Monkey Mia Dolphins & West Coast

Get set for a good dose of coastal drama today as you journey north from Freo all the way to Geraldton. But before you get there, pause in Yanchep National Park, a union of bush and wetlands that is as spectacular as it is sacred. The best way to understand its significance to First Nations communities is in the company of an Aboriginal guide. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, hear how stories are taught, told and used, didgeridoo playing, and hands-on learning with traditional tools. Just try not to leave more informed than when you arrived. Two national parks in one day – your next stop is Nambung. We’ll forgive you for thinking you’ve been transported to the set of a sci-fi movie when you arrive at this moonscape, studded with limestone pillars stretching into the sky. Welcome to The Pinnacles. Arriving in Geraldton, more moving moments await at the evocative HMAS Sydney Memorial.

Shark Bay is one of the planet’s greatest wilderness areas – if you don’t believe us, chat to UNESCO about the World Heritage listing they gave this pocket of WA. A window in time and a wildlife refuge, it’s all powdery white coves and gin-clear waters that naturally attract a plethora of wildlife. This afternoon, take in the bounty at your own pace, perhaps on a sunset cruise to spot sea creatures great and small, or from the air, where your bird’s-eye view reveals just how wide and wonderful the coast really is. Come dusk, be sure to find an oceanside perch and a cold beverage. Cheers to the end of another amazing day in WA.

Bring your stamina – today’s adventures begin early. But if there’s anything worth getting out of bed for, it’s Monkey Mia’s wild dolphins, which swim close to shore to greet visitors every morning. Arriving at Kalbarri National Park, enjoy spectacular views from the Kalbarri Skywalk over the Murchison River Gorge. If you’re here during wildflower season, expect acacia, banksia and caladenia in full bloom.

If you thought you’d seen it all, wait until Hutt Lagoon appears on the horizon. One of Western Australia’s eye-popping pink lakes, this body of highly salty water changes hue at different times of the year – sometimes it’s bubblegum, often it’s lilac, occasionally it’s red. It’s always incredible. What a blazing way to end your Western Australia tour. But wait, you still have a Farewell Dinner and drinks with your new friends. Don’t forget to exchange email addresses.

Short and sweet, we hope your journey inspired extended West Australian wanderlust.