Coral Coast Tour

Perth is the capital city of Western Australia developed on the Swan River, which is a sacred place for its traditional landowners, the Noongar people. The city has a rich history, from indigenous culture through to colonial architecture. The city is a hub for indigenous and modern art and award-winning restaurants, while a short drive will take you to some of the best beaches in Australia with white sand and crystal blue water. Just 19km off the mainland is Rottnest Island, also named Wadjemup by the Noongar people. The island is a protected nature reserve and one of the few homes to the native marsupial the Quokka, but also boasts a range of activities including skydiving, kayaking, snorkelling and historical points of interest.

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside customs exit and delivered to your Perth accommodation.

The One day in Perth tour is the perfect option for those who want to see the best of this beautiful city in just one day. You will start your day at The Bell Tower, one of the largest instruments on Earth. Enjoy the Bell Tower Experience and soak up the magnificent views over the Swan River and Elizabeth Quay. After, you will jump on board the comfortable Perth Explorer bus to enjoy the best sights of Perth & Kings Park atop the iconic double-decker bus. Visit the Perth Mint and experience the Gold Exhibition tour, and meander at your leisure through the beautiful Botanical Gardens and treetop walkway in Kings Park.

There is no better way to combine a delicious lunch and a wonderful cruise on the magnificent Swan River than on this Fremantle Lunch Cruise. This unique cruise includes a buffet of Western Australia’s abundant seasonal fresh produce as well as full bar facilities on board.
Enjoy Captain's commentary during the cruise downstream to the port city of Fremantle. Upon the return journey, you are invited to enjoy the hot buffet complimented by seasonal salads, all followed by a scrumptious dessert buffet.

See the whole of Rottnest in a day with a return ferry trip combined with a full-island bus tour. The 90-minute tour visits the island’s most spectacular locations, with insightful commentary shining a light on "Rotto’s" unique flora, fauna, history, and culture. The bus stops at two key vantage points – Wadjemup Lighthouse and the rugged West End, where passengers can hop off, take a short walk, and soak up the views. You might even meet a quokka or two along the way.

Rottnest Island is situated 19 kilometers off the coast of Perth. Getting to the island is easy as ferries depart regularly from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty, Fremantle, and Hillarys Boat Harbour - or you can get there by air with a seaplane, air taxi, or helicopter.
Rottnest Island offers visitors a casual atmosphere, picturesque scenery, and a rich cultural heritage to discover, find out why the local Noongar people called the island Wadjemup which means ‘place across the water where the spirits are’. 
Cycling is the best way to get around the island or there’s a hop-on/hop-off bus service that regularly runs around the island, stopping at some of the more secluded beaches and surf breaks.
With 63 of the prettiest beaches you’re likely to see anywhere, 20 beautiful bays, and many coral reefs and wrecks, Rottnest Island is a marine paradise. You can spend your days exploring some of the most spectacular swimming spots, diving, and surfing breaks in the world, and a must-do is exploring the snorkel trails, with over 135 species of tropical fish and 25 species of coral to discover.
There’s plenty to experience out of the water too, from meeting the world-famous Quokka to exploring the excellent bike and walking trails that traverse the island. You can also discover the island’s military history, as you explore underground tunnels, the lighthouse, Oliver Hill, and Bickley Battery. There are tours on the island which include a tour by bike, boat, or Segway, offering insightful experiences, from wildlife encounters to learning about Aboriginal heritage.

Our rental car range includes the latest vehicles from the top suppliers. From economy hatchbacks to SUVs, we can help you decide on a car suitable for this leg of your trip. Insurance can often be included with a small excess or deductible.

As you leave Perth head towards the suburban coastal drive, past beaches such as Scarborough, Sorrento, and Hillary's Boat Harbour. From here you will head slightly back inland and onto the highway to make your way further north. You will drive through Yanchep National Park which showcases unique wildlife, hiking trails around the lake and numerous caves. One hour further up the Indian Ocean Drive is Lancelin, famous for its stunning white sand dunes. Here, you can have a play by hiring a sandboard or joining a quad bike tour for even more of an adrenaline rush! Continue north to reach your destination of Cervantes, the gateway to the renowned Nambung National Park, home to the famous Pinnacles limestone formations.

Cervantes is a fishing town approximately 2 hours north of Perth and serves as a gateway to Nambung National Park, a vast expanse of limestone pillars, earning this heathland the name, Pinnacles Desert. These fascinating limestone pillars are supposedly formed over millions of years and appear ethereal during dawn or dusk. Cervantes is also home to Lake Thetis, one of five sites in Western Australia which feature thrombolites, clotted structures in shallow water over 3,000 years old. Cervantes is blessed with unique landscapes and white beaches which makes this coastal town perfect for swimming, snorkelling, diving and boating.

As you leave the Cervantes township, take a quick stop at Lake Thetis to see the stromatolites, amazing natural phenomena often referred to as 'living fossils'. The Thirsty Point lookout is also a worthy photo opportunity before jumping back on the road. Continuing north and reaching Dongara as a halfway point you may wish to stop for a fish and chip lunch overlooking Port Denison and visit the moving ANZAC memorial sculpture. Return to the Brand Highway and travel through Geraldton with a stop at the HMAS Sydney II memorial, then heading back east at Northampton. To the left of the highway you will pass Hutt Lagoon, with its vivid pink colouring it makes a great photo stop. Go on to reach your destination of Kalbarri, a small oceanside town nestled on the mouth of the Murchison River and surrounded by the breathtaking Kalbarri National Park.

Kalbarri is a resort town on Western Australia's coast, nestled at the mouth of the Murchison River. The area has an ideal climate which means a plethora of coastal activities can be enjoyed all year round, including swimming, surfing, hiking, fishing and whale watching during the humpback migration season. Western Australia has the largest variety of wildflowers in the world, and Kalbarri is the prime location to experience them. Between July and October more than 12,000 wildflower species carpet the Mid-West region, transforming the dry sand plains and river gorges of Kalbarri National Park into a vivid display of colour. The park encircles the town itself, covering an area of 186,000 hectares. The inland river gorges with ancient rock formations to the north and the towering ocean cliffs to the south provide a range of spectacular terrain that caters for both the laid-back holidaymaker and experienced hikers. If relaxing at pristine swimming spot is more your activity of choice, Chinaman's Beach is the perfect spot to wade. This is a lovely sheltered beach cove where the Murchison River meets the sea, and dolphins are often spotted at sunset. The Murchison River also has numerous swimming spots in its tidal river mouth and northwards for about 1.5 kilometres. A 5-minute drive from the heart of Kalbarri is Blue Holes beach, which is a Fish Habitat Protection Area, making it the perfect spot for snorkelling. Jakes Point is one of the state's most famous surfing breaks, if you're a surfer at heart this break is likely already on your bucket list. This iconic lefthander is a National Surfing Reserve that puts on a spectacular display of 10ft swell, while Jakes Bay further down the beach offers a safer option for novices.

You will be cruising today on the Murchison River, it is a perfect way to explore this picturesque part of Western Australia. Interesting commentary will be provided about the fishing industry, history of the region and local wildlife. You can spot number of species of birdlife including ospreys, pelicans, egrets, black swans as well as kangaroos and emus. You will be cruising alongside beautiful colored rocks and narrow channel along Goat Island. There will be plenty of time to relax, take pictures and enjoy beautiful sunset.

The 186,000 hectares of Kalbarri National Park encircle the coastal resort town of Kalbarri which is nestled into the mouth of the Murchison River. The inland river gorges with ancient rock formations to the north and towering ocean cliffs to the south provide a range of spectacular terrain that caters for both the simple holiday maker and experienced hikers. Roads to the popular Z-Bend, Skywalk, Loop and Nature's Window attractions are fully sealed and accessible.
The Kalbarri Skywalk comprises two cantilevered platform structures that will have you feeling like you're floating, as you take in breathtaking views of the Murchison River Gorge 100 metres below and its spectacular surroundings. A moderate 1-kilometre return walk will take you to the popular Nature's Window, a wind-eroded opening in the sandstone that frames a stunning view of the Murchison River.
To enter the area you will need to purchase a national park day pass from either the Kalbarri Visitor Centre, the WA Parks & Wildlife Headquarters, or at the fee station at the park entrance.
Temperatures in the river gorges can reach 50 degrees celsius during summer. Remember to carry your own drinking water as it is not available in the park. It is also recommended to wear long-sleeved, loose clothing and a hat, and to hike early in the morning or late afternoon.

Your guide will take you for a tour through the spectacular Kalbarri National Park with stunning views and photos opportunities. You will be taken to the iconic Nature's Window which frames the ancient inland river gorge formed up to 400 million years ago. You will continue to the beautiful and serene surrounding at Z Bend Lookout for you to enjoy scenic views of the Murchison river gorge. Part of the tour is also visit of Kalbarri Skywalk which offers panoramic views of the river and surrounding nature.

Departing Kalbarri you will head east inland through Kalbarri National Park. When you reach the highway, head north towards Hamelin Pool, where you will find the turn-off to the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. 20 minutes down Shark Bay road stop at the famous Hamelin Pool Stromatolites, often referred to as 'living fossils'. These formations resemble rock features, but are actually created by living microorganisms, and are the oldest and largest on earth. Continuing on from here you will head further north up the Peron Peninsula to reach your destination, Denham - the main town of the Shark Bay area. Denham is the gateway to impressive coastal areas famous for their natural phenomena and ecological importance such as Monkey Mia, Francois Peron National Park, and Dirk Hartog Island National Park.

Located 837 kilometres northwest of Perth in Western Australia on the Coral Coast, Denham is considered the gateway to the Shark Bay World Heritage Area and is the westernmost town in Australia. Kite surfing, diving, snorkelling, fishing, windsurfing, boating, and swimming are in abundant supply in this truly stunning destination. The town’s roots lie in pearl fishing, before slowly evolving into the major tourist destination it is today as the first stop before exploring all that Shark Bay has to offer. A small and picturesque beach and jetty are both popular to visit for fishing and boating, and there are many restaurants and cafes for hungry travellers.
Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery & Visitors Centre teaches visitors about the history and importance of Shark Bay, learning about the abundant and unique surrounding attractions. Four kilometres to the north of Denham and covering 52,000 hectares is the Francois Peron National Park. Here, the turquoise sea meets shocking red desert cliffs and boasts white beaches, sand plains, and arid desert shrubland, and is a haven for birds, rare reptiles, and marsupials.

Enjoy a fun-filled day on this amazing 4WD adventure exploring the South Peron area and learning about local Aboriginal culture and history. With an experienced guide, you will take the road less travelled and immerse yourself in this spectacular, World Heritage-listed location. Your day begins as you are picked up from your Denham accommodation and set off four-wheel driving through spectacular landscapes. Drive down remote bush tracks and stand atop spectacular lookouts high above the ocean, having fun spotting turtles, sharks, the elusive dugong, rays, fish and other amazing marine life. You will visit the world-famous natural phenomenon, the Stromatolites at Hamelin Pool, referred to as 'Our Old People' by local Nhanda and Malgana Aboriginal people. Other locations you will visit along the way include Shell Beach, Nanga, Goulet Bluff, Fowlers Camp and Eagle Bluff.

Monkey Mia and the World Heritage-listed Shark Bay offer unique adventures with stunning desert-meets-ocean vistas and wildlife encounters. Located 850km north of Perth, Monkey Mia is famous for its wild dolphins, which have been visiting for generations. However, there's much more to explore in this remarkable region. Shark Bay’s natural beauty includes striking ochre dunes meeting turquoise waters, where emus roam the shores and dugongs raise their young in seagrass meadows. It’s also home to ancient stromatolites, some of the world’s oldest lifeforms, and rich Aboriginal culture. European history is also present, with the area being the site of Australia’s first European landing in 1616. With its diverse history and breathtaking scenery, modern explorers will find endless opportunities to discover the wonders of Monkey Mia and Shark Bay.

If time permits, before beginning your journey to Carnavon, stop at Monkey Mia if you haven't already. Monkey Mia, 24km from Denham, is known for wild dolphins regularly visiting the shoreline and allows for incredible dolphin interaction. Departing Denham you will travel back down the Peron Peninsula and head back towards the North West Coastal Highway. If you haven't already, stop to see the Hamelin Pool stromatolites. These weird and wonderful natural phenomena known as 'living fossils' are among the most diverse in the world and show what marine ecosystems would have looked like 3 billion years ago. Continuing north, you will arrive at your destination of Carnarvon.

Carnarvon is a prominent holiday town situated on the coast in the north of the Shark Bay World Heritage area. It is a subtropical oasis and considered the 'food bowl' of Western Australia, with the rich flats of the Gascoyne River used to grow bananas, avocados, coconuts, mangoes, and other tropical produce. Carnarvon is located at the only point on the Australian coastline where the vast desert of WA reaches out into the Indian Ocean, resulting in a phenomenon referred to as an ephemeral river. The Gascoyne River's water table lies below the riverbed, and so the mouth of the river appears only as a 300km water-storing tongue of sand.
Ideally situated, Carnarvon also provides a great base to explore the Southern Ningaloo Reef, Shark Bay Marine Park, and the awe-inspiring wilderness of the Gascoyne Hinterland. It's a perfect starting point for your coastal adventure, but stay a while and you'll get to enjoy the town's historical, cultural and foodie highlights. The town itself hosts an array of activities and sights, from street art, cactus gardens, the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum, to the surging blow holes at nearby Quobba. Whether you want to experience natural wonders, immerse yourself in local history, or camp out under the stars at a station homestead, this region has got it all.

On your way out of Carnarvon, take a quick detour to the iconic cactus garden to stand among cacti twice your height and snap a memorable photo. Join the North Western Coastal Highway with the route taking you around Lake Macleod salt lake. After passing the locality of Minilya, turn off the highway onto Minilya-Exmouth road to stick to the coastal route and cross the Tropic of Capricorn. You will then turn off again and head west towards the Coral Bay settlement, gateway to the World Heritage Ningaloo Reef.

Coral Bay is a small coastal town on the Ningaloo Coast, a World Heritage-listed area on the remote western coast of Australia. The Ningaloo Reef, one of the longest near-shore reefs in the world, is home to whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, coral gardens and over 500 species of fish. Nowhere does the reef come closer to the shore than at Coral Bay, where you can wade just a few metres into the water to see coral formations and swim amongst the fish. From modern dining locations to shopping, guided tours and beachfront accommodation, Coral Bay is a tiny oasis amongst vast natural wonders.

What better way to end your day than with a 2-hour sunset sail.  Sit back and relax on the luxury catamaran as you sail around the Ningaloo Reef catching the evening rays of sun! Pair your favorite drink with the complimentary antipasto platter as you discover the romance of the reef.

The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is one of the longest near-shore reefs in the world, its deep-sea canyons and colourful coral reefs teeming with whale sharks, manta rays, loggerhead turtles, and over 500 species of fish. Prior to European settlement, the Ningaloo Coast was inhabited by the Yinigudura people and is named for their word for 'deep water'. Annual gatherings of Humpback whales occur along the Ningaloo Coast from June to mid-October as approximately 30,000 of them migrate from the fertile feeding grounds of the South West to the tropical breeding grounds of the North West Shelf.
The reef stretches approximately 260km from Red Bluff to the Muiron Islands just north of Exmouth and offers a slew of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.

Humpback whale season in Coral Bay begins at the end of June and runs through to mid-October. During this time it is estimated that around 30,000 whales pass through the Ningaloo Reef on their annual migration, making it the perfect opportunity to interact with them in their natural environment. This full-day tour begins with a snorkel on the beautiful reef where you may encounter turtles, reef sharks, stingrays and other colourful fish. You will then make your way out to the open ocean where a spotter plan and drone are used to search for whales frolicking in their playground. Under the instruction of your guides, you will take turns entering the water and waiting at a safe distance for the whales to approach you on their own terms. You will then go on to return to the reef for lunch and a final snorkel before your return trip back to the jetty where you will be offered champagne and a fruit platter to wind up your exciting day in style.

Whale shark season in Coral Bay begins in March and runs through to the end of June. The whale shark is the world's largest fish, which congregates along the Ningaloo Reef - one of the only places on the planet where they appear regularly in large numbers - making it the perfect opportunity to interact with them in their natural environment. This full-day tour begins with a snorkel in the beautiful coral gardens of the Ningaloo Reef where you may encounter turtles, reef sharks, and other colourful fish. After this, you will have morning tea on board, and then make your way out to the open ocean where a spotter plan and drone are used to search for the whale sharks. Once your crew have spotted them and the boat has made its way there, you will take turns in groups at entering the water to swim with these gentle giants. To ensure that the natural habits of the whale sharks remain undisturbed, there will be a 1 hour maximum swimming time with them. After lunch you will head back in towards the reef for another snorkel at a second site, then go on to celebrate your exciting day with champagne and a fruit platter as you head back in towards Coral Bay.

What better way to explore the coastline of Coral Bay than on a self-drive ATV tour, experience the beauty of the isolated coastline, make a stop at the 'turtle cliffs' to see the wildlife and watch the resident turtles feeding in the pristine turquoise waters.

Leaving Coral Bay you will depart on this beautiful 2 1/2 hour journey heading east down the coastal highway to Carnarvon the town referred to as the 'food bowl' of Western Australia. Start by setting out along the long straight road passing through Tropic of Capricorn, the perfect stop to grab a photo with the town sign before getting back on the road. To break up the journey you will go through the small western rural town called Minilya home to the 'Road House', a great stop to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat before getting back on the road and taking in the desert scenery on the way to reaching your final destination, Carnarvon.

Heading east along the coast down the National Route 1, roughly 2 hours into the journey you will pass through Hamelin pools the historic town home to Old Telegraph station and the Stromolites known as the 'living fossils'. The Old Telegraph station museum is worthy of visiting to see the telecommunications equipment from the late 1800's before carrying on to stretch your legs and view the Stromolites via the 200m beautiful boardwalk. This is one of the only 2 places in the world which provides amazing views of the living fossils which are over 3 billion years old. Continuing on you will pass over the outskirts of the Toolonga nature reserve and finally through Northhampten a small historic rural town, home to 3 historic buildings; Convent of the sacred heart, Church of St Mary and Chiverton house museum. After Northhampten you will reach your destination, the relaxing coastal city of Geraldton, the only city on the Coral Coast.

Geraldton is the only city on the Coral Coast of Western Australia, which stretches from Perth up to Exmouth. It is a bustling hub of cafes, shops, street art and galleries shouldering a laid-back coastal vibe for the relaxation side to your getaway. The warm, sunny climate makes it a popular region for water activities, crayfishing and beachcombing. If you prefer to keep your feet dry, discover the Mid-West's culture and history at the Museum of Geraldton, and learn about the town's maritime history at the beautiful HMAS Sydney II Memorial. Head 1 hour inland to the Chapman Valley to experience rolling hills, scenic drives and microbrews, or mountain biking and walking trails along the Chapman River Nature Trail. Ideal for when you simply want to spend your day eating, drinking, and exploring nature at a gentle pace.
In the other direction you will find the Houtman Abrolhos Islands and their surrounding coral reef communities. The 122 islands in this cluster lie about 60 kilometres west of Geraldton, stretching across 100 kilometres of ocean. Nature enthusiasts flock to the islands for exceptional fishing, bird watching, snorkelling and diving opportunities. The beautiful but treacherous reefs have claimed many ships throughout history including the Batavia, the wreck of which avid divers can explore in good weather. There are a number of tour operators that provide access to these islands with tours departing Geraldton.
40 minutes southeast of Geraldton you will find the Ellendale Pool, a stunning natural water hole near the historic town of Greenough. Surrounded by magnificent gum trees and a rocky gorge, it is a wonderfully picturesque spot for a picnic lunch and a cool-off swim after checking out Greenough's iconic leaning trees.

Departing Geraldton and heading south on the Brand Highway, be sure to stop at the historic town of Greenough and take a photo of its famous leaning trees. Continue on to Dongara-Port Denison and enjoy a fish & chip lunch overlooking the marina. The ANZAC sculpture comprised of 15 soldier silhouettes is also a moving place to visit, located on Ocean Drive just opposite the lookout. Leaving Port Denison you will head back inland to the Brand Highway and continue south before turning off to explore the Indian Ocean Drive coastal route. Reaching the town of Cervantes, take a break to check out the Lake Thetis Stromatolites and Nambung National Park, home to the famous Pinnacles limestone formations. A short detour off the main highway you will find the coastal town of Lancelin which is famous for its pristine white sand dunes. Stop to have a play on these either with a sandboard or joining a guided quad bike tour. The Yanchep National Park will welcome you back into the Perth region, taking the suburban coastal route for one last dip of your toes in the Indian Ocean at Scarborough Beach.

Explore more of Perth before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights, we can customise your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!