel-style, with multi-share rooms, which are practical and friendly but not luxurious.

Can I bring large luggage?
No, only small soft bags or backpacks (up to 10kg) are allowed, with a small daypack for essentials.

What should I bring?
Sturdy shoes, sun protection, toiletries, swimwear, water bottle, torch, insect repellent, and a power bank are recommended.

Is there free time during the tour?
The itinerary is packed, but some stops offer free time to explore or relax.

What happens if weather cancels activities?
Activities like swimming with whale sharks or snorkeling might be replaced or missed, but guides will do their best to improvise and show you other highlights.

How big are the groups?
Limited to 16 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

What is the best time to take this tour?
While not explicitly stated, seasonal conditions and wildlife sightings (like whale sharks) are factors to consider when planning.

Can I customize the tour?
The itinerary is fixed, but optional activities like swimming with whale sharks are available at extra cost.

In essence, this tour offers a well-rounded, rich experience of Western Australia’s most striking sights, crafted for those eager to see, learn, and connect with the land and sea—all with the comfort of guided organization.

You can check availability for your dates here: