West Coast Explorer

Day 1

Home - Broome
Sit back and relax on board your flight to Broome where you will come to realise just how big Australia is! Arrive early evening where you will be met by our crew who will be your hosts as we journey down the west coast of Australia.

Day 2

Broome - Port Hedland
Today will highlight the vastness of the region as we travel south on the Great Northern Highway towards Port Hedland. The remarkable growth of this port is due largely to the iron ore boom, making it one of the world's largest mineral ports. The area also produces three million tonnes of Solar Salt annually.

Day 3

Port Hedland - Karratha
Today the most important port in the North West of Australia is a hard contested rivalry between Port Hedland and Karratha. However, today we'll visit the tiny town of Cossack, once the first pastoral, gold rush and pearling port in the North West, but is now a living ghost town offering a glimpse into 19th century life with its National Trust-listed bluestone architecture, along with peaceful coastal views. Continue on to Dampier where there'll be time to explore its stunning foreshore and the memorial statue of the Pilbara's famous Red Dog, before arriving into Karratha for our overnight stay.

Day 4

Karratha - Tom Price
After breakfast, we'll embark on a journey deep into the rugged beauty of the Pilbara region. Begin with a scenic drive to Millstream Chichester National Park, where crystal-clear springs, ancient river gums, and dramatic red landscapes create a stunning oasis in the outback. Spend some time discovering this iconic national park before continuing along the famous rail access road beside the enormous Pilbara mine trains. As the iron ore locomotives thunder past through the vast desert scenery, travellers gain a true sense of the scale and power of Australia's mining industry. Continue on to Tom Price, home to some of the world's largest open-cut iron ore operations, where a guided mine site tour offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the massive machinery, mining processes, and engineering achievements that drive the region's economy. Settle into our accommodation for the next two nights. (BLD)

Day 5

Tom Price - Karijini National Park
Be sure to have your comfortable, closed in footwear today as we visit the spectacular Karijini National Park. See Fortescue Falls at Dales Gorge, take a pleasant stroll in Kalamina Gorge and enjoy impressive views from Oxer's Lookout over Red, Weano, Joffre and Hancock Gorges.

Day 6

Tom Price - Exmouth
Farewell Tom Price, as you journey through more of the vast red landscapes of the Pilbara and along the stunning coastline of the Ningaloo region toward Exmouth. Stop in this seaside town which was built as a support for NASA's activities in Carnarvon before continuing on to the iconic Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, perched high above rugged cliffs with sweeping views across the Indian Ocean. If you're lucky, we may see some whales offshore. Later, settle into our overnight accommodation.

Day 7

Exmouth - Carnarvon
After enjoying a continental breakfast, our journey continues south, pausing at Coral Bay to soak in the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy some free time to relax or purchase morning tea at your leisure. Experience the magic of Ningaloo Reef during a glass-bottom boat cruise, offering a unique window into the vibrant underwater world of colourful fish and stunning coral formations. Later, travel onward to Carnarvon, where we'll settle into our accommodation for a relaxing evening.

Day 8

Carnarvon - Monkey Mia
Begin with a continental breakfast again this morning, prior to visiting the One Mile Jetty Precinct. The precinct showcases the stories, industries and people that helped shape the Gascoyne region, from early pastoral settlement to coastal trade, rail transport, and wartime encounter. Purchase you own morning tea at Wooramel Roadhouse as we make our way towards the World Heritage Listed Area of Shark Bay. Visit Hamelin Pool to see the famous Stromalites before continuing on to Monkey Mia, part of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, recognised for its unique marine life and natural beauty.

Day 9

Monkey Mia - Kalbarri
Monkey Mia is renowned for its famous wild dolphin experience, and we'll have the opportunity this morning to witness these incredible animals up close during the supervised feeding sessions. We then enjoy a guided visit to the Ocean Park Aquarium, where you can discover the diverse marine life of the region. Departing the Shark Bay area, see the Solar Salt Mines which produce some of the purest grade salt in the world. This afternoon, travel through to Kalbarri, keeping a eye out for wildflowers along the way

Day 10

Kalbarri - Kalbarri National Park
Kalbarri has some amazing scenery with wind and wave erosion having exposed the sedimentary layers in the sandstone cliffs that plunge more than 100m to the ocean. Spend some time this morning discovering the coastal escarpment features of this rugged coastline. This afternoon, explore some of the surrounds of the lower reaches of the Murchison River, which has cut a magnificent 80km gorge through the red and white banded sandstone to create formations such as Nature's Window and The Loop. Visit the Kalbarri Skywalk perched on the cliff top 100 metres above Murchison Gorge for some spectacular photo opportunities.

Day 11

Kalbarri - Geraldton
This morning we travel south via the Port of Gregory and Northampton before arriving into Geraldton. Enjoy a picnic lunch prior to a visit to the Geraldton Museum, followed by a tour of the HMAS Sydney II Memorial and a guided town tour. Later, settle into our motel with time to freshen up before dinner.

Day 12

Geraldton - Cervantes
Today we'll be treated to a Devonshire morning tea by the local Budgingarry CWA. Afterwards, some of the locals will take us on a guided walk, in search of the stunning wildflowers known in the area. This afternoon, discover Nambung National Park, one of Australia's most unique and captivating landscapes known as The Pinnacles Desert - a photographer's paradise.

Day 13

Cervantes - Fremantle
Travel via Moora to New Norcia, Australia's only monastic town, rich in history and Spanish heritage. Continue via Toodyay and on to the beautiful Avon Valley, arriving in the charming town of Northam. The Spanish-inspired architecture here is a delightful surprise, set amongst sweeping wheat fields, sheep properties, and endless stretches of vibrant canola. This afternoon, arrive in Fremantle, a lively port city renowned for its maritime history, heritage buildings, and relaxed coastal charm, where we'll spend the next two nights.

Day 14

Rottnest Island
Just a short ferry ride away is Rottnest Island. Take a guided tour of the island, visiting Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, Oliver Hill Gun Fortification and Tunnels and views from the lookout at Cathedral Rocks and Cape Vlamingh. Hear the cultural and historical heritage of the area and if you're lucky, you may even spot a Quokka.

Day 15

Fremantle - Home
With our tour of the West Coast coming to a close this morning, we make our way to Perth Airport to check in for your flight home, where on arrival, your transfers will be arranged

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner