The 6 Day Ningaloo Whale Shark Tour takes you into the heart of Western Australia’s Coral Coast, where vibrant blue oceans meet rugged outback landscapes. Over six days, you’ll explore national parks, walk along pristine beaches, and enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters, including the chance to swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef. The itinerary moves at a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time to appreciate the region’s spectacular scenery and unique natural environments.
This journey is perfect for travellers looking for a nature-focused adventure filled with open landscapes, coastal beauty, and memorable wildlife experiences.
Pricing: Adult and child prices are listed per person. Children aged 6–17 must travel with a parent or legal guardian and stay in shared private rooms. Due to the nature of the itinerary, the tour is not suitable for children under 5.
During the trip, three nights include private bathrooms, while the remaining three nights feature shared bathroom facilities. Basic Dorm and Single Room rates are available for travellers aged 18+ and include communal bathrooms. Please note that during Western Australian school holidays, private room upgrades are not available.
Begin your journey with a guided walk through the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, where thousands of striking limestone pillars rise from the sand. Continue to Jurien Bay for a scenic lunch by the ocean before travelling along Indian Ocean Drive, known for its beautiful coastal views. Weather permitting, a stop at the vibrant Pink Lake near Geraldton adds a splash of colour to the day. By late afternoon, arrive in the relaxed seaside town of Kalbarri, where you will stay overnight.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Pelicans Nest Kalbarri (Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms – ensuite) or Kalbarri Backpackers (Shared rooms with shared bathrooms)
Driving Distance: 575 km
Hike Distance: 2 km (Grade 1–2)
Rise early for sunrise at either Nature’s Window or the Kalbarri Skywalk inside Kalbarri National Park. Explore the impressive landscapes of Murchison Gorge and Z-Bend, where ancient rock layers reveal millions of years of geological history. In spring, colourful wildflowers blanket the surrounding countryside. Later, stop at the iconic Billabong Roadhouse for refreshments and lunch (own expense). Continue to Shark Bay to see the remarkable Stromatolites before arriving at Monkey Mia, where you’ll stay overnight by the beach.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: RAC Monkey Mia Resort (Budget Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms – ensuite) or Backpacker Shared Rooms (shared bathrooms)
Optional Activity: Kalbarri Abseiling – Z-Bend
Driving Distance: 450 km
Hike Distance: 3 km (Grade 3–4)
The morning highlight is the famous Monkey Mia dolphin encounter, where you can watch and photograph dolphins playing along the shoreline. After some free time to relax or enjoy a coffee by the beach, travel to Eagle Bluff for sweeping views of the bay and possible sightings of sharks and other marine life. Walk along the unique shoreline of Shell Beach, made entirely of tiny white shells, before continuing north to Coral Bay, a relaxed coastal village located directly beside the Ningaloo Reef.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ningaloo Coral Bay (Budget Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms or Backpacker Shared Rooms with shared facilities)
Driving Distance: 580 km
Hike Distance: 2 km (Grade 1)
Enjoy a full day exploring Coral Bay at your own pace. Located beside the Ningaloo Reef, Australia’s largest fringing reef system, this area offers incredible opportunities for marine encounters. Relax on the beach, visit the local shark nursery, swim with manta rays, or join optional snorkelling and glass-bottom boat tours. In the afternoon, depart for Exmouth and check into your accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Potshot Hotel Resort (Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms – ensuite) or Backpacker Shared Rooms (shared facilities)
Optional Activities: Swim with Manta Rays, Snorkelling Tours, Glass Bottom Boat Tours
Driving Distance: 155 km
Hike Distance: Grade 1
Note: Whale shark swims are not available on this day as tours return after the group departs Coral Bay.
Today you will explore the rugged beauty of Cape Range National Park, known for its limestone ranges, deep valleys, and pristine beaches. Spend time at the stunning Turquoise Bay, famous for its crystal-clear waters and excellent drift snorkelling. In the afternoon, return to Exmouth for free time to relax, shop, or join a seasonal wildlife swim. From March to August, travellers can swim with whale sharks, while September to October offers opportunities to swim with humpback whales and other megafauna. End the day watching sunset at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Potshot Hotel Resort (Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms – ensuite) or Backpacker Shared Rooms (shared facilities)
Optional Activities: Whale Shark or Humpback/Megafauna Swim Tours (seasonal – pre-booking required)
Driving Distance: 135 km
Hike Distance: 1 km (Grade 1–2)
Your adventure concludes today in Exmouth. Please check out of your accommodation by 10:00 a.m.. Guests may choose to extend their stay in Exmouth or continue travelling independently.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Independent arrangements or additional nights (guest expense)
The main departure point for this tour is outside the Criterion Hotel, located at 560 Hay St, Perth, with departure scheduled for 7:25 a.m..
Pick-up schedule:
Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time to ensure the tour can depart promptly. Guests should wait outside the front of the hotel rather than in the lobby.
Travel the length of the spectacular Coral Coast, famous for its turquoise beaches, dramatic coastal scenery, and abundant wildlife. Begin your journey among the striking limestone formations of the Pinnacles Desert before continuing north to Kalbarri National Park, where the Murchison River has carved deep red-rock gorges over millions of years.
Visit Monkey Mia, known for its friendly bottlenose dolphins, before heading further north to the highlight of the region — the extraordinary Ningaloo Reef. Here you’ll spend two days exploring crystal-clear waters, searching for turtles, vibrant coral reefs, and the magnificent whale sharks that migrate through these waters.
This Perth to Exmouth adventure showcases the very best of Western Australia’s coastline, from dramatic cliffs and ancient canyons to thriving coral reefs. With diverse landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters, it’s a journey designed to appeal to nature lovers, adventure travellers, and anyone seeking a truly unique Australian experience.
At Australia Tours, we are dedicated to protecting the unique plants, wildlife, and ecosystems encountered on our Western Australian tours. We work to minimise our impact on this World Heritage–listed environment while safeguarding the species that call it home. Guests are also encouraged to remain mindful of and respectful toward the Traditional Owners and their cultural heritage.
Responsible travel is an important part of our approach. Throughout the tour, we share guidance on low-impact travel practices, wildlife safety, and ways travellers can help protect the natural areas we visit.
Learn more about EcoTourism Australia: https://www.ecotourism.org.au/
Australia Tours acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands we visit and pays respect to Elders past and present, including recognition of the Wurundjeri people. Travellers are encouraged to respect the deep spiritual connection that First Nations communities maintain with their land and cultural traditions.
Wildlife should always be observed respectfully and without interference. Sudden movements, loud noises, or attempts to touch, feed, or approach animals can cause stress and disrupt natural behaviour.
Only trained wildlife professionals may handle animals. Human food can harm wildlife by affecting digestion, altering natural feeding patterns, or encouraging animals to rely on people.
If you notice an animal that appears injured, distressed, or at risk, please notify your guide, a National Park Ranger, or Visitor Centre staff immediately.
To help protect delicate ecosystems, guests must remain on designated paths, stay behind safety barriers, and follow all instructions from their guide. Leaving marked trails can damage fragile habitats and expose visitors to hazards such as cliff edges, loose rocks, or unstable surfaces.
Please do not remove natural materials such as flowers, leaves, rocks, or deadwood. Even naturally fallen materials play an important role in the ecosystem.
Tour vehicles are equipped with onboard rubbish bins. All waste, including food scraps, must be disposed of properly. Items such as fruit peels or bread can attract pests, spread disease, or harm native wildlife.
We strongly recommend bringing a reusable water bottle. Reducing single-use plastic helps minimise landfill waste, and our vehicles provide opportunities to refill water during the tour. Staying hydrated is essential, especially in hot weather.
All guides hold a current Level 2 First Aid certification. If you feel unwell or sustain an injury during the tour, please notify your guide immediately. Travellers with existing medical conditions should bring necessary medication and inform the guide at the beginning of the trip.
Smoking is permitted only in designated areas. Smoking is not allowed inside vehicles or accommodation facilities, including permanent campgrounds. Regular comfort stops are scheduled, though they may not always coincide with smoking breaks.
Please dispose of cigarette butts safely to prevent environmental damage and reduce fire risk.
This tour is suitable for travellers aged 6 years and older. Children aged 6–17 must stay in standard private rooms and be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult. The tour is not suitable for children under 5.
A good level of fitness is required. Expect daily walks of approximately 2–3 km, often over rocky or uneven terrain in warm conditions. One walk may reach up to 8 km. For safety, your guide may modify activities if necessary.
Travellers aged 70+ must provide a doctor’s certificate at least 30 days before departure.
Yes, we aim to accommodate most dietary requirements. Please notify us of any dietary preferences or food allergies at the time of booking or several days before departure.
Meals are a combination of guide-prepared meals and food provided by accommodation providers. Expect simple, hearty camp-style meals. Guests may assist with tasks such as meal preparation, washing dishes, and packing equipment, creating a friendly group atmosphere.
Yes. The tour price includes entry fees to Nambung National Park, Kalbarri National Park, Monkey Mia Conservation Park, and Cape Range National Park. These passes are included with the tour and are not available separately.
Accommodation may vary depending on availability. Solo travellers booking dorm accommodation may share with other travellers. Gender pairing is attempted but cannot always be guaranteed.
Tours operate in Mitsubishi Rosa minibuses with 24 high-back seats and large panoramic windows for sightseeing. Each tour requires a minimum of 8 passengers and accommodates a maximum of 23 travellers.
Vehicle storage is limited. Guests should bring a small soft overnight bag and one piece of hand luggage. Larger suitcases can usually be stored at your hotel before departure.
This tour is not suitable for travellers requiring mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers.
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, particularly because many destinations along the Western Australian coast are remote with limited medical services.
Weather conditions in Western Australia can vary significantly. Daytime temperatures may exceed 40°C, while evenings can become much cooler. Travellers should check seasonal forecasts and pack accordingly. Tours generally proceed in most weather conditions.
Vaccinations are no longer mandatory, but travellers are encouraged to keep their vaccinations up to date for their own health and safety.
Coastal transit journey covering the best of the Coral Coast.
Stays in Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, Coral Bay, and Exmouth (2 nights).
Daily breakfast and dinner plus three group lunches.
All admission costs for listed parks are covered.
All fees included for the famous wild dolphin encounters.
Spot kangaroos, emus, and marine life in their natural habitats.
Scenic treks (grades 1–4) led by your guide.
Led by an experienced professional with full local commentary.
Comfortable, climate-controlled group transportation.
Convenient pickup in Perth and drop-off in Exmouth.
Extra lunches and refreshments not on the itinerary.
Limited options in the outback; BYO snacks are highly recommended.
Extra excursions and equipment rentals (e.g., snorkel hire, boat tours).
Transport to/from the exact meeting and final drop-off points.
Comprehensive individual coverage is highly advised.
Individual spending money and incidental costs.
From March to July, whale sharks are most likely to be seen at Ningaloo Reef, which is the best time to see marine wildlife. The reef is also home to many fish, turtles, and manta rays. Animals that live on land, including kangaroos, emus, and birds, can be seen all year long. However, the best time to do things outside is usually from June to August, when the weather is more pleasant.
Yes, but you need to tell the tour team about your dietary preferences before you go so they can make the necessary preparations.
Coral Bay and Ningaloo Reef usually provide snorkelling gear for their activities. Please check with your tour operator to make sure they have space.
Most of the high costs are covered, but you should set aside money for meals not included, personal expenses, optional extras, and souvenirs.
The groups typically have 15 to 20 people, making for a fun and personalised trip.
