WA’s Coral Coast – Perth to Broome

We depart from the East Perth Train Terminal at 7.30 am. Taking the Indian Ocean Drive out of Perth, we get used to the sparkling Indian Ocean on our west. We travel through many cray fishing towns to Jurien Bay for morning tea and then on to Green Head, Leeman, and then Dongara for lunch. We also visit the HMAS Sydney Memorial overlooking Geraldton before settling into our accommodation for the night. (D)

On to the Kalbarri National Park where we visit Nature’s Window and the Skywalk before returning to town. In the afternoon we visit the coastal gorges before returning to our accommodation. (B,D)

We return to the Northwest Coastal Highway where the country soon changes to open plains and sprawling sheep stations. Our journey continues to Carnarvon on the Gascoyne River, our stop for the night. (B,D)

Today we continue north to Coral Bay for a glass bottom boat cruise to view the striking coral of Ningaloo Reef before free time to snorkel or swim on the reef. A two-night stopover at Exmouth, the centre for the Navy Nor-West Cape Base and the Harold E Holt Communications Base. (B)

We travel to the head of the Gulf to take in the view from the Vlaming Lighthouse. Out on a glass bottom boat cruise to view the striking coral of Ningaloo Reef before continuing further down the Cape to Yardie Creek in the Cape Range National Park, a beautiful, rugged, iconic WA coastline. In the afternoon time to relax by the pool. (B,D)

We head along the coast to Onslow. In the early settlement days, pearls were found in Exmouth Gulf and the town became home port to a fleet of pearling luggers. The town has been touched by cyclones over the years and even war in 1943, when a single Japanese plane reached here in World War II, bombing the airfield. Onslow has two lookouts located a short distance from one another, with both providing wonderful views of the ocean and the Mackerel Islands. (B,D)

Karratha was established in 1968 to accommodate the processing and exportation workforce of the Hamersley Iron mining company and, in the 1980s, the petroleum and liquefied natural gas operations of the Northwest Shelf Venture, we visit these enormous operations and also visit Dampier and the Red Dog memorial and the Burrup Rock Art site. Later we arrive at our accommodation for a two-night stopover. (B,D)

Today we head to the old pearling town of Cossack with its once thriving pearling industry, we visit the port before exploring Port Samson. Later we return to Karratha. (B)

A leisurely drive to Port Hedland today, we stop along the way for morning tea and lunch. Port Hedland is the second largest town in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, we visit the Old Port Hedland town and the Port to see the large-scale mining operations of the area. B,D)

Today we travel through spectacular landscapes en route to the former pearling outpost of Broome.  We’ll enjoy a town tour, visiting the fascinating Japanese Cemetery and nearby Gantheaume Point. In the afternoon, we’ll all relax with a drink while the sun sets over Cable Beach. (B,D)

Today is yours to explore this tropical hideaway. Take an optional tour to Willie Creek pearl farm or visit the Malcolm Douglas croc farm or maybe just visit China town and the local pearl shops. Whatever your choice, it’s your day. (B,D)

This morning after a hearty breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home, after a fantastic tour full of memories and new friendships. (B)