Western Australia Family Explorer Itinerary

Welcome to Perth! Experience a relaxed and intimate journey that blends nature, local flavours and breathtaking views. 

Travel along the Swan River past Perth’s iconic landmarks and its most elegant riverside suburbs before taking a peaceful stroll at Mosman Bay. As the afternoon light softens, enjoy a gentle coastal drive and explore three of Perth’s favourite beaches, including time for a refreshing swim at Cottesloe. Sip Margaret River wine with a light supper as the sky shifts through warm golds, fiery oranges and deep pinks in a spectacular ocean sunset. After dusk, admire Perth’s landmarks illuminated at night before heading to Kings Park for dessert and serene views over the city skyline.

Included Meals: Light Dinner

Accommodation: Perth - 3 Nights

Explore Perth on a guided 2.5 km walking tour that reveals the city’s creative laneways, historic arcades and cultural landmarks. 

Beginning at the heritage-listed Perth Town Hall, the experience uncovers stories of early settlers, modern development and Indigenous history, including the legacy of Yagan. Wander through atmospheric alleys filled with street art, murals and public sculptures, and discover hidden highlights such as The State Buildings, London Court and Wolf Lane. Along the way, your guide shares insights into architecture, local legends and Perth’s evolving identity. The experience concludes at a stylish local bar with a complimentary drink, celebrating the city’s vibrant culture and relaxed atmosphere.

Cruise from Perth to Rottnest Island, where bikes and snorkel gear await on the jetty for a full-day island adventure. 

Explore must-see sights including historic lighthouses, military forts, and charming heritage buildings while cycling along scenic paths. Stop to snorkel in crystal-clear bays, discovering vibrant coral reefs, schools of colorful fish, and diverse marine life, or relax on pristine beaches with a picnic. Keep an eye out for the island’s famous Quokkas. Enjoy stunning coastal views at every turn. After a day of exploration and relaxation, return your equipment and board the ferry back to Perth, reflecting on the unforgettable sights, wildlife, and natural beauty of this immersive Rottnest Island experience.

Collect your rental vehicle this morning and begin your adventure by travelling to the coastal fishing town of Cervantes via one of Australia’s most unique landscapes: the Pinnacles Desert. 

Just ten minutes from Cervantes, prepare for a weird and wonderful sight. The sandy yellow Pinnacles Desert is filled with rocky spires as far as the eye can see. There are thousands of these strange limestone formations, like giant stony desert mushrooms.

Approximate Distance: 200 km | 124 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Cervantes - 1 Night

En route to Geraldton, stop at Jurien Bay, a favourite with Western Australian families. Join a boat tour to visit the protected Australian Sea Lions at their island breeding colony.

Spend 1–1.5 hours watching these curious animals up close, with the chance to spot dolphins along the way.

Continue to Geraldton, a vibrant coastal city known for its blend of maritime heritage, striking coastline and sunny Mediterranean climate. Explore its broad beaches, rugged offshore islands, colourful wildflowers in season, dramatic red‑rock gorges at nearby Ellendale Pool, and the moving HMAS Sydney II Memorial overlooking the town.

Approximate Distance: 225 km | 140 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Geraldton - 2 Nights

In addition to the spectacular turquoise water and white sandy beaches, Geraldton has a booming café and restaurant scene.

Geraldton is also home to the magnificent HMAS Sydney II Memorial, Western Australian Museum, the Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral, Seal Rock, live lobster factory, the Point Moore Lighthouse and the phenomenal Houtman Abrolhos Islands located just off the Geraldton coast. They are accessible via aircraft and boat. Diving, fishing, snorkelling, photography and bird watching - the Abrolhos Islands are truly spectacular.

Kalbarri is shaped by dramatic landscapes and a relaxed coastal rhythm. The town sits beside the Murchison River, where calm waters meet striking red cliffs and wide ocean views. 

Kalbarri National Park is its centrepiece, known for ancient gorges, layered sandstone and lookouts like Nature’s Window and the Skywalk. Along the coast, powerful surf carves formations such as Red Bluff and the rugged sea cliffs. Wildflowers bloom through winter and spring, adding colour to the region’s raw terrain. If you want, I can describe Kalbarri National Park or coastal highlights next.

Approximate Distance: 155 km | 96 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 

Accommodation: Kalbarri - 2 Nights

Join us an unforgettable tour of Kalbarri National Park’s spectacular gorges, led by expert local guides who bring the landscape to life. We begin at Z Bend Lookout with a 1.2 kilometre walk suitable for most ages and fitness levels, with some bushwalking experience recommended. 

Next, visit the iconic Nature’s Window, a natural rock arch framing the ancient river gorge. This easy 1 kilometre walk offers stunning scenery and cultural insight. The tour finishes at the Kalbarri Skywalk, with platforms extending high above the river for sweeping panoramic views.

Included Meals: Morning Tea

Just north of Denham, the Monkey Mia Reserve is framed by red sand dunes, bright white beaches and clear marine waters home to dolphins, turtles, dugongs, sharks, rays and other wildlife. Scientists from around the world study this remarkable ecosystem, drawn by its biodiversity and calm, sheltered bay. Tomorrow offers a chance to explore its natural wonders up close, from shoreline encounters to time spent observing the area’s thriving marine life. In the evening, unwind by the beach and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as the sun sets over this extraordinary corner of Western Australia.

Approximate Distance: 400 km | 249 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Monkey Mia - 3 Nights

Take a full-day return trip to Denham in Shark Bay, home to the world’s oldest living fossils—the 3.5-billion-year-old Hamelin Pool stromatolites, one of only two places they can be seen. Spend the day exploring Francois Peron National Park, where outback meets the coast. 

Traverse red sand dunes, acacia shrublands, and hidden tracks, spotting wildlife like dugongs, lizards, and echidnas. Learn survival skills, capture stunning photos, and explore natural aquariums teeming with marine life. The tour includes entry fees, lunch, refreshments, sunscreen, and expert guidance for an unforgettable Australian adventure.

Included Meals: Lunch

Approximate Distance: 25 km | 15 miles   Total Driving Time: 20 mins (each way)

Best known as the home to the Monkey Mia Dolphins, famous for their almost daily ritual of swimming to shore to interact with humans, Monkey Mia is also the perfect place to unwind and to discover the wonders of the surrounding area. 

Why is it called Monkey Mia? The Mia part comes from an Aboriginal term for home. Many believe that the Monkey refers to the name of a ship which visited the area, while others believe it refers to pet monkeys that Malaysian pearl farmers (who worked in the area during the 1850s) would have. Your Options today include: a scenic flight to explore the Shark Bay area, take a sailing or diving trip, or quad bike ride at Shark Bay

After departing from Monkey Mia, head north to see the Carnarvon blowholes, where ocean water shoots up to 20 m through natural rock formations. This spectacular display is caused by waves forcing water through sea caves and up holes in the rock. 

Next, visit Coral Bay, a marine paradise and one of Western Australia’s top family holiday spots, known for its coral gardens just metres from the shore. Explore Ningaloo Reef, Australia’s only fringing reef starting at the water’s edge, and discover the beauty of this incredible World Heritage Area.

Approximate Distance: 585 km | 364 miles   Total Driving Time: 6 hours 

Accommodation: Coral Bay - 2 Nights

This full-day tour offers an unforgettable experience exploring the spectacular Ningaloo Reef, perfect for snorkelers of all levels. 

Starting in the morning from Coral Bay, all necessary equipment is provided before heading out for an exciting day on the water. The tour includes two guided snorkelling sessions among vibrant coral, tropical fish, and possible sightings of turtles and reef sharks. In between, the tour heads into Batemans Bay where a spotter plane searches for manta rays, creating the opportunity to snorkel alongside these incredible creatures. A buffet-style lunch is served on board before a final snorkel, rounding off a memorable day surrounded by stunning marine life and coastal scenery.

Included Meals: Lunch

Continue alon g the coast to Exmouth, a small resort town on Western Australia’s North West Cape. Exmouth is the perfect base to explore the grand landscapes of the Cape Range National Park and northern Ningaloo Marine Park. 

Visitors flock here from around the world to swim with whale sharks and even humpback whales! Exmouth is also the gateway to the rugged Cape Range National Park, which features breathtaking canyons, limestone ranges and 50 kilometres of unspoiled coastline.

Approximate Distance: 155 km | 96 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Accommodation: Exmouth - 2 Nights

Embark on an exciting ocean adventure today with Exmouth Dive Centre. Depending on the time of year you travel, here is what your day has in store:

Whale Shark Swim (March to July)

Swim and snorkel with gentle Whale Sharks, getting up close and personal with the world’s largest fish as they cruise the waters of Western Australia’s Northwest Cape.

Humpback Whale Swim (August to November)

Thousands of humpback whales grace the waters off Exmouth between June through to the end of October. You will have the opportunity to swim with them, or observe them from the comfort of the boat if you prefer.

Snorkel the Reef by Boat (rest of the year)

Snorkel the Muiron Islands and Ningaloo Reef for a holiday experience you’ll never forget. Enjoy a genuine coral reef adventure in a location unlike anywhere else in the world.

Return your rental vehicle and say farewell to Western Australia today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your Western Australis Family Explorer and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.