West Coast Explorer

Day 1

Home - Port Hedland
The vast expanse of our country becomes apparent today as our flight arrives into Port Hedland late afternoon. The growth of this port is due largely to the iron ore boom, making it one of the world's largest mineral ports.

Day 2

Port Hedland - Karijini
This morning see amazing constructions that have made this town famous, from the huge port and iron ore loading facilities to the FIFO camps. Our journey then takes us to the highest town in Western Australia, Tom Price, before a specially arranged tour and view of the Marandoo Mine site. We then travel inland to Karajini National Park. Our Eco Retreat on the edge of the gorge, is a unique experience and our two night stay allows time to enjoy the rugged natural outback surroundings in the Hamersley Ranges. View sunset on the gorge walls before enjoying dinner at the alfresco restaurant. See the night sky like never before, far removed from the city lights.

Day 3

Karijini National Park
Enjoy this amazing location with short walks to Hancock Gorge, Junction Pool Lookout, Oxer Lookout and Joffre Gorge. Return to our retreat for a sit down lunch on the verandah before an easy afternoon of touring, including a visit to the Karijini Park Information Centre and the lookout at Fortescue Falls.

Day 4

Karijini - Karratha
Depart Karijini and travel to Millstream Chichester National Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch as you continue to explore back to the coast, arriving in Karratha. This afternoon, drive out to Dampier and the Burrup Peninsula Lookout before arriving into Karratha for our overnight stay.

Day 5

Karratha - Exmouth
Tour our journey takes us to Exmouth, one of Australia's newest towns, built as a support for NASA's activities in Carnarvon. Take time to enjoy the panoramic views from Vlaming Head Lighthouse before checking into our accommodation.

Day 6

Exmouth - Carnarvon
After breakfast, continue south, stopping at Coral Bay where there is an opportunity to take in the spectacular view of the Indian Ocean. Continue on to Carnarvon for our overnight stay.

Day 7

Carnarvon - Denham
After breakfast this morning visit the site of the mile long Carnarvon Jetty and the Interpretative Centre Gallery - a very detailed exhibition covering the Jetty, HMAS Sydney II/HSK Kormoran Battle of 1941 and an extensive range of local history. Purchase you own morning tea at Wooramel Roadhouse on our journey towards the World Heritage Listed Area of Shark Bay. Visit Hamelin Pool to see the famous stromalites before continuing on to Denham, the most Western town in Australia, for our overnight stay.

Day 8

Denham - Kalbarri
Drive out to Monkey Mia for the renowned dolphin feeding and continue on to Ocean Park Aquarium where you can purchase your own morning tea before a guided tour. Departing the Shark Bay area, see the solar salt mines, which produce some of the purest grade salt in the world. Travel through to Kalbarri, where there will be opportunity to see some of the local wildflowers in the Kalbarri National Park.

Day 9

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 time this morning discovering the coastal escarpment features of this rugged coast. 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 100m above the Murchison Gorge. As you venture out, you will be in awe of the incredible views of the spectacular gorge and the surrounding area of the Kalbarri National Park. Return to your motel for some free time before dinner.

Day 10

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 guided tour of the HMAS Sydney II Memorial and a guided town tour.

Day 11

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 wildflowers in the area. This afternoon discover Nambung National Park, one of Australia's most unique and captivating landscapes known as The Pinnacles Desert - a photographers paradise.

Day 12

Cervantes - Fremantle
After breakfast our journey takes us via Moora to New Norcia. Continue on through Toodyay to the beautiful Avon Valley arriving in the town of Northam. The Spanish inspired buildings come as a surprise, surrounded by wheat fields, sheep properties and acres and acres of canola. This afternoon, arrive into Fremantle, settling into our accommodation for the next two nights.

Day 13

Rottnest Island
Today we take the short ferry ride to Rottnest Island. Enjoy 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 14

Fremantle - Home
With our tour of the West Coast Explorer coming to a close this morning, we make our way to Perth Airport for your flight home. On arrival, you will be met by our staff who will have your transfers arranged.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner