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.
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. The choice is yours.
Leave your passport at home, get your snacks and driving playlist sorted – it’s Road Trippin’ time! From local weekend escapes to 4WD outback adventures. Road Trips are dedicated to discovering your own backyard and this expansive country.
✓ Incredible sightseeing including a full day marine snorkeling tour in Ningaloo Reef, full day 4WD to Francois Peron National Park, scenic flight to Pink Lake and Abrolhos Island including landing and play time at East Wallabi Island
✓ Enjoy the flexibility of independent travel
✓ 15 days Hertz Group H car rental including unlimited kilometers & Hertz Maximum Coverage - NIL damage excess including glass & tyres and waives liability for theft or loss to vehicle. ("Bring Your Own Car" discounts available)
✓ Full day guided Marine Ecotour off Coral Bay
✓ Full day guided 4WD tour of Francois Peron National Park
✓ Take on an Abrolhos Island Discovery Tour with Pink Lake scenic flight
✓ Only $99 deposit per person. See 'How to Book & Payments' for more information
✓ 7 Day cooling off period. See under Fine Print for more information
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.
Welcome to Perth! Make your way to your accommodation. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities arranged for the day.
Your car will be ready for collection at Hertz Perth Downtown depot (opening hours Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm & Saturday from 8am to 1pm)
Check in & arrival information.
A taxi or Uber from Perth airport to your accommodation costs approximately $55 to $60 per car. Hotel check in is at 2pm. Should you arrive earlier than this, hotel staff will do all possible to check you in as soon as possible. If your room is not available before check-in time, you are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area.
Travel north towards the scenic Indian Ocean Drive. Perhaps stop at Cervantes to witness the splendour of the nearby Pinnacles Desert in Nambabun National Park. Access is on an easy sealed road and the pinnacles are visible within an easy walk from the car park.
Drive through the historic town of Greenough and take notice of the bizarre sight of the leaning trees. Arrive at Geraldton - Australia’s Coral Coast’s only city.
Approximate distance driven: 420km - 5.5 hrs
Today is free for you to explore Geraldton. Treat yourself to some of the freshest seafood in Western Australia - particularly the famous western rock lobster, and don’t miss out on Geraldton's cafe culture on display at Piper Lane, Skeetas or the Jaffle Shack.
Perhaps check out the street art around Marine Terrace. Between July and September, the greater Geraldton region is home to expansive displays of wildflower carpets and individual species, many of which are endemic only to WA. Finally, head up to the impressive HMAS Sydney II Memorial for sunset for some impressive views across Geraldton and the Indian Ocean.
Continue driving north to the tropical fruit town of Carnarvon. While in Carnarvon, you may want to visit Carnarvon Space & Technology Museum to learn about the connection between Western Australia and NASA’s space program. This site is open between 9am and 4pm (April to September) and 10am and 2pm (October to March). Entrance fee: $15.
Approximate distance driven: 480km - 6 hrs
Hit the road once more and make sure to stop at the blowholes, watching the water spray meters into the air as it surges through the rocks. Continue north along the North West Coastal Highway, towards Exmouth, the northern tip of the Ningaloo region. If you are feeling hungry, perhaps stop into Bullara Station for coffee and scones.
Approximate distance driven: 370km - 6 hrs
Today is free for you to explore Exmouth.
Over a staggering 35,000 west coast Humpback Whales migrate through the Exmouth and Ningaloo region and start to rest after their long migration from the Antarctic. Mothers will typically move their calves into the Gulf area at Exmouth over these months, to fatten them up for their lengthy return journey south.
The Department of Parks & Wildlife has recently given authority for Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo to provide guided swims with these amazing creatures under strict parameters and conditions. Visitors will venture out in small groups of seven with a guide & videographer to record one of the most special intimate encounters of the ocean. Following this, guests will enjoy a snorkel on the reef to enjoy the amazing tropical fish, rays, turtles and corals.
Please note that this tour operates from August to October
The opportunity to swim with the Whale Shark is one of the world’s greatest interactive marine encounters. This fish, the largest of the shark family and the largest fish in the world at an average of 12 meters (40 foot) in length, is a harmless plankton eater, with their graceful and passive nature providing an unforgettable day out on the waters of the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Marine Park.
Educational talks from on-board marine biologists, provide a fascinating insight into the rich biodiversity found in the area. Guests can be entertained by Bottlenose and Australian Humpback Dolphins, with a keen eye occasionally spotting Dugongs as they surface to take breath.
Tour operates from 5th March to 31st August only.
Includes hotel transfers, morning tea, snorkelling gear, wetsuit and lunch.
Today is free for you to continue explore Exmouth
Travel into Cape Range National Park on this full day sea kayak tour to sea kayak and snorkel the beautiful turquoise lagoons of Ningaloo Reef. Sea kayaking is a fantastic way to explore the sheltered lagoons and beautiful beaches of Ningaloo; paddle into paradise and leave the crowds behind. Along the way you'll look for turtles, rays, schools of fish, and coral life from your kayak. You may even see dugong and dolphins. Enjoy the contrasting scenery of reef and range that this UNESCO World Heritage-listed area offers - all from the best seat in the house.
An average level of fitness, and a sense of adventure are all you need to have a blast. The tour does involve snorkelling from the kayaks (don't worry, getting back in is easier than you think - we'll show you how). The kayaks have a weight limit of 110kg per person.
Inclusions: Pick up and drop off from Exmouth accommodation, double sit-on-top sea kayaks, lifejackets, snorkelling gear, wetsuits in season, long-sleeve sun shirts and broad brim hats, polarised sunglasses, dry bag, morning or afternoon tea, National Park entry fee.
Join a for a half day sea kayak and snorkel Turtle Tour adventure in the wildlife-rich Bundegi Sanctuary Zone, in amazing Exmouth Gulf, amongst the northern stretches of World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef. On our Turtle Tour, look for turtles in the shallows from your kayak; rays, baby reef sharks and birds including osprey are also commonly seen. Take the opportunity to snorkel from your kayak amongst the sheltered coral gardens and enjoy the colourful fish life.
An average level of fitness, and a sense of adventure are all you need to have a blast. The tour does involve snorkelling from the kayaks (don't worry, getting back in is easier than you think - we'll show you how). The kayaks have a weight limit of 110kg per person.
Inclusions: Pick up and drop off from Exmouth accommodation, double sit-on-top sea kayaks, lifejackets, snorkelling gear, wetsuits in season, long-sleeve sun shirts and broad brim hats, polarised sunglasses, dry bag, morning or afternoon tea
Today enjoy an easy drive south to Coral Bay - a marine-lovers paradise. Spend the next two days swimming, snorkeling and exploring the coral gardens which lay only metres from shore.
Approximate distance driven: 150km - 2 hrs
Today is a full day action packed marine ecotour adventure. An amazing day on board a state-of-the-art eco tour vessel, Kurni-Ku, with its large upper deck viewing area makes it perfect for observing the tropical reef and all of its inhabitants. On this six to seven hour adventure you have the opportunity to snorkel on the magnificent Ningaloo coral reef, seeing hundreds of types of reef fish and exciting aquatic life such as reef sharks, turtles, giant clams and octopus. The unique shallow draft allows us to get to the very best snorkeling sites that the spectacular Ningaloo Reef has to offer!
Other marine mammals that may be encountered but not snorkeled with due to strict conservation efforts might include dolphins, dugongs and humpback whales (seasonal).
This activity is subject to minimum numbers being met.
Start nice and early and gear up for one of the longest driving days of this itinerary as you continue heading south - final destination Shark Bay. Along the way you may want to stop at Hamelin Pool Stromatolites - which claims to be the oldest living lifeforms and the salty crystal waters of Shell Beach - to experience a floating experience similar to that of the dead sea!
Approximate distance driven: 590km - 7 hrs
Enjoy a highly personalised (maximum 6 guests), off-road experience with a local guide in an air conditioned rugged 4WD vehicle. Travel through an untouched, spectacular, special piece of earth, right where Outback Australia meets the coast. Venture into the outback bush, down wild tracks, over rolling red sand dunes, through dense Acacia shrub-lands, along magnificent bluffs and deserted beaches.
You'll be amazed by stunning scenery, wildlife and endless beaches (a photographer's delight). You'll be amazed to learn that unimpressive vegetation is often food or medicine. You'll also discover the survival secrets of how to navigate by the sun; find water and bush tucker.
It's a hell of a way to discover the cultural history of Shark Bay and its sensational scenery, fascinating plants and animals as well as learn bush survival skills. On tour some of the stunning trees you'll meet are the life-saving Kurrajong tree, the endangered Sandalwood tree and the Acacia tree in its many guises.
Today is free for you to relax and continue to enjoy Shark Bay
Continue driving south toward Kalbarri - at the mouth of the Murchison River. This afternoon maybe head out to one of the many walking trails and enjoy Kalbarri’s famous sunset views.
Approximate distance driven: 390kms - 5 hrs
Today make your way to Kalbarri airport for a full day adventure. Start with a scenic fly towards the town and low along the beachfront before heading at cliff top height past the coastal cliffs with their lovely red sedimentary rock colours. Past the surfing beach, we reach Red Bluff, Rainbow Gorge and a series of connecting gorges including the natural bridge. We continue past the cliffs along the white beaches of Lucky Bay until we climb the aircraft ready to view the pink lake from the best vantage point in the air! After circling the Pink lake we head out to Abrolhos before landing on East Wallabi Island. After a short stroll to the pure white sand and shallow light blue water of Turtle Beach, we set up camp and enjoy a typical Western Australian morning tea. You then have the option of two distinct Abrolhos experiences. In the summer months, why not take advantage of the opportunity to bathe in the clear, calm water, with the beautiful islands as backdrop? Snorkelling allows you to see a vast array of colourful fish at first hand and view coral of incomparable beauty and diversity.
For those who prefer a nature trail, and in the cooler months of autumn and winter, East Wallabi provides the invigorating opportunity to walk across the Island and explore the rich diversity of varying vegetation and see friendly wallabies at first hand. A highlight is to visit the Ospreys nest, Ospreys nest on the abrolhos each year, and can often be seen flying low over the islands.
At the most Eastern point of the island, we look across towards the mainland and explore an area of limestone where a massive build-up of shells has been created by circling gulls. The Abrolhos is a haven of wildlife with everything that unspoiled Nature has to offer.
Pack up for the last time as you head south to the final destination of your journey: Perth.
You can return your rental vehicle at Hertz Car Rental Perth Downtown (475 Murray St - some 2km from your hotel) today by 5pm or tomorrow morning between 8am and 1pm.
Approximate distance driven: 590 - 7 hrs
Today your Western Australia & Ningaloo Coast Road Trip comes to an end. Farewell Perth as you make your own way to the airport for your onward flight or to continue the next part of your journey.
Check out & departure information.
A taxi or Uber to Perth airport from your accommodation costs approximately $55 to $60 per car. Hotel check out is at 10am and any later check out may be discussed with the hotel reception directly
Upgrade to an Intermediate SUV - Mitsubishi Outlander or similar
You may want to upgrade your car hire to an Intermediate SUV, 5 Door SUV, 4 Cylinder, Cruise Control, Reverse camera or sensors (Group K) or Similar for an extra $200 in total.
Upgrade to a Large SUV - Toyota Kluger or similar
Full Size SUV, 5 Door SUV, 4 Cylinder, Cruise Control, Reverse camera or sensors (Group H) or Similar for an extra $775 in total.
Bring Your Own Vehicle (No Car Rental Included)
A total of $230 per person (two people booking) or $460 (one person booking) will be reduced from the total price. As this trip is on request, this adjustment will be reflected in your confirmation invoice.
Driving in Winter
Whilst Tasmanian roads are well maintained, during snowy weather in the winter months, some roads may be temporarily closed to all but all wheel drive vehicles. If travelling in winter, please consider upgrading your car hire to an all wheel drive one. See below under Car Hire Upgrade for more information & prices
Drivers Licence Requirement
Avis Australia will rent to drivers that present a current drivers licence. The renter has to have held the licence for 12 months. Avis Australia will not rent to any person on a Provisional or Probationary licence.
If foreign licence is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by an International Drivers Permit (containing an English translation).
Age Requirement
Medium size cars, minimum 21 years of age
SUVs & larger vehicles, minimum 25 years of age
Additional Drivers
Additional Driver fees will apply to each individual additional driver - with the exception of the lead driver’s spouse.
* $5.00 + GST per day, per additional driver
* Max charge of $25.00 + GST per additional driver (5 day max charge)
It is essential that proof of a valid driver’s licence is provided and that the additional driver signs the rental agreement.
The Spouse of the Lead Driver includes someone (of any gender) they are married to or in a relationship with.
Digital Drivers License
A Digital Drivers License is not accepted. Drivers require a hard copy license until further notice.
Rates Include
Vehicle Registration Fee (VRF), Administration Fee, Goods & Services Tax (GST),
Premium Location Surcharge (PLS) / Concession Recovery Fee (CRF), Loss Damage Waiver, Unlimited Kilometres, Nil Damage Excess.
Please note: The renter must always pay to Avis the following costs and fees:
The cost of repairing any:
· (a) ‘Overhead Damage’ means damage (excluding hail damage) to the Vehicle during the Rental Period above the top of the front and back windscreens, damage to third party property, caused by the Vehicle coming into contact with anything overhanging or obstructing its path, objects being placed on the roof of
the Vehicle, or You or any person standing or sitting on the roof of the Vehicle;
· (b) ‘Underbody Damage’ means damage to the Vehicle during the Rental Period caused by the Vehicle coming into contact with anything below the bottom of the door seal and the bottom of the front and rear bumper bars where Avis considers, acting reasonably, that the driver of the Vehicle is reasonably at fault for that damage;.
(c) You driving the Vehicle in a manner that results in total or partial inundation or immersion of the Vehicle in water or exposure of the Vehicle to salt water (including, without limitation, damage which occurs as a result of You driving the Vehicle through floods, creeks or rivers);
(d) damage to the Vehicle caused by a breach of clause 3, 4.1, 5.1 or 5.6 of the Avis Australia Rental Terms and Conditions (save, in respect of clause 4.1(m), for minor infractions);
(e) damage to a tyre or an Accessory not attributable to Fair Wear and Tear that is caused deliberately or recklessly by You;
(f) theft of the Vehicle, unless You report the Vehicle as stolen to the police immediately on becoming aware of the theft and provide a copy of the police report to Avis as soon as you receive it; or(g)
loss or damage to Your property, the property of a member of Your immediate family or of a person related to You if that loss or damage is from a breach of these terms and conditions.
The cost of any professional cleaning or odour extraction incurred by Avis because the driver or another person has been smoking in the Vehicle during the Rental Period and/or a reasonable administrative fee reflecting the cost of making arrangements for professional cleaning or smoke extraction.
For the purposes of paragraphs (a) to (g) above, any reference to You includes an Authorised Driver and any person You or the Authorised Driver allow to drive the Vehicle.
Rates Exclude
Airport Concession Fee, Fuel, Optional Extras (baby seats, snow chains etc)
Deposits
All rentals are subject to a deposit at the time of vehicle collection to cover miscellaneous/optional charges and may also have to cover the applicable insurance excess and a $100.00 fuel bond. A credit or debit card is required. Avis Australia accepts all major credit cards. Debit cards will be accepted if they meet the following requirements: Be issued by a recognised bank, Display the Visa or Master Card logo and hologram, Display the Cardholder Name and Display the Card Number. Prepaid and Reloadable Debit Cards as well as Travel Cards and EFTPOS cards will not be accepted.
The amount of the deposit is not debited to the card at rental collection; an authority only is taken until the conclusion of the rental when any applicable charges will be debited. All renters must provide a credit card or approved debit card to enable LINKT to directly charge their applicable toll fees.
Restricted Driving Roads/Areas
The below detailed driving restrictions apply to rentals on Avis Tour Rates. Should the Avis vehicle be driven over the restricted roads / areas detailed below, or on the Rental Agreement, Avis Coverage will be void. Vehicle hire is subject to satisfactory road and weather conditions at all times.
General
The vehicle must only be used on roads that are properly formed and constructed as sealed, metalled or gravel roads (Unless the Vehicle is a 4 wheel drive vehicle).
All vehicles cannot be driven on beaches or through streams, dams, rivers or floodwaters. Vehicles may not be driven above the snow line.
Avis full Rental Terms & Conditions can be found HERE.
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.
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
Booking Process
Booking On Request:
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
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 particular tour is categorised as a “3”.
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $3,322 per person in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not Available
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
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.
Group Size
This package is made up of multiple components which will be provided by different operators throughout your trip. As such, group size will differ between operators and can be as intimate as 2 people or as lively as up to 60 people, depending on the activity and advertised inclusions. There may be unique cases where your selected travel date exceeds the expected group size for special events or types of activities, particularly during popular times of travel. For packages that include a train or cruise, you will be travelling with other passengers up to the capacity of this component.
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 a Independent 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:
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.
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 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):
Please note: due to the tours operating on the same day, you may only choose one of the optional tours per day
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.
Upgrade to a Hertz Group V vehicle
You may want to upgrade your car hire to a Hertz Group V, Medium AWD, 5 Doors, Toyota Rav 4 or Similar for an extra $203 per person (two people booking) or $406 (one person booking)
Upgrade to a Hertz Group R vehicle
You may want to upgrade your to a larger 4WD, Group R Toyota Landcruiser or similar, for an extra $724 per person (two people booking) or $1448 (one person booking)
Bring Your Own Vehicle (No Car Rental Included)
You can opt to drive your own vehicle. A total of $400 per person (two people booking) or $800 (one person booking) will be reduced from the total price.
19 Feb 2023
The undeniable romance of train travel calls to many travellers, and a trip on board the iconic Ghan captures this charm perfectly. Stylish, well-appointed carriages and first-class service make for the perfect blend of adventure and luxury, creating an unforgettable journey that is on many bucket lists. So, before you...
12 Jun 2022
Sure, West Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to soft white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and endearing marine life and wildlife. But we promise Rottnest Island—or Rotto, as the locals call it—is a bit special A protected nature reserve, idyllic doesn’t even begin to cover the postcard-perfect beauty of R...
14 Sep 2020
Forget the idea of dusty red earth as far as the eye can see, the Central Australian landscape offers an extraordinary chance to see unique plants and animals Five seasons in one year With very little rainfall each year (just 291 mm on average), it would be easy to assume that semi-arid Central Australia has only one s...
14 Sep 2020
The arrival of Europeans and tourists in Central Australia disrupted tens of thousands of years of Anangu history, but 150 years later, there’s a new appreciation for traditional wisdom For anyone planning to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for the first time, there’s one thing you need to know about the experienc...
14 Sep 2020
Australia’s Top End, from the capital Darwin, across to Kakadu National Park and down to the Katherine area, is a land of unspoiled natural beauty waiting to be explored Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) is simply enormous. While it may look modest on a map, the NT is almost six times the size of the United Kingdom...
