Exmouth, Pinnacles & Ningaloo Reef: 7-Day West Coast Explorer

Summary

West Coast road trip with wild dolphins, coral reefs and red gorges

You’ll hike through Kalbarri’s deep red gorges, watch wild dolphins play at Monkey Mia before breakfast, and snorkel straight off Coral Bay into Ningaloo Reef’s clear water—all with local guides who actually know these places by heart. Every night is a new spot along Western Australia’s coast, each one leaving its own mark on you.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if the sand really squeaks under your feet at Shell Beach? I didn’t think much about it until we stopped there on day three of this Exmouth Explorer tour. The whole place is just tiny white shells, no sand at all—crunchy underfoot and weirdly bright in the sun. Our guide, Jamie, tossed a handful in the air and grinned like he’d done it a hundred times. I just stood there for a minute trying to wrap my head around how far from home I felt—Perth already seemed ages ago, even though it was only two days back down the coast.

The Pinnacles were first—those limestone spires poking out of yellow sand like something from another planet. It was windy and I got red dust everywhere (my shoes still aren’t quite the same). After that, Kalbarri’s gorges looked unreal in the late afternoon light—deep reds against a sky that kept changing its mind between blue and grey. We clambered down to the riverbank where someone spotted a goanna sunning itself. There’s a lot of walking on this trip but you’re always rewarded with something unexpected: maybe a wedge-tailed eagle overhead or just that silence you get out here when everyone stops talking for a second.

I’ll never forget waking up at Monkey Mia—there were dolphins right off the beach before breakfast. The rangers know them by name; one of them told us about Piccolo, who likes to splash tourists if you stand too close (I got soaked). Later we tried coffee at the little café while pelicans hovered nearby looking hopeful. Coral Bay was next; you can literally swim out from shore and see coral gardens straight away. Some people went snorkeling with manta rays but I just floated for ages watching fish dart around my toes—felt like being inside an aquarium but warmer.

Ningaloo Reef was everything they say it is. Even if you don’t want to pay extra for whale shark tours (I didn’t), there’s so much to see right off Turquoise Bay—soft white sand, clear water with these flashes of turquoise that don’t look real. We took turns making dinner at the hostel in Exmouth; everyone swapped stories over pasta that tasted better than it probably should have after a long day in the sun. On the way back south there was this moment at Carnarvon where we stopped for bananas straight from the plantation—they tasted different somehow, sweeter or maybe just fresher because we’d earned them.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Perth to Pinnacles and Kalbarri

• Start adventure in Perth
• Guided tour of Pinnacles Desert
• Lunch by the sea
• Drive along Indian Ocean Drive
• Overnight in Kalbarri

Day 2 — Kalbarri National Park to Monkey Mia

• Hike Murchison Gorge and Z-Bend
• View Kalbarri Skywalk
• Visit Nature’s Window
• Walk on shell beach
• Travel to Shark Bay
• Overnight in Monkey Mia

Day 3 — Monkey Mia to Coral Bay

• Watch Monkey Mia dolphins
• Relax on beach or coffee
• Visit Stromatolites fossils
• Travel to Coral Bay
• Overnight in Coral Bay

Day 4 — Explore Ningaloo Reef

• Free time at Ningaloo Reef
• Optional boat tour or beach stroll
• Swim with manta rays or snorkel
• Drive to Exmouth
• Overnight in Exmouth

Day 5 — Exmouth and Cape Range Park

• Drive to Exmouth Cape
• Visit Vlamingh Head lighthouse
• Explore Cape Range National Park
• Relax or snorkel at Turquoise Bay
• Overnight in Exmouth

Day 6 — Exmouth to Geraldton

• Visit Ningaloo Reef marine life
• Stop at Carnarvon plantations
• Final group dinner at Murchison Tavern
• Stop in Geraldton and pink lake
• Overnight in Geraldton

Day 7 — Geraldton to Perth

• Visit HMAS Sydney Memorial
• Walk Green Head and Lancelin dunes
• Drive back to Perth

Top questions

How long is the drive from Perth to Exmouth?

The journey covers around 1,250 km over seven days with multiple overnight stops along Western Australia’s coast.

Do I need to be fit for this tour?

A moderate level of fitness is required due to bushwalks (up to 7km) and some rugged terrain.

Are meals included on the Exmouth Explorer tour?

Some meals are included; guests also help prepare group dinners using pre-purchased supplies due to remote locations.

Can I swim with whale sharks on this trip?

Yes, optional whale shark swims are available seasonally near Ningaloo Reef for an extra cost.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in clean hostels or backpacker lodges with shared bathroom facilities each night.

Is pickup included from Perth hotels?

The tour starts in Perth with central pickup points; check details when booking for specific locations.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children aged 6-17 may join if accompanied by an adult; not suitable for children under 6 years old.

What should I pack for Western Australia weather?

Packing layers is essential as temperatures can range from below zero at night to over 50°C during summer days.

What’s included

Your week includes guided bushwalks through places like Kalbarri Gorge and Cape Range, six nights’ accommodation in hostels along the coast (with shared bathrooms), all main transport between Perth and Exmouth plus back again, knowledgeable local guides sharing stories as you go, and opportunities for group meal prep using food bought ahead of time since shops get pretty scarce out here. Snorkel hire is available at Turquoise Bay if you want it—and trust me, you will.