Days
10 Days
Tour Type
Walking
From
$3,699 Twin Share
- Start
-
Paraburdoo
- Finish
-
Exmouth
- Physical Rating
- Moderate to challenging
- Tour Distance
- Various walk lengths up to 10km
- Group size
- Min 6, Max 15
- Code
- KARJ
Overview
Explore the dramatic gorges of Karijini National park, and soak up the beauty of the Ningaloo reef on this amazing guided tour. This is an active holiday that will leave you feeling on top of the world, at your absolute best, with the perfect blend of activity and rest. Our Karijini and Ningaloo Reef tour is designed to give you an in depth walking tour of Karijini as well as an opportunity to swim with the whale sharks and snorkel on the Ningaloo reef. There is plenty of time to swim in many of the gorges with ample time to relax and take in the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful landscapes. By flying into Paraburdoo and out of Exmouth we have minimised driving time. As this tour takes us to some remote places it is one of our comfortable camping-based tours. Each guest will stay in a semi permanent tent, with a cosy camping bed.
Highlights of this walk
- Discover the wonders of Karijini National Park, which encompasses a range of breathtaking locations such as Kalamina, Dales, Weano and Hancock Gorges, Kermit’s and Handrail Pool. Additionally, you can venture to the summit of Mt Bruce, the second highest peak in Australia.
- Experience the beauty of Ningaloo Reef by snorkeling, where a plethora of vibrant marine life and coral create a stunning array of colors beneath the turquoise waters.
- Seize the opportunity to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and swim alongside whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, along Western Australia’s Coral Coast. Please note that this is an optional experience.
Itinerary
We will pick you up from the airport at Paraburdoo and head into the beautiful Karijini National Park in time for dinner.*
It is quite important to enable our trip to commence on time, please book on to the below flights based on current Qantas schedules:
- Monday to Friday tour start days : QF1620 | Perth 13:30 - Paraburdoo 15:20
- Saturday tour start day: QF1842 | Perth 07:30 - Paraburdoo 09:20
- Sunday tour start day: QF1624 | Perth 15:50 - Paraburdoo at 17:35
Please also see 'Arrival Flight Details' section on our Planner document.
* Please note : The itinerary for each tour may have variations due to flight arrival times, gorge access, weather conditions and other factors beyond our control. Rest assured our team of professional guides will bring you a very memorable experience.
Accommodation: Karijini National Park - Eco Retreat campground (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
First up today, we will head deep into the park to check out the spectacular Kalamina gorge. Though the path is rocky and uneven under foot this is one of the easier walks with a mostly gentle descent. At the bottom of the gorge, we will be rewarded by one of Karijini's perfect swimming holes where we can cool off.
After Kalamina gorge, we will take the opportunity to stop in at the Visitor's centre, learn about the parks history and grab yourself an ice cream. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch, and then go to Dale's Gorge where we will spend the rest of the afternoon. The stunning water holes in this area with their deep red rocks, lush ferns and waterfalls offer an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.
Once we have had our fill, we will head back to camp for our meal together, under the stars.
Accommodation: Karijini National Park - Eco Retreat campground (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mt Bruce is Western Australia's second highest peak. The Mt Bruce walk trail is a fantastic ridge walk, with some steep and rocky sections along the route. From one side you'll have the vista of Karijini Range; from the other an iron ore mine! The 9.5 km return walk will take us most of the day and is definitely worth the effort.
Accommodation: Karijini National Park - Eco Retreat campground (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We'll explore two of the most iconic gorges in Karijini - Hancock and Weano. The walks are challenging in places, but not difficult. Both involve some wading and clambering on rocks and ledges; and both reward us with fantastic jade pools nestled deep within the narrow gorge walls. Highlights include the Spider Walk and Kermits Pool.
Accommodation: Karijini National Park - Eco Retreat campground (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you will say farewell to Karijini and begin your journey to the West Coast. The rocky peak of Mt Nameless (Jarndunmunha) dominates the landscape as you drive towards Tom Price. We will follow the trail, along the ridge line to the top of this significant mountain. This is a 4.5km, class 4 return walk with some challenging sections but rewarding views!
For those after an alternative to hiking Mt Nameless, there is a mine site tour which leaves from the visitors centre or you may wish to spend the morning relaxing in the township of Tom Price at a local cafe.
In the afternoon we depart Tom Price for Cheela Plains, a true outback station stay where you will enjoy a delicious meal under the spectacular desert night sky!
Accommodation: Cheela Plains Station Stay (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Time to rest the legs on a travel day. Western Australia is a big place so it will take us much of the day to get across to Exmouth. There will be plenty of rest stops to stretch your legs.
We will arrive with time to watch the sun set into the Indian Ocean.
Accommodation: Yardie Homestead Caravan Park (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The whale shark tour is a full day experience out on the open water. You will go beyond the reef to witness the whale sharks, the oceans gentle giants. They are surprisingly graceful and slow-moving which makes it accessible to swimmers however you will need to feel confident in your swimming ability in open water conditions (Strong Swimmers Only).
The glass bottom boat half-day snorkeling tour takes you where our tour leaders can't. This 3 -hour afternoon tour brings you to calmer waters within the Ningaloo Lagoon that teems with marine life. It serves as a critical habitat for various species of fish, turtles, and other marine creatures, making it a snorkeler's paradise.
Lunch is included on the whale shark tour. For those staying at camp or going on the glass-bottom boat tour your guides will provide lunch. For the prices of the optional tours please see the trip planner.
Accommodation: Yardie Homestead Caravan Park (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will explore Cape Range national park, with a series of short walks, snorkelling and swiming along the coast.
Spot rock wallabies and an incredible array of sea life on this wonderful day. We will explore Mandu Mandu gorge and Yardie Creek gorge then to Turquoise Bay along Ningaloo Reef for a swim and snorkel. Your guides will create you a delicious dinner to enjoy when we get back to camp.
Accommodation: Yardie Homestead Caravan Park (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Having experienced Ningaloo from the water, today we will spend a bit more time on dry land. There are plenty of walk trails though this area portraying the interesting limestone karst and spinifex country.
Compared to some of our exploits in Karijini these trails are relatively easy. The heat can definitely be a factor though, so we may have to augment today's itinerary if this is the case.
That said, after exploring the Charles Knife Canyon, we will head back to the blue waters of Ningaloo for another opportunity to swim. Hopefully we will spot a turtle!
After another full day of exploring, we will head back to camp for the last night.
Accommodation: Yardie Homestead Caravan Park (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our last day!
After breakfast you will be transferred to either Exmouth town (drop off: Visitors Ningaloo Centre - 9:30AM) or Learmonth Airport for an approximate time of 10:15-10:30AM.
Due to guides relocating the vehicle to Tom Price on this day, we can only provide the one transfer as listed above.
Note : Should Qantas reschedule their flight to require an earlier arrival than 10.30AM, we will move this departure transfer to provide adequate airport check in time.
Please read the' Getting to and From Trip' information in the Trip FAQ document.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
Meals
-
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
Transport
-
Transport is by an air-conditioned tour coach
Accommodation
-
This is one of our two comfortable camping tours (the other one is the Kimberley). Each night we camp in designated campgrounds. Due to flight availability, some departures stay overnight in a motel in Tom Price and/or Exmouth but all departures will still get to experience all the sites on our itinerary.
All camping equipment is provided, except sleeping bags and pillows. The tents are semi permenant spacious four person tents, which will be used for one or two people if you are coming as a couple. A mattress is provided to sleep on as well as a knee high stretcher bed.
There are flushing toilets and showers at all of our accommodations, however during the day when we are out and about long-drop toilets will be available. There is also ample opportunity for swimming on most days.
The only washing machines are at Cheela Plains and accommodation in Exmouth. Water is available for bucket washing of clothes in Karijini if required.
Included activities
-
Professional guiding and support each day by 2 tour leaders
-
Emergency support: tour leaders carry satellite phones and a full first aid kit
-
Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities)
-
All National Park entry fees
-
Karijini National Park - Hancock Gorge
-
Karijini National Park - Kalamina Gorge walk
-
Ningaloo Marine Park - Turquoise Bay
-
Cape Range National Park - Yardie Gorge Trail
-
Cape Range National Park - Charles Knife Canyon & Badjirrajirra Walk trail
Dates & Availability
$3,699 AUD
per person twin share
7 spots available
$3,699 AUD
per person twin share
7 spots available
$3,699 AUD
per person twin share
6 spots available
$3,699 AUD
per person twin share
9 spots available
$3,699 AUD
per person twin share
7 spots available
$3,699 AUD
per person twin share
9 spots available
$3,699 AUD
per person twin share
7 spots available
$3,699 AUD
per person twin share
2 spots available
Important Notes
- This is a camping tour with lots of comfort. (As we like to say it’s a camping tour for non campers!) 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 $67 (to cover dry cleaning at the end of the tour).
- 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.
- Optional Whale Shark Tour: We highly recommend you swim with the whale sharks, it is an amazing experience. It is not included in the tour price, guests will need to advise us well ahead of time if you would like to add this option as this experience books out each year. Please also note that whale sharks visit the region between mid-March and mid-September only.
- Whale Shark Tour (Bottom Glass Boat option): Alternative to those who may not feel comfortable swimming at sea is a half-day glass-bottomed boat snorkelling tour, which is provided within the protection of the reef. The water is calmer and shallower, and is a great option for those with a bit of trepidation for the open ocean.
- Fitness: All walks are less than 10 km but each has its challenges. The terrain is rocky and there is a lot of ascending and descending – both for the peaks and the gorge walks. A reasonable level of fitness, mobility and balance is required to fully enjoy the trip.
- Flights: Upon booking we will let you know which flight into Paraburdoo you will need to book onto. Due to flight availability the itinerary may change slightly. On some departures guests will stay the first night in Tom Price and then head into Karijini National Park the following day. All departure dates will still go to all the same gorges and sights.
- Last Day of Tour: Our tour team will drop guests into the township of Exmouth (Ningaloo Centre) for an estimated arrival time of approx. 09.30am. For those that wish we will continue to the airport for an estimated arrival time of approx. 10.15am -10.30am. For those that are dropped off in the town of Exmouth and have an afternoon flight you can book an airport transfer with www.exmouthbuscharters.com.au. They work their transfer around flight departures and costs currently are approx. $40 per adult.
- In the event of unforeseeable circumstances that require a modification to the itinerary or accommodation, we will make every effort to provide a suitable alternative.
FAQs
About Walking Tours In General
How hard are the walks?
The difficulty of the walks ranges from tour to tour, from easy to challenging. We design all of our walking tours to be achievable for those with a moderate level of fitness. We do recommend doing some training before most tours, because physical activity is always more enjoyable if you are physically prepared. We will send you information about how to train when you book.
When on tour we find that a positive mental attitude is most important and that if you focus on the scenery, the company and the moment, and not on the kilometres, then you find yourself reaching your destination with little problem. You can always have a day or sometimes an afternoon off to relax if you feel like it. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete a walk, give us a call or send us an email and we can talk you through it.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Do I have to twin-share accommodation? Can I have my own room?
Our tour prices are based on rooms being twin share (two single beds in one room) or double (one double/queen bed in a room, shared by a couple). If you are travelling alone, we will place you in a room with someone of the same gender. If you have opted for a single supplement, this means you will have your own room but we won’t always be able to guarantee your own bathroom and king/queen bed due to the types of accommodation we use for group bookings. Often we stay at 2 or 3 bedroom chalets so that we can cook and have a common area for the group to relax and mingle at the end of your days walk. If having your own bathroom is important, give us a ring and we will see if it is possible.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Will I hold up the group if I’m a slow walker?
We find a lot of people who haven’t been on a walking tour before worry about this, but it’s rarely an issue. We keep a comfortable steady pace with plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenery along the way. Usually the group will spread out over a couple of hundred metres as we walk.
Normal walking pace on a formed surface like a road or footpath is around 4.5 – 6 km per hour and we tend to average just over 3 km per hour on bush tracks. It’s not a stroll but it’s not a brisk walk either. If you feel you may be slower than this, try some longer training walks to increase your walking fitness.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
What is the average age of Inspiration Outdoors’ guests?
About 80% of our walkers are aged between 45 – 75, but we welcome all adults on our tours. We get a roughly 60/40 female to male split.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs
What’s the food like? Can you cater for my dietary needs?
We serve simple, nutritious and delicious food on tour prepared by our guides, using fresh and local ingredients as much as possible. Sometimes we also eat out at restaurants. Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, fresh fruit, pre-dinner nibbles and a two course evening meal are all included. We are happy to adapt our menu to suit many dietary needs including gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets – please ask when you book.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Are your walking tours just for “bushwalkers”?
Our walks are for anyone who enjoys walking and nature – bushwalkers or not. Our walks are conducted in safe, supportive and fun environments and you don’t need specialised equipment or experience to undertake them. We give you information about what you will need to bring and how you should prepare for each tour and we’re always here to answer any questions or concerns.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs
Do I have to walk every day on tour?
Of course not – it’s your holiday and you should do what you feel! Relax at the accommodation, come for a drive, get dropped off in town or go for a stroll of your own. On some days there is also the opportunity to walk for part of the day. This last option depends on whether there is vehicle access to the track.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
What do I have to carry when I walk?
Very little. A water bladder or bottles, lunch/snacks/fruit for the day. a rain jacket, some personal first aid supplies and, on some days, lunch. You will probably want a camera as well. We return to accommodation each evening so there is no need to carry a large backpack.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Not sure if this is the right tour for you?
At Inspiration Outdoors, we understand that choosing the right tour can be a difficult decision. That’s why we’re here to help make the process as smooth as possible. If you still have questions, give us a call or drop us a line. Whether it’s a question about the tour itinerary or your fitness level, our customer care team is ready to answer it. We have product specialists for every tour who are eager to share their knowledge and help you plan your next adventure.
What our customers say
Our Booking Process
What happens after I book?
After you have filled in a registration form, we will send you all extra information you may need, including a list of what to bring and how best to prepare for the tour.
Payment in full is required at least six weeks prior to the tour (bookings can still be made within six weeks of tour start date if there are places available). We will email or call you to remind you when this is due.
Finally, we will contact you prior to your tour to confirm pick-up times and locations. If you have any questions or concerns at all before or after you have booked, please don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can go through them with you.
What are my payment options?
Payment can be made by:
- Direct deposit
- Cheque
- Credit card
Can I cancel my booking?
If you need to cancel your tour;
(a) 84 days or more prior to departure, we will refund your deposit minus $50 administration fee;(b) 30 and 84 days prior to departure, loss of deposit
(c) between 24 and 29 days prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 25% of the total booking cost;
(d) between 15 and 23 days prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 50% of the total booking cost;
(e) 14 days or fewer prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the booking cost.
If you have any concerns about cancelling, please take out travel insurance covering this contingency. This policy will be adhered to despite the most compelling and compassionate circumstances.
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