Itineraries of Australia

Day 1: Perth to Geraldton

Starting From The Day Wildflowers, Coalseam Conservation Park, Coral Coast, Western Australia

Once you depart Perth in pickup your driver, begin to head north along the Brand Highway. First stop is “Badgingarra National Park”, approximately two hours away, where you will stretch your legs along the stunning two-hour Iain Wilson Nature Trail, home to wildlife such as kangaroos, emus and wedge-tailed eagles. The walk also offers the opportunity to see native wildflowers such as the world’s largest eucalypt flower, the mottlecash. Stop for a lazy lunch, another hour north, at the twin coastal towns of Dongara and Port Denison (try the charming beach shack Seaspray Beach Cafe or family-friendly Southerlys Tavern). Perhaps pick up local produce at the Silverdale Olive Orchard, or some award winning Bushtucker Spiced from a tour at Illegal Tender Rum Co before continuing on for 30 minutes to Geraldton. Head straight to the beach for an afternoon swim and then dinner from the Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-Op. Sleep at Ocean Centre Hotel, a four-star stay in the heart of town with oceanfront views And Overnight stay At Geraldton.

Day 2: Geraldton to Carnarvon

HMAS Sydney Memorial, Geraldton, Coral Coast, Western Australia

Before departing Geraldton, visit the HMAS Sydney Memorial, a tribute to the ship sunk in battle off the coast of Western Australia in 1941, claiming the lives of 645 sailors. Then begin the five-hour drive north, passing Kalbarri National Park on the way (you’ll stop here on your return). Continue past the dolphin sanctuary of Monkey Mia (also to be explored on the return trip) to Carnarvon, where banana, mango and papaya plantations thrive on the fertile land around the Gascoyne River. If you adore tropical fruit, take a tour of one of the plantations, or buy fresh produce from the Gascoyne Growers’ Market. Wander the length of historic One Mile Jetty, part of Carnarvon’s heritage precinct or head further north to the spectacular Carnarvon blowholes, where the ocean jets up to 20 metres (66 feet) high. Finish the day snorkelling in Carnarvon’s calm coral-filled lagoon, filled with fish and shells and bordered by a white sandy beach (local stores offer snorkelling equipment hire). Overnight Stay in one of the well-appointed deluxe suites at Tourist Park/Carnarvon.

Day 3: Carnarvon to Exmouth

Cape Range National Park, Coral Coast, Western Australia

Continue another four hours north to the township of Exmouth, which sits between the red cliffs of Cape Range National Park and the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Marine Park. Cool off at the beach, where you only have to swim (or snorkel) a few metres off the shoreline to see the tropical fish and multi-coloured coral of World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. The most popular experience here is swimming with whale sharks, the world’s biggest fish. These ocean giants, which can grow up to 18 metres (59 feet) long, congregate around Ningaloo Reef between April and July. If you’d rather keep dry, take a glass-bottomed boat tour, where you can see schools of manta rays from May to November. Otherwise, enjoy a sea kayak tour past dolphins, turtles and dugongs. In the evening, dine at Exmouth’s yachting marina, where restaurants, boutiques and wine bars line the canals. Then bed down by the water at Mantaraya, where each suite has a king-sized bed and spa bath And Overnight Stay In Exmouth.

Day 4: Exmouth to Coral Bay

Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef, Coral Coast, Western Australia

Dedicate half a day to exploring the craggy landscapes of Cape Range National Park. Among many scenic hikes that thread through the area is the Badjirrajirra Loop Trail. On this moderate eight kilometre (five mile) hike you’ll traverse the top of Cape Range, taking in rocky gullies, colourful gorges, spinifex bushland and views of the spectacular Shothole Canyon and beyond to Exmouth Gulf. For a guided experience, Ningaloo Safari Tours offer four-wheel drive tours of the area, as well as boat trips up the scenic Yardie Creek. In the afternoon drive south to Coral Bay, where you can again swim at one of the town’s dazzlingly white, sheltered beaches, or snorkel on Ningaloo Reef right off the shore. Spend the Night in Bayview Coral Bay.

Day 5: Coral Bay to Denham (Shark Bay)

Hamelin Pool, Coral Coast, Western Australia

After an early morning swim, drive south to Shark Bay World Heritage Area. Detour off the highway to see the remarkable Hamelin Pool, home to the oldest and largest living fossils on earth known as stromatolites and taking the form of dome-shaped rocks. Drive a little further to Shell Beach which, as the name suggests, is made up of billions of tiny shells instead of sand, and admire the beach’s beautiful aqua water and bright white curve of beach, which stretches for more than 70 kilometres (43 miles). Stay overnight in the town of Denham.

Day 6: Denham (Shark Bay) to Monkey Mia (Shark Bay)

Monkey Mia, Coral Coast, Western Australia

From Denham, it’s a 30-minute drive to Monkey Mia, famous for the wild, bottlenose dolphins that visit the shallow waters here every day. After years of being fed by local fishermen, the dolphins swim into shore to interact with humans, so expect to feed them, or even swim with them in the clear aqua waters of the bay. Along with dolphins, Monkey Mia is home to whales, manta rays, turtles, sharks, a huge array of fish and 10 per cent of the world’s dugongs, which you can spot while snorkelling, scuba diving or on a glass-bottomed boat tour. The animal encounters don’t end there: take your pick of riding a camel along Dolphin Beach, daily pelican feeding, or fishing for whiting, cod, snapper, mackerel and tuna. In the evening, learn about local Aboriginal culture and cook bush tucker on a campfire during the Didgeridoo Dreaming Night Tour. Stay central at RAC Monkey Mia Resort, a family-friendly spot offering both beachfront campgrounds and comfortable hotel rooms, or return to your accommodation at Denham And overnight stay in Denham.

Day 7: Denham (Shark Bay) and Surrounds

You Have Seen it Beautiful Places And Halfday Sightseeing Are Francois Peron National Park, Coral Coast, Western Australia

This morning you’ll be picked up from your accommodation for a 4WD tour through Francois Peron National Park, where the red sand dunes contrast with blinding white beaches and crystal blue ocean. It’s also a haven for wildlife including rare lizards (such as thorny devils and racehorse goannas) And Back To Home.