Description
You embark on an incredible experience with Autopia Tours as you travel throughout Australia’s west coast. Admire the limestone pinnacles, then enjoy Kalbarri National Park’s breathtaking beauty as the Murchison River flows through red gorges. But with its hospitable bottlenose dolphins and other rich fauna, Monkey Mia is sure to delight. Then it’s on to the renowned Ningaloo Reef, the gem of the Coral Coast, where you can spend two days exploring the crystal-clear waters and looking for turtles. On this tour from Perth to Exmouth, you’ll most definitely get to enjoy the best that nature has to offer.
Departures
- Departs Perth 7.25 am
- Ends Exmouth 10 am
Highlights:
- Visit the weathered rock spires in the Pinnacles Desert
- See the panoramic coastline of the Indian Ocean
- Explore the stunning gorge views of Kalbarri National Park from the Skywalk
- Admire Nature’s Window and hike the Z Bend in Murchison Gorge
- Wander along Shell Beach, made of tiny white shells
- Be blown away by ‘The Stromatolites’ in the Shark Bay World Heritage-Listed area
- Meet the famous wild dolphins of Monkey Mia Conservation Park
- Snorkel the Ningaloo Reef at Coral Bay and relax in the crystal-clear waters of Turquoise Bay
- A guided tour of Cape Range National Park and Vlamingh Head Lighthouse at sunset
- Join a Manta Ray or Whalesharks tour (optional)
Your travel itinerary
Kick off your adventure with a guided tour through the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, before enjoying lunch by the sea at Jurien Bay and journey up Indian Ocean Drive for some stunning coastal views. Stopping off at the must-see attraction just outside of Geraldton, known as the Pink Lake located off the coral coast highway (conditions permitting). Then it’s on to the seaside town of Kalbarri for our overnight accommodation. Meals: Lunch & Dinner. Accom: Kalbarri YHA Backpackers Shared Dormitory (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative. Driving Distance: 575km. Hike Distance: 2km.
Rise early for a magical start to the day, with a photo opportunity at sunrise at either Nature’s Window or the Kalbarri Skywalk. Visit the marvels of The Murchison Gorge and Z-Bend in Kalbarri National Park where water has carved its way through sandstone. Witness bright pops of colour here during wildflower season (spring). After lunch by the River mouth in Kalbarri we travel on towards Monkey Mia with plenty of comfort stops along the way before arriving at our accommodation by the beach. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Accom: RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Backpackers Shared Dormitory (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative. Options: Kalbarri Abseiling Z-Bend (suspended until late 2022). Driving Distance: 450km. Hike Distance: 3km.
This morning meet the famous Monkey Mia Dolphins and get some amazing photos. Enjoy chill out time on the beach here or enjoy a coffee at the restaurant before we get back on the road in the morning. Check out the spectacular cliff views overlooking Denham at Eagle Bluff. Take a stroll along a beach made entirely of tiny shells followed by lunch. Before heading off to settling into our accommodation in Coral Bay, located right on the famous Ningaloo Reef. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Accom: Ningaloo Coral Bay Backpackers Shared Dormitory (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative. Driving Distance: 580km. Hike Distance: 2km.
You’ll have most of the day to explore the Ningaloo Reef, Australia’s largest Fringe reef, at your own leisure. Choose to join a boat tour or enjoy free time to experience the beautiful beaches Coral Bay has to offer. Go for a stroll on the beach and check out the shark nursery, swim with the manta rays (additional cost) or go for a snorkel on the Ningaloo Reef only metres from shore. This evening we take the short drive up the peninsula to Exmouth and check into our accommodation for two nights in the town centre. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Accom: Potshot Hotel Resort Backpackers Shared Dormitory (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative. Options: Swim with Manta Rays, Snorkel Ningaloo Reef, Glass Bottom Boat Tours. Driving Distance: 155km.
Today we explore Cape Range National Park, a spectacular place of rugged limestone ranges, breathtaking deep canyons and 50km of pristine beaches. Relax on the beach or choose to go snorkelling at the stunning Turquoise Bay, before finishing the tour in the early afternoon in time for lunch. Free time in the afternoon to explore the township of Exmouth only a 500 meter walk from our accommodation or sit back and enjoy the pool at our accommodation. Or choose to join a whaleshark or humpback swim tour and spend the day meeting some of the Ningaloo Reef’s most famous visitors (at guests own expense and seasonal). Visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse at sunset. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Accom: Potshot Hotel Resort Backpackers Shared Dormitory (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative. Options: Whaleshark or Humpback Swim (pre-booking required). Driving Distance: 135km. Hike Distance: 1km.
Today your tour finishes up after you check out of your accommodation at 10:00am. Meals: Breakfast (early with the group). Accom: Extend your stay or arrange connections to your next destination (own-expense).
Inclusions
- 5 Nights’ accommodation (hostel or resort)
- Meals 5 x breakfast, 4 x lunch, 5 x dinner
- Admission to 4 National Parks
- Dolphin experience fees
- Guided walks (up to ~7km, grades 1-4)
- Hosted by an experienced driver-guide
- Air-conditioned small group tours
- The cost of an Autopia tour is per person and appropriate for adults 18 and older staying in shared dorm rooms.
Important info before travel
- A sense of adventure
- 2L refillable water bottle
- hat
- sunglasses and sunscreen
- a towel and toiletries
- bathing suits or other swimwear
- all-weather clothing (for extreme day/night conditions)
- comfortable walking shoes closed shoes
- 15kg overnight bag
- small day pack
- flashlight
- headlamp or torch
- insect repellent
- camera!
Kalbarri Abseil: for 2 descents beginner level [day2 option], book onboard payable direct
Start the day with adventure by abseiling down the gorge walls in Kalbarri National Park with Kalbarri Abseil. No previous experience is necessary, as full training will be provided on-site. All equipment was provided as well. Get photos on your own camera, as guests not participating can take photos for you!
Swim with Manta Rays on the Ningaloo Reef with Coral Bay Ecotours [day4 4 option]—requires pre-bookings; please contact us
Enjoy a 5- to 6-hour tour of the Ningaloo Reef with Coral Bay Ecotours. The day includes all equipment, including a short-length wetsuit if required, morning and afternoon tea, and a buffet-style lunch of cold meats and salads. Enjoy the underwater dance of the manta rays as well as two reef snorkels where you will see beautiful fish, corals, and possibly sea turtles and reef sharks! They’ll also make a visit to the turtle sanctuary, where you can view turtles coming up for a breath in the shallows. (competent swimmers only).
Glass Bottom Boat on the Ningaloo Reef with Coral Bay Ecotours [Day 4 option]: book onboard payable direct
Join Coral Bay Ecotours for a tour of the Ningaloo Reef on board their glass-bottom boat. Learn about the tropical and temperate fish and corals you see under the glass. Choose between a 1, 2, or 3-hour journey. The 1 hour is glass viewing only. The 2-hour journey includes viewing through the glass and a snorkel site. The 3-hour trip includes viewing through the glass, snorkeling, and a visit to the turtle sanctuary, where you can view turtles feeding and coming up for air in the shallows. Your skipper can even try to get the turtles under the glass for you! Snorkel tours include equipment.
NOTE: Guests are not able to book Whaleshark Swims on [day 4] as they return after the bus has already left Coral Bay. All optional activities in Coral Bay must be finished by 3:45–4:00 p.m. at the latest.
Whaleshark swim with Exmouth Dive [day5 option] requires pre-booking; please contact us
(Seasonal, March to August) Get set for an unforgettable day as you head out to swim next to the biggest fish in the sea, the whale shark! This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one that you will never forget! Start the day with a reef snorkel, where you can explore the coral gardens and view beautiful fish. You may even spot a sea turtle or reef shark! Then experience the awe of swimming alongside the whale shark, which is typically 5–10 m in length here! All equipment is provided, including a wet suit if required. Morning and afternoon tea and a delicious lunch are also included. (competent swimmers only)
Humpback Whale swim with Exmouth Dive [Day 5 Option] requires pre-bookings; please contact us
(Seasonal, August to October) Join us for an unforgettable day out on the water. Start the day with a reef snorkel, where you can enjoy the beautiful coral gardens and fish. You may even spot some turtles or reef sharks! Then they’ll head out in search of humpback whales and whale sharks, with the help of a spotter plane. The humpback whale swim is dependent on the willingness of the whales to be part of the tour. In the event the whales are uncooperative, the plane will search for another group. Should a whale shark be spotted on the day as well, guests can upgrade their ticket to include a whale shark swim for an additional $110. All equipment is included, as well as a wetsuit if required. Morning and afternoon tea and a buffet-style lunch are also supplied. (competent swimmers only)
Please note that these tours are not operated by us and can have different terms and conditions. We recommend you contact the operator directly via their websites for booking details and terms and conditions. Weather can impact these tours, which is outside of our control. Tours may be canceled, in which case a full refund will be issued by the operator. As we are dealing with wildlife, they are always expected but never guaranteed.
This rate is (per person) appropriate for adults 18 and older in a shared dorm room. Children under the age of 17 should not use.
The walks demand the completion of a moderate to advanced level of fitness. The length of a walk can reach 6 kilometres, and it frequently includes rocky, steep, and sunny terrain. The guide’s choice will be final regarding the length of the walks.
In order for everyone to unwind together after a full day of sightseeing, guests are asked to help with food preparation, cleanup, and vehicle unpacking and loading. It’s a fantastic way to meet and interact with other travellers as well.
If any of our regularly planned stops are closed for whatever reason, a similar substitute will be offered.
Make sure you prepare adequately for the time of year you’ll be travelling because Western Australia’s temperatures can vary greatly from day to night.
One 20-kg bag and one small day pack are permissible due to the limited storage capacity on our buses.
At the time of booking, kindly inform the service provider of any dietary restrictions, medical concerns, and your cellphone number.
Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd wishes to acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which we live, operate, and travel. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present, and emerging, and recognise their continuous connection and contribution to the country, community, and culture.
Our Contract
All bookings are made with Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd. (ABN 94 143 929 962) (us/we). By booking a trip with us, you have agreed to be bound by the terms and conditions set out in these booking conditions. Your booking will be accepted by us on this basis. The services to be provided are those referred to in your booking confirmation and/or invoice. Accredited Bus Number: AC003612.
Validity
Dates and itineraries are valid until March 31, 2025, effective August 1, 2023. Dates and itineraries are indicative only.
Standard Conditions
Any references to ‘GLT’, ‘we’, ‘our’, and ‘us’ equate to Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd, which applies to the following GLT brands and entities: Autopia Tours, Wildlife Tours Australia, Walking Country, Wayoutback Australian Safaris, Australian Bus Charters & Tailormade Touring, Boutique Touring Company, and Geelong & Bellarine Tours.
Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out below prior to booking a trip with us.
We strongly recommend that you also read the information relating to your product or service prior to booking to ensure that you understand the itinerary, style, and physical demands of the tour you are undertaking. GLT will not be held responsible for passengers failing to familiarise themselves with the booking terms and conditions.
Although every effort is made, GLT shall not be liable for any illness, injury, damages, loss, delay, or failure to join the tour that may occur due to factors beyond our control. We highly recommend all passengers have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage should they have to cancel a trip at the last minute.
GLT reserves the right to modify routes or itineraries, vehicle types, fares, days of operation, or even cancel tours when unforeseen circumstances arise. This is especially true during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies. Other accredited tour operators may be used from time to time on some tours.
Fares are shown in Australian currency and are correct at the time of printing but are subject to change.
Traveller Information
For us to confirm your travel arrangements, you must provide all requested details at the time of booking. Your full name, contact details, email address, dietary requirements (if applicable), nationality, or Australian postcode, and any pre-existing medical conditions you have that may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements,.
For more information about how we treat your personal information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
Booking Terms and Conditions
Customers Responsible Travel
The customer shall comply with all government (federal, state, and territory) conditions of entry into Australia and/or at the time of travel for tour and transport services.
In the event that a traveler needs to cancel unexpectedly due to visa restrictions, a medical condition, family reasons, or changes to regulations imposed by the government, the operator shall exercise discretion when applying cancellation policies in these circumstances. The operator reserves the right to withhold such a reasonable sum to cover administrative expenses and other losses, dependent on when notice of cancellation is given by the customer.
It was previously recommended by the Department of Health that commercial passenger vehicle drivers and passengers wear fitted face masks while in transit to minimise the spread of the virus. This is no longer mandatory but rather at the driver’s or traveler’s own discretion. Some remote regions have limited access to RAT tests, so multi-day travelers are still advised to bring some along.
In the unlikely event that a traveller must leave a tour midway after it has commenced or attempt to join a tour after departure, the operator is not required to reimburse any aspects of the tour that they did not participate in. As part of this, the traveler is responsible for any relocation expenses incurred from the point of departure to their nominated destination, which are the traveller’s responsibility and will not be reimbursed.
Note: Different cancellation conditions may apply if or when booked through third-party agents. Your travel consultant will advise if differences apply. Travelers are strongly advised to purchase personal cancellation insurance at the time of booking.
Cancellations and Refund Policy
Cancellation by the Traveler
We understand that travel plans can sometimes change; if you cancel some or all portions of your booking, the cancellation terms set out below will apply. A cancellation will only take effect when we receive written confirmation that you have sent to your relevant booking agent, notifying them of your cancellation.
If you wish to change or cancel a trip:
Day Trips
(a) 0 to 1 day or within 24-hours from the experience start time or failure to board on tour:
● will result in a 100% cancellation fee or full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not be eligible for a refund; or
(b) 2 to 6 days prior to the departure:
● will result in a 50% cancellation fee to cover unrecoverable tour expenses; or
(c) 7+ days prior to the departure:
● we will refund the full balance paid by you in connection with your booking; or
● flexible date changes: an unlimited supply of free date changes is available; or
● alternatively, we can issue a credit voucher for the amount paid to travel on another day
Short Breaks and Extended Tours
(a) 0 to 14 days before the departure date or failure to board on tour:
● will result in a 100% cancellation fee or full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not be eligible for a refund; or
(b) 14 to 29 days prior to the departure:
● will result in a 50% cancellation fee to cover unrecoverable tour expenses; or
(c) 30+ days prior to the departure:
● we will refund the full balance paid by you in connection with your booking; or
● flexible date changes: an unlimited supply of free date changes is available; or
● alternatively, we can issue a credit voucher for the amount paid to travel on another day
Any credit travel voucher resulting from a cancellation under (Cancellation by the Traveler) has an expiration date of 3 years and may be applied towards any other available trip offered by us. This credit is transferable on experiences, but not redeemable for cash.
Note that different cancellation conditions may apply if or when booked through third-party agents; your travel consultant will advise if differences apply. We strongly advise travellers to take out personal cancellation insurance at the time of booking.
Cancellation by the Operator
Our trips are guaranteed to depart once minimum group sizes have been met for the tour, unless it specifically states otherwise (refer to product fact sheets) or in the event of a force majeure (refer below) resulting in the cancellation of a trip.
We may cancel a trip at any time up to 3 days (day trips) and 14 days (short breaks or extended tours) before departure. Alternatively, we do have the right to cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if external events occur that deem it not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary.
Standard Cancellation
If we, the tour operator, cancel your trip, we can offer you a choice of:
(a) a 100% reimbursement of the money paid for your trip
(b) transfer amounts paid to an alternative departure date or tour operated by GLT; or
(c) issued with a credit travel voucher to the amount paid for your trip, valid for 3-years
Force Majeure Cancellation
If a trip is cancelled due to a ‘force majeure event’, we can offer you a choice of:
(a) a 100% credit voucher of the money paid for your trip; or
(b) a refund minus unrecoverable costs.
If the cancellation due to a ‘Force Majeure Event’ occurs after a trip has commenced, we can offer you a choice of a pro-rata:
(a) 110% credit voucher for the days that remain on your trip; or
(b) refund minus the unrecoverable costs of the days that remain on your trip.
Any credit travel voucher resulting from a cancellation as mentioned in (Cancellation by the Traveler):
● 3-year expiry date and may be applied towards any other available trip offered by GLT;
● are not redeemable for cash;
● excludes flights or insurance, as they will have their own booking conditions
In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control, refunds will be less than any unrecoverable costs. GLT cannot be held responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking, including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess, or non-refundable flights.
A “force majeure event” includes but is not limited to: acts of God; war; civil commotion; riot; blockade or embargo; fire; explosion; breakdown; union dispute; earthquake; epidemic, pandemic, or other health emergency; flood; windstorm or other extreme weather event; lack or failure of courses of supply; passage of any law, order, proclamation, regulation, ordinance, demand, requisition, or requirement; or any other act of any government authority, beyond the reasonable control of the parties, whether or not foreseeable, which would make it dangerous or not viable for a trip to commence or continue.
Acceptance of Risk
Australia is home to a wide range of dangerous animals, extreme weather conditions, and varied terrain. Experiencing these dangers while camping, hiking, or passing time outside may increase your personal risk. Safety is our number one priority, and our guides are highly trained to ensure passenger safety at all times. Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for any loss, injury, or accident caused by passengers onboard our tours.
Travel Insurance
We recommend all guests have personal travel insurance, which should be taken out at the time of booking prior to tour departure. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident death, 24/7 medical expenses, and emergency repatriation, with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each of the categories of cover.
We also strongly recommend it cover cancellation curtailment, COVID-19 cover, personal liability, loss of luggage, and personal effects. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account, please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number, and the emergency contact number with you rather than the bank’s name and credit card details.
Alcohol Policy
Alcohol is not permitted on board our vehicles. We reserve the right to refuse re-entry if passengers are overly intoxicated and pose a threat to other passengers, our driver, or our vehicle. We also reserve the right to advise at any time prior to departure and while in operation that alcohol is no longer permitted. The legal drinking age in Australia is 18 years old; a photo ID is required.