This 10-day trip through Western Australia includes plenty of outdoor adventure. Land in Exmouth to swim with whale sharks and explore Ningaloo Reef, followed by an active tour of Cape Range National Park and its beautiful gorges. Then, visit Margaret River to visit unique caves and indulge in a gourmet wine tasting day. Next, travel to Perth to go shopping on Murray Street and Hay Street and embark on day trips to the cliffs and Pink Lake of Kalbarri, as well as a snorkeling tour of Rottnest Island.

Highlights

  • Swim with whale sharks and snorkel around Ningaloo Reef in Exmouth
  • Embark on a gourmet wine tasting day in Margaret River
  • Enjoy the sites and shopping in the Western Australian Capital of Perth
  • Explore the cliffs and iconic Pink Lake of the Kalbarri region

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrival in Exmouth Exmouth
Day 2 Exmouth - Swim With Whale Sharks Exmouth
Day 3 Exmouth - Cape Range National Park Tour Exmouth
Day 4 Travel to Margaret River Margaret River
Day 5 Margaret River - Gourmet Wine Tour Margaret River
Day 6 Margaret River - Free Day Margaret River
Day 7 Travel to Perth Perth
Day 8 Perth - Kalbarri and Pink Lake Day Trip Perth
Day 9 Rottnest Island - Bike and Snorkel Day Trip Perth
Day 10 Departure From Perth  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Exmouth

Welcome to Exmouth!
Welcome to Exmouth!

Today, fly from Perth to Exmouth, which is located on the Coral Coast of Western Australia. Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodations on Ningaloo Reef. Your central home base is ideal for exploration of both the reef, itself, as well as Cape Range National Park

Once checked in, relax and explore the beach. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure to enjoy.

Day 2: Exmouth - Swim with whale sharks

Go swimming with whale sharks
Go swimming with whale sharks

Today, prepare to meet the iconic species of Exmouth—the whale shark. The day begins on a boat cruising into the lagoon to snorkel the reef, with morning tea provided. Then, head outside the reef and begin the whale shark adventure. 

After swimming with these magnificent creatures, enjoy lunch on the boat, and head back to the reef for an afternoon snorkel session. Then, return to the resort, and enjoy the evening on your own time. 

Day 3: Exmouth - Cape Range National Park tour

Cruise through Yardie Creek
Cruise through Yardie Creek

This morning, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation to take you to Cape Range National Park. Stroll through Shot Hole Canyon, along the gravel gorge floor, and ascend to the top of Cape Range at Charles Knife Gorge. Then, enjoy morning tea and cake, accompanied by beautiful views of the Exmouth Gulf.

Next, go off-road on deserted outback tracks, with expert guides to help you discover the rare and diverse plants and animals of Cape Range. As you travel through the national park, keep an eye out for native wildlife, including red kangaroos, euros, and emus.

Next, your guide will prepare a picnic lunch, while you enjoy a refreshing swim in the turquoise lagoon at Osprey Bay.

Then, depart for Yardie Creek for an exclusive boat tour.  Peer out at the grandeur of Yardie Creek Gorge while navigating the tranquil waters through the red, limestone cliffs. 

After the boat tour, head to Ningaloo Marine Park to enjoy the waters of Turquoise Bay. This crystal-clear bay provides the perfect environment to snorkel and swim on the Ningaloo Reef—with all gear supplied. 

As an end to the day, stop by the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse to snap a few commemorative photos. Once back at the resort, the evening is at your leisure.

Day 4: Travel to Margaret River

Margaret River
Margaret River

The morning is at your leisure before departing the Coral Coast for the Margaret River in the Southern West Region. Margaret River is a small town known for its craft breweries and surrounding wineries. Additionally, there are many boutiques for perusers and shoppers, alike. 

The day is yours to explore the area. In addition to imbibing and shopping, enjoy the beaches and surf breaks all around. For a scenic walk, embark on the Cape to Cape Track, which stretches between two lighthouses. Along the way, relish the views of limestone caves, as well as the sea cliffs of nearby Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.

At night, visit a local brewpub and enjoy a nice dinner at one of the local foodie pit stops.

Plan your trip to Australia
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Day 5: Margaret River - Gourmet wine tour

The vineyards in Margaret River
The vineyards in Margaret River

Today, embark on a gourmet wine tasting tour in Margaret River. Enjoy seated tastings at Vasse Felix and Voyager Estate for the VIP treatment. Not only will you learn about the art of winemaking, but you will receive information and tips on general wine appreciation. Additionally, enjoy discounts on some of the region's most prestigious cellar inventories. 

Enjoy lunch at Xanadu Winery, followed by an indulgent vineyard platter to share onboard the bus in the afternoon. Sample produce from The Farm House, sweets via Margaret River Chocolate Company, and cheese from Margaret River Dairy Company

Following the day of tastings, the evening is on your own.

Day 6: Margaret River - Free day

Ngilgi Cave
Ngilgi Caves

Today is a free day of leisure to explore the Margaret River.  Maybe take a tour over to Ngili Caves in Yallingup or head to the town of Busselton. Or, simply chill out and relax in the town, or on the tranquil beach. 

The Margaret Visitor Centre is located nearby, in case you are interested in joining any official guided tours through the town. 

Day 7: Travel to Perth

Perth
Perth

Today, fly from Margaret River back to Perth.

This capital of Western Australia offers an inviting blend beach relaxation and city excitement. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace. To view the native wildlife, head to Caversham Wildlife Park for up-close animal encounters.

Or, visit the beaches of Cottesloe or Leighton for fun in the sun. 

Alternatively, discover the city's art galleries and wander around the shops of Murray Street and Hey Street.

In the evening, make sure to check out Perth's lively bar scene.

Day 8: Perth - Kalbarri and Pink Lake day trip

An aerial view of Pink Lake
An aerial view of Pink Lake

Early in the morning, depart from Jandakot Aiport. Fly along the West Coast, from fishing villages on sandy beaches and over Pink Lake to the Kalbarri airport. 

Arrive in Kalbarri and relax while a driver transports you to Pink Lake. Then stroll along the colorful shores while peering out at the unique body of water, followed by a trip to view the gorgeous cliffs of the  Kalbarri coast. Then, enjoy lunch in Kalbarri. 

After the eventful day, fly back to Perth, and enjoy the evening on your own.

Day 9: Rottnest Island - Bike and snorkel day trip

Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island

Today, take a scenic ferry ride over to Rottnest Island. Then, pick up your bike and snorkeling gear, and explore at your own pace.

Discover hidden corners, picnic spots, and quiet beaches. Look for wildlife—but watch out for the cute quokkas. 

While snorkeling among the warm waters, take note of the pristine coral and the many schools of colorful fish all around. Get to know Rottnest’s underwater marine life, up-close and personal. 

Following your adventure, return to your hotel and enjoy the evening on your own.

Day 10: Departure from Perth

Farewell, Australia!
Farewell, Australia!

In the morning, take some time to reflect on your trip to Australia before transferring to the airport for your departure flight home. Safe Travels!

Map

Map of Best of Western Australia: Exmouth, Margaret River, & Perth - 10 Days
Map of Best of Western Australia: Exmouth, Margaret River, & Perth - 10 Days