Wonders of the Pilbara & West Coast
Wonders of the Pilbara & West Coast
Wonders of the Pilbara & West Coast
13 Days Starting in Perth, Australia and ending in Broome, Australia
Visiting: Perth, Geraldton, Kalbarri National Park, Monkey Mia, Carnarvon, Exmouth, Karratha, Karijini, Tom Price, Port Hedland, Broome
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WPMBF25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The northern reaches of Western Australia unite some of the most diverse, and dramatic, landscapes in the country. From yawning red-rock gorges to blissfully blue marine parks, powdery white beaches to fiery orange sunsets, a colorful journey awaits. Your itinerary takes you from the below the surface of the sea at Ningaloo Reef, with Karijini, the Pinnacles and Monkey Mia just some of the postcode-perfect places in between.
Make Travel Matter
Your First Nations host in Yanchep National Park is on a mission to reveal its ancient history. Dreamtime stories and bush-tucker tastings await.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Perth
Location: Perth
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Perth
Meals Included: Dinner
Almost two weeks of adventures lie before you, the first a tour of Perth with your Travel Director. The vibrant Western Australian capital has a lot to offer, including fascinating art galleries. It’s remarkably green, with 400-hectare Kings Park and Botanic Garden sitting pretty in the CBD, on a lazy bend of the serpentine Swan River. Two thirds of the grounds are reserved for native plants, but there are also seasonal wildflowers, all enveloping the Anzac Memorial. Meet up again this evening for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Perth - Geraldton
Location: Geraldton
Accommodation Name: Nesuto Geraldton Apartment Hotel
Two wilderness highs provide a fitting start to this journey of contrasts. Venturing north, you soon reach Yanchep National Park. Here, on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, your Aboriginal guide's Dreamtime stories tell the tale of how the land was created from an Aboriginal perspective. This tour is hands-on. Think tasting native bush tucker, smelling medicinal plants, and maybe even trying to play the didgeridoo. Think the day couldn’t get any better? Think again. Within Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles create a moonscape that appears plucked from a sci-fi film, its staggering collection of natural limestone structures jutting into the sky – some are 3.5 metres high. For all their mysterious appeal, geologists tell us the spires were formed 30,000 years ago when an inland sea receded. It’s a spiritual place. Arriving in Geraldton, pay homage to sailors lost off the WA coast during WWII at the HMAS Sydney Memorial.
Day 3: Geraldton - Monkey Mia
Location: Kalbarri National Park
Accommodation Name: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
Arriving at Kalbarri National Park, enjoy spectacular views from the Kalbarri Skywalk over the Murchison River Gorge. If you’re here during wildflower season, expect acacia, banksia and caladenia in full bloom. And just when you thought the outlook couldn’t get any better, you arrive at Monkey Mia.
Day 4: Monkey Mia Free Time
Location: Monkey Mia
Accommodation Name: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
Every morning, Monkey Mia's wild dolphins swim close to shore where the National Park Rangers explain the feeding habits of these friendly mammals that they know by name. After watching the famous dolphins swim into shore (Note: As dolphins are wild their appearance cannot be guaranteed) enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the calm waters of the bay. The rest of the day is free for you to explore or relax. You might choose to enjoy a bird’s-eye perspective of Shark Bay on a scenic flight (own expense).
Day 5: Monkey Mia - Carnarvon
Location: Carnarvon
Accommodation Name: Best Western Hospitality Inn Carnarvon
Prepare yourself for the ‘living fossils’ at Hamelin Pool, home to the most abundant colony of stromatolites in the world. These astounding creatures show us what life was like 3,500-million years ago, when there was no other complex life on Earth. You’re officially in the state’s World Heritage listed Shark Bay, the largest of its kind in Australia with more than 1,000 kilometres of beaches. Not all of them sandy – welcome to Shell Beach. Here, the snow-white colour comes from billions of tiny coquina bivalve shells, up to 10 metres deep and stretching for 70 kilometres. From this thriving marine ecosystem to overhead attractions, your next stop is the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum. Did you know it played a role in the 1969 moon landing, and was instrumental in the space race? These are among the gallery’s claims to fame, as you’ll discover touring the collection. Your visit here is interactive, so prepare to try on space suits and climb aboard a supercraft simulator.
Day 6: Carnarvon - Exmouth
Location: Exmouth
Accommodation Name: Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort
You don’t need to get your hair wet to experience the sheer wonderment of Ningaloo Reef. A Coral Bay glass-bottom boat cruise jettisons you within a whisker of turtles, colourful coral and an embarrassment of fish – some 500 species have been recorded. You won’t know where to look, although your on-board naturalist will help guide your gaze. This is part of the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Coast, a popular hangout among larger-than-life migratory marine life. Like whale sharks, the world’s largest fish, which amass here between March and August every year. Before you settle into your plush Exmouth hotel, admire the curves of the coastline from Vlamingh Head Lighthouse. Your gaze will hold firmly on the ocean for the next couple of days.
Day 7: Exmouth Free Time
Location: Exmouth
Accommodation Name: Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort
Steel yourself for a few ‘pinch-me’ moments today. Opt to snorkel (with an ethical operator) over Ningaloo Reef. Time your visit right, and you could have whale sharks and humpback whales in your company. Nothing quite prepares you for the moment you glimpse these gentle giants up close, gliding gracefully through schools of fish. It’s a full day of unbridled, and unrivalled, marine immersion. We understand if you’d prefer to stay dry, and instead choose to book an optional sunset cruise or simply spend the day strolling the sand on the lookout for dolphins. The choice is yours.
Day 8: Exmouth - Karratha
Location: Karratha
Accommodation Name: Comfort Inn, Karratha
Take one last look over the Exmouth waters before continuing north to Western Australia's famous Pilbara region. Known for its rich cultural landscape, red earth and vast mineral deposits, the region's diverse landscape will fascinate you.
Day 9: Karratha - Karijini National Park - Tom Price
Location: Karijini, Tom Price
Accommodation Name: Tom Price Motel
Meals Included: Lunch
It took billions of years to create the geological wonders of Karijini: the striking red escarpments and the quiet gorges all enveloped by tall gums and pocked with enormous termite mounds. You have a single day to explore, so bring your stamina and sense of adventure. You’re heading deep into the national park, which covers 630,000 hectares just north of the Tropic of Capricorn. It’s WA’s second-largest national park, and the scale can be daunting. Thankfully, you’re in the company of a guide who knows all the hidden nooks and cool waterholes just begging for a swim. Things get hot here – why not dive in?
Day 10: Tom Price - Port Hedland
Location: Port Hedland
Accommodation Name: Hospitality Port Hedland
At first glimpse of the Pilbara, you may well think you’ve been transported to Mars, the ethereal landscape almost glowing in the sun. The soil couldn’t get any redder, the skies any wider, the rock formations any more dramatic, with much of the countryside streaked with mineral deposits. People are few and far between until you reach the town of Port Hedland.
Day 11: Port Hedland - Broome
Location: Broome
Accommodation Name: Cable Beach Club Resort
Skirting the edge of the Great Sandy Desert, your morning outlook is flat – almost as far as the eye can see, the sand eventually giving way to mountain ranges and then multicultural Broome. The city delivers many surprises, from its eclectic restaurants and colourful Chinatown to its long pearling history – the pristine waters produce some of the most prized pearl oysters in the world, and fortune-seekers from around the world descended during the region’s ‘pearl rush’. It’s time to discover Broome’s other standout attraction: its sunsets. Follow locals to the sand on Cable Beach, which is so long that it can accommodate 4WDs, camel trains and foot traffic, and salute your arrival in Broome.
Day 12: Broome Free Time
Location: Broome
Accommodation Name: Cable Beach Club Resort
Today you have a full free day to explore this tropical hideaway. Take your time to discover the charms of the town, indulge in the delightful pearl boutiques, and embark on a leisurely stroll along the magnificent Cable Beach, stretching over 22 kilometres. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown, with its colourful streets and cultural offerings. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can choose to embark on an optional tour that will take you to breathtaking destinations. One such experience is a visit to a pearl farm, where you can witness the fascinating process of pearl cultivation and learn about the rich history of the industry. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship and discover the allure of these exquisite gems. Alternatively, you may opt to venture further afield and explore the natural wonders of the area. Speak to your Travel Director about the possibility of joining a scenic flight, soaring above the landscape to witness the awe-inspiring sights from above.
Day 13: Farewell From Broome
Location: Broome
How do you pick a favourite adventure from the last 13 days? You don’t have to – let them all shine in equal measure in your memory.
What's Included
What's Not Included
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Flights to and from the start/end of the trip
Flights to and from the start and end of the trip are not included in the trip price.
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Optional activities
Optional activities such as sunset cruises, scenic flights, and snorkeling are not included and are at your own expense.
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Meals
Meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional drinks, and tips are not included.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy private airport transfers upon arrival and departure. Travel comfortably by coach with a specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide.
Accommodation
Stay in centrally located premium hotels including Crowne Plaza Perth, Nesuto Geraldton Apartment Hotel, Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, Best Western Hospitality Inn Carnarvon, Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort, Comfort Inn Karratha, Tom Price Motel, Hospitality Port Hedland, and Cable Beach Club Resort.
Dining Summary
- 9 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 12 Full Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Cultural Immersion
- Launch into the sky at the Carnarvon Space Museum and discover the gallery’s collection with a passionate guide.
Fitness Requirement
- Extreme temperatures can be experienced in this remote region of Australia. Guests should be made aware that this trip is recommended to guests with a moderate level of fitness.
Flight information
- Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price. Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 12 noon into Perth AirportDay 13 – flights to depart anytime from Broome Airport Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included.
Local Connection
- Discover the fascinating underwater world of Ningaloo Reef with a local specialist on a Coral Bay cruise.
What to Bring
- Water bottle Warm layers in cooler months Camera Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
World Class Nature
- Monkey Mia’s dolphins are wild – and wildly friendly. They surf the waves to shore every morning to greet rangers and onlookers.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of experiences can I expect at Yanchep National Park?
At Yanchep National Park, you will have a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with an Aboriginal guide who will share Dreamtime stories about the creation of the land. You will also have the opportunity to taste bush tucker and try playing the didgeridoo.
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What wildlife interaction is available at Monkey Mia?
At Monkey Mia, you can interact with wild resident dolphins that swim to shore every morning to splash about in the shallows and mingle with humans.
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What can I do at the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum?
At the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum, you can learn about its role in the 1969 moon landing through an interactive experience. You can try on space suits and climb aboard a spacecraft simulator.
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What is special about the Ningaloo Reef experience?
The Ningaloo Reef experience includes a Coral Bay glass-bottom boat cruise where you can see turtles, colorful coral, and a variety of fish. The area is part of the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Coast, known for its migratory marine life like whale sharks and humpbacks.
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What kind of landscapes can I expect to see in Karijini National Park?
In Karijini National Park, you will see striking red escarpments, quiet gorges, and tall gum trees. The park offers hidden nooks and waterholes perfect for swimming.
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What are some optional activities available in Broome?
In Broome, you can choose to explore the Horizontal Falls on a scenic flight and cruise, visit a pearl farm, or enjoy the tropical climate by strolling along Cable Beach and hunting for dinosaur footprints.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
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Jul 22, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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