6 Day Ningaloo Whale Shark Tour

Our 6 Day Ningaloo Whale Shark Tour is an unforgettable journey from Perth to Exmouth, showcasing some of Western Australia’s most spectacular coastal landscapes, wildlife encounters and reef experiences. Travel through the Pinnacles Desert, Kalbarri National Park, Monkey Mia, Coral Bay and Cape Range National Park before reaching the world-famous Ningaloo Reef. Along the way, you’ll see rugged gorges, white-shell beaches, turquoise waters, wild dolphins, dramatic lookouts and some of the best snorkelling spots on the Coral Coast. This six-day adventure is designed for travellers who want more than a quick visit — it combines guided walks, local commentary, national park highlights, comfortable accommodation and plenty of time to enjoy the ocean. From optional whale shark and manta ray swims to relaxed beach moments at Turquoise Bay, this tour gives you a rich, well-paced taste of Western Australia’s wild coast.

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DEPARTS
7:25 am
RETURNS
10:00 am
Days
6
PRICE from
$1910 AUD
$1624 AUD

Operates

MON, FRI

Touring Route

Trip Style
Original
Language
English
Age Restriction
From 6 years old
Group Size
Max 23 people

Highlights

  • Visit the weathered rock spires in the Pinnacles Desert

  • See the panoramic coastline of the Indian Ocean

  • Explore the stunning gorge views of Kalbarri National Park from the Skywalk

  • Admire Nature’s Window and hike the Z Bend in Murchison Gorge

  • Wander along Shell Beach made of tiny white shells

  • Be blown away by ‘The Stromatolites’ at Shark Bay World Heritage Listed area

  • Meet the famous wild dolphins of Monkey Mia Conservation Park

  • Snorkel the Ningaloo Reef at Coral Bay and relax in the crystal clear waters of Turquoise Bay

  • Guided tour of Cape Range National Park and Vlamingh Head Lighthouse at sunset

  • Join a swim a Manta Ray or Whalesharks tour (optional)

Trip Inclusions

  • A one-way journey from Perth to Exmouth

  • 5 Nights’ accommodation (Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, Coral Bay, Exmouth x2)

  • Meals 5 x breakfast, 3 x lunch, 5 x dinner

  • Admission to all National Parks

  • Dolphin experience fees

  • Guided walks (up to ~7km, grade 1-4)

  • Australian wildlife sightings, in the wild!

  • Hosted by an experienced driver-guide

  • Air-conditioned mini-coach travel

  • Selected Perth pick-up/Exmouth drop-off points

  • Comprehensive local tour commentary

What to Bring

  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Your sense of adventure
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Water bottle &/or Camelbak (2L minimum)
  • Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
  • Swimmers and beach towel
  • Hand sanitiser and insect repellent
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Torch or headlight
  • Snacks for the bus in your day bag
  • Thermals, bed socks, warm clothes, hot water bottle (Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr)
  • Reusable facemasks
  • Money for snacks and meals

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Perth - Kalbarri

Kick off your adventure with a guided tour through the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, before enjoying lunch by the sea at Jurien Bay and journey up Indian Ocean Drive for some stunning coastal views.

Stopping off at the must-see attraction just outside of Geraldton, known as the Pink Lake located off the coral coast highway (conditions permitting). Then it’s on to the seaside town of Kalbarri for our overnight accommodation.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accomm: Kalbarri Pelicans Nest Private Rooms (with ensuite)or Kalbarri Backpackers Shared Accommodation (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative
Driving Distance: 575km
Hike Distance: 2km Grade 1-2

Day 2: Kalbarri - Monkey Mia

Rise early for a magical start to the day, with a photo opportunity at sunrise at either Nature’s Window or the Kalbarri Skywalk.

Visit the marvels of The Murchison Gorge and Z-Bend in Kalbarri National Park where water has carved its way through sandstone.

Witness bright pops of colour here during wildflower season (spring). After lunch by the River mouth in Kalbarri we travel on towards Monkey Mia with plenty of comfort stops along the way before arriving at our accommodation by the beach.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomm: RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Standard Private Rooms (with ensuite)or Backpackers Shared Accommodation (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative
Options: Kalbarri Abseiling Z-Bend
Driving Distance: 450km
Hike Distance: 3km Grade 3-4

Day 3: Monkey Mia - Coral Bay

This morning meet the famous Monkey Mia Dolphins and get some amazing photos.

Enjoy chill-out time on the beach here or enjoy a coffee at the restaurant before we get back on the road in the morning. Check out the spectacular cliff views overlooking Denham at Eagle Bluff.

Take a stroll along a beach made entirely of tiny shells followed by lunch. Before heading off to settling into our accommodation in Coral Bay, located right on the famous Ningaloo Reef.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomm: Ningaloo Coral Bay Bayview Lodge Private Rooms (with ensuite) or Backpackers Shared Accommodation (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative
Driving Distance: 580km
Hike Distance: 2km Grade 1

Day 4: Coral Bay - Exmouth

You’ll have most of the day to explore the Ningaloo Reef, Australia’s largest Fringe reef, at your own leisure.

Choose to join a boat tour or enjoy free time to experience the beautiful beaches Coral Bay has to offer.

Go for a stroll on the beach and check out the shark nursery, swim with the manta rays (additional cost), or go for a snorkel on the reef only metres from shore.

This evening we take the short drive up the peninsula to Exmouth and check into our accommodation for two nights in the town centre.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Accomm: Potshot Hotel Resort Private Rooms (with ensuite) or Backpackers Shared Accommodation (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative.

Options: Swim with Manta Rays, Snorkel Ningaloo Reef, Glass Bottom Boat Tours

Driving Distance: 155km Grade 1

Day 5: Exmouth

Today we drive through the Cape Range National Park, a spectacular place of rugged limestone ranges, breathtaking deep canyons and 50km of pristine beaches.

Relax on the beach or choose to go snorkelling at the stunning Turquoise Bay, before finishing the tour in the early afternoon in time for lunch.

Free time in the afternoon to explore the township of Exmouth only a 500 meter walk from our accommodation or sit back and enjoy the pool at our accommodation.

Or choose to join a whaleshark swim tour or humpback swim tour and spend the day meeting some of the reef’s most famous visitors (at guests’ own expense and seasonal).

Visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse at sunset.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accomm: Potshot Hotel Resort Private Rooms (with ensuite) or Backpackers Shared Accommodation (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative.

Options: Whaleshark (Mar-Sep) or Humpback (Aug-Oct) Swim (pre-booking required)

Driving Distance: 135km

Hike Distance: 1km Grade 1-2

Day 6: Exmouth

Today your tour finishes up after you check out of your accommodation at 10:00am.

Meals: Breakfast

Accomm: Extend your stay or arrange connections to your next destination (own-expense)

Route details

Our central meeting point for this tour will be outside the front of the Criterion Hotel, 560 Hay St, Perth @ 7:25am.

  • 6:45 – Mantra on Hay Perth, 201 Hay St, East Perth.
  • 6:45 – Quality Hotel Ambassador Perth, 196 Adelaide Terrace, Perth.
  • 6:50 – Pan Pacific Perth, 207 Adelaide Terrace, Perth.
  • 7:00 – Parmelia Hilton Perth, 14 Mill St, Perth.
  • 7:25 – Criterion Hotel, 560 Hay St, Perth (main pickup)
  • 7:35 – Hostel G, 80 Stirling St, Perth.
  • 7:40 – DoubleTree Hilton Perth, 100 James St, Northbridge.
  • 7:45 – Spinners Backpackers – 342 Newcastle St Perth.
  • 8:05 – Whitfords Train Station, Station Entrance, Kingsley.

*Please arrive 5-10 mins prior to your nominated pickup location and time, so as not to delay or miss your tour. We ask you to wait outside the front of the hotel and not inside the foyer.

At Autopia Tours, we actively promote the protection of flora and fauna on our Western Australian Tours. It is our duty to ensure there is minimal disturbance to this World  Heritage Listed region and the species that call it home. Cultural sensitivity and respect for traditional owners should also be shown at all times.

Part of our responsibility is educating guests on minimal impact practices and the importance of ensuring the safety of wildlife and the environmental sustainability of the destinations we visit.

Learn more about EcoTourism: https://www.ecotourism.org.au/

Traditional Owners

Autopia Tours would like to begin by paying our respects to the traditional owners of this country, with specific acknowledgement to the Wurundjeri people. Please be conscious and respectful of the sensitivities of indigenous culture and the spiritual connection they have with the land at all times.

Wildlife Encounters

The natural behaviours of wildlife are to be respected and not interfered with. When viewing wildlife, people should take care to avoid rapid or sudden movements, which could frighten the animal, and should keep noise to a minimum and refrain from touching, petting or feeding all wildlife including birds. Contact with people can introduce diseases to wildlife and can cause them to become aggressive.

Wildlife should not be handled or fed, unless by certified wildlife handlers. Feeding wildlife can alter their natural foraging behaviour and can lead to disease or illness through contact with people and the introduction of foods that are harmful to their digestive system. Feeding wildlife can also cause them to become aggressive toward people.

Wildlife that appears to be in distress, injured or in danger should be reported immediately to the appropriate authority, such as your Guide/Tour Leader, a National Park Ranger or Visitor Centre Staff.

Protecting our National Parks

People should remain on designated walking tracks, behind safety barriers/fences and follow all directions given by the guide/tour leader. Venturing off these can alter fragile ecosystems and can harm wildlife shelters and native vegetation. There are other dangers to be aware of too, such as cliff edges, unstable rock formations, overhanging tree branches and slippery ground cover. Remaining on tracks ensures safe visitation for guests and the environment.

No flora or fauna should be removed from their natural setting. This includes dead wood, fallen leaves, flowers and so forth, as they form part of the ecosystem of the region and their removal could cause a disturbance.

Waste Management

All buses are fitted with waste bins. No organic waste should be disposed of onto the ground. Although organic, items such as banana peels, apple cores, bread and other food scraps, are not natural/native to the region and can introduce pest species, diseases or harm to wildlife if found and eaten. We recommend all passengers bring a water bottle with you on our Grampians Tour. Purchasing bottled water contributes large amounts of plastic into the landfill. Therefore, we ask guests to bring their own bottle, as there is access to water refill stations available on our vehicles. Please ensure you stay hydrated throughout the tour to reduce the risk of sun exposure and dehydration.

First Aid

All our guides carry a current Level 2 First Aid certificate. Please report any accident or illness to your tour guide. We recommend anyone with an existing medical condition to carry their medication with them on tour and to notify their tour guide at the beginning of the tour.

If you are a smoker! We ask you to refrain from smoking whilst in the company of other passengers and limit it to designated smoking areas. Smoking is not permitted on any of our vehicles, or in any type of accommodation including permanent campsites. We make frequent ‘comfort stops’ to allow free time for guests but cannot guaranteed smoke breaks. Please ensure you dispose of your cigarette butt responsibly and appropriately.

What is a suitable age for this tour?

Child policy for this tour is 6 years old and over, due to the nature of this tour, it’s not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under. Children aged between 6 to 17 years old are required to stay in standard private accommodation and must be accompanied by a legal guardian or adult.

How fit do I need to be for this tour?

A minimum moderate level of fitness is required to complete the walks. The length of walks will be between 2km to 3km each day, often over steep rocky sections and in direct sunlight and high humidity. An approximate 8km walk is included in this tour. Embarking on walks will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure the safety of guests.  Therefore a medium/high level of fitness is required and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years (30-days prior to travel).

Do you cater to special dietary requirements?

Yes, please notify us if you have any dietary requirements or medical conditions at the time of booking, or at least a few days prior to departure, that way we can make any necessary arrangements.

What type of food do we eat on tour?

Most of the meals are prepared by our tour guides with basic camping-style food options and on occasions, they will be provided by our accommodation providers onsite. Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean-up, and vehicle unpacking/loading as it’s a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers.

Are National Park fees included in the tour cost?

Autopia Tours includes Parks Australia fees within the tour price, this covers our guests for a 4 x National Parks which include Nambung, Kalbarri, Monkey Mia Conservation, and Cape Range National Parks. Park Passes are not available for purchase by guests not traveling onboard our tours.

Where do we stay overnight?

Given the limited accommodation options in these regions, on occasions, we need to split our group across different properties based on the room fare type requirements. Guests booking a Basic Dorm Bed are paired with other solo travelers in a room, where possible of the same gender but not guaranteed. Here is a list of the properties we use, or a similar alternative.

  • Night 1 – Kalbarri Backpackers – services Dormitory Beds with shared bathroom facilities (PX6-B) only
  • Night 1 – Pelicans Nest Kalbarri – services Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms with ensuite bathroom (PX6-S, PX6-P) only
  • Night 2 – RAC Monkey Mia Resort & Backpackers – services both Dormitory Beds and Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms with shared facilities (PX6-B, PX6-S, PX6-P)
  • Night 3 – Ningaloo Coral Bay Resort & Backpackers – services both Dormitory Beds and Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms with shared facilities (PX6-B, PX6-S, PX6-P)
  • Night 4 & 5 – Potshot Hotel Resort & Backpackers – services both Dormitory Beds with shared facilities and Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms with ensuite Bathroom (PX6-B, PX6-S, PX6-P)

What kind of vehicle do we travel in for this Exmouth to Perth tour?

We use 24-seater Mitsubishi Rosa mini-buses for this trip, this vehicle makes moving people easy, safe, and comfortable. With high back seats and large windows for unobstructed views. The maximum number of passengers we carry on this 6-Day tour is 23 people, with a minimum requirement of 8 people to guarantee the departure.

How much luggage can I bring on tour?

We ask that guests travelling on short break/extended tours bring small soft overnight bags and hand luggage only as we have limited storage onboard our vehicles. Large suitcases and oversized luggage can be left at your hotel whilst you are on tour. This tour is not suitable for anyone who requires the use of a mobility-aid, wheelchair, walker, and or stroller.

Do I require travel insurance for Western Australia?

It is recommended that all passengers have personal travel insurance, given we’re actively exploring remote parts of the west coast of Australia with limited access to health professionals in the event of sickness or injury.  Autopia Tours is not authorised to provide information on the type of plan or policy options available. This can be provided by an accredited local travel agent or from your preferred insurance company.

What is the temperature like in Western Australia?

The weather in Western Australia can fluctuate and be extreme at times. It is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 40+ degrees Celsius during the day and in the evening the temperature drops dramatically. Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.

What is your Vaccination Policy?

In accordance with current Government regulations, it is no longer a requirement to be double vaccinated, although we do highly recommend it.

Our COVID Statement

For your safety, we have implemented comprehensive hygiene measures and increased regular sanitation. Temperature checks of all staff will be conducted pre-departure, with disposable face masks and hand-sanitizer provided. For more information click here.

Our Contract

All bookings are made with Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 94 143 929 962). By making a booking, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. Your booking is considered confirmed upon receipt of your booking confirmation and/or invoice.

These Terms & Conditions are valid from 1 August 2025 until 31 March 2027, though dates and itineraries remain subject to change at any time.

Accredited Bus Number: AC003612.

Booking Confirmations & Enquiries

All bookings must be confirmed within 72 hours of departure via email to [email protected]

Before You Book

Please ensure you:

  • Understand the style, itinerary and physical demands of your chosen tour.
  • Familiarise yourself with these Terms & Conditions and tour details.
  • Disclose any medical conditions, dietary requirements or special needs.

We are not responsible for passengers who fail to review this information prior to travel.

Traveller Responsibilities
  • Travellers are required to comply with all relevant government regulations (Federal, State and Territory).
  • All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing. In exceptional cases (e.g. serious medical issues, visa denials, or regulatory changes), requests may be considered with supporting documentation. Approval is not guaranteed.
  • To ensure the safety of all passengers, if you are feeling unwell during your tour, you must notify your guide immediately.
  • If you choose to leave a tour early or join after it has commenced, no refund will be provided and any additional costs incurred due to late arrival or early departure remain your responsibility.
Traveller Information

To confirm your booking, you must provide:

  • Full name and contact details.
  • Email address and dietary restrictions (if applicable).
  • Nationality, country of origin or Australian postcode.
  • Pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your travel.
  • For Comfort Style Tours including domestic flight, passport details (or government-issued photo ID for Australian citizens) are required. Failure to provide this may result in missed flights and additional costs.

Please see our Privacy Policy for information on how we manage your personal data.

Special Requirements

Please advise us at the time of booking or no later than 7 days before departure of any:

  • Medical conditions.
  • Dietary requirements / food allergies.
  • Mobility or accessibility needs.

We will do our best to accommodate but cannot guarantee all requests, especially in remote regions. We recommend bringing your own snacks for special dietary needs.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend all travellers obtain comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking.

Insurance should include cover for:

  • Medical emergencies and repatriation (recommended minimum AUD $300,000 or USD $200,000).
  • Personal accident, illness, loss of property and liability.
  • Tour cancellation, flight delays and force majeure disruption.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Comfort Style Tours. Proof of cover will be requested before departure. If you do not provide adequate cover, you may be refused travel and cancellation fees will apply.

If relying on credit card insurance, please bring policy number, insurer’s name and emergency contact details.

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FAQ

When is the best time for the Perth to Exmouth wildlife tour?

The best time for Australian wildlife sightings on the Perth to Exmouth tour is from March to July. This is when whale sharks migrate to Ningaloo Reef, offering a chance to swim with them. During these months, you can also see manta rays, turtles, and various fish. Land animals like kangaroos, emus, and birds can be seen throughout the year, but outdoor activities are more enjoyable in Australia’s cooler winter months of June to August.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated on the tour?

It is essential to inform the tour provider of your dietary requirements before your departure date to ensure they can accommodate your needs.

Are snorkeling equipment available for use?

Snorkelling equipment is typically provided for activities at Coral Bay and Ningaloo Reef. It is recommended that you check with your tour provider for confirmation.

Are there any extra costs?

The tour covers most expenses, but participants should budget for additional costs such as meals not included in the itinerary, personal expenses, optional activities, and souvenirs.

How many people are on the tour?

Group sizes on most tours typically range from 15-20 participants to provide a personal and intimate experience.

Is it possible to participate in the tour if I am travelling solo?

Solo travellers are welcome and may have the opportunity to meet new people, although single supplements may be required for private accommodations.

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