Perth to Exmouth & Return with Monkey Mia & Ningaloo Reef

Perth to Exmouth & Return with Monkey Mia & Ningaloo Reef — A Complete Review

Traveling through Western Australia’s Coral Coast on a 7-day guided tour offers a chance to see some of Australia’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. This trip from Perth to Exmouth and back packs in stunning landscapes, fascinating natural formations, vibrant marine life, and genuine country experiences.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, the tour hits key highlights like the Pinnacles, Kalbarri National Park, and Shark Bay — all UNESCO World Heritage sites. Second, you’ll snorkel just meters from the shore at Ningaloo Reef, swimming among turtles and manta rays, which truly feels like a highlight of the trip. Third, the inclusion of a farm stay offers a taste of rural life, complete with animal feeding and storytelling, adding authenticity you won’t get on typical sightseeing tours.

However, some travelers might find the strict luggage limit of 10kg a challenge, especially if they like to pack more than essentials. Also, because the tour is designed for active travelers and those comfortable with basic accommodations, it’s less suitable for travelers with mobility issues or young children.

This tour suits adventurous spirits eager for diverse landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural touches, particularly those who appreciate guided small-group travel and value-rich experiences. If you’re after a well-organized, authentic exploration of Western Australia’s highlights, this could be a perfect fit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Diverse Scenic Highlights: From the limestone pinnacles to rugged national parks, the tour covers a wide range of landscapes.
• Marine Encounters: Snorkeling at Ningaloo Reef and the chance to see dolphins, turtles, and manta rays add a wow factor.
• Authentic Country Stay: The farm stay experience offers a genuine taste of WA rural life.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides enhance the experience with local insights and flexible improvisation.
• Limited Luggage Policy: A strict 10kg soft bag limit requires packing light and efficiently.
• Small Group Dynamic: Limited to 16 participants, ensuring a more personalized and intimate atmosphere.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: Perth to Kalbarri via the Pinnacles

The journey begins in Perth and heads north along the coast, where the first major stop is Nambung National Park for the Pinnacles. These eerie limestone spires rising from the sand are a surreal sight, especially at sunset, creating perfect photo opportunities. The journey continues to Geraldton—an area famed for rock lobster, pearls, and shipwrecks. If time allows, you might notice the Pink Lake shimmering in seasonal hues, although this isn’t guaranteed every time.

Day 2: Kalbarri National Park and Shark Bay

Kalbarri is a highlight for nature lovers. The deep gorges carved by the Murchison River showcase stunning red cliffs and lush riverbanks. Highlights include Natures Window, a natural rock formation framing views, and the Z-Bend Lookout—both perfect for photography and appreciating nature’s raw beauty. For the more adventurous, abseiling options are available, adding a physical challenge to the scenic landscape.

The day ends in Denham, the gateway to Shark Bay, a UNESCO site known for its stromatolites—some of Earth’s oldest living fossils—at Hamelin Pool. These microbial formations are a reminder of the planet’s early life and a fascinating sight for geology and biology enthusiasts alike.

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Day 3: Shark Bay to Coral Bay

Early morning at Monkey Mia offers a chance to meet the famous dolphins, as they often come close to shore for feeding and interaction. The area’s seagrass beds are vital habitats for dolphins, dugongs, and whale sharks (seasonal). Up next are the Hamelin Pools stromatolites, offering a window into Earth’s ancient past.

In the late afternoon, the tour moves south to Coral Bay, a small but vibrant community at the edge of Ningaloo Reef. Watching the sunset here is a serene experience, with the sky painted in hues of orange and pink, setting the tone for days of marine adventures ahead.

Day 4: Snorkeling at Ningaloo Reef

This day is dedicated to exploring the underwater wonderland of Ningaloo Reef, home to more than 250 coral species and over 500 fish species. Just a few meters from the beach, you can snorkel among turtles, manta rays, and colorful marine life, making it an accessible but unforgettable experience. Optional boat tours (extra cost) provide opportunities to swim with larger creatures like whale sharks (season-dependent), which are only found here in large numbers during their migration.

Day 5: Exmouth and Cape Range National Park

A morning drive leads to Cape Range National Park, where rugged limestone ranges give way to pristine beaches and deep canyons. The highlight here is the chance to swim at Turquoise Bay, famed for its crystal-clear waters and soft currents—ideal for floating over the coral gardens. For wildlife lovers, native animals such as emus, kangaroos, and bustards are often spotted in the park.

In the evening, a sunset at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse offers panoramic views over the ocean and a peaceful end to the day. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, there’s an optional whale shark swim (extra cost), which many travelers consider a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Day 6: From Exmouth to Northbrook Farm

Heading south, the scenery shifts as the landscape transitions from coastal to arid. A stop in Carnarvon offers a chance to see why Western Australia is a seafood haven. The highlight here? The Northbrook Farm stay, where guests can feed animals, learn about farm life, and listen to local stories under the stars—an authentic break from typical tourist spots.

Day 7: Return to Perth with a Scenic Finish

On the final day, the tour makes stops in Geraldton, visiting the HMAS Sydney Memorial, St Francis Xavier Cathedral, and the Point Moore Lighthouse. The visit to Greenough Wildlife and Bird Park allows close encounters with rescued animals like dingoes, emus, and saltwater crocodiles.

The journey concludes back in Perth, with plenty of opportunities to reflect on the diverse scenery, wildlife, and cultural experiences encountered during the week.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

When you consider the price of $1,184 per person, the value becomes evident. It covers most meals (6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners), all transportation in a capable all-terrain vehicle, and entrance fees to key parks and attractions like Nambung and Kalbarri. The inclusion of a farm stay and visits to wildlife parks adds authentic local flavor that many one-day trips can’t match.

Having a small group (limited to 16 participants) ensures that the experience remains personalized. The guides, like Steve, are praised for their knowledge and flexibility, which can turn around weather-related issues (such as the whale shark tour cancellation) into memorable days exploring other beautiful spots.

Transport and Accommodation

Traveling in a comfortable all-terrain vehicle makes the journey smooth, even over rougher roads, and the hostel accommodations in hostels or farm stays keep costs manageable without sacrificing comfort. The multi-share rooms are typical for this type of adventure, so expect a social atmosphere, especially for solo travelers or couples.

Practical Considerations

Packing light is essential due to the 10kg luggage limit, which encourages travelers to bring only essentials—think sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, and a water bottle. The tour also includes some optional activities, like abseiling and swimming with whale sharks, that are not included in the base price but can be booked if desired.

What Travelers Say

A UK traveler who took this tour called it “an amazing experience with so many great sights” and appreciated the knowledgeable guides and stunning views. They also noted how the tour took away the stress of organizing logistics, allowing them to relax and enjoy the scenery. Despite a weather-related tour cancellation, the guide’s improvisation turned the day into one of the “best days” they’d had on the trip.

Highlights from reviews include:

• The guides’ local knowledge and willingness to adapt plans.
• The stunning landscapes and natural formations like the Pinnacles and Kalbarri gorges.
• The marine life encounters, especially snorkeling at Ningaloo Reef and dolphin interactions at Monkey Mia.
• The authentic farm stay, providing a rare chance to connect with rural Western Australia.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This 7-day tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Western Australia’s most iconic sites, combining natural beauty, wildlife, and rural charm. It’s ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy active days, stunning vistas, and authentic experiences. The small group size ensures a more intimate, engaging atmosphere, and the guide’s local expertise adds depth to each stop.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, hassle-free way to explore the Coral Coast with plenty of opportunities for wildlife encounters and scenic photography, this tour fits the bill. However, if you prefer luxury accommodations, have mobility issues, or travel with very young children, this might not be the best fit.

Overall, it offers excellent value for those wanting to see the highlights of Western Australia while enjoying genuine local interactions and guided insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
No, this tour is not suitable for children under 18, and it’s designed for active travelers comfortable with basic accommodations.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers most meals (6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners), transport in an all-terrain vehicle, accommodations in hostels and a farm stay, park entrances, and visits to key attractions like Monkey Mia and Ningaloo Reef.

Are optional activities available?
Yes, activities like abseiling and swimming with whale sharks are optional and at an extra cost. These are not included in the base price.

What is the luggage restriction?
Travelers are limited to one small or medium soft bag (up to 10kg) plus a small daypack, due to vehicle space constraints.

How active is the tour?
Expect some physical activity, like short walks and snorkeling, but it’s suitable for most travelers in reasonable health.

Can I snorkel without experience?
Yes, snorkeling at Ningaloo Reef is accessible, with the chance to see turtles and manta rays just meters from shore.

Who is the guide?
Guides like Steve are known for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to adapt plans according to weather and local conditions.

Are accommodations comfortable?
Accommodations are basic but clean, with hostel-style rooms and a farm stay experience that adds authenticity.

What should I bring?
Bring sturdy shoes, sun protection, toiletries, swimwear, a water bottle, torch, insect repellent, and a power bank. Pack light to meet luggage restrictions.

When is the best time to take this tour?
While seasonal specifics aren’t provided, visiting during whale shark season or the warmer months will enhance marine encounters.

Embarking on this tour promises a blend of natural wonder, wildlife excitement, and rural charm—perfect for travelers eager to see Western Australia’s highlights without the stress of planning every detail themselves.

You can check availability for your dates here: