VIA Travel: West Coast Encompassed

After a leisurely breakfast, you'll head to historical Northampton, one of the oldest towns in Western Australia. You’ll catch some heritage buildings dating back to the 1800s, and meet the artists at a First Nations gallery. Next up: the Pink Lake at Hutt Lagoon, which truly lives up to its name, before gazing in awe at the wind-eroded sandstone of Nature’s Window, the spectacular Z-Bend Gorge, and the Kalbarri Skywalk at Kalbarri National Park.

It’s a bit of an ocean-themed day today. Jump on a boat at the Kalbarri Marina to learn about the local rock lobster industry – and even pull up some lobster pots yourself, and keep your catch to enjoy later that evening! Then it’s one sealife legend to another, as you head off to scenic Monkey Mia, where the local Dolphin population thrives. Stop via the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve for some ‘living fossils’, and one of Shark Bay’s picturesque lookouts. Put your feet up at Monkey Mia, or hit the water, before an evening First Nations experience courtesy of the Nhanda and Malgana people. This is your chance to try the didgeridoo or traditional conch shell, and taste some bush tucker.

Here’s a post-breakfast activity you don’t get every day: Bottlenose dolphin-spotting with WA Parks & Wildlife experts. Learn a bit about these magnificent animals, and then take some well-earned time off to relax on the beach, snap photos to make the folks back home jealous, or sit at the bar and watch the wildlife go by. If you fancy it, there’s a sunset cruise, and you’re invited, feel free to bring a sundowner with you. If you’re lucky you might spot the elusive sea cows, or ‘Dugongs’.

It’s definitely a more spaced out day as you head to Carnarvon Space and Technology Centre for a quick photo stop. It was created to support NASA’s Gemini, Apollo and Skylab programs. Next up, you'll visit the Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre to learn about the region’s unique culture and country from its First Nations custodians. Snap some pics of the Carnarvon Cactus Farm, one of the town’s quirkiest sights, before heading to – Travel along the Gascoyne Food Trail. The trail features everything from bananas and avocados, to beans, beef, ice cream, and mangoes. Relax tonight – maybe take the chance for a stroll along the beautiful foreshore to a local restaurant?

Today you are off Coral Bay, home to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, the world’s largest fringing reef, you’ll embark on a glass-bottom boat tour and snorkel experience, to see up to 250 species of coral and 500 species of fish. Further along the coast we visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, with stunning views, then rest up in Exmouth town.

It’s your day. Experience a swim with the world famous whale sharks, go whale-spotting, swim with manta rays, or get your hiking boots on – the choice is yours. You can select your optional adventure when you book your tour, or your guide can help you get set up. Please note: Public transport is non-existent in Exmouth, so pre planning your activities is a must!

It’s time to say goodbye to some of your fellow travellers after breakfast and for you to start the second part of our journey from Exmouth. Today is a free day for you to enjoy the many activities that Exmouth and the surrounding area has to offer. Perhaps a dip in the ocean at the nearby Town Beach, a sunset cruise (spot whales at the right time of the year!) on Exmouth Gulf or a visit to one of the fantastic local breweries!

You start your day the way everyone should, with a morning tea stop (you’re welcome to enjoy fresh scones, tea and coffee) at Bullara Station, a working cattle station! Afterwards you are off to Cheela Plains Station via a refueling stop at the famous Nanutarra Roadhouse. As for Cheela Plains, expect a lush oasis of comfort between Karijini National Park and Ningaloo Reef, where you can really feel the power of the rugged Pilbara landscape surrounding you and the sensational night sky above.

It’s all about deep gorges and crystal clear water as you head to Karijini National Park, the place to truly embrace your wild side. Along the way you’ll stop off at Tom Price (another chance to grab supplies), the highest town in Western Australia. You’ll get to experience the sheer dramatic force of Hammersley Gorge, where you can wander the bush, take a refreshing dip, or just laze away the day. Your call.

Another day of spectacular scenery and breathtaking views awaits. First it’s Weano Gorge, where you’ll want to leave time for some spectacular snaps. The walk to Hancock Gorge and Kermit’s Pool has been described as a ‘journey to the centre of the earth’ – judge for yourself as you descend amid steep walls. You will also have the opportunity to visit Handrail Pool as well. Back on the surface, you'll head to Dales Gorge where you can take an invigorating dip at Fern Pool and Fortescue Falls before it’s off to our bush camp and your chance to camp under the stars and really experience the grandeur of the great southern sky.

You're on the road back where we might spot an Emu or two. It’s a return to an old friend, Nanutarra Roadhouse, and then back to the amazing Bullara Station, this working cattle station is a real travellers rest stop and highlight. Tonight you might catch some of the live music the area has become renowned for. Cheers.

It’s time to shake the red Pilbara dirt off as you head to Coral Bay. You'll taking it easy today; enjoy snorkelling or swimming in the beautiful water, grab a sweet treat from the bakery, or just wander around enjoying the atmosphere. Afterwards, everyone will be dropped off at their connections and it’s the end of another great trip. 

This cost for this flight is additional to your tour, we can book this flight for you.