Karijini National Park Walk and Ningaloo Reef
A guided 7 day Pack-Free walk
From the spectacular red gorges and spinifex rangelands of the Pilbara through to the vibrant, turquoise waters and rich reefs of the Indian Ocean, this tour takes in some of the most remarkable scenery in Western Australia. We visit the unique Karijini National Park and travel to the coastal beauty of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef with an itinerary that showcases the scenic grandeur of both locations.
In Karijini National Park you will walk through deep, stunning gorges as well as climb some of Western Australia’s highest mountains. At Ningaloo, the world’s largest fringing reef, you have the opportunity to snorkel with Ningaloo’s famous whale sharks – a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Add to this some of Western Australia’s world-famous wildflower displays and this guided Pack-Free walk ticks all the boxes.
By flying into Paraburdoo and out of Exmouth, we minimise driving time and despite the remote locations this tour includes first-class accommodation and food, ranging from luxury glamping and station stays to beachside resorts.
A Pack Free Walking Experience
Carry as little as your water and lunch
One of the biggest drawcards of this walk is that our guests won’t be asked to carry their clothes, food or overnight bags for the entire walk. This is a big advantage in that you will avoid carrying an additional 8kg or more on your back. With Life’s An Adventure, you will carry as little as your water bottle, lunch and camera each day.
Ningaloo Reef Experience
Swim alongside Whale Sharks
We carefully design our walks to include a wow factor where possible. While in Exmouth, seize the opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure – swim alongside majestic Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef, an unparalleled wildlife experience. For those preferring to stay dry, relish the astonishing marine life from the comfort of the viewing deck.
Karijini Eco Retreat
3 night stay
We spend three night at the award-winning Karijini Eco Retreat located in pristine bushland at Joffre Gorge in the remote Karijini National Park. This unique outback glamping experience is an environmentally friendly accommodation. Guest stay in spacious and stylish eco tents with ensuites with a front and rear deck. Choose from king or 2 x king singles beds.
Cheela Plains Station
1 night stay
Nestled in the Pilbara lies the Cheela Plains Station, a working Cattle Station and our home away from home during our time here. This is remote accommodation so don’t expect to find luxury in the outback, our guests will stay in airconditioned rooms but there are a limited number of rooms with ensuites available and guests may be required to share a bathroom.
Exmouth Escape
2 night stay
Exmouth Escape Resort is a modern, luxurious, and family-friendly hotel in Exmouth, Western Australia. The beach, restaurants and stores are all within walking distance of the resort, which is located in Exmouth Town, with Ningaloo Reef, a World Heritage-listed gem right on your doorstep.
Personalised Tours
Make new friends on the trail
Our tours are designed to be personal and intimate. We love the clients we attract on a Life’s An Adventure walking experience. Happy, down to earth people, who are passionate about walking and simply excited to be on holidays. We find our guests often form lifelong friendships on tour as they are travelling with wonderful like-minded people.
Fabulous restaurant meals featuring local produce
and Australian wines
Mealtime is a special time on tour. Not only does it provide the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers in a relaxed environment, but it also allows you to sample regional specialities.
Our CEO Guides
Chief Experience Officers
Our guides are truly exceptional at what they do. We call them our CEOs – Chief Experience Officers and it’s their job to ensure your tour exceeds your expectations. Our guide’s caring attitude and wonderful outgoing nature ensure your tour is relaxing, fun and informative.
Genuinely all-inclusive
Our walking tours are all genuinely all-inclusive and once you pay for your tour there are no hidden extras. During your evening meals, you will enjoy a la carte dining and won’t need to put your hand in your pocket to pay for wine as this is included in the price of the tour.
No Credit Cards fees.
To find out more click on any of the below links:
What Life’s An Adventure is renowned for?
Tour Itinerary
NOTE: This itinerary also departs in the reverse order to the below detailed itinerary. See Departure Dates for itinerary starting location.
GETTING THERE: Guests will need to fly to Paraburdoo in Western Australia on the morning of day one of the tour. Qantas and Virgin operate regular flights from Perth to Paraburdoo. Flights from Perth to Paraburdoo are 1 hour 45 mins duration.
At the time of creating this tour we based departure dates around scheduled flights. Unfortunately schedule changes with airlines are a possibility. If you cannot find flights which match the arrival and departure date to our itinerary, clients (at own expense) will have to book a pre or post night accommodation.
TRAIL NOTES: Hamersley Gorge Walk 1km, 3 hours return. Moderate to Difficult Grade.
TERRAIN: There’s a short descent into the gorge. Expect some rock-hopping and uneven ground but a well formed trail.
ITINERARY: Welcome to Western Australia. Guests will fly today from Perth to Paraburdoo. Please enquire best flight times to book or our flights team can arrange your flights for you. Our guides will collect you from the airport and drive 1.5 hours directly to Karijini National Park. Our aim, over the next few days, is to get you straight to the best sites Karijini National Park has to offer with its narrow red-rock gorges, swimming holes and classic Pilbara scenery. Upon arrival at Paraburdoo Airport, we drive 1 ½ hours to Karijini National Park and head straight to the awe-inspiring Hamersley Gorge. Your walk today takes in the contrasting ecosystems of the Pilbara, as we descend from the dry plains into the cool, shady greenness of the gorge where you will marvel at the contrasts between the red rock, lush ferns and the clear pools hidden below. This is a dramatic gorge, full of colour texture and reflections and a great spot for a swim. There are several lookouts giving spectacular views of the Karijini gorge system. After a glorious day exploring you check into your luxury glamping accommodation at the Karijini Eco Retreat which will be home for the next three nights. Then, enjoy a fabulous dinner with wine at Alfresco Restaurant while watching tonight’s rich, colourful, long-burn sunset typical of outback Western Australia
TRAIL NOTES: Dale Gorge and Knox Gorge Walks – 5.4km, 5 hours. Moderate to Difficult Grade.
TERRAIN: There are some good dirt paths but today’s walks are largely on uneven, rocky and unmodified terrain. Be prepared for some scrambling over rocks and a small amount of ledge walking. In and out of the gorge’s are steep, short ascents with steps.
WALK ITINERARY: After a hearty breakfast our guides take you on a series of short but challenging walks today as you explore Dale Gorge and Knox Gorge. Today you will witness how the power of water has shaped Karijini. There are impressive waterfalls, and deep, cold pools as well as spectacular lookouts. This morning we’ll walk into Fortescue Falls (approx 1.5hrs), enjoying various breaks along the way with optional swimming before walking to Fern Pool. We’ll then transfer to Know Gorge. This is an ancient part of our Earth where the slow but impressive process of erosion has carved out a unique landscape from rocks that are more than 2,000 million years old. Afterwards we return to our accommodation for relaxation followed by dinner served with wine.
TRAIL NOTES: Mt Bruce Walk – 9km, 6 hours. Difficult Grade.
TERRAIN: The trail varies from easy, gentle gradients to sections of steeper terrain and one short section that requires scrambling up a rock chute, with some exposure. Overall it is a clear and well defined trail, with sections on uneven, rocky and unmodified terrain. Total climb is 450m in elevation change.
WALK ITINERARY: You will rise above it all today, for spectacular views across the Spinifex-clad Pilbara landscape. You will climb to the summit of Mt Bruce, Western Australia’s second-highest peak, at 1,234 metres above sea level. The Aboriginal name for Mount Bruce is Punurrunha and while the summit trail has some steep and rocky sections many walkers regard this as one of the finest and most exciting mountain walks in Western Australia. It is also a great chance to see some of Western Australia’s unique wildlife including the Pebble Mound Mouse and Rothschild’s Rock Wallaby. We will all walk halfway up Mt Bruce, at this point those who wish to continue to the submit to enjoy a lunch with a view with continue with one guide, while the rest of the group descends the mountain to enjoy lunch back at the Eco-Retreat. Option to go to Joffre Gorge for a swim. After our walk, we make our way back to our accommodation to relax before enjoying dinner and wine in the restaurant.
TRAIL NOTES: Hancock & Weano Gorge Walks total – 2km, 2 hours. Moderate Grade.
TERRAIN: Like the other gorge walks, there are some good sections of dirt paths but also some uneven, rocky and unmodified terrain. Be prepared for some scrambling over rocks and a small amount of ledge walking.
WALK ITINERARY: Another day of strapping on your boots and heading out to explore two of Karijini’s finest and most famous gorges – Hancock and Weano. The walks are challenging in places, with some wading through water and clambering over rock ledges, but these are not difficult walks and the gorges are truly amazing. At times, the gorge walls are just an arms-length apart and the rich red colour and banding of the rock is simply breathtaking. You will discover beautiful jade pools nestled deep within the gorge complex, including the famous Handrail Pool. These walks are a photographer’s paradise. After this fabulous finale, you will leave Karijini and drive 3 hours to our accommodation at Cheela Plains Station, a family-owned and managed cattle station located in the semi-arid, pastoral rangelands of the Pilbara with a unique environmentally-centred grazing system. If time permits we can visit a local waterhole, Munderie Springs which is on the property in the late afternoon for a quick dip. Tonight we’ll enjoy traditional country hospitality and a fabulous home-cooked meal with wine.
ITINERARY: After a hearty country breakfast, today we head west towards Exmouth. As Western Australia is a big state it will take you much of the day to drive to the coast but there is plenty to see along the way, particularly Western Australia’s famous wildflowers. While wildflowers vary in abundance with the seasons, and from year to year, there is always something interesting and colourful in flower and this section of road is renowned for its swathes of purple Ashburton pea, yellow flowering sennas (cassias) and acacias, purple mulla mullas and the iconic Sturt’s Desert Pea. On route, we will also visit the spectacular Charles Knife Canyon and stretch our legs whilst taking in the magnificent views. After a late lunch, we then continue on to your accommodation at Exmouth Escape Resort in Exmouth, where you will be staying for the next two nights. Tonight you enjoy dinner at the onsite Whalers Restaurant which prides itself on fresh, honest flavours and sources the finest local seafood, steaks and produce. Served with wine.
ITINERARY: After breakfast, the guides will transfer you to today’s activity – Swim with the gentle Whale Sharks
For adventure-lovers and nature-lovers, nothing compares to the exhilaration of swimming with the gentle giants of Ningaloo Reef – the whale sharks. The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is one of the largest, most reliable and best-managed whale shark aggregations in the world. An estimated 300-500 whale sharks make their way to Ningaloo annually between March and August. Mark Norek Lifes An Adventure MD said… “However, this is only a rule of thumb and when we did the tour in September we did swim with the whale shark. The crew did say they do also look for Humpback whales and Manta Rays. On the tour we saw all three marine animals. End of the day you can be not so lucky, but the tour was amazing and the Coral alone was well worth the day out let alone swimming with Whale sharks- It was the best day tour I have ever done!”
After our day’s activities, all guests return to our accommodation at Exmouth Escape Resort with the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight enjoy dinner in the restaurant served with wine while you talk about our day’s adventures.
ITINERARY: After breakfast your tour concludes, the end of a remarkable journey. The rest of the day is free to explore the town of Exmouth at your leisure. Make your own way to the airport.
DEPARTING: Lunchtime and early afternoon flights are available from Exmouth to Perth, either option can be booked. From Perth flights can be booked to your home port.
Tour Availability
This tour runs during May to August each year. We will also consider opening up a new departure date if we have enough demand. Email us at walks@lifesanadventure.com.au
Alternative Itineraries for selected departure dates:
Please note our tours run in two directions Karijini to Exmouth and Exmouth to Karijini. Also due to limited flight times and variations to these remote areas, some departures will require an additional night. See full details below for specific departures.
| Departure Date | Alternative Itinerary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 27 May 2024 Forward (Karijini to Exmouth) | Original Itinerary | Original Itinerary |
| 7 June 2024 Reverse (Exmouth to Karijini) | VIEW ITINERARY | Itinerary in reverse |
| 15 June 2024 Forward (Karijini to Exmouth) | Original Itinerary | Original Itinerary |
| 24 June 2024 Reverse (Exmouth to Karijini) | VIEW ITINERARY | 8-day Itinerary in reverse |
| 12 July 2024 Reverse (Exmouth to Karijini) | VIEW ITINERARY | Itinerary in reverse |
| 22 July 2024 Forward (Karijini to Exmouth) | Original Itinerary | Forward Itinerary |
| 29 July 2024 Reverse (Exmouth to Karijini) | VIEW ITINERARY | 8-day Itinerary in reverse |
| 7 August 2024 Forward (Karijini to Exmouth) | Original Itinerary | Forward Itinerary |
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PRIVATE GROUPS:
Date of your choice is available for groups of 10 -12 people. Subject to availability.
Please contact us for more details on (02) 9975 4553 or email: groups@lifesanadventure.com.au
Tour Prices
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2024 departures
Prices from
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Super Earlybird Deals |
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NEXT SEASON’S DEPARTURES FIRST TIME PASSENGERS: TRAVELLED WITH Super Earlybird prices available on 2024 departures when you book and pay in full at time of booking. Offer ends 31 January 2024. See departures dates for specific dates. Normal Price requires $300 deposit only, with final payments due 8 weeks prior. Past passengers $100 extra savings also available on normal price fares. Based on twin share – see details about Single Supplement extras. See full ticket conditions below under Discount information. |
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Solo Travellers &
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Xtras
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The following extras can be purchased with your tour: FLEXI-WALK ADD-ON SOLO TRAVELLERS SOLO TRAVELLERS _____________________ TRAVEL INSURANCE |
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Private Group Prices
From
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5499
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Departure of your choice |
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PRIVATE GROUPS Departure date of your choice PRICES Departure date of your choice is subjective to availability. A minimum group size of 10 required. Prices are equal to Past Travellers’ discounted rates. Additional Past Traveller’s’ discount not available for groups. Based on twin share – see details about Single Supplement and upgrade extras. |
FlexiWalk Option – Cancel for any Reason
Click here for full conditions on our FlexiWalk Option
Discount Information:
PAST PASSENGER DISCOUNT: Those who have travelled with Life’s An Adventure previously, receive a past passenger discount of $100. This discount will automatically be deducted from future bookings when you book online using the same email address used for past bookings.
EARLYBIRD & SPOT SPECIAL CANCELLATIONS: Refunds or cancellations are not permitted for Earlybird Deals or Spot Specials, however, transfers to another date are permitted 8 weeks or more prior to departure. We advise taking out travel insurance, in case unexpected circumstances prior to the trip, prevent you from joining this tour. Early bird or Spot Special discounts cannot be used in conjunction with another offer. To receive these special discounts, full payment must be made at the time of initial booking. Flexiwalk Add-On option not available on these tickets.
Travel Insurance
We strongly advise our clients travelling within Australia to take out Travel Insurance. We have partnered with Cover-More to provide travel insurance to our guests. To get a quote or purchase travel insurance directly with them CLICK HERE .
Additional Information
- Prices are per person in Australian dollars and include GST.
- A deposit of $300 per person is required to secure your booking. (unless taking advantage of Earlybird or Spot Specials in which full payment is required at time of booking).
- Note: If you are booking within 90 days of your departure date – we will require full payment at the time of booking
- Prices are based on twin share of rooms. If you are travelling solo you may be required to share with someone of the same gender. If this is not suitable you can request to pay a single supplement, however, limited single rooms are available per trip so are on a request basis.
- No Credit Cards fees.
- Payments must be made online via our NAB (National Australia Bank) secure payment page via credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or over the phone.
- We advise taking our Travel Insurance to cover items such as cancellation of tour due to minimum numbers not met, or adverse weather conditions, injury, evacuation, delayed flights, illness, etc.
Credit for cancelled activities
If a tour activity has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances a credit for this missed activity can be applied to any future bookings. Click here.
Booking Terms and Conditions
Before you book please read our Booking Terms and Conditions. Click here.
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