Highlights
- Check out the Pinnacles Desert and its rock spires
- Look at the Indian Ocean coastal view
- Observe the breathtaking gorge views of Kalbarri National Park from the Skywalk.
- Marvel at Nature’s Window and trek the Z Bend in Murchison Gorge
- Stroll on Shell Beach, which is made of tiny white shells
- Get astonished with ‘The Stromatolites’ in the Shark Bay World Heritage Site
- Enjoy watching the popular wild dolphins at Monkey Mia Conservation Park
- Explore the Ningaloo Reef by snorkelling at Coral Bay and unwind in the turquoise waters of Turquoise Bay.
- Guided tour of Cape Range National Park and Vlamingh Head Lighthouse at sunset
- Join a Swimming Manta Ray or Whalesharks Tour (Optional)
*This tour is operated by our award-winning business partner, Autopia Tours. Their website offers private room upgrades.
What you can actually see
Full Itinerary
Day 1 - Perth to Kalbarri
Start your adventure with a tour through the amazing rock formations of the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, followed by lunch at Jurien Bay by the ocean. Drive north on Indian Ocean Drive for beautiful coastal views, stopping at the Coral Coast Highway near Geraldton to see Pink Lake if conditions allow. Travel to Kalbarri, a beach town where you will stay overnight. The journey from Perth to Exmouth begins at 7:25 AM and follows a scenic route along the coast, allowing time for exploration in Geraldton before finishing off the day in Kalbarri.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Stay at Pelicans Nest Kalbarri in private double, twin, or single rooms with ensuite, or at Kalbarri Backpackers YHA with shared accommodation and bathroom facilities.
Driving Distance: 575 km.
Hike Distance: 2 km, Grade 1-2.
Day 2 - Kalbarri to Shark Bay
For an unforgettable morning, wake up early and take photographs of the rising sun either at Nature’s Window or the Kalbarri Skywalk. Take a stroll through The Murchison Gorge and Z-Bend in Kalbarri National Park to see where water has formed sandstone over time and enjoy vibrant colours during the spring wildflower season. In the afternoon, travel to Billabong Roadhouse for lunch (own expense) and refreshments. Since 1962, many travellers passing through Western Australia have stopped by this landmark that offers plenty of healthy meal options as well as gluten-free alternatives! Then it’s off to visit some remarkable living fossils known as The Stromatolites located within World Heritage Listed Shark Bay! Before settling into your beachside accommodation in Monkey Mia, make sure you check out a beach made entirely of white cockle shells!
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.
Accommodation: RAC Monkey Mia Resort has budget private double, twin, or single rooms with ensuite or backpacker shared accommodation with shared bathroom facilities.
Options: Kalbarri Abseiling Z-Bend.
Driving Distance: 450 km.
Hike Distance: 3 km, Grade 3-4.
Day 3 - Monkey Mia to Coral Bay
This morning, experience one of Australia’s most famous wildlife encounters by meeting the Monkey Mia Dolphins and capturing amazing photos as they swim to shore and are hand-fed in knee-deep water. Before continuing your journey, kick back on the beach or grab a cup of coffee at the restaurant. Afterwards, check out Eagle Bluff for stunning views overlooking Denham’s cliffs and walk along a tiny shell beach before lunch. Finally, arrive at Coral Bay, where you will stay overnight at accommodations located right next to Ningaloo Reef, which is world-famous for its beauty.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Accommodation: Ningaloo Coral Bay with budget private double, twin, or single rooms, or backpacker shared accommodation with shared bathroom facilities.
Driving Distance: 580 km.
Hike Distance: 2 km, Grade 1.
Day 4 - Coral Bay
Spend much of the day at your own pace exploring Ningaloo Reef. Whether you choose to go out on a boat or spend time lying on the beaches of Coral Bay is up to you. You can take a walk along the shore, check out their shark nursery, snorkel right off the beach and swim with manta rays (at an extra cost). We will leave Coral Bay around 3:45 – 4:00 p.m., head north up the peninsula to Exmouth and check into our accommodation in central Exmouth for two nights.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Accommodation: Potshot Hotel Resort has private double, twin, or single rooms with ensuite or backpacker shared accommodation with shared bathroom facilities.
Options: Swim with Manta Rays, Snorkel Ningaloo Reef, Glass Bottom Boat Tours. (Guests cannot book Whaleshark Swims on this day as they return after we’ve left Coral Bay.)
Driving Distance: 155 km.
Day 5 - Exmouth
We are going to Cape Range National Park today, which is an amazing place with beautiful rugged limestone ranges, deep canyons and 50 kilometres of pristine beaches. You can relax on the beach or snorkel in the clear water of Turquoise Bay before finishing your tour around lunchtime. In the afternoon, you have free time to wander around Exmouth town, which is just a short walk from our accommodation (500 meters), or you can take it easy by the pool where we are staying. Alternatively, you could go out for a trip to see whale sharks or humpbacks if they’re in season (at your own cost). At sunset, visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Accommodation: Potshot Hotel Resort offers private double, twin, or single rooms with ensuite or backpacker shared accommodation with shared bathroom facilities.
Options: Swim with Manta Rays, Snorkel Ningaloo Reef, Glass Bottom Boat Tours. (Whaleshark Swims cannot be booked on this day as they return after we’ve left Coral Bay.)
Driving Distance: 155 km.
Day 6 - Tour Ends in Exmouth
Regrettably, this is the last day of your tour, but we will be more than happy to meet you again during our tours! You should check out your room by 10:00 am.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Extend your stay or arrange connections to your next destination at your own expense.
*The tour operator reserves the right to change and modify tour routes or schedules due to seasonal weather variations, park closures, and operational needs.
Details
Pricing Options
Dormitory (with shared room & facilities) – $1450 per person 18+ years
Please Note: Our extended touring program is unsuitable for children under 6 years old. Private room upgrade fares are available via our main website, Autopia Tours. Children under the age of 17 years old must stay in private rooms and must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian.
*We do not operate Optional Activities on our 6-Day Coral Coaster Tour and can have different terms and conditions. We recommend you contact the operator directly via their websites for full booking details and terms and conditions. Weather can impact these tours, which is outside of our control. Tours may be cancelled so that the operator will issue a full refund. As we deal with wildlife, they are always expected but never guaranteed.
If you want to travel with your family or friends, we can organise a private group charter. Contact our charters team at [email protected] or through our contact form for more information and a personalised quote.
Pickup times and locations
Our central meeting point for this tour will be outside the front of the Criterion Hotel, 560 Hay St, Perth @ 7:25am.
- 6:45 – Mantra on Hay Perth, 201 Hay St, East Perth.
- 6:45 – Quality Hotel Ambassador Perth, 196 Adelaide Terrace, Perth.
- 6:50 – Pan Pacific Perth, 207 Adelaide Terrace, Perth.
- 7:00 – Parmelia Hilton Perth, 14 Mill St, Perth.
- 7:10 – Rendezvous Hotel Perth Central, 24 Mount St, Perth.
- 7:25 – Criterion Hotel, 560 Hay St, Perth (main pickup)
- 7:30 – Perth City YHA, 300 Wellington St, Perth.
- 7:35 – Hostel G, 80 Stirling St, Perth.
- 7:40 – DoubleTree Hilton Perth, 100 James St, Northbridge.
- 7:45 – Billabong Backpackers, 381 Beaufort St, Highgate.
- 8:05 – Whitfords Train Station, Station Entrance, Kingsley.
*Please arrive 5-10 mins prior to your nominated pickup location and time, so as not to delay or miss your tour. We ask you to wait outside the front of the hotel and not inside the foyer.
What's Included?
- Breakfast x 5
- Lunch x 4
- Dinner x 5
- Multiple Pickups from Perth / drop off Exmouth
- One-way journey in an Air-Conditioned Mini Bus
- 5 nights accommodation
- National Park Entrance Fees
- Monkey Mia entrance fee
- Highly Experienced Driver / Guide
- Informative Tour Commentary
- Small Group Touring
What's Included?
- Water Bottle 1.5 Litre
- 15kg soft luggage and small day bag
- Prescribed medications
- A warm jacket, thermals, and woollen hat are advisable for colder months
- Hiking shoes (recommended)
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Toiletries
- Torch or Headlamp
- Camera
Important Notes
- This tour will only depart if we have 8 passengers or more. We will wait until one week before departure to cancel if minimum numbers aren’t met.
- The itinerary may be subject to change due to cultural reasons, seasonal weather changes, operational logistics and accessibility.
- The minimum age requirements for this tour is 6 years old. This trip is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
- Please email our Reservations Team ([email protected]) at least 48 hours prior to departure to confirm pick-up location and time.
- Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
- Remember to double-check your exciting tour plans with the tour operator! Just ring them at 03 9393 1300 within seven days of your departure.
- Before you embark on your adventure, let the tour perform the operator's pre-existing medical conditions.
Check Availability & Book
FAQ
What are the main highlights of the Exmouth whale shark tour?
The tour includes visits to the Pinnacles Desert, Kalbarri National Park, Monkey Mia dolphins, Shark Bay, Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef, and Cape Range National Park, plus optional whale shark or manta ray swims.
How long is the tour and where does it start and finish?
It’s a 6-day, one-way tour starting in Perth and ending in Exmouth, with multiple scenic and wildlife stops along Western Australia’s Coral Coast.
Is accommodation included, and what types are available?
Yes. The package includes 5 nights’ accommodation, with options ranging from backpacker dorms to private double, twin, or single rooms with ensuites.
Are meals provided during the tour?
The tour includes 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners, with some opportunities to purchase meals at local stops.
What should I bring for this trip?
Essentials include swimwear, a towel, hiking shoes, a warm jacket for cooler months, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, toiletries, a water bottle, a torch, and a camera.
