Intrepid Travel: Broome to Perth Safari

This morning, travel along the coast to the iron ore town of Port Hedland. When you arrive, you’ll take a quick driving tour of the town to see the incredible size of the iron ore industry. Keep your eyes peeled for the road trains carting iron ore, some of which can be up to 60 m long. After lunch, you’ll make your way to the remote but spectacular Karijini National Park, where you’ll spend the next three nights at a campsite that overlooks the Hamersley Ranges.

Your travel time today will be approximately 7.5 hours.

Staying in:

• Camping with shared facilities (1 night)

Today is dedicated to exploring Karijini National Park, full of scenic gorges and swimming holes. Formed over 2500 million years ago, the Hamersley Ranges are some of the most unusual landforms on Earth and you’ll be able to take some great photos while you’re here. Deep in the gorges, you’ll come across waterfalls and fresh, still waterholes that are ideal for swimming. Explore Dales Gorge, where you can cool off in Fortescue Falls and Circular Pool. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the park’s Visitors Centre where you can learn about the culture of the First Nations people of the area before a group dinner.

Staying in:

• Camping with shared facilities (1 night)

Venture to Weano Gorge and Hancock Gorge this morning. For those interested in a challenge, you can walk to Handrail Pool at the end of Weano Gorge or take on the Spider Walk in Hancock Gorge. Both gorges boast breathtaking views and you'll see lots of examples of banded iron formations that seem to sink into the earth.

Both walks today are rated difficulty level 5 and require a high fitness level. Good footwear is a must.

Staying in:

• Camping with shared facilities (1 night)

Today is mainly a long travel day, as you head towards the coast. Get stuck into your book, hit your favourite podcast or share playlists with your fellow travellers as you watch the land pass you by. Along the way, you’ll pass through Tom Price – a small town known for its iron ore mining – and many Aussie cattle stations before reaching Exmouth, where you’ll set up camp for the night.

Your travel time today will be approximately 8.5 hours.

Staying in:

• Camping with shared facilities (1 night)

Today is a free day to take on some optional activities in and around Exmouth. Maybe go snorkelling (equipment provided) or diving, search for whale sharks if the season is right or head out to see Vlamingh Head Lighthouse. If you’d rather relax, maybe just kick back on the beach at Turquoise Bay and soak up the sunshine. In the afternoon, make the short trip to Coral Bay to your backpacker style accommodation, where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. Swimming with whale sharks is not included in the price of this trip and is an optional activity. It is very important that you pre-book any whale shark experiences, as these can sell out far in advance. You can book with us or your booking agent at the time of booking. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you can, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited. If you book yourself, please book your excursion for today. Keep in mind that whale sharks visit the region between mid-March and mid-September only, so it’s important to make sure you schedule your trip accordingly if you would like to include this experience in your trip. Whale sharks are big fish and can only be found in deep water. The tour will go beyond the reef to a depth where you won't be able to see the sea floor. To swim with whale sharks, all participants must be physically fit and capable of pulling themselves up and out of the water. All participants must be confident swimming in the ocean and be able to swim 200 m unassisted. The crew on board are the experts and listening to them will ensure your safety. The tour operator has the discretion to prohibit individuals from entering the water if they are deemed a safety risk to themselves or are clearly incapable of looking after their well-being while in the water.

Staying in:

• Backpacker Dorm Share Accommodation (1 night)

Take a day to explore Coral Bay today. Maybe kick back on the warm sand or go for a swim before visiting Ningaloo Reef and the amazing marine life that lives below the waterline. Here, maybe go snorkelling or take a cruise on a glass-bottom boat to see the wildlife up close (while you stay dry).

Staying in:

• Backpacker Dorm Share Accommodation (1 night)

Head south this morning after breakfast and cross the Tropic of Capricorn. Pass through the town of Carnarvon on the way, famous for its bananas, and maybe pick up some of nature’s snacks. Then, stop at the unique Shell Beach, which is one of the only two beaches in the world made up entirely of tiny shells!

Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

Staying in:

• Backpacker Dorm Share Accommodation (1 night)

This morning after breakfast, explore the Shark Bay World Heritage area. Stop to view the stromatolites at Hamelin Pool – these are the oldest living organisms in the world – before heading south for Kalbarri. Time permitting, you’ll be able to visit Murchison Gorge and Nature's Window this afternoon along the way. Tonight, have dinner with your group in Kalbarri.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours. After having been hit by a cyclone, the boardwalk at Hamelin Pool is currently closed. Once it reopens, we’ll visit the stromatolites again, however no firm date has been set for its reopening.

Staying in:

• Backpacker Dorm Share Accommodation (1 night)

This morning after breakfast, explore the coastal gorges of the Kalbarri National Park, then head to the beautiful seaside town of Dongara. After exploring, head to the fascinating landscape of the Nambung National Park to check out the famous Pinnacle Desert. Then, make your way to Perth, arriving in the early evening. This is where your trip comes to an end.

Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. Your trip comes to an end upon arrival in Perth in the late afternoon or evening. Please take this into consideration when booking onward travel. No accommodation is included for tonight. We recommend you extend your stay by a night or two as there is much to see and do in Perth.