June 2nd, 2013
Perth to Karijini National Park and Ningaloo Reef return
Take the ultimate trip and see some of the most extraordinary sights you can imagine. With plenty to see and experience along the way it is your choice on how long it takes to get to your destination, with 14 days to get away you can stay one night here and there or head on through to Karijini National Park and spend longer there and on the way back.
Leaving Perth up the inland highway, start your journey through the rolling hills of the Wheatbelt before heading into the inland towns of Mt Magnet, Cue and Meekathara for a choice of your first night.
Move on further up and get your first taste of a working mine town at Newman, the mine tour is a must do and lets you see what all the fuss is about iron ore production, and what it takes to get it! Newman is a
Turn of the inland highway and head into Karijini National Park, with spectacular gorges cutting their way through some of the oldest rock formations on the planet Karijini is amazing. Karijini Eco Retreat is located on the western side of the park and has a full range of accommodation available, or for more basic camping the Department of Environment and Conservation has basic facilities at Dales Campground on the eastern side of the park or Tom Price Tourist Park is an easy drive to the all parts of the park.
Karijini National Park is a tough environment, check with local authorities before heading out and make sure you know your limitations before taking one of the Gorge walks. With swimming holes like Circular Pool, Fortesque Falls and Fern Pool, the eastern gorges have a range of options. the western side has something for the more adventure seeking, plus Hancock Gorge.
After taking at least three days to sample what Karijini National Park has to offer, pack up and start the trek west to Exmouth and Cape Range National Park where you will find the Ningaloo Reef. Located so close to the beach you can swim over Coral and see Turtles less than 20 feet form the shore, Ningaloo Reef is the largest fringing reef on the western side of land in the world.
Stay in one of Exmouth’s Caravan Parks with BIG4 Exmouth Cape Holiday Park offering a relaxing stay or head out to Cape Range National Park for more rustic camp options. All in season, you can see Turtles on the laying beaches, Whales and calves in Exmouth Gulf or one of the few places in the world to swim with the biggest fish in the ocean, Whale Sharks of the Ningaloo Reef. Take in the view from the lighthouse look out, swim at Turquoise Bay (watch out for the current) or take a tour of Yardie Creek, there really is something for all visitors.
As you head south, spread your time along the reef and visit the settlement of Coral Bay, Peoples Park Caravan Village and Bayview Coral Bay both offer a variety of accommodation. Situated right on the edge of Bills Bay this is the place to swim with Manta Rays, head out on a Coral viewing boat, walk the beach or take a quad bike tour along the coast and catch the sunset.
When it is time to head south again make sure you take time to stop in Carnarvon and Geraldton on the way, then start planning your trip back up north to see some more amazing places!!