Walk Western Australia's Karijini & Ningaloo Reef
Walk Western Australia's Karijini & Ningaloo Reef
Walk Western Australia's Karijini & Ningaloo Reef
10 Days Starting in Paraburdoo and ending in Exmouth
Visiting: Paraburdoo / Karijini National Park, Karijini National Park, Mt Bruce / Karijini National Park, Karijini National Park / Cheela Plains, Exmouth / Yardie Creek, Yardie Creek, Cape Range National Park / Ningaloo Reef / Yardie Creek, Exmouth
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PJXN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 15
Age range:
15-99 years
Trip Styles:
Tour Overview
Minimise the driving time and maximise the adventure on this 10-day camping trip in Western Australia. Snorkel in the clear waters of Turquoise Bay at Ningaloo Reef, take a dip in secluded swimming holes fed by tumbling waterfalls, explore the rugged landscapes of Karijini National Park hike to scenic locations with your group of likeminded adventurers. With the perfect combination of activities and relaxation, surrounded by some of Australia’s most incredible scenery, this trip is perfect for hikers and nature-lovers – you'll also have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Paraburdoo / Karijini National Park
Location: Paraburdoo / Karijini National Park
Accommodation: Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)
Meals Included: dinner
Welcome to Paraburdoo! Your Australian adventure will start right away with a pickup from the airport. Your group will then drive into Karijini National Park – home of the Banjima, Innawongka and Eastern Guruma peoples. This is Western Australia’s second-largest national park, with a landscape more than 2.5 billion years old and home to some of the best hiking trails in the state. When you arrive, get to know your group over sunset drinks and dinner before settling into your comfortable tent for the night.
Day 2: Karijini National Park
Location: Karijini National Park
Accommodation: Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Today you’ll walk to Kalamina Gorge for your first walk of the trip. Don’t forget your swimmers today, as you’ll have the chance to cool off in one of park’s swimming holes at the bottom of the gorge. After your swim, drop into the Visitor’s Centre to learn more about the park and perhaps grab an ice cream or cool down. From here, it’s off to Dale’s Gorge for a swim in Circular Pool and Fern Pool – two of the park’s most beautiful waterholes. With deep red rocks, lush ferns and waterfalls, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered your own private paradise.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Mt Bruce / Karijini National Park
Location: Mt Bruce / Karijini National Park
Accommodation: Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, lace up your hiking boots for the hike to Mt Bruce – Western Australia’s second highest peak. This full day ridge walk has it all, from paths that feel like you’re taking a gentle stroll to rock scrambles and climbs so steep there’s a chain for support. When you reach the top of the mountain, the 360-degree views of the Karijini Range and its red landscape make the challenge worthwhile.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Karijini National Park
Location: Karijini National Park
Accommodation: Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Today’s occasionally challenging walk has four major highlights including two of Karijini National Park’s most famous gorges, Hancock and Weano. The trail to Junction Pool Lookout is relatively flat and has terrific views of Hancock and Joffre Gorges. Cool down as you wade through pools and streams to reach your destination and soak up the scenery. Go for swims in Kermit’s Pool and Handrail Pool then make the return trip to camp for a shower and dinner under the stars.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Karijini National Park / Cheela Plains
Location: Karijini National Park / Cheela Plains
Accommodation: Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
We are venturing further a field today to the very western side of the national park - Hamersley Gorge. It will take us an hour and a half to drive there this morning, but you will be enraptured by the ever changing scenery on the drive. The organic shapes of geology of Hamersley Gorge is interesting in itself as the bedding planes cascade into the water. It almost looks as if the land has tipped sideways! There is a shaded lookout at the top and we will embark o the short walk along the rock staircase down into the gorge to be rewarded with a dip in the gorge pool. In the afternoon we depart for Cheela Plains, a true outback station stay where you will enjoy a delicious meal under the spectacular desert sky!
Day 6: Exmouth / Yardie Creek
Location: Exmouth / Yardie Creek
Accommodation: Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Grab your favourite tunes or a good book and settle back and rest your legs on the drive from Cheela Plains to Exmouth. There will be time to stop and stretch your legs along the way and have lunch together before you arrive at your campsite at Yardie Creek, near Exmouth in time to watch the sun set into the Indian Ocean.
Day 7: Yardie Creek
Location: Yardie Creek
Accommodation: Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Less than 1 in 3 million people have swum with whale sharks and today, you could be one of them! Book early for the opportunity to go on an (optional) experience of a lifetime and swim with whale sharks – the world’s biggest fish – off Western Australia’s Coral Coast. It’s not unusual for these gentle creatures to grow up to 10 m in length, which makes swimming alongside them an incredible experience. You might instead like to take a half-day snorkelling glass bottom boat tour or just chill out at the accommodation.
Optional Activities:
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Day 8: Cape Range National Park / Ningaloo Reef / Yardie Creek
Location: Cape Range National Park / Ningaloo Reef / Yardie Creek
Accommodation: Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Get set for a day of adventure in Cape Range National Park, with a series of short walks, snorkels and swims along the coast. First, you’ll explore Mandu Mandu Gorge on a walk that follows the route of an ancient riverbed. Then, spot rock wallabies in Yardi Creek Gorge. From here, you’ll head to Turquoise Bay on Ningaloo Reef – part of the traditional lands of the Baiyungu, Thalanyji and Yinigurdira peoples – for swimming and snorkelling among the corals. Tonight, you’ll sit down for a group dinner back at Yardi Creek.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Cape Range National Park / Ningaloo Reef / Yardie Creek
Location: Cape Range National Park / Ningaloo Reef / Yardie Creek
Accommodation: Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Today you’ll head out on the Badjirrajirra Trail, with gorges cut into the limestone karst and views that seem to stretch on forever. Compared to some of your walks in Karijini National Park, this trail is relatively easy, but it can be extremely hot, so your leader may have to alter today’s itinerary. Once you’ve explored Charles Knife Canyon, cool off in Ningaloo’s sparkling waters and go in search of turtles around the small islands known as the Oyster Stacks. After another full day of exploring, it’s back to camp at Yardie Creek for the last night of the trip.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Exmouth
Location: Exmouth
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast today, you’ll be transferred to Exmouth Airport for your flight back to Perth. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities) (9 nights) -
Karijini National Park - Dales Gorge
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Karijini National Park - Kalamina Gorge walk
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Karijini National Park - Karajini Visitor Centre
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Karijini National Park - Mt Bruce Summit walk
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Karijini National Park - Hancock Gorge
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Karijini National Park - Kermit's Pool
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Karijini National Park - Weano Recreation Area
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Karijini National Park - Weano Gorge & Handrail Pool
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Tom Price - Mt Nameless (Jarndunmunha) Trail walk
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Cape Range National Park - Mandu Mandu Walk
Transport
- Transport is by an air-conditioned tour coach. Our vehicles are comfortable and regularly serviced to ensure safety and reliability. Seats are not pre-allocated, so to ensure all participants get to enjoy seats close to the front and window seats we encourage guests to change where they sit each day. In the case of a breakdown or other unforeseen circumstances affecting the vehicle or guide, the operator reserves the right to substitute vehicles and guides other than those specified, to ensure the operation of a tour.
Accommodation
- This is a camping tour with lots of comforts. (As we like to say it's a camping tour for noncampers!) Each person will have the use of their own semi-permanent tent and a comfy camping bed. Even if you are travelling with a friend or a significant other you will have access to your own tent or you are more than welcome to share. You will need to bring a pillow and sleeping bag or you can purchasea sleeping bag from us at an additional cost. There are flushing toilets and showers in all the campgrounds. When we are out and about during the day there are long drop toilets available. There is also ample opportunity for swimming on most days. On some departures (due to flight availability) guests will stay a night in a motel in Tom Price or Exmouth. All departure dates will still go to all the same gorges and sights.
Important Information
- START & END TIMES
- The trip begins at Paraburdoo Airport on day 1. For pick up times for the different days of the week please read the joining point instructions carefully. The trip finishes finishes with a transfer to Exmouth or Exmouth Airport on the last day.
- SINGLE TRAVELLERS
- Single travellers will have their own tent for all camping nights.
- LUGGAGE LIMIT
- Luggage limit is strictly one small-medium sized soft sided back, maximum weight 12kg per person. Sleeping bag, pillow, day pack and walking poles can be carried in addition to your main luggage.
- OPERATOR
- This trip is operated and run by Inspiration Outdoors, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Inspiration Outdoors customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Inspiration Outdoors to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time away.
- SWIMMING WITH WHALE SHARKS
- Swimming with whale sharks is not included on this trip and is an optional activity. It is very important that you pre book any Whale Shark experiences, as this can sell out far in advance. You are able to book this service with us (subject to availability). Please also note that whale sharks visit the region between mid-March and mid-September only, so please make sure you schedule your trip accordingly if you would like to include this experience in your trip. To join this optional tour it is important that you can swim unassisted in the open ocean.
- ITINERARY VARIATIONS
- The itinerary for each trip departure may have variations due to flight arrival times, gorge access, weather conditions and other factors beyond our control. Rest assured our team of professional leaders will bring you a very memorable experience.
Mode of Transport
- Transport is by an air-conditioned tour coach. Our vehicles are comfortable and regularly serviced to ensure safety and reliability. Seats are not pre-allocated, so to ensure all participants get to enjoy seats close to the front and window seats we encourage guests to change where they sit each day. In the case of a breakdown or other unforeseen circumstances affecting the vehicle or guide, the operator reserves the right to substitute vehicles and guides other than those specified, to ensure the operation of a tour.
Accommodation
- This is a camping tour with lots of comforts. (As we like to say it's a camping tour for noncampers!) Each person will have the use of their own semi-permanent tent and a comfy camping bed. Even if you are travelling with a friend or a significant other you will have access to your own tent or you are more than welcome to share. You will need to bring a pillow and sleeping bag or you can hire a sleeping bag from us for $55 (to cover dry cleaning at the end of the tour). There are flushing toilets and showers in all the campgrounds. When we are out and about during the day there are long drop toilets available. There is also ample opportunity for swimming on most days. On some departures (due to flight availability) guests will stay a night in a motel in Tom Price or Exmouth. All departure dates will still go to all the same gorges and sights.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with a good level of mobility. Good footwear, plus perhaps walking poles are recommended. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary. If you need a break from walking, you can always have a day or sometimes an afternoon off to relax if you feel like it. Your guides will attempt to find alternative activities where possible.
This trip is operated and run by Inspiration Outdoors, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Inspiration Outdoors customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Inspiration Outdoors to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time away.
The majority of our campsites are unpowered, so be prepared to be without electricity for most nights. Please note that you will need to bring your own sleeping bag, or hire one at an additional cost. This will need to be requested prior to the trip via your booking agent.
Please note that swimming with whale sharks is not included on this trip and is an optional activity. It is very important that you pre-book any whale shark experiences, as these can sell out far in advance. You are able to book this service with us (subject to availability). Please let us know well ahead of time if you would like to add this option to your booking. Please also note that whale sharks visit the region between mid-March and mid-September only, so please make sure you schedule your trip accordingly if you would like to include this experience in your trip. To join this optional tour it is important that you can swim unassisted in the open ocean. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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