Tailor Made Tour Discover Western Australia 16 nights
About this itinerary
Experience the extraordinary diversity of Western Australia on an unforgettable self-drive journey through world-class wine regions, ancient desert landscapes and the pristine coral reefs of the Ningaloo Coast. Beginning in the sophisticated riverside city of Perth, this carefully curated itinerary takes you along one of Australia's most spectacular coastal routes, where dramatic national parks, remarkable wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery await around every corner.
Travelling north, you'll discover boutique wineries in Margaret River, marvel at the surreal limestone spires of the Pinnacles, explore the dramatic gorges of Kalbarri National Park and encounter dolphins, whale sharks and vibrant coral reefs along the spectacular Coral Coast.
For those looking to continue the journey, an optional overland extension to Broome offers the opportunity to experience the vast landscapes of the Pilbara before arriving on the tropical Kimberley coast. Whether you choose to finish amongst the coral reefs of Ningaloo or beneath the famous sunsets of Cable Beach, this is a journey that captures the very best of Australia's wild west.
day 1-3 Perth & Rottnest Island
One day is dedicated to nearby Rottnest Island, a car-free paradise surrounded by turquoise bays and pristine beaches. Explore the island by bicycle, stopping to swim in secluded coves and snorkel in crystal-clear waters before joining a guided walk to meet Rottnest's famous quokkas. As the day draws to a close, return to Perth having experienced one of Western Australia's most iconic island escapes.
Accommodation: COMO The Treasury
day 4-6 Margaret River
Beyond the vineyards, Margaret River offers an abundance of natural beauty. Wander beneath the towering trees of Boranup Forest, explore the rugged limestone coastline or simply relax on the golden sands of nearby beaches. As evening approaches, enjoy a gourmet picnic overlooking Surfers Point, where the setting sun casts a golden glow across the Indian Ocean and world-famous surf breaks.
Accommodation: Smiths Beach Resort
day 7 Perth
Today you'll return to Perth, enjoying a relaxed drive back through the beautiful countryside of Western Australia. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps revisiting your favourite neighbourhood, enjoying dinner overlooking the Swan River or exploring more of the historic streets of Fremantle before your journey north along the Coral Coast begins tomorrow.
Accommodation: COMO The Treasury
day 8 The Pinnacles Desert
Leaving Perth behind once more, travel north to one of Western Australia's most extraordinary natural landscapes. Rising dramatically from golden sand dunes, the ancient limestone pillars of the Pinnacles create an almost otherworldly scene unlike anywhere else in Australia.
Spend time exploring this remarkable landscape at your own pace, learning about the fascinating geological history behind these mysterious formations before continuing to the nearby coastal town of Cervantes. Along the way, you may wish to stop at the spectacular Lancelin Sand Dunes for an exhilarating sandboarding experience.
As evening falls, witness the Pinnacles at their most magical during sunset, when the changing light casts long shadows across the desert floor. Away from city lights, the clear night skies also provide exceptional opportunities for stargazing, making this an unforgettable stop on your journey along the Coral Coast.
Accommodation: Pinnacles Edge Resort
day 9-10 Kalbarri National Park
Continuing north along the Coral Coast, arrive in Kalbarri National Park, where ancient river gorges meet dramatic coastal cliffs to create one of Western Australia's most spectacular natural landscapes. Carved over millions of years by the Murchison River, this remarkable region offers a striking contrast to the vineyards and beaches of the southwest, with vast red rock formations, wild ocean views and endless blue skies.
Spend the next two days exploring the park's most iconic landmarks, including Nature's Window, a remarkable sandstone arch framing sweeping views across the gorge below, and the breathtaking Kalbarri Skywalk, where dramatic viewing platforms extend over the edge of the ancient escarpment.
As the sun begins to set, watch the surrounding landscape transform into rich shades of amber and crimson before returning to your accommodation for a peaceful evening beneath some of the clearest night skies in Australia.
Accommodation: Kalbarri Edge Resort
day 11-12 Shark Bay & Monkey Mia
Beyond the dolphins, Shark Bay offers endless opportunities for exploration. Cruise across the bay in search of dugongs, turtles and manta rays, discover the fascinating Shell Beach, formed entirely from tiny white cockle shells, or visit Hamelin Pool to see some of the oldest living organisms on Earth, the extraordinary stromatolites that date back billions of years. It's a destination where wildlife, geology and pristine natural beauty come together in remarkable harmony.
Accommodation: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
day 13-14 Coral Bay
Leaving Shark Bay behind, continue north to Coral Bay, a small beachfront village where the Ningaloo Reef begins just metres from the shoreline. Unlike anywhere else in Australia, there's no need for boats to experience this extraordinary marine ecosystem, simply step into the warm, crystal-clear water and you'll find yourself surrounded by colourful coral gardens and tropical fish.
Spend your days snorkelling straight from the beach, joining a wildlife cruise in search of manta rays and turtles or simply relaxing beside the turquoise lagoon. The slower pace of life here encourages you to disconnect completely, with barefoot strolls along the sand and spectacular sunsets becoming part of your daily routine.
For those visiting between March and July, Coral Bay also offers the unforgettable opportunity to swim alongside majestic whale sharks, one of the world's most sought-after wildlife experiences and a true highlight of Western Australia's Coral Coast.
Accommodation: Ningaloo Reef Resort
day 15-7 Exmouth & Ningaloo Reef
Away from the water, explore the dramatic landscapes of Cape Range National Park, where rugged limestone ranges meet pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise bays. Relax at the breathtaking Turquoise Bay, drift effortlessly along the famous Ningaloo Drift snorkel or hike through the spectacular Mandu Mandu Gorge, where panoramic views stretch across the reef and coastline.
As your journey draws to a close, reflect on the remarkable diversity you've experienced—from world-class vineyards and ancient desert landscapes to extraordinary wildlife encounters and some of Australia's most pristine coral reefs. Western Australia is a destination that rewards those willing to venture a little further, leaving you with unforgettable memories of one of the country's last great frontiers.
Accommodation: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
optional extension The Pilbara & Broome
For those wishing to continue their adventure, travel beyond Exmouth into the vast landscapes of the Pilbara before arriving in Broome on Western Australia's tropical Kimberley coast. Along the way, discover dramatic red gorges, remote Outback towns and landscapes that seem to stretch endlessly towards the horizon.
Your journey concludes in Broome, where Cable Beach, spectacular Indian Ocean sunsets and a fascinating pearling history provide the perfect ending to an extraordinary Western Australian adventure. Spend your final days enjoying barefoot luxury, sunset camel rides along the beach or simply relaxing as the sun disappears into the Indian Ocean.
Accommodation: Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa
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