Karijini National Park, Stations & Ningaloo Reef Explorer – 6 Day Tour
Duration:
Operated By:
Karijini National Park, Stations and Ningaloo Explorer – 6 Day Tour
We all need to go a little wild west sometimes. From ancient gorges and cool rock walls to warm breezes, red clay, and sparkling water, this is the tour that really lets you experience the power of nature. An epic six-day experience centred on the spectacular Karijini National Park, get ready to really feel the dirt, sand, and water between your toes. Deep breath. This is Australia.
Included
Hancock Gorge – Kermit’s Pool and Handrail Pool hike (Karijini NP)
Visit Hammersley Gorge visit with a relaxing swim in it’s cool waters (Karijini NP)
The best of W.A’s Station stays – Cheela Plains Station and Bullara Station
Weano Gorge visit (Karijini NP)
Chances to swim in Karijini NP including Fern Pool and Fortescue Falls
Visit the mining township of Tom Price
Visit Coral Bay and have the chance to partake in optional activities on the Ningaloo Reef
Opportunities to see billions of stars and their constellations right from most of your overnight stays, free from artificial lighting.
Use of locally owned and operated businesses
All transport (Private bus)
All Accommodation – Unique comfortable accommodation – hotels, cabins, station stays and permanent tented camp
Authentic, fun and experienced local guide
Day 1: Exmouth
We start our journey in the little coastal oasis that is Exmouth, perched on the tip of the North West Cape and nestled along Exmouth Gulf. Originally established in support of the United States Naval Communication Station nearby. It is now well known for it’s stunning marine experiences including the world heritage listed Ningaloo Reef, swimming with the whale sharks, whale-spotting tours, and of course hiking in Cape Range National Park.
Check into your room from 2pm, freshen up, then your afternoon is free to enjoy. 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!
Optional Activities
A chance for you to partake in many optional activities on land or out on the Ningaloo Reef – Swim with whale sharks, scenic flights, a sunset cruise or join a day tour to Cape Range National Park (booked and paid locally)
Included Meals
None
Accommodation – Ningaloo Lodge Exmouth
Day 2: Cheela Plains Station via Bullara Station
We start our 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 we 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.
Included Activities
Visit Bullara Station for the chance to try their famous scones
Sunset Hill Walk – Watch the sunset over the Pilbara with a sundowner in hand
Stargazing – See the Milky Way like never before
Included Meals
None . However guests may enjoy dinner at Red Plains café (discuss with guide on day 2) or self-cater in the camp kitchen facilities. You will have opportunities to buy your own meal supplies on this adventure and there is a refrigerator onboard to keep your food and supplies fresh.
Accommodation – Cheela Plains Station (shared facilities)
Day 3: Karijini National Park via Tom Price & Hammersley Gorge
It’s all about deep gorges and crystal clear water as we head to Karijini National Park, the place to truly embrace your wild side. Along the way we’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.
Included Activities
Visit the mining township of Tom Price
Explore Hammersley Gorge with a relaxing swim in it’s cool waters
Included Meals
None – However guests may enjoy dinner options in the town of Tom Price or self-cater in the camp kitchen facilities. You will have opportunities to buy your own meal supplies on this adventure and there is a refrigerator onboard to keep your food and supplies fresh.
Accommodation – Tom Price Tourist Park (shared facilities)
Day 4: Karijini National Park via Hancock Gorge & Kermit’s Pool
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, we 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.
Included Activities
Weano Gorge viewpoint
Hancock Gorge – Kermit’s Pool and Handrail Pool hike (Fitness level and time permitting)
Invigorating dip at Fern Pool and Fortescue Falls in Dales Gorge
Optional Activities
Karijini Stargazing Tours (booked and paid locally)
Dales Gorge loop hike
Included Meals
None – BBQ packs with salad available from us or self-cater using the BBQ facilities. You will have opportunities to buy your own meal supplies on this adventure and there is a refrigerator onboard to keep your food and supplies fresh.
Accommodation – Private Permanent Bush Camp (shared facilities)
Day 5: Bullara Station
We’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.
Included Activities
Relaxation time at Bullara Station
Live Music (schedule dependent)
Campfire gatherings (BYO drinks if you wish) for a yarn with other travellers
Station walks (self guided)
Included Meals
None – However guests may enjoy great pre booked menu options (discuss with guide on day 2), buy local Bullara Station BBQ packs and/or self-cater in the camp kitchen facilities. You will have opportunities to buy your own supplies on this adventure and there is a refrigerator onboard to keep your food and supplies fresh
Accommodation – Bullara Station (shared facilities)
Day 6: Coral Bay & Exmouth
It’s time to shake the red Pilbara dirt off as we head to Coral Bay. We’re 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, we drop everyone off at their connections and it’s the end of another great trip. Thanks for coming!
Included Activities
Visit the township of Coral Bay including the pristine bay itself with a chance to partake in many optional activities
Optional Activities
Snorkel Hire (paid locally)
Ningaloo Reef snorkelling boat trips (booked and paid locally)
Kayak and SUP Hire (paid locally)
Included Meals
None – However guests may enjoy breakfast at Bullara Station Cafe and lunch options in the town of Coral Bay or self-cater.
Accommodation – None. Do you need help booking post tour accommodation? Get in touch, we can help.
SUITS
Interests:
Skill Level:
Age:
Share:
Through the recent floods, storms and re-routing ..the team had it covered. We felt safe and taken care of. We had a brilliant group of people; it felt like we were all traveling with friends. I cannot recommend the Via team enough, the hotels, activities, options, meals, ability to turn on a dime, and company were all exceptional.
Kevin &Niamh from Ireland 🇮🇪
Well paced itinerary, interesting and informative guide whilst being a lot of fun!
Small group tour and everyone was catered for.
Would recommend highly! ️️️️️
The trip for me was accompanied by great concerns and endless doubts. Much to my surprise, thanks to one man, Irish by origin, I discovered a new world full of good things. This is Ian, the one and only legendary guide! There are no people like you, Ian. You are humane, patient, professional, serious, interesting, knowledgeable, diverse and multidisciplinary.
I enjoyed every moment and I have no doubt that thanks to you I got to know a country rich in amazing people, landscapes, nature, culture and much more.
The company that organized the trip, Via Travel, is simply genius - it is a trip that was organized in a smart, professional and most amazing way!
I couldn't ask for more! I was blessed! Continue on your wonderful path with amazing people!
The tour was a great mix of naturals wonders, cultural experiences and sharing good times together, all facilitated by Summar and enhanced by her knowledge, kindness and sense of fun.
Highlights for us were the Pinnacles, the Aboriginal arts centre at Northampton, Kalbarri National Park, crayfishing, the famous WA spring wildflowers, snorkeling on Ningaloo Reef, and the friendships made.
Amazing Pinnacles to swimming with Whale Sharks. Summar was exceptional looking after us all and so well informed. We had the best time and I would do it all again.
We made friends for life. Thank you!!
The fact that the group was small, only 9 people, also made this a memorable tour. Our best recommendations! Bente and Per, Norway
Be ready for early starts and lots of driving but worth it
Day 1 There could have been pick up several places in Perth.
Nambung was interesting, so was Carnavon (day 5) Ningaloo Reef (day 6) and Exmouth (day 7&8). The really nice places are Kalbarri (lobster fishing) and the trip to the National park (day 2&3). The First Nations experience and visiting parks and places around Shark Bay and Monkey Mia (day 3&4) is well worth the money.
This trip is totally dependent on an excellent tour guide to be a success. You need knowledge of history, nature, people, culture and all that is special for this aera.
We were lucky and got Summar as our guide.
She was also an excellent driver.
Todo the trip in 8 days may feels abit short, a day or two extra in Kalbarri would have been nice.
Hotels selected were great and comfortable, because I was traveling solo, I paid extra to have my own room. Worth the extra money, unless you have no preference. I am in my mid/late 30’s so having comfortable and clean hotel rooms was key, my hostile days are long gone.
Experiences were incredible, a few highlights that were my favorite was visiting the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, taking a dip under a live waterfall in Bielsdown River, having belly hurting laughs with Cockatoo Paul, and soaking in all the sun in Byron Bay. I did not want to leave Bryon, it’s such a magical gem of a place.
Restaurants selected that were included in your booking were amazing. I am a lucky one and have no food allergies and love to eat anything..but for the ones from our group that had allergies or food preferences they were accommodated
As far as our tour guide Eoin Kennedy was beyond amazing!! By far the best tour guide I have ever had on a trip. He was personal, provided great insight, extremely knowledgeable, and had an awesome personality. Lots of laughs were shared. He is a one-man band when touring the group, he is not only your tour guide, but he is also your driver. Definitely would book another trip just to have him as my tour guide again.
I booked the 8-day excursion with Via Travel, which started in Sydney and ended in Brisbane, from there I continued my trip solo to the Whitsunday’s. About half of the group stayed on to continue the trip up the coast, and the rest either continued traveling or traveled back home. Everyone from my group was wonderful, lots of laughs, fun memories, and friendships created.
Don’t think about booking, be about booking!
One of the highlights of the trip was the snorkelling excursion to Whitsunday Islands, offering surreal views of colourful marine life and stunning coral reefs.
Magnetic Island charmed us with its laid-back atmosphere and stunning coastal scenery, while the lively city of Cairns provided the perfect finale to our journey, with a fun last night out with the whole group.
Throughout the journey, our guide, Jason, played an important role in enhancing our experience. His knowledge about each destination, coupled with his enthusiasm, made every stop on our itinerary come alive. Jason's attention to detail and dedication to ensuring our comfort and enjoyment were truly appreciated.
In conclusion, our experience with Via Travel exceeded all expectations, thanks to the breathtaking destinations, and the exceptional guidance provided by Jason. We highly recommend Via Travel to anyone seeking an enriching and unforgettable group travel experience in Australia.
We would never have been able to achieve all the activities in this region without Via travel and their local knowledge, this was key to everything for us!!! Via travel ensure that all age groups feel included and experience that sense of adventure. A BIG thank you Justin, not only for your knowledge but most importantly for your kindness.
Would highly recommended, even for a lone traveller of any age. Loved the banter and made my holiday!!
The places chosen to stay were unique and not all big commercial hotels. The group dinners were well coordinated. The ability to ask the guide questions as they came up and the personal commentary as the group was small enough not to get lost in the crowd.
Every detail down to Jason shopping for a bbq at the hotel including some native foods like kangaroo. We got to see them, pet them and taste them if we chose to. He even took the time to drive us to find a Kasawari bird in the wild.
I will definitely be doing more tours with Via Travel Australia 5 stars all the way!
I will be travelling later this year on their new 14 day east coast australia adventure tour from Brisbane to cairns. Sitting in the office now dreaming of beaches islands and rainforest. Thanks to everyone at Via for helping me
to experience the real australia and have a relaxing holiday at the same time.
So many amazing beaches, tropical forests and up close wildlife experiences (koalas, kangaroos and we saw a platypus!). I will never forget! We had some free time too in some places, so I had time to explore and unwind at my own pace.
So glad I booked with Via, they were friendly and professional from the moment I emailed them to the end of the tour. To be honest, I was unsure on the best way to see the east coast and west coast of Australia safely and don’t normally take guided tours, but this felt different, thanks Via Travel!
Last december I got married to Carmen, we are from Spain and we wanted a different honey moon so we decided to join in the 14 day Sydney to Cairns tour. It has been the trip of our lives, they prepare everything with great care and you can see/feel the social responsibility of the company and the service providers they have chosen.
We were lucky to have Wara as a guide, since he is passionate about his country and a person fully committed to his community, able to give us a lot of information and anecdotes that made the trip much more interesting.
The first week of the tour was great, seeing spectacular places and having the opportunity to go through the koala hospital, but the second week is totally incredible and being able to end up in the Great Barrier Reef is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I recommend you that you to go diving.
Kind regards.
I’ll admit I was a tad nervous being a solo traveler joining a group tour midway, but the group tour guide, Wara Dan, immediately made me feel comfortable to get on the road with then strangers who are now life-long friends.
The tour itself packs in A TON of activities in just one week. Looking back I can’t believe we did as much as we did or travelled as far as we did (over 1700km). And I wouldn’t change a thing. Wara (our guide) kept the trip interesting with fun stops along the way and was also extremely knowledgable of Australian history and culture. The trip would not have been nearly as informative or fun without him. Wara also made sure we were comfortable and prepared for each day’s next adventure, from snorkeling at the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef, to spotting platypus and waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands and of course the excursion to Fraser Island.
In short, I 100% recommend this Intrepid tour of the East Coast ESPECIALLY if you can have Wara as your guide. It’s already on my list to come back to see the west coast of Australia!
I would 100% recommend this tour.



































