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10 Day Karijini & Ningaloo Explorer

This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.

Pace
Moderate Pace

This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

Escorted Type
Fully Escorted

These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.

Group Size
Small Group

Take advantage of our 7 day cooling-off period. 

Cooling Off Period
7 Days

Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation. 

We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.

Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support 

We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart. 

Confidence
Book With Confidence
4248 people have travelled to this destination

✓ Incredible sightseeing, including the deep canyons, hidden waterfalls and swimming holes of Karijini National Park, the turquoise waters and abundant wildlife of the Ningaloo Reef, and the dramatic views of Cape Range National Park 
✓ Fully escorted small group experience, with no more than 15 guests
Included flights from Perth to Paraburdoo and Exmouth to Perth
25 meals, including 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 9 dinners
9 nights camping under the stars in spacious semi-permanent tents
Pack-free hiking in some of Australia’s most stunning scenery
Dedicated transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
All national park entry fees and permits
✓ Deposit is only $99, see 'How to Book & Payments' for further details
✓ 7 Day Cooling Off Period

What we love about this tour

Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.

Itinerary

Hotel
Karijini National Park – Eco Retreat Campground or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

This morning you will be required to make your own arrangements  to Perth Airport in time for your included flight to Paraburdoo.

On arrival in Paraburdoo, we will pick you up from the airport and head into the beautiful Karijini National Park in time for sunset drinks and dinner.

Note: Due to flight availability the itinerary may change slightly.  On some departures guests will stay the first night in Tom Price and then head into Karijini National Park the following day. All departure dates will still go to all the same gorges and sights.

Hotel
Karijini National Park – Eco Retreat Campground or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast today, we will head deep into the park to check out the spectacular Kalamina gorge. Though the path is rocky and uneven under foot this is one of the easier walks with a mostly gentle descent. At the bottom of the gorge, we will be rewarded by one of Karijini’s perfect swimming holes where we can cool off.

After Kalamina gorge, we will take the opportunity to stop in at the Visitor’s centre to check out the information about the park and grab yourself an ice cream or cold drink. After a picnic lunch, we will go to Dale’s Gorge where we will spend the rest of the afternoon. Dale’s Gorge, Circular Pool and Fern Pool are iconically Karijini. The stunning water holes with their deep red rocks and lush ferns, and waterfalls offer an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.

After spending some time here we will head back to camp for a meal under the stars.

Hotel
Karijini National Park – Eco Retreat Campground or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mt Bruce is Western Australia’s second highest peak. The Mt Bruce walk trail is a fantastic ridge walk, with some steep and rocky sections along the route. From one side you’ll have the vista of Karijini Range; from the other an iron ore mine. The 9.5 km return walk will take us most of the day and is definitely worth the effort.

Hotel
Karijini National Park – Eco Retreat Campground or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We’ll explore two of the most iconic gorges in Karijini – Hancock and Weano. The walks are challenging in places, but not difficult. Both involve some wading and clambering on rocks and ledges; and both reward us with fantastic jade pools nestled deep within the narrow gorge walls. Highlights include Kermits Pool and Handrail Pool.

Hotel
Cheela Plains Station or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Before we say goodbye to Karijini we will walk from our campsite to Joffre Gorge. Navigating some fairly large boulders we’ll find a natural amphitheatre, with a waterfall and a delightful paddling pool. A little further down the gorge it drops into the ‘Olympic Swimming Pool’ which is around a 200m swim with sheer cliffs either side.

After lunch we depart Karijini for Cheela Plains, a true outback station stay where you will be amazed by the night sky of the desert on an included astronomy tour.

Hotel
Yardie Homestead Caravan Park or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy time to rest the legs on a travel day. Western Australia is a big place so it will take us much of the day to get across to Exmouth. We will arrive with time to watch the sun set into the Indian Ocean.

Hotel
Yardie Homestead Caravan Park or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

What is a trip to Ningaloo without the opportunity to swim with the whale sharks? Some of our guests have said the experience is “one of the best things I have ever done in my life”.

The tours are optional, but highly recommended. Alternative activities are available and can be arranged for those who do not want to do a whale shark tour.

Please note: August departures still have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks in Exmouth. Whilst sightings aren't guaranteed in August, there are still plenty of whale sharks around and various tours still operate. If you are still intersted in swimming with whale sharks in August, please specify in the 'special requests' field and we will confirm your alternate tour with the local operator. 

OPTIONAL TOUR - Whale Shark Swim

Swimming with the gentle giants of the sea, the iconic whale shark, is the experience of a lifetime – an awe-inspiring wildlife interaction that will live with you forever.

These amazing creatures cruise through the Ningaloo during whale shark season, from early March to the end of July – and there’s no better experience than seeing these gentle filter feeders in their natural environment. Depending on when you come, you might also see turtles, manta rays, humpback whales, dugongs, and dolphins!

Your day starts at approximately 7:45am as you transfer 36km from your Exmouth accommodation to the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp, where you will embark on your ‘Seafari’. Once onboard, wetsuits and snorkel equipment are fitted, the crew are introduced, the days’ itinerary and a vessel safety brief is given.

Our aim is to get you as much in-water time with the whale sharks as we can! The goal is for you to have multiple swims throughout the day with these beautiful gentle giants.

There will be 1-2 groups on the day, with a maximum of 10 per group plus your photographer and in-water guide. Each group will take turns swimming with the whale sharks allowing everyone a good view and good rest in between swims!

Your day concludes between 4-5pm as you are transferred from the boat ramp to your Exmouth accommodation.

Duration: 10hours

Inclusions: morning tea, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, return transfers, snorkeling equipment, tour guide

Note: This tour operates from early March to the end of July only.

Hotel
Yardie Homestead Caravan Park or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will explore Cape Range national park, with a series of short walks, snorkels and swims along the coast.

Spot rock wallabies and an incredible array of sea life on this wonderful day. We will explore Mandu Mandu gorge and Yardie Creek gorge then head to Turquoise Bay on Ningaloo Reef for a swim and snorkel before heading back to Yardie Homestead for our last night.

Hotel
Yardie Homestead Caravan Park or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Having experienced Ningaloo from the water, today we will spend a bit more time on dry land. Known locally as the Badjirrajirra Trail, this 6.8km walk will take us into the heart of the Cape Range National park. With gorges cut into the limestone karst, the trail leads us through spinifex country offering views that seemingly go on forever.

Compared to some of our exploits in Karijini this trail will be relatively easy. The heat can definitely be a factor though, so we may have to augment today’s itinerary if this is the case.

That said, after exploring the Charles Knife Canyon, we will head back to the blue waters of Ningaloo for another opportunity to snorkel. This time visit Oyster stacks with its rich array of marine life. Hopefully we will spot a turtle!

After another full day of exploring, we will head back to camp for the last night.

Hotel
Holiday Inn Perth City Centre or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight back to Perth.

Our tour team will do an airport drop off based around the first flight departure of the day. At the same time they will also do a drop off into the township of Exmouth for those on the afternoon flight. You will be able to catch a shuttle from Exmouth to the airport later in the day to make your flight to Perth.

On arrival into Perth, you will be transferred to your Perth hotel for the evening.

 

Inclusions

  • Incredible sightseeing, including the deep canyons, hidden waterfalls and swimming holes of Karijini National Park, the turquoise waters and abundant wildlife of the Ningaloo Reef, and the dramatic views of Cape Range National Park 
  • Fully escorted small group experience, with no more than 15 guests
  • Included flights from Perth to Paraburdoo and Exmouth to Perth
  • 25 meals, including 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 9 dinners
  • 9 nights camping under the stars in spacious semi-permanent tents
  • Pack-free hiking in some of Australia’s most stunning scenery
  • Dedicated transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • All national park entry fees and permits

  • Enjoy pack-free hikes on most days in some of Australia’s most stunning terrain
  • Explore the dramatic gorges, waterfalls and swimming holes of Karijini National Park
  • Soak up the beauty of the Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park
  • Swim in many of the idyllic water holes throughout Karijini, surrounded by deep red rocks, lush ferns and waterfalls
  • Hike the spectacular Mt Bruce trail, offering incredible views of the Karijini Rainge 
  • Be amazed by the night sky of the desert on a guided astronomy tour at Cheela Plains Station
  • Swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the Ningaloo Reef at Turquoise Bay 
  • Hike deep into Cape Range National Park and explore Charles Knife Canyon

Fine Print

Over $500 Bonus Value per couple

  • Free Flexible Date Change cover - Change your date free of charge up until 65 days prior to departure (Valued up to $99 per person) Exclusions apply. Please see Fine Print
  • $250 per couple Future Travel Credit with Inspiring Vacations to use in 2021 - Book today and use your credit to secure your next holiday
  • $250 per couple Future Travel Credit with Inspiring Vacations to use in 2022 - Book today and use your credit to secure your 2022 adventure

Note: The single traveller bonus value amount is $250 per person. 

How to add the bonus value offer to your booking

  • Follow the 'book now' prompts
  • After selecting your departure date and room type, add the Special Offer to your order by clicking 'add to booking'.

Terms and Conditions

  • Offer valid until 11:59PM 8th September, 2021, or until sold out.
    Bonus value is based on 2 people, single/solo booking value will be based on the 1 person equivalent.
  • Inspiring Vacations reserves the right to finish the offer prior to the finishing date at its discretion.
  • Future Travel Credits can not be used for existing bookings or used as a future payment method for any booking made in conjunction with this offer.
  • Flexible Date Change cover is underwritten by our Book with Confidence terms and conditions.
  • Travel credit vouchers must be used within 12 months of issue date or are forfeited
  • All credit or voucher amounts will be issued within 14 days of the conclusion of the campaign or after your 1st installment payment has been made (which ever is greater).
  • Amounts are not refundable for cash or transferable or combinable with any other offers or competition.
  • Inspiring Vacations reserves the right to cancel the value offer in the instance of a force majeure event as described in the Inspiring Vacations terms & conditions.
  • In such instances, no deferral, rebooking or compensation will be available.
  • All other Inspiring Vacations terms & conditions along with specific package fine print continue to apply
  • Only applicable to select packages

Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation. 

We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.

Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support 

We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.

Flexible Date Change Option

Book now, change later with our Flexible Date Change option. You may select this $99pp option at time of purchase, giving travellers the flexibility to change your date without penalty (subject to availability, less third party costs incurred, plus any applicable surcharges for the new date selected). 

Date change must be requested prior to 90 days before your original selected departure date*. Once inside 90 days of departure, date changes are not permitted. *some packages may have a varied period in which you can request a date change due to limitations with the third-party provider.

Please refer to our 'Book with Confidence' section for terms and conditions. 

The Flexible Date Change option does not cover cost incurred for components not fulfilled by Inspiring Vacations or in the event extra services have been booked with Inspiring Vacations outside of the standard package, including but not limited to airfares, pre/post accommodation or insurance.

Cooling off period 

If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period.  Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.

Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to support@inspiringvacations.com, including the reason for cancellation.

Deposit & Payments

  • Book now and secure your package with a $99 deposit per person.
  • Pay a 2nd instalment of $1,248 per person within 28 days.
  • You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

Booking Process

  • 'Sign Up' first by entering your email and creating a password
  • Then select the red 'Book now' tab of the tour you have selected
  • Select your Departure Date, Number of Passengers, Room Configuration, any Upgrade Options, and enter any Special Requests
  • Click the red ‘Proceed to Secure Checkout' tab
  • Enter your credit card or PayPal details to secure your deposit/payment. You may also pay via BPAY (not available within 70 days of departure)
  • Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a Booking Form so that we can fulfil your booking
  • Your booking is on request and will be confirmed by Inspiring Vacations once all components of your package have been secured with our partners, please see below for further information

Booking On Request

  • Your Inspiring Vacations package is made up of multiple components and travel partners. Once your booking is made and passenger details form submitted, we will begin to confirm all of your arrangements. Please note, this process can take several business days to complete.
  • Once all elements have been confirmed we will send you an email confirmation, if we are unable to confirm we will provide you with alternative dates or offer a full refund of your deposit or re-credit your account if a travel credit was used.
  • Please DO NOT book any additional services, such as flights, until we have confirmed your Inspiring Vacations package in writing. Inspiring Vacations will not be liable for any fees or charges incurred to change or cancel components not booked by Inspiring Vacations should your selected package be unavailable. 

You can enhance your holiday by arriving early or staying longer upon conclusion of the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Pre and post tour accommodation

  • Pre-tour accommodation in Perth: From $152 per room per night for double/twin/single, room only rate
  • Post-tour accommodation in Perth: From $152 per room per night for double/twin/single, room only rate

Pre and Post accommodation is subject to availability and pricing may differ based on your season of travel.

To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):

  • Exmouth (Day 7): Whale Shark Swim - $455 per person

Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.

Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability. We appreciate your understanding.

Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

This tour is 'Active';

Whether it’s an Everest trek or a cycling tour through Europe, these tours are all about the great outdoors. Explore destinations away from the masses. You’ll require a good level of fitness, but they are not technically challenging. At the end of an active day, you can expect to rest in comfort and explore the culinary delicacies of each region. You’ll join an existing tour, not just with Inspiring Vacations guests

Accommodation and Camping Information
Comfortable camping in semi permanent eco tents. Due to flight availability, some departures stay overnight in a motel in Tom Price and/or Exmouth but all departures will still get to experience all the sites on our itinerary. All camping equipment is provided, except sleeping bags and pillows. The tents are semi permanent spacious four person tents, which will be used for one person if you are travelling as a solo, or two people if you are travelling as a couple. A  mattress is provided to sleep on as well as a knee high stretcher bed. Sleeping bag hire is available for $35 per person.

There are flushing toilets and showers at all of our accommodations, however during the day when we are out and about long-drop toilets will be available. There is also ample opportunity for swimming on most days.

The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.

Luggage Requirements
Due to health and safety requirements, please limit your luggage to one small-medium sized, soft sided bag per person – it has to be loaded and unloaded many times. 12 kg should be sufficient. If you’re travelling as a couple, please pack two smaller bags rather than one large one. Sleeping bag, pillow, day pack and walking poles can be additional to your main luggage bag.

Suggested items to pack for your tour:

  • Pillow, sleeping bag and sleeping sheet (in a sturdy plastic bag if they don’t fit in your luggage);
  • Day-pack – one with a waist strap is best to help take some weight off your shoulders;
  • Shorts or trousers and shirts for walking – lightweight and quick-dry material are best;
  • Casual clothing for evenings and rest days;
  • Warm clothing in case of cold evenings and mornings – jumper, tracksuit pants, beanie;
  • Waterproof jacket;
  • Walking socks;
  • Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or boots (ankle support is recommended as many surfaces are rocky and uneven);
  • Reef sandals or shoes for walking in water. Make sure they have good grip even when they’re wet;
  • Ankle gaiters/sock protectors suitable for hot weather (not plastic);
  • Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (and consider your clothing);
  • Bathers and a small swimming towel (lightweight so you can easily carry them);
  • Bath towel;
  • Toiletries, hand sanitiser and personal medication;
  • Reliable headlamp with spare batteries (much better than a torch because you can use both hands when wearing a headlamp);
  • Any preferred first aid supplies such as blister treatment (your guides will carry a first-aid kit);
  • Water bottle/s – 2 to 3 litre capacity;
  • Fly net (to go over your hat);
  • Insect Repellent;
  • Camera and charger/batteries (You can use your battery charger on the bus while we are driving). A waterproof camera is great for the many swimming holes;
  • Walking poles if you use them;
  • A lunch container so your sandwich doesn’t get squashed;
  • Snacks for the walks if desired.

Single Supplement
No single supplement required on this trip. If you are travelling alone, you will receive your own tent at no additional charge

Triple Share
Not available.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.

Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.

Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Group Size
Between 2 to a maximum of 15

When travelling with a group, no matter the size, we ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. 

Bedding requests
We do our best to meet your bedding preference, however, bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and cannot be guaranteed. All efforts will be made to meet your preference, however, any changes are beyond our control and limited by the hotel facilities and availability.

Tour Styles - This package is an Fully Escorted style.
To meet the needs of various types of travellers, we choose to operate various types of tours and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels: 

  • Independent - On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible.
  • Partially Escorted - A portion of these packages runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is independent, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
  • Fully Escorted - This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

Who is operating this package
We have partnered with a wide range of third party operators who assist in fulfilling your booking and delivering an enjoyable on-tour experience. Each package will consist of multiple operators meaning both guides and fellow travellers may change day to day. But don't worry, regardless of the operator, you'll be in good hands to experience the most out of each destination.

  • International Flights
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
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