Perth to Exmouth & Return with Monkey Mia & Ningaloo Reef

Travel experiences can be hit or miss, and when it comes to guided tours—especially those covering vast, remote stretches of Australia—there’s plenty to consider. This 7-day trip from Perth to the Coral Coast and back, organized by Adventure Tours Australia, offers a balanced mix of iconic sights, wildlife encounters, and authentic outback charm. Our review based on various traveler feedback and the detailed itinerary aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What we love about this tour is its focus on nature—from the eerily beautiful Pinnacles limestone formations to the vibrant marine life at Ningaloo Reef. Plus, the inclusion of a farm stay offers a rare chance to connect with local rural life in a relaxed setting. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the tour involves a lot of travel time, long drives, and some optional activities that incur extra costs.

This trip is ideal for travelers eager to see a broad sweep of Western Australia’s natural wonders without the hassle of organizing transport and accommodation themselves. It suits those comfortable with a small group setting (limited to 16 participants), and who don’t mind a tight schedule and a fair bit of road travel. If you’re looking for a relaxed, immersive experience with plenty of photo ops and wildlife, this could be a good fit. However, if mobility is an issue or if you prefer a more leisurely pace, some parts of this tour might feel rushed.

Key Points

• Diverse landscapes: From limestone pinnacles to rugged national parks and pristine beaches.
• Marine encounters: Snorkeling and possible swimming with turtles and manta rays.
• Authentic stay: Farm stay experience with animal feeding and storytelling.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides are frequently praised for their friendliness and local insights.
• Cost considerations: Extra activities like Ningaloo Reef snorkeling or whale shark swims cost additional, and some reviews mention inconsistent meal quality.
• Long drives: Expect lengthy travel days with scheduled stops that might seem a bit odd or unplanned.

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The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Perth to Kalbarri

The journey kicks off in Perth with an ascent up the Coral Coast, heading towards the desert landscape that defines this part of Western Australia. The highlight here is the Pinnacles at Nambung National Park, where strange, ancient limestone spires rise from yellow sand—an otherworldly scene that sticks with you long after you leave. We loved the way the tour guides made the geology accessible, explaining how these formations have been shaping visitors’ imaginations for thousands of years.

Next stop is Geraldton, a lively port town famed for rock lobster, pearls, and shipwrecks. If time permits, you might catch a glimpse of the seasonal Pink Lake, which offers a vibrant pink hue due to algae—great for photos. The overnight stay in Kalbarri gives travelers a chance to stretch their legs and soak in river gorges and cliffs, although some reviews mention that the accommodation can be basic.

Day 2: Kalbarri to Shark Bay

Kalbarri National Park steals the show early on, with jaw-dropping views from Natures Window and the Z-Bend lookouts. These spots are perfect for photography and taking in the expansive wilderness. For the adventurous, abseiling is offered—an opportunity to experience the rugged terrain up close.

As the day ends in Denham, the gateway to Shark Bay, you’ll be entering a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning coastal ecosystems. We appreciated how the guide explained the significance of the stromatolites at Hamelin Pool, those 3-billion-year-old living fossils that remind us how life on Earth began.

Day 3: Shark Bay to Coral Bay

Early morning, the tour visits Monkey Mia, famous for its dolphin encounters. While some travelers feel they didn’t spend enough time here, the opportunity to see dolphins close-up is genuinely special. The day continues at Hamelin Pools to observe the stromatolites, an experience that feels like stepping into prehistory.

The afternoon brings a transition to Coral Bay, where the highlight is the Ningaloo Reef. The tour offers snorkeling just meters from the shore, with chances to see turtles, manta rays, and colorful fish. One traveler mentioned that the reef’s proximity makes it accessible without boat trips—perfect for casual snorkelers and families alike.

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Day 4: Coral Bay and Ningaloo Reef

This day is dedicated to the underwater wonderland of Ningaloo. The coral and fish diversity is impressive, and the opportunity to snorkel near marine megafauna is a highlight. Some guests opt for additional boat tours (extra cost) to swim with turtles and manta rays, which are abundant in the area.

While the reef’s proximity offers excellent value, some reviews note that the experience can be affected by weather conditions, which might cancel or limit certain activities. Still, the stunning coral gardens and vibrant fish life make it well worth the visit.

Day 5: Exmouth and Cape Range National Park

Traveling north, the group arrives in Exmouth, the hub for exploring Cape Range National Park and the marine environment. You might choose to swim with whale sharks—an optional activity that is memorable but incurs extra expense.

Alternatively, the park’s rugged limestone ranges, deep canyons, and pristine beaches are ideal for wildlife spotting. We loved the stop at Turquoise Bay, where the clear waters invite a refreshing swim, and the sunset at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse provides a fitting end to the day.

Day 6: Exmouth to Northbrook Farm

Leaving the coast behind, the tour heads south through the changing landscape of the outback. A break in Carnarvon introduces you to Western Australia’s seafood and agriculture hub. The highlight here is the farm stay at Northbrook Farm, where you can feed animals, help out on the farm, and listen to local stories under the stars. Travelers have noted this as a genuine, down-to-earth experience—an authentic taste of rural life.

Day 7: Northbrook to Perth

The final leg takes us back to Perth, with stops to visit Geraldton landmarks like the HMAS Sydney Memorial, St Francis Xavier Cathedral, and Point Moore Lighthouse. A visit to Greenough Wildlife and Bird Park offers a chance to see rescued animals such as dingoes, emus, saltwater crocodiles, and kangaroos.

In the evening, the tour wraps up at the stunning white dunes of the Coral Coast, perfect for last-minute photos and exchanges with fellow travelers. Some reviews mention that the pace of the final day can feel rushed, but it does offer a rundown of the region’s highlights.

What the Reviews Tell Us

While most travelers praise the guides’ friendliness and local knowledge, there’s a notable dissent. One traveler from the UK gave a single star, citing long drives, poor food, and unprofessional behavior from the guide. This highlights that the tour’s quality can vary and that expectations should be managed—long travel days can test patience, especially if some stops feel hurried or unplanned.

Conversely, other travelers raved about the value of exploring multiple highlights in one trip and appreciated how the guide went above and beyond—especially when weather affected plans. Many considered it a cost-effective way to see the coast’s key sights without the stress of organizing logistics independently.

Transportation, Accommodation, and Value

The tour uses small buses that keep the group intimate, which we see as a plus for personal interaction and easy navigation through narrow roads. The luggage limit of 10kg and the need for soft bags can be restrictive, but it also simplifies packing for remote locations.

Accommodation varies, with some nights at basic hotels and one memorable farm stay. Food offerings are generally decent, but some reviews mention repetitive meals. Since meals are included mostly as breakfast and lunch, with dinner often on your own, travelers should budget accordingly.

The extra costs—such as snorkeling at Ningaloo or swimming with whale sharks—can add up but are optional. Considering the tour price covers most activities and accommodation, many travelers find it offers good value for the chance to visit far-flung sights with knowledgeable guides.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This expedition is best suited for travelers who want to see a broad swath of Western Australia’s highlights without the hassle of self-driving. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with long travel days and are eager to encounter wildlife, stunning landscapes, and a touch of rural life. If you value guided expertise, good group camaraderie, and the convenience of organized logistics, this tour delivers.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have accessibility concerns, this might not be the best fit. The optional activities and extra costs also mean you should be prepared for some additional spending if you want to maximize your experience.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
No, the tour is not recommended for children under 18 years old, and travelers with mobility impairments might find some activities and terrain challenging.

What should I pack for this trip?
Bring sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, toiletries, bathers and a towel for swimming, a water bottle, torch, insect repellent, and a power bank. Keep luggage under 10kg—soft bags or backpacks are required.

Are meals included?
Breakfasts and lunches are typically included, but dinners are usually on your own. The quality of food can vary, and some reviews mention repetitive menus.

Can I snorkel or swim at Ningaloo Reef?
Yes, snorkeling near the shore is included, with the chance to see turtles and manta rays. Additional boat tours to swim with marine megafauna are available at extra cost.

How long are the travel days?
Long drives are part of the experience, with some days involving several hours on the road. The itinerary is packed with stops, making some days feel quite busy.

What is the guide like?
Guides are generally praised for their knowledge and friendliness, although there are reports of unprofessional behavior from certain guides, so experiences can vary.

Is extra cost for activities common?
Yes, activities like snorkeling and whale shark swimming incur additional fees. These are optional but highly recommended if you want the full marine experience.

What kind of accommodation can I expect?
Accommodation ranges from basic hotels to a farm stay where you can feed animals and listen to local stories. It’s functional but not luxury.

Final Words

This tour offers a solid way to cover Western Australia’s most iconic sights in a manageable week. Its strength lies in the variety: spectacular landscapes, marine life, and authentic farm experiences. For travelers who enjoy guided trips with a sense of adventure, and who are okay with some long days and optional extra costs, it’s worth considering.

For those seeking a more leisurely or luxury experience, or traveling with mobility challenges, some adjustments might be necessary. But for its target audience—adventurous explorers eager to tick off key Australian sights—this tour promises memorable moments and a chance to see nature at its most raw and beautiful.

Note: Always check current availability, inclusions, and reviews before booking, as conditions and guides can change.

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