Wonders of the Pilbara & West Coast

Almost two weeks of adventures lie before you, the first a tour of Perth with your Travel Director. The vibrant Western Australian capital has a lot to offer, including fascinating art galleries. It’s remarkably green, with 400-hectare Kings Park and Botanic Garden sitting pretty in the CBD, on a lazy bend of the serpentine Swan River. Two thirds of the grounds are reserved for native plants, but there are also seasonal wildflowers, all enveloping the Anzac Memorial. Meet up again this evening for dinner.

Talk about starting on a high - your adventure kicks off at Nambung National Park’s Pinnacles, a surreal landscape where thousands of limestone spires pierce the sky. Some 30,000 years ago, the sea receded and left deposits of shells. Over time, coastal winds removed the sand, leaving behind this surreal moonscape. Arriving in Geraldton, pay homage to the 645 Australian sailors who were lost off the WA coast during WWII at the HMAS Sydney Memorial. Then discover the rest of the seaside town at your own pace, wandering the foreshore or visiting the cathedral.

Your day starts with Kalbarri National Park tour. Enjoy spectacular views from the Kalbarri Skywalk over the Murchison River Gorge. If you’re here during wildflower season, expect acacia, banksia and caladenia in full bloom. And just when you thought the outlook couldn’t get any better, you are getting closer to Monkey Mia. Prepare yourself for the ‘living fossils’ at Hamelin Pool, home to the most abundant colony of stromatolites in the world. These astounding creatures show us what life was like 3,500-million years ago, when there was no other complex life on Earth. You’re officially in the state’s World Heritage listed Shark Bay, the largest of its kind in Australia with more than 1,000 kilometres of beaches. Not all of them sandy – welcome to Shell Beach. Here, the snow-white colour comes from billions of tiny coquina bivalve shells, up to 10 metres deep and stretching for 70 kilometres.

Every morning, Monkey Mia's wild dolphins swim close to shore where the National Park Rangers explain the feeding habits of these friendly mammals that they know by name. After watching the famous dolphins swim into shore (Note: As dolphins are wild their appearance cannot be guaranteed) enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the calm waters of the bay. Aboriginal communities have lived in Shark Bay for 65,000 years; you’ll discover this history when you join proud Nhanda man, Darren 'Capes' Capewell. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience, hear how stories are told, before a didgeridoo performance – men will be given a lesson, while women accompany them on clapsticks. This experience includes a tasting of bush tucker cooked over a campfire.

Today, travel to Coral Bay and the spectacular Ningaloo Coast. Don’t want to get your hair wet? You’re in luck. Today’s cruise in a glass-bottomed boat allows you to glimpse the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Coast, and its extraordinary marine life, in comfort. Gliding around Coral Bay, your guide will point out colourful corals, turtles and playful fish – more than 500 species call this protected patch of ocean home.

Depending on the time of year, Ningaloo Reef is home to both whale sharks and humpback whales. Thanks to the region’s ethically minded operators, book an Optional Experience* to snorkel with both. There’s nothing quite as humbling as spotting these enormous creatures in the wild. But if you prefer to stay dry, there are still ways to take in the coastline. Or you may prefer to book a sunset cruise and you may well see a humpback breaching and blowing, dolphins in your wake. The decision is all yours today. We wouldn’t blame you for simply strolling along the sand.

Take one last look over the Exmouth waters before continuing north to Western Australia's famous Pilbara region. Known for its rich cultural landscape, red earth and vast mineral deposits, the region's diverse landscape will fascinate you.

Bring your stamina and your camera – today’s Karijini tour weaves deep into the national park. It took billions of years to create the geological wonders you see: the red layered cliffs, the quiet gorges, the soaring gum trees and distinctive termite mounds. It covers a staggering 630,000 hectares just north of the Tropic of Capricorn in the Hamersley Range, making it WA’s second-largest national park. Its location also makes it steamy – if you packed your swimsuit, cooling off under waterfalls and drifting about in waterholes comes highly recommended.

The eye-opening colours of the Pilbara region are your backdrop today – rich red earth streaked with mineral deposits. It’s sparsely populated, but you will find people in the major hub of Port Hedland. Before you leave, head to a lookout to spot migrating humpback whales and snubfin dolphins cruising along the coast (season pending).

Skirting the edge of the Great Sandy Desert, your morning outlook is flat - almost as far as the eye can see, the sand eventually giving way to mountain ranges, and then multicultural Broome. This city delivers many surprises, from its eclectic restaurants to its long pearling history - the pristine waters produce some of the most prized pearl oysters in the world. The other standout attraction here happens at sunset. Follow locals to the sand on Cable Beach and salute your arrival into Broome.

Today is a day of exploration and endless possibilities. Take your time to discover the charms of the town, indulge in the delightful pearl boutiques, and embark on a leisurely stroll along the magnificent Cable Beach, stretching over 22 kilometres. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown, with its colourful streets and cultural offerings. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can choose an Optional Experience* to embark on a tour that will take you to breathtaking destinations. One such experience is a visit to a pearl farm, where you can witness the fascinating process of pearl cultivation and learn about the rich history of the industry. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship and discover the allure of these exquisite gems.

How do you pick a favourite adventure from the last 12 days? You don’t have to – let them all shine in equal measure in your memory.