Perth: 7 Day Exmouth Explorer & Ningaloo Reef Return Perth

Planning a trip to Western Australia and considering a guided tour? This 7-day Exmouth Explorer with Autopia Tours promises an immersive journey through some of the most breathtaking sights of WA’s Coral Coast. From the mysterious Pinnacles to whale shark swims, it’s a well-designed trip for those who love nature, wildlife, and scenic drives.

What we particularly like about this tour is the way it balances organized sightseeing with free time to explore on your own. Plus, the knowledgeable guides and variety of activities stand out — many reviews highlight guides who make the experience memorable with their stories and local insights.

One thing to think about is the considerable amount of driving involved; with multiple long stretches between stops, this trip is not for those seeking a completely relaxed, slow pace. It’s more suited for travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure and don’t mind some bus time.

This tour appeals most to those interested in seeing iconic Australian landscapes, wildlife encounters like dolphins and whales, and exploring remote beaches and national parks. If you’re after a comprehensive, active week with a friendly group, this could be just right.

Key Points

• Diverse locations: From the Pinnacles to Coral Bay, Shark Bay, and Exmouth, it covers WA’s famous sights.
• Guided expertise: Knowledgeable guides enrich every stop, making the experience educational and fun.
• Active itinerary: Expect some walking, hiking, and optional activities like snorkeling and whale shark swims.
• Value for money: Many reviews praise the well-organized trip, delicious food, and memorable experiences for the price.
• Long drives: Be prepared for substantial bus travel — the scenery makes it worthwhile, but it’s a feature to keep in mind.
• Fit for adventure: The tour has a moderate to high level of physical activity, with walks often over rocky or uneven terrain.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Details of the Itinerary

Day 1: Perth to Kalbarri

Your journey kicks off with a visit to the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. These limestone formations look like they belong on another planet, and many find them fascinating to explore. The tour then goes south along Indian Ocean Drive, offering scenic coastal views. A highlight is a seaside lunch at Jurien Bay and a quick stop at the Pink Lake (if conditions are right), which makes for some great photos.

Once in Kalbarri, you’ll settle into your accommodation, with options ranging from private ensuites to shared hostel rooms. The first day involves about 575 km of travel, with a gentle 2 km walk, making it manageable for most travelers.

Day 2: Kalbarri and Monkey Mia

Early risers can catch the sunrise at Natures Window, a natural rock formation that frames the river gorge beautifully. The day is packed with exploration — hikes to Murchison Gorge, Z-Bend, and Kalbarri Skywalk offer dramatic views over the rugged landscape. Spring blooming wildflowers add color if you visit at the right time.

Post-hike, you’ll head north, stopping at Monkey Mia in Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many reviews highlight the wild dolphin encounters at Monkey Mia as a standout. Some travelers have described waking up to dolphins visiting their rooms — a rare and special experience.

Day 3: Monkey Mia to Coral Bay

The day starts with more dolphin magic at Monkey Mia or a visit to Shell Beach and Eagle Bluff. After lunch, it’s a long drive (around 580 km) to Coral Bay, situated on the edge of Ningaloo Reef. This is a key highlight: snorkeling waters renowned for marine life, with turquoise bays perfect for relaxing and spotting fish and coral.

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Day 4: Coral Bay to Exmouth

Enjoy some free time in Coral Bay — you could snorkel on Ningaloo Reef, stroll along the beach, or join an optional manta ray swim. That evening, the group heads to Exmouth, where you’ll stay two nights.

Day 5: Cape Range National Park and Turquoise Bay

Exploring Cape Range National Park is a major highlight. The limestone ranges, canyons, and beaches create a stunning backdrop. Turquoise Bay is a must-see, known for its incredible coral and marine life just off the beach. Optional activities like whale shark or humpback whale swims are seasonal but highly praised if available.

Day 6: Exmouth to Geraldton

A long drive back south, with stops in Carnarvon to see banana and mango plantations, offers a taste of local agriculture. The day wraps up in Geraldton, with a group dinner (own expense) and a chance to reflect on the trip’s highlights.

Day 7: Geraldton to Perth

The final stretch includes visits to the HMAS Sydney Memorial and Lake Thetis with its stromatolites (ancient microbial formations). The trip concludes back in Perth around 6 pm.

What You Can Expect

This tour is quite active and involves hiking over rocky or uneven terrain, often in direct sunlight. As many reviews mention, a medium/high fitness level is needed, especially for the walks and optional activities. The group size tends to be small (around 12-16 people), which helps foster a friendly, informal vibe.

Transportation is by comfortable bus, equipped with charging ports and air conditioning, making long drives as pleasant as possible. Food is generally praised for being nutritious and accommodating dietary preferences, especially for those with special diets like vegan or gluten-free.

Guides and Group Dynamics

Multiple reviewers sing the praises of guides like Beth, Doug, Geoff, and Alyssa — stating they are knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about their land. Many reflect fondly on the stories and local insights shared, which transform a sightseeing trip into an educational experience.

Accommodation and Meals

While some reviews note that some hostels are more modern than others, overall accommodation is described as comfortable and adequate for a group tour. Meals are often included, with many travelers appreciating the variety and quality, especially considering the remote locations.

The Value Proposition

When looking at the cost, many travelers felt this tour offers excellent value — it covers transportation, guided excursions, entry fees, some meals, and unforgettable experiences like dolphin encounters and snorkeling. The long days are balanced by moments of free time, giving you space to unwind or explore on your own.

Potential Downsides

The main consideration is the length of travel days. With over 800 km on some days, there’s a lot of bus time, which could be tiring for some. Also, the physical effort required for hikes and walks means it’s not ideal if you have mobility issues or very young children.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best for adventure lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those eager to see iconic Aussie landscapes in a relatively short period. It’s perfect if you enjoy guided groups, don’t mind some long drives, and want a mix of active exploration and relaxing beaches. Solo travelers, couples, and friends will all find plenty to love, but it’s not tailored to infants or those with mobility challenges.

FAQ

• Is this tour suitable for families?
  While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the activity level may be challenging for children under 8. It’s more suited to active teenagers and adults who enjoy hiking and outdoor adventures.

• What should I pack for this trip?
  Bring a camera, flashlight, daypack, water, weather-appropriate clothing, warm clothes for evenings, and sturdy hiking shoes. Consider sun protection, and don’t forget personal medication.

• Are meals included?
  Many meals are provided, including breakfast, lunch, and dinners, but some dinners, like the group’s final night in Geraldton, are optional and at your own expense.

• How much walking is involved?
  Expect walks of 2-4 km daily, often over rocky terrain or steep sections. The total walking distance in the tour is around 9.5 km, so good fitness helps.

• Can I do the whale shark swim?
  The whale shark swim is seasonal (Mar-Sep) and can be booked as an optional activity. Many reviews highlight how memorable and worth the extra cost it is.

• What is the group size?
  Typically around 12-16 travelers, which offers a good balance of camaraderie and space.

• Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
  Absolutely. Many past travelers mention making new friends and enjoying the social aspect of the tour.

• Are there any age restrictions?
  The tour is not suitable for children under 5 and requires participants to be fit enough for moderate to intense walks. Children aged 8-17 must travel with an adult or guardian.

Final Thoughts

This 7-day Exmouth Explorer offers a thorough taste of Western Australia’s stunning coastline and unique landscapes. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want an active, guided experience with knowledgeable guides and a good mix of sightseeing and free time. The itinerary packs in iconic sights, wildlife encounters, and scenic drives, making it a solid choice for adventure-seekers or nature lovers.

While the long travel days and physical demands might not suit everyone, most travelers rave about the scenery, the friendly guides, and the value for money. If you’re up for some adventure, don’t mind the bus rides, and want to see some of Australia’s most breathtaking spots, this tour could be a great fit.

In essence: If you’re eager to explore WA with a knowledgeable guide, love wildlife, and enjoy active holidays, this tour offers a rewarding and scenic adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: