25 Day West Coast Discovery & Kimberley
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
This tour features a combination of escorted and independent travel. Part of your journey will be enjoyed as a group experience, led by expert tour leaders or local guides. The remainder is self-guided—whether by rail, cruise, or overland—allowing you the freedom to travel between destinations independently and explore at your own pace.
✓ Small group tour, up to 20 guests only (Day 13 - 25)
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including the full coast of Western Australia, Cape Leveque, Gibb River Road, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), Manning Falls, El Questro Wilderness Park and the Bungle Bungles
✓ 24 nights accommodation in hotels, motels, permanent tents & camping
✓ 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 10 dinners
✓ 12 days Hertz Group H car rental (Day 1 - 12)
✓ See Kalbarri & its spectacular Coastal Cliffs from the Air on a 20 minute scenic flight
✓ Transportation in purpose built modern 4WD coaches (Day 13 - 25)
✓ Escorted tour guide (Day 13 - 25)
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Today, pick up your vehicle from the local car hire office and depart the city of Perth and travel north along the Indian Ocean Drive to the coastal town of Cervantes and one of Australia's most unique landscapes, the Pinnacles Desert. Cervantes has a number of pristine beaches, within easy walking distance of the town centre, ideal for swimming, boating and windsurfing.
When in Geraldton take some time to visit the Byzantine style St. Xavier Cathedral and the Geraldton Museum, which houses relics from the numerous ships wrecked along this coastline. Geraldton has beautiful beaches, excellent fishing and enticing restaurants.
Suggested Activity: Visit the HMAS Sydney memorial. The Memorial was dedicated on the 18th November 2001 and the Eternal Flamewas lit on the 19th November 2001, 60 years to the day after the tragic loss.
Today you will continue onto Kalbarri, located on the midwest coast. With its pristine beaches and towering coastal cliffs, Kalbarri is a treat for visitors. Once you arrive in Kalbarri let the experiences unwind. You can do everything from abseiling, horse riding, windsurfing or you can simply take time to absorb the wonderful surrounds.
Suggested Activity: A visit to Hutt Lagoon is a must. Hutt Lagoon is a salt lake with a pink hue due to the presence of the carotenoid producing algae, Dunaliella salina, which is a source of beta-carotene, used as a food-colouring agent and source of Vit A. in cosmetics and supplements. The lagoon contains the worlds largest microalgae production plant.
Today, see Kalbarri & its spectacular Coastal Cliffs from the Air! Since much of the Kalbarri Coastal region’s most pleasing scenery is inaccessible by road, our flights offer you the opportunity to witness the wonders of the Mid West at first hand from the best possible vantage point - the air! Taking off from Kalbarri Airport, we fly towards the town and low along the beachfront before heading at cliff top height past the coastal cliffs with their lovely red sedimentary rock colours. On past the surfing beach, we reach Red Bluff, Rainbow Gorge and a series of connecting gorges before returning, past the cliffs and low over the Kalbarri beach strip back to the airport.
Depart Kalbarri and continue north towards Denham and Monkey Mia. Monkey Mia is famous for its Dolphins, beautiful scenery and sparkling blue waters providing spectacular photographic opportunities. These are wild animals that after years of care and understanding come in to be fed of their own accord by the rangers.
Famous for its banana plantations, Carnarvon on Australia's Coral Coast is the southern gateway to the world-famous Ningaloo Reef and provides the ideal base for exploring Mount Augustus and the Kennedy Ranges to the east and coastal stations to the north.
Today you will travel onto Coral Bay, a small holiday resort offering wonderful sandy beaches suitable for swimming. It is situated at the start of the Ningaloo Marine Park, which continues north along the North West Cape. Coral Bay is a good place for snorkelling offering a host of coral and underwater delights.
Suggested Activity: Close encounters of the marine kind can be enjoyed year-round, including spotting or swimming with graceful manta rays, dugongs and turtles. Or take to the skies on a scenic flight and drink in the spectacle from above.
Today is at leisure for you to explore the Coral Bay region. Nature lovers should note that this is one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks and manta rays. If you are travelling between June and October you may even witness the humpback whale migration.
Suggested Activity: If you are in Coral Bay between March and September, you can't leave Coral Bay without swimming with the majestic whale sharks. There are numerous operators offering whale shark experiences, so visit the Coral Bay Visitor Centre or speak to your hotel concierge to book. If the whale sharks aren't in town, spend the day on one of many snorkelling tours or simply walk off the white sand into the Ningaloo Marine Park.
Depart Coral Bay for Karijini National Park, Western Australia's second largest park. Explore ancient rocky tunnels and plunging gorges, paddle through crystal-clear waterways and swim under stunning waterfalls.
Today is at leisure for you to explore the Karijini National Park.
Suggested Activity: Karjini National Park is known for it's crystal clear - and croc free - swimming holes. Within Dale's Gorge on the eastern side of the park, the swimming hole at Fortescue Falls one of the best on offer in the park. From the carpark, it will take about an hour to walk down a staircase and along clear paths to the falls. You can also swim nearby in the refreshing, spring-fed Fern Pool, or tackle the two-hour return hike to picturesque Circular Pool, at the gorge's other end.
Depart Karijini National Park and continue onto Port Hedland, the gateway for Australia's massive iron ore exports from the surrounding Pilbara region.
An early start is recommended today for the drive through to Broome via the Great Northern Highway. Pristine beaches and bays fringed with glistening white sands, craggy red cliffs and the sparkling tropical waters of the Indian Ocean are some of the wonders of this coastal delight.
The Dampier Peninsula is an extraordinary blend of pristine beaches and dramatic coastlines, rich in traditional Aboriginal culture. Travelling north, learn about the region’s fascinating history from our guided commentary. Our first stop is the Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community, home of the Beagle Bay Church with its glimmering pearl shell altar, for morning tea. Soon we arrive at the One Arm Point Community, perched on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, to visit the Community’s aquaculture hatchery, complete with barramundi, pearl and trochus shell. After a picnic lunch we head for the remote Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. In 1946 Dean Brown skippered a rickety wooden lugger into an unknown frontier to discover this hidden paradise: his descendants continue to operate what is now the oldest Pearl Farm in Australia. Embark an extraordinary cruise through the Islands of the Giant Tides to experience the remarkable tidal flows of King Sound. In the evening we relax round a fire in our own private camp
This morning a knowledgeable local guide will demonstrate a pearl harvest, providing a glimpse into this fully operational pearl farm. Discover how they cultivate some of the most sought after and beautiful pearls in the world and enjoy an in-depth pearl grading and appreciation session that will leave you feeling like a pearl expert! Mid morning we depart for beautiful Kooljaman at Cape Leveque. You may like to head off for a swim, or take one of the lovely walks in the area to explore the rugged red coastline for which Cape Leveque is famous. Driving back through the dusk, keep an eye out for wildlife before arriving in Broome.
As we travel through the remote and beautiful Kimberley landscape, our guide shares stories of local history, people and the environment. Enjoy a morning tea break by the Fitzroy River and visit the Derby ‘Boab Prison Tree’ before we hit the Gibb River Road. Visit the fascinating Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Cultural Centre for an insight into the culture of the Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunumbal tribes and their supreme spirit being, the Wandjina. The afternoon is devoted to exploring Tunnel Creek, with our local Bunuba guide. In this 750-metre cave system carved through the Napier Range, we discover stalactites, secret caves and a large variety of wildlife. It is here we also learn the legend of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hide-out in the late 1800’s. Don’t miss a refreshing swim in an idyllic waterhole. That night we settle into our first night under the Kimberley night sky.
The Napier Range is over 350 million years old and home to the geological wonder of Windjana Gorge. Beneath gorge walls rising 90m, we spend the morning searching for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and indigenous bush tucker. In the afternoon we head off to Dalmanyi ( Bell Gorge), a hidden highlight of the West Kimberley. This idyllic retreat, considered amongst the most beautiful in the area, boasts cascading waterfalls and crystal clear pools formed over millions of years – an easy place to while away a few hours! Spend the next day swimming in paradise: further up the Gibb River Road, we discover the cool waters of water lily-laden Galvans Gorge and stunning Adcock Gorge. Amid the rugged beauty of Manning Falls we swim in deep clear waters, relax, explore wandering streams, uncover local wildlife and take a dip in the waterfall pools. Overnight we camp by a billabong on Mt Barnett Cattle Station.
Spend another day exploring this incredible remote wilderness chasing waterfalls and waterholes with your guide.
Our journey up the Gibb River Road continues to the iconic El Questro Wilderness Park. Two nights in our private campsite here allows free time join one or more of the many activities on offer. We include a refreshing dip in the Zebedee Springs and walk into Emma Gorge while a cruise on Chamberlain Gorge, bush tucker walk or bird watching tour are amongst the many optional activities. You may choose to simply explore this beautiful wilderness park at your own leisure.
Spend another day exploring this incredible wilderness park with your guide.
We emerge from the Gibb River Road for a few hours free time in Kununurra. In the afternoon, travel onto the shores of the expansive Lake Argyle, the heart of the Ord River Irrigation System which has transformed this dry region into a lush agricultural oasis. There is free time to join a sunset boat cruise on the lake (approx AU$100pp, own expense), visit the historic Durack Homestead Museum or take on one of the many bush trails to explore the area.
After a leisurely morning, head south down the Great Northern Highway to Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungles. Two nights here, staying in our new private Bungle Bungle Safari Camp in the heart of the Park, allows a full day to explore the highlights of this extraordinary National Park, the most famous of which, are the Bungle Bungle domes. Rivers created this landscape of unique orange and black striped ‘beehive’ geological formations over a period of 20 million years. Unbelievably, only the locals knew it existed until the early 1980’s; once discovered by others, the area was made a national park in 1987. We explore Echidna Chasm (2km), known for its towering Livistonia Palm trees, and take a short walk (2-3km) into stunning Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks create a natural amphitheatre. There is time in the afternoon to take an optional scenic helicopter flight and enjoy a birds-eye view of the beehive domes (approx $450pp, own expense, payable on tour) to put it all into perspective.
Spend another day in this incredible national park with your guide.
Enroute to Fitzroy Crossing, we break the long journey with a visit the gold rush town of Halls Creek to see the remarkable China Wall. We also enjoy lunch at Marys Pool and visit the remote Laarri Aboriginal Art Gallery, before an evening by the Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing.
A morning cruise through the majestic Danggu (Geikie Gorge) is a great start to our last day. Nature carved this wonder through the Geikie and Oscar Ranges during the Devonian geological period. Learn of the fascinating geology of this natural wonder and discover the huge array of wildlife including freshwater crocodiles, birds and fish. Explore Old Fitzroy Crossing and enjoy lunch by the river before we return to Broome in time to enjoy the sunset on Cable Beach.
As the adventure draws to an end, it is time to bid farewell to the Kimberley.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Flexible Date Change Option
Book now, change later with our Flexible Date Change option. You may select this $99pp option at time of purchase, giving travellers the flexibility to change your date without penalty (subject to availability, less third party costs incurred, plus any applicable surcharges for the new date selected).
Date change must be requested prior to 65 days before your original selected departure date*. Once inside 65 days of departure, date changes are not permitted.
*some packages may have a varied period in which you can request a date change due to limitations with the third-party provider.
Please refer to our 'Book with Confidence' section for terms and conditions.
The Flexible Date Change option does not cover cost incurred for components not fulfilled by Inspiring Vacations or in the event extra services have been booked with Inspiring Vacations outside of the standard package, including but not limited to airfares, pre/post accommodation or insurance.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period.
Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply. Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to support@inspiringvacations.com, including the reason for cancellation.
Vehicles
These tours are operated in custom-built, 21-24 seat 4WD trucks with a PA system, wide viewing windows and built-in storage (no risky trailers!). These vehicles allow our small groups extra space (including standing room), are fully air-conditioned and, for your comfort are fitted with adjustable air-vents, reclinable seats, map pockets and footrests. Note that some Broome Day Tours may operate in larger 24-seat 4WD trucks.
Permanent Tents
For those nights when you are staying in National Parks and not one of our own Private Wilderness Camps, we provide tents, swags (including 2 – 3 inch mattresses), bottom sheets, pillows and pillow cases. All campsites have shared ablution facilities.
Overnight campsites are well equipped with ablutions facilities – with flushing toilets and hot showers – including our private Bungle Bungles Safari Camp in Purnululu National Park.
What to pack
Luggage Restrictions
Due to limited space in the vehicles it is important that your luggage is in a small, soft bag (suitcases are not suitable) and weighs a maximum of 15kg.
We welcome travellers of all ages. Average age of travellers is 55-60 years. The only requirement is that you are reasonably fit, able and looking to enjoy a real outback Australian experience with like-minded travellers.
This itinerary involves some clambering over rocks, wading in water by torchlight, walking on rocky creek beds and ascending/descending into gorges. A reasonable level of fitness and being sure on your feet is necessary to participate.
Are you over 70 years old? Due to the remote location and nature of the tours it is essential for older travellers to review and sign a Medical Form to ensure you can participate fully in the itinerary.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
This itinerary involves some clambering over rocks, wading in water by torchlight, walking on rocky creek beds and ascending/descending into gorges. A reasonable level of fitness and being sure on your feet is necessary to participate.
We welcome travellers of all ages. You may be surprised to find that the average age of travellers on our Kimberley Expeditions is 55-60 years. The only requirement is that you are reasonably fit, able and looking to enjoy a real outback Australian experience with like-minded travellers.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $3107 per person in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including, e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
2 to 20 travellers, maximum.
Children
Children must be 6 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Rates Include:
Unlimited Kilometres, Damage Cover (DC) subject to Accident Damage excess, Vehicle Registration Fees (VRR), Admin Fee (AF), Location Fee (LF), 24Hr Breakdown Roadside Assistance, Goods & Service Tax (GST)
Note: Location Surcharges apply at following locations: Burnie Downtown, Burnie Airport, Devonport Airport, Devonport City, Devonport Ferry, Exmouth Learmonth (to be paid direct)
Rates Exclude:
Optional Renter Protection upgrades (e.g. SNO), Fuel, One Way Fees, Optional Extras (baby seats etc), Accident Damages Excess (ADE), Optional Renter Protection Services (AER/MAX/SNO), out of hours pickup, Road tolls, premium roadside assistance, private parking charges, delivery and collection fees, Personal Accidents and Effects Cover
Damage Excess for 2WD vehicles
Damage Excess @ AUD 4800.00
Reducible to AUD 1100.00 on purchase of AER at the rental counter @ AUD 27.00 per day for 2WD vehicles (except Prestige vehicles)
Reducible to NIL on purchase of MAX cover at the rental counter @ AUD 38.00 per day (available at participating locations only) for 2WD vehicles (except Prestige vehicles)
Damage Excess for 4WD and AWD Vehicles
Damage Excess @ AUD 6001.00
Reducible to AUD 1100.00 on purchase of AER at the rental counter @ AUD 34.00 per day
Reducible to NIL on purchase of MAX cover at the rental counter @ AUD 50.00 per day (available at participating locations only)
MAX Cover is not available in Arncliffe (Sydney), Ballarat, Ballina, Bendigo Brooklyn, Byron Bay, Broome, Campbellfield Trucks, Coffs Harbour, Klemzig (Adelaide), Lismore, Plympton, West Melbourne.
One Way Fees
Payable directly to Hertz for rental vehicles and Neverlost GPS devices.
Please note: We have included the one-way fee in your total price so you can be confident on the full cost of the package. $825 per person ($1650 per booking) will be payable locally. This amount will be deducted from your invoice to then pay locally direct to Hertz.
Young Driver Fee
Where a renter is aged between 21-24 a young driver fee of $16.50 inclusive of GST (Capped at $115.50 in each 30 day period) will apply for Standard passenger vehicles.
Drivers Licence -
Renters must present a valid driver's licence that has been held for at least one year. A foreign driver's licence issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation of the licence or a current International Drivers Permit. Both the International Drivers Permit and the driver's national driver's licence must be presented at the time of rental.
Deposit
All rentals are subject to a deposit to cover additional costs. A min of AU$200 applies for Metro Locations, $200 for Remote Locations, $200 for Licensee locations and $400 for 4WD locations in Sydney and Melbourne if using a credit card in the name of the renter. A cash deposit is not accepted
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