9 Day Western Australia Coral Coast Explorer
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 4 out of 5
Packed itinerary with maximum exploration: Embark on a whirlwind sightseeing tour with minimal downtime. This tour maximises your exploration, keeping you on the move and ticking off must-see locations. A good fitness level and mobility are required to keep pace with this action-packed adventure!
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.
✓ Small group tour, up to 24 guests only
✓ Incredible sightseeing and experiences including a wild dolphin encounter at Monkey Mia, seeing the oldest and largest living fossils on Earth, exploring the Pinnacles, Kalbarri National Park, Shark Bay, Shell Beach, snorkelling Ningaloo Reef to discover the underwater world of Coral Bay and the opportunity to swim with manta rays or whale sharks (seasonal, additional charges apply)
✓ 8 nights in central accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
✓ National park entry fees, dolphin experience fees
✓ Fully escorted by a professional, English-speaking driver guide
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✈ Needing Domestic airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
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.
Welcome to Perth! On arrival, make your own way to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this vibrant city.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Kick off your adventure with a guided tour through the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, before enjoying lunch by the ocean at Jurien Bay.
Continue up Indian Ocean Drive for some stunning coastal views. Stop off at the must-see attraction just outside of Geraldton, the Pink Lake located off the Coral Coast Highway (conditions permitting).
Then, it’s on to the seaside town of Kalbarri for the night.
Driving distance: 575km
Hike distance: 2km
Rise early for a magical start to the day and a dreamy 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 the sandstone. Witness bright pops of colour here during wildflower season (spring).
Travel on to the famous Billabong Roadhouse for refreshments and lunch (at own expense); this iconic landmark has been serving WA visitors since 1962. Great healthy meal options to choose from with plenty of gluten-free alternatives.
Continue to the remarkable living fossils known as The Stromatolites located within the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shark Bay. Then it’s on to Monkey Mia for a night by the beach.
Driving distance: 450km
Hike distance: 3km
This morning, meet the famous Monkey Mia Dolphins and grab some amazing photos. Enjoy time on the beach or a coffee before we get back on the road. 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 settle into our accommodation in Coral Bay, located right on the famous Ningaloo Reef.
Driving distance: 580km
Hike distance: 2km
You’ll have most of the day to explore 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 manta rays (additional cost) or go for a snorkel on 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.
Driving distance: 155km
Enjoy the opportunity to swim with manta rays. An amazing day on board your state-of-the-art eco tour vessel, Kurni-Ku, with its large upper deck viewing area, makes it perfect for observing the tropical reef and all of its inhabitants. On this six to seven-hour adventure you have the opportunity to snorkel on the magnificent Ningaloo coral reef, seeing hundreds of types of reef fish and exciting aquatic life such as reef sharks, turtles, giant clams and octopus. Observe other marine mammals including dolphins, dugongs and humpback whales (seasonal).
Duration: 5-6 hours
View turtles feeding in their natural surroundings. Your experienced crew, and their in-depth knowledge of local turtle species and behaviour, will show you the best way to view these amazing animals. This tour also provides you with the opportunity for coral viewing, fish feeding and snorkelling at two specially selected sites.
Today, explore 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 stunning Turquoise Bay, before finishing the tour in the early afternoon in time for lunch.
You’ll have the afternoon at leisure to explore the township of Exmouth, only a 500 metre walk from our accommodation, or sit back and enjoy the hotel pool. Or, choose to join a whale shark or humpback swim tour and spend the day meeting some of the Ningaloo Reef’s most famous visitors (at own expense and seasonal).
Visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse at sunset.
Driving distance: 135km
Hike Distance: 1km
The opportunity to swim with the whale shark is one of the world’s greatest interactive marine encounters. This fish, the largest of the shark family and the largest fish in the world at an average of 12 meters (40 foot) in length, is a harmless plankton eater, with their graceful and passive nature providing an unforgettable day out on the waters of the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Marine Park. Educational talks from onboard marine biologists provide a fascinating insight into the rich biodiversity found in the area. Guests can be entertained by bottlenose and Australian humpback dolphins, with a keen eye occasionally spotting dugongs as they surface to take breath.
Please note this tour only operates from March to August
Over a staggering 35,000 west coast Humpback Whales migrate through the Exmouth and Ningaloo region and start to rest after their long migration from the Antarctic. Mothers will typically move their calves into the Gulf area at Exmouth over these months, to fatten them up for their lengthy return journey south.
The Department of Parks & Wildlife has recently given authority for Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo to provide guided swims with these amazing creatures under strict parameters and conditions. Visitors will venture out in small groups of seven with a guide & videographer to record one of the most special intimate encounters of the ocean. Following this, guests will enjoy a snorkel on the reef to enjoy the amazing tropical fish, rays, turtles and corals.
Please note that this tour operates from August to October
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. There’s a refreshment stop along the way at Billabong for coffee and ice-creams, before arriving at our final overnight destination in Geraldton.
The group will enjoy a final dinner together at The Murchison Tavern after a long day of driving; discounted meals available at your own expense.
Driving distance: 785km
Enjoy the HMAS Sydney Memorial with stunning views of Geraldton.
Take a walk along the Green Head Three Bays Walkway before wandering amongst the sand dunes of Lancelin. If you’re feeling adventurous, try out sandboarding for a bit of fun!
Return to Perth late afternoon. Kick back and relax on the bus for the last stretch, taking in the last views of the gorgeous scenery on our way back to Perth.
Driving distance: 465km
Today your Western Australia Coral Coast adventure comes to an end. At the appropriate time, make your own way to the airport for your onward flight.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
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”4”
Active Tour: A very good level of fitness and mobility is required for you to enjoy all aspects of the itinerary, as this is considered a fast-paced tour. 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 approximate 8km walk is included in this tour. Embarking on walks will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure the safety of guests. Therefore a medium/high level of fitness is required and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years (30-days prior to travel). This tour is not suitable for anyone who requires the use of a mobility-aid, wheelchair, walker, and or stroller.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,045.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name
This tour uses Backpacker accommodation with private rooms and where possible ensuite bathrooms, in Monkey Mia, Ningaloo Coral Bay and Geraldton there are shared bathroom facilities.
Meals
Most of the meals are prepared by our tour guides with basic camping-style food options and on occasions, they will be provided by our accommodation providers onsite. Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean-up, and vehicle unpacking/loading as it’s a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers.
What to bring
Large refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, beach towels & toiletries, bathers or swimwear, all-weather clothing (extreme conditions day/night), comfortable sturdy hiking shoes (closed shoes), warm jumper, flashlight, headlamp or torch, insect repellent & camera, recharge power bank, money for snack and meals, a sense of adventure.We ask that guests travelling on short break/extended tours bring small soft overnight bags and hand luggage only as we have limited storage onboard our vehicles. Large suitcases and oversized luggage can be left at your hotel whilst you are on tour.
Triple Share
Not available.
Group Size
Minimum: 8
Maximum: 21
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
19 Feb 2023
The undeniable romance of train travel calls to many travellers, and a trip on board the iconic Ghan captures this charm perfectly. Stylish, well-appointed carriages and first-class service make for the perfect blend of adventure and luxury, creating an unforgettable journey that is on many bucket lists. So, before you...
12 Jun 2022
Sure, West Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to soft white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and endearing marine life and wildlife. But we promise Rottnest Island—or Rotto, as the locals call it—is a bit special A protected nature reserve, idyllic doesn’t even begin to cover the postcard-perfect beauty of R...
14 Sep 2020
Forget the idea of dusty red earth as far as the eye can see, the Central Australian landscape offers an extraordinary chance to see unique plants and animals Five seasons in one year With very little rainfall each year (just 291 mm on average), it would be easy to assume that semi-arid Central Australia has only one s...
14 Sep 2020
The arrival of Europeans and tourists in Central Australia disrupted tens of thousands of years of Anangu history, but 150 years later, there’s a new appreciation for traditional wisdom For anyone planning to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for the first time, there’s one thing you need to know about the experienc...
14 Sep 2020
Australia’s Top End, from the capital Darwin, across to Kakadu National Park and down to the Katherine area, is a land of unspoiled natural beauty waiting to be explored Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) is simply enormous. While it may look modest on a map, the NT is almost six times the size of the United Kingdom...
Australia
United States
Canada
India
