Karijini & Ningaloo Reef Expedition - 14 Days

We arrive in Broome, gateway to the Kimberley and home to striking red cliffs, turquoise seas, a rich pearling history and dinosaur footprints. After a brief orientation tour, we settle into our resort before a welcome dinner overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Our journey south begins along the Great Northern Highway, passing between the Great Sandy Desert and Eighty Mile Beach, learning about the region's landscapes and history along the way. We arrive in Port Hedland, one of Australia's busiest resource ports and one of the largest towns in the Pilbara.

We go behind the scenes at the Port Hedland Seafarers Centre for an exclusive look at the workings of the iron ore port, home to Australia's largest tonnage port facility. After a short presentation, we board a launch service boat to circumnavigate the entire port, with commentary from our local skipper.Departing Port Hedland, we head inland to the spectacular red gorges of Karijini National Park, for a 2-night stay.

Today brings a journey through Karijini's deep gorges, cascading waterfalls and emerald swimming holes. We begin with a guided walk to Oxer Lookout, taking in a breathtaking panorama where four gorges meet, and through Weano Gorge, where sculpted rock walls and hidden pools reveal the park's geological history.We continue to Tom Price for a guided mine tour, learning about the region's mining heritage, before exploring further sections of the park, including Dales Gorge and Fern Pool, a tranquil spot perfect for a swim.

Continuing west, we venture into Millstream-Chichester National Park, a landscape of rugged escarpments, spring-fed pools and tree-lined rivers, exploring the historic Millstream Homestead, once a pastoral station and now a visitor hub rich in local heritage.By late afternoon, we arrive in Karratha, founded in 1968 to support mining operations in the Hamersley Ranges.

This morning, we travel to the Burrup Peninsula to view ancient petroglyph engravings dating back 30,000 to 45,000 years. We also visit the North West Shelf Visitors Centre in Dampier to learn about one of Australia's largest resource projects.This afternoon, we head south to Ningaloo Reef, one of Australia's most pristine natural wonders, arriving in Exmouth for a 3-night stay.

Ningaloo is an untouched, 300-kilometre fringing barrier reef protecting a shallow lagoon of clear tropical waters - one of only a few places in the world where the reef can be accessed directly from the beach. We join a half-day discovery cruise, learning about the reef's marine diversity with the opportunity to snorkel in its pristine waters, fully guided with all equipment provided.We return to the resort for a leisurely afternoon before dinner together at an award-winning restaurant.

We venture into Cape Range National Park, home to rugged limestone ranges, deep canyons and 50 kilometres of pristine coastline. We cruise Yardie Creek, taking in the contrast between turquoise waters and red ochre landscapes as the sun rises over the gorge, keeping an eye out for birdlife and the rare black-footed rock wallaby along the cliff edge.After the cruise, we take a scenic walk to the top of the gorge for panoramic views down the creek and out to Ningaloo Reef, pausing for a picnic lunch before visiting Milyering, the park's discovery centre. We return to Exmouth for some free time before dinner.

After a relaxed morning, we depart Exmouth and travel along the North West Coastal Highway, calling in at Coral Bay, a laid-back coastal spot, before continuing south to Carnarvon for the night.

We continue south into the World Heritage-listed Shark Bay region, arriving in Monkey Mia, famous for its wild dolphin encounters. We settle into our beachfront accommodation for a 2-night stay, taking in the coastal surroundings.

Shark Bay was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Area in 1991 for meeting all four natural criteria, a rare distinction. Its seagrass meadows, the largest on the planet, support an incredible diversity of marine life, including a thriving dugong population.This morning, we visit the beach to look for the local dolphins, known to swim into the shallows and interact with visitors.

Please note: as these are wild animals, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Afterwards, we join a catamaran cruise through Shark Bay Marine Park, keeping watch for dolphins, dugongs and turtles, before a leisurely afternoon back at the resort.

Today begins with a visit to the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve, one of the few places in the world where living marine stromatolites can be found. Nearby, we explore the Old Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station, built in 1884 as part of the vital communication line between Perth and Roebourne, now a museum showcasing historical artefacts.We continue south, arriving in Geraldton late in the afternoon.

Our journey continues to one of Australia's most otherworldly landscapes, the Pinnacles, where striking limestone formations rise from the desert sands. We take time to wander the area before continuing back to Perth.This evening, we come together for a farewell dinner, celebrating the end of our journey through the Pilbara and South West.

This morning is free to relax before your transfer to Perth Airport or onward accommodation.