VIA Travel: Best Of The West & Ningaloo Reef

After a leisurely breakfast, you'll head to historical Northampton, one of the oldest towns in Western Australia. You’ll catch some heritage buildings dating back to the 1800s, and meet the artists at a First Nations gallery. Next up: the Pink Lake at Hutt Lagoon, which truly lives up to its name, before gazing in awe at the wind-eroded sandstone of Nature’s Window, the spectacular Z-Bend Gorge, and the Kalbarri Skywalk at Kalbarri National Park.

It’s a bit of an ocean-themed day today. Jump on a boat at the Kalbarri Marina to learn about the local rock lobster industry – and even pull up some lobster pots yourself, and keep your catch to enjoy later that evening! Then it’s one sealife legend to another, as you head off to scenic Monkey Mia, where the local Dolphin population thrives. Stop via the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve for some ‘living fossils’, and one of Shark Bay’s picturesque lookouts. Put your feet up at Monkey Mia, or hit the water, before an evening First Nations experience courtesy of the Nhanda and Malgana people. This is your chance to try the didgeridoo or traditional conch shell, and taste some bush tucker.

Here’s a post-breakfast activity you don’t get every day: Bottlenose dolphin-spotting with WA Parks & Wildlife experts. Learn a bit about these magnificent animals, and then take some well-earned time off to relax on the beach, snap photos to make the folks back home jealous, or sit at the bar and watch the wildlife go by. If you fancy it, there’s a sunset cruise, and you’re invited, feel free to bring a sundowner with you. If you’re lucky you might spot the elusive sea cows, or ‘Dugongs’.

It’s definitely a more spaced out day as you head to Carnarvon Space and Technology Centre for a quick photo stop. It was created to support NASA’s Gemini, Apollo and Skylab programs. Next up, you'll visit the Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre to learn about the region’s unique culture and country from its First Nations custodians. Snap some pics of the Carnarvon Cactus Farm, one of the town’s quirkiest sights, before heading to – Travel along the Gascoyne Food Trail. The trail features everything from bananas and avocados, to beans, beef, ice cream, and mangoes. Relax tonight – maybe take the chance for a stroll along the beautiful foreshore to a local restaurant?

Today you are off Coral Bay, home to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, the world’s largest fringing reef, you’ll embark on a glass-bottom boat tour and snorkel experience, to see up to 250 species of coral and 500 species of fish. Further along the coast we visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, with stunning views, then rest up in Exmouth town.

It’s your day. Experience a swim with the world famous whale sharks, go whale-spotting, swim with manta rays, or get your hiking boots on – the choice is yours. You can select your optional adventure when you book your tour, or your guide can help you get set up. Please note: Public transport is non-existent in Exmouth, so pre planning your activities is a must!

All good things must come to an end, sadly. It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers after breakfast. 

The cost for this flight is additional to your tour. Please contact your Sales Consultant if you would like us to book this flight for you at an additional cost.