Australia’s CORAL COAST Holiday Planner 2018 Day 1, 2 & 3

Arrive/Depart

Day 7 & 8

Day 4

Wooramel Roadhouse short & sweet ITINERARY ideas

WHEN: All year round

Houtman Abrolhos Islands

Sandy Cape One away Overnight Lake NIGHT Thetis DURATION: 2 days, 1 night WHEN: All year round INDIAN OCEAN HIGHLIGHTS: Beaches, nature, animals, photography, food – anything & everything! Cervantes or Jurien Bay DRIVE BASE YOURSELF: It doesn’t have to take a long time to discover ’s Coral Coast. If you’re after an enjoyable weekend away a short and sweet trip up the coast is it! Day 1 Driving south from Green Head, stop into Head north via the Lake Thetis and the Thrombolites found towards Jurien Bay, an easy 2.5 hour drive near Cervantes. Similar to the Stromatolites north of . of Shark Bay, there is a 1.5km walking loop If you’re looking for a good coffee, with boardwalk out to view these ancient BettyVan is a pop-up coffee truck which micro-organisms frequents Cervantes and Jurien Bay Visit the Lobster Shack for a delicious between 7 to 11am. Find her on Facebook seafood lunch. Here you can take a tour to @bettyvancoffee for the exact location. learn about how the Western Rock Lobster Stop in to the Visitor Centre to purchase industry operates in Western Australia. a National Park Pass. Spend some time Use your Park pass to explore Nambung bushwalking amongst wildflowers (July to National Park, the home of the Pinnacles. September) at . Stop into the Interpretative Centre to learn Consider visiting the stunning Sandy Cape more about the area before returning back for a swim, sandboarding or simply a sunset. to Perth. Overnight: Jurien Bay or Cervantes Day 2 Wake up early and explore a little more. Take a tour in Jurien Bay where you can interact with Australian Sea Lions in their natural habitat and snorkel in the crystal clear calm waters. Drive North to Three Bays Walkway where you can enjoy a beach walk or swim in the sheltered bays of Dynamite, South and Anchorage Bay.

8 australiascoralcoast.com Day 1, 2 & 3

Arrive/Depart

Day 7 & 8

Wooramel Roadhouse

enjoy a relaxing SUNSET STROLL

on the Irwin River Houtman Abrolhos Islands

Day 1 A long WEEKEND roadtrip STOCKYARD GULLY DURATION: 3 days, 2 nights NATIONAL PARK

Sandy WHEN: All year round Cape HIGHLIGHTS: Beaches, food, heritage, nature, animals, photography Day 2 Lake BASE YOURSELF: Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Dongara-Port Denison & Geraldton Thetis It’s surprising how far you can travel and what you can see with just three days INDIAN OCEAN road tripping on Australia’s Coral Coast.

Day 1 Day 2 DRIVE Wake up early and head north via the Wake up early to enjoy a beach breakfast Indian Ocean Drive towards Dongara-Port at the Seaspray Café and take the morning Denison, a four hour drive from Perth. to go crabbing off the Port Denison Marina. Dongara-Port Denison is an RV For those who love to walk, take to the friendly town and there is plenty of Thungara Trails – six different trails that accommodation from hotels to campsites. traverse the ocean and river with scenic views, spotting flora and fauna. If visiting on a Saturday, stop into the If you have a 4WD, visit the Stockyard Weekend Markets to pick up some local Go north-east and spend some time at Gully National Park to see the fascinating treasures. Ellendale Pool, a stunning water hole carved below ground river system of caves, once A great way to explore this seaside town is out by the Greenough River. Picnic, swim, forming part of the stock-route for sheep by water. Hire a kayak and learn about the kayak or stay overnight for a small fee! and cattle. Take care in the caves if it’s been birdlife of the twin towns visiting the Irwin When travelling the Indian Ocean Drive, raining, due to potential flooding. River and surrounds. keep an eye out for Echidnas which can Visit , home of When in Port Denison visit the Illegal Rum often be spotted during the day between the Pinnacles. Explore by car or on foot Tender Distillery (join their morning tour Dongara and Jurien Bay. via the designated walking trails. Return for a behind the scenes look at turning Arriving in Jurien Bay, consider hiring back to Perth. water in rum!). snorkel gear and picking up the “swim Before sunset find the 15 ANZAC soldier cards” for the Jurien Bay Underwater silhouettes made out of 2D metal art Interpretive Snorkel trail, accessed 25 as a visual memorial. The sculptures metres out from the Old Jetty piles on the can be seen, opposite the Lookout on beach. The Swim Cards (available from Ocean Drive, next to Nunn’s Pool in local shops) outline which fish species and Port Denison. coral you will see on the trail. Finish your Saturday evening enjoying a Enjoy the evening with fish and chips on sunset from the balcony of Southerlys the beach or marina. Harbour View Bar and Restaurant while Overnight: Jurien Bay or Cervantes sampling the local seafood off the menu or if visiting in Summer kick-back at the Day 3 Drive-In Cinema. Spend the morning swimming in the turquoise waters of Jurien Bay or consider Overnight: Dongara-Port Denison hiring a SUP or kayak.

#australiascoralcoast 9 Arrive/Depart Shark Bay, FLY AW AY DURATION: 3 days, 2 nights Day 1, 2 & 3 WHEN: All year round HIGHLIGHTS: Beaches, nature, animals, history and heritage BASE YOURSELF: Monkey Mia or Denham When you throw in a flight, a three-day break on Australia’s Coral Coast can feel like so much more. Regular flights to Monkey Mia leave from Perth, usually around midday, which leaves you the afternoon to relax. Day 1 Enjoy your dinner and then count the Flight: Depart Perth for Shark Bay stars from the beach. With very little Fly to Monkey Mia airport from Perth. light pollution, Shark Bay is a great place Arrange to either hire a car before flying to absorb the immense vastness of (stay in Denham) or airport-transfer (stay constellations on show. in Monkey Mia). Overnight: Shark Bay Upon arrival, we suggest you ease into Day 3 ‘Shark Bay time’ by enjoying an afternoon Wake up early to feed the dolphins of swim or beverage near the beach. Monkey Mia. As they are wild animals, Enjoy your dinner and then take part timing differs daily but the first feeding is in an Aboriginal Night Tour with Wula from approximately 7.45am. Gura Nyinda. A great way to learn about Houtman Make the most of your final day by Abrolhos the Malgana people and to discover the booking a morning Wildlife Cruise, Islands history of the Gathaagudu (two waters). sailing around Shark Bay spotting Overnight: Shark Bay dugongs, turtles and rays. Flight: Depart Shark Bay for Perth Day 1 Day 2 With a full day in Shark Bay there is just too many choices of things to see, do and experience but here’s a few of our favourite Full-Day Tours: STOCKYARD GULLY • DirkNATIONAL PARKHartog Island 4WD Eco Tour

Sandy Cape• François Peron National Park 4WD Eco Tour or Kayaking Tour Day 2 Lake • DiveThetis Shark Bay either Steep Point or or Ocean Park Aquarium Shark Tank INDIAN OCEAN • Stromatolites and Shell Beach, learn why these attractions are World Heritage listed

DRIVE

10 australiascoralcoast.com the ultimate BUCKET LIST

Day 4 & 5

DURATION: 14 days, 13 nights HIGHLIGHTS: Everything! This itinerary gives you the best of the best that the Coral Coast has to offer Day 6 & 7 both on the land and in the water. Day 1 Perth to Dongara (354km – 4 hours) Travel north along the Indian Ocean Drive (continues north from Road), through the coastal towns of Cervantes, Day 3 Dongara, Port Denison and Greenough. Day 3 Top tips: Geraldton to Carnarvon (Approx 480km – 5 hours) • Walk the unique limestone spires of the Pinnacles Desert Continue north to Carnarvon, a popular • Visit the Lobster Shack for a factory tour holiday spot for sun seekers. Day 8, 9 & 10 Wooramel Roadhouse and late lobster lunch Top tips: • Sand board the dunes of Dongara • Explore, sample and buy fresh fruit and • Walk the Thungara trails in Dongara- vegetables along the ‘Fruit Loop’ trail Port Denison • Enjoy an evening stroll along The Fascine, Overnight: Dongara-Port Denison taking in the magnificent sunset views • Head out for a fresh seafood meal at the Day 2 local pub Dongara to Greater Geraldton Overnight: Carnarvon Day 11 & 12 (65km – 45 minutes) Wake up early and drive to Geraldton. Day 4 Top tips: Carnarvon to Exmouth (Approx 365km – 3.5 hours) • Book a full or half day scenic flight tour of the Abrolhos Islands Travel north to Exmouth where the nearby Houtman • Drive out to Coalseam Conservation Park pristine Ningaloo Reef is located just Abrolhos Day 2 Islands (from July to September) for everlasting metres from the shore in some places. wildflower displays Top tips: From Perth Day 1 • Walk the city’s Street Art trail with a • Visit the local microbreweries great coffee in hand • Watch an unforgettable sunset from • Enjoy a historic tour of HMAS Sydney II Vlamingh Head Lighthouse on the west Memorial, St Francis Xavier Cathedral side of the Cape and Monsignor Hawes Centre • Bush walk or simply enjoy a 360° view from Shothole Canyon before driving Day 13 Overnight: Geraldton into Exmouth Overnight: Exmouth

#australiascoralcoast 11 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Exmouth Exmouth to Coral Bay Coral Bay Spend the day in Exmouth and soak up (Approx 150km – 2 hours) Coral Bay is known for its giant manta ray paradise. Depart Exmouth early for your drive to Coral swimming tours, so get out on the water. Top tips: Bay. On your way south, stop into Bullara Top tips: • Spend the day snorkelling on the reef Station for coffee and scones. • Any day of the year, try a Manta Ray • Swim with the world’s largest fish, the Top tips: swim tour, plus meet the friendliest baby whale shark (from March to July) • Bill’s Bay - the main beach is a reef sharks at Asho’s Gap • Join an eco-tour for whale watching snorkellers’ paradise with calm, protected • Join a whale shark tour (from March to (August to November) and turtle spotting waters and hundreds of fish and coral June) to swim with the world’s largest fish • Dive the Navy Pier species just metres from the shore • Bag a big one on a fishing charter tour • Safari tour or boat cruise the Cape • Explore further out by glass bottom Overnight: Coral Bay Range National Park which features boat, cruising yacht or kayaking tour deep canyons, limestone ranges and • Enjoy an afternoon quad bike and Day 8 spectacular gorges snorkel tour, taking you to the harder to Coral Bay to Shark Bay Overnight: Exmouth reach (and best) snorkelling spots (Approx 590km – 6.5 hours) Overnight: Coral Bay Wake up early and head south along the North West Coastal to Shark Bay. Top tips: • Take in the interpretative signage of the Shark Bay World Heritage Drive, stopping at the Stromatolites of Hamelin Pool and Shell Beach before arriving in Denham • Visit the cliff top lookout at Eagle Bluff for superb ocean views Overnight: Denham or Monkey Mia

12 australiascoralcoast.com Day 11 Day 13 Shark Bay to Kalbarri Kalbarri to Jurien Bay (Approx 375km – 4.5 hours) (Approx 350km – 3.5 hours) Head south to Kalbarri to explore this town Take the coastal/scenic drive south from situated on two bodies of water. Kalbarri and then take the Indian Ocean Top tips: Drive to Jurien Bay. Day 9 • Explore the magnificentMurchison River Top tips for the drive: Dirk Hartog Island on a kayaking tour • Be sure to take a photo at Port Gregory’s Spend the day (or a little longer if you have • Take in the dramatic sights of Kalbarri’s stunning Pink Lake time and a booking!) on Dirk Hartog Island. coastal cliff look outs, and spot • Take a short swim break at Little Bay, a humpback whales (July – November) sheltered beach accessed out of Horrocks Top tips: • Meet the coloured parrots and other • Taste scones and great coffee at • An important historic site, Dirk Hartog birds of Rainbow Jungle, solve the Oakabella Station, near Northampton Island was the first recorded location of outdoor maze or see a movie at the • Drive through picturesque Chapman a European landing on Australian soil outdoor cinema Valley. If it’s a weekend we suggest • The island is home to rare and endangered stopping into the Burnt Barrel for a cold wildlife and is a major attraction for those Overnight: Kalbarri hand-crafted beer and barbecue lunch seeking an exclusive beach for snorkelling, Day 12 • In Jurien, pick up fish and chips or a pizza swimming or kayaking and head to the Old Jetty for dinner • Experience the island and its dramatic Kalbarri Wake up early to enjoy some of the action- cliffs by air or access it by land and Overnight: Jurien Bay or Cervantes packed activities on offer such as: barge crossing from Useless Loop, outside of Denham. 4WD only Top tips: Day 14 Overnight: Shark Bay or Dirk Hartog Island • Take a pot-pulling tour to catch your Jurien Bay to Perth own Western Rock Lobster (Approx 220km – 2.5 hours) Day 10 • Quad bike morning or afternoon at Enjoy your final day with an easy trip home. Wagoe Beach Shark Bay Top tips: • From late-2018, traverse the twin Skywalks Spend some time in this stunning World • Join a morning tour to explore at the West Loop in the National Park Heritage Area. Stockyard Gully Caves or a wildflower Top tips: Overnight: Kalbarri mecca, Mt Lesueur National Park • Meet the famous Monkey Mia dolphins, • Explore Jurien Bay’s snorkel trail made with the first feeding from 7.45am of reef balls, full of resident and visiting • Visit the Aquarium or if you dive, spend fish populations the day diving Shark Bay’s best sites • Get the rush with a skydive experience • Visit Shark Bay’s Discovery Centre over the green and blues of Jurien Bay which explores history and heritage via • Look out for the BettyVan Coffee signs soundscapes, film footage, interactive to grab a brew from the retro-style multimedia and artefacts travelling coffee cart – check out their • See the stars and learn about the Facebook page for the day’s location Indigenous culture of the local Nhanda and Malgana Aboriginal people on a night tour Overnight: Denham or Monkey Mia

#australiascoralcoast 13 take a FLY\DRIVE trip Two World Heritage Sites – Ningaloo & Shark Bay DURATION: 9 days WHEN: March – November SPECIAL EVENT SEASON: Whale Shark season (March to July) and Gascoyne Food Festival (August) HIGHLIGHTS: Food, landscapes, water, nature, animals and photography BASE YOURSELF: Exmouth, Coral Bay, Carnarvon, Denham or Monkey Mia

Discover Western Australia’s magnificent Ningaloo and Shark Bay World Heritage Areas on this fly / drive itinerary. There’s so much to see and do in this pristine part of the world, from swimming with whale sharks and snorkelling the world’s largest fringing reef in the Ningaloo Marine Park, to walking along a beach made entirely of shells and interacting with wild dolphins in Shark Bay.

Day one • Drive into the Perth to Exmouth either on tour with Ningaloo Safari Tours Day 1, 2 & 3 (Learmonth Airport) or self-drive and jump on the Yardie Creek Boat Tour to see the incredible red Arrive/Depart Take a morning flight from Perth to gorges Exmouth (Learmonth Airport) with Qantas. • Stop at Milyering Visitor Centre for the Pick up your hire car and stop off at tide info, then experience drift snorkelling • Shothole and Charles Knife Canyon on at Turquoise Bay your way into Exmouth, enjoy the 360 • Get into some serious fishing on a game- views over the Gulf and the Reef fishing or billfish full-day tour Day 7 & 8 If you haven’t already done so before Overnight: Exmouth arriving, book your full-day tour to explore the Ningaloo Reef. Day four Overnight: Exmouth Exmouth to Carnarvon 367 kilometres Day two Take an early morning dip at Bundegi Beach Explore Exmouth near Exmouth town before heading south Get up early to spend a day in and on to Carnarvon, a subtropical oasis where the water: fresh produce and seafood are plentiful. Day 4 • Take a Whale Shark tour between mid-March and July to swim with the Spend the afternoon: world’s largest fish and other marine life • Visit the Space and Technology Museum, on the Ningaloo Reef open daily • Dive the Navy Pier • Go Heli-Snorkelling to picnic on private swimming beaches along Ningaloo Reef Wooramel Overnight: Exmouth Day 5 & 6 Roadhouse • Get takeaway local seafood and enjoy a Day three sunset at the Fascine waterways Explore Exmouth Overnight: Carnarvon Get up early, pack a picnic lunch and snacks for a day in the National Park.

14 australiascoralcoast.com

Houtman Abrolhos Islands see two world heritage sites – NINGALOO & SHARK BAY (monkey mia)

Day five • Take a Scenic Flight to see Useless Loop • Sail away to relax on Ningaloo waters Carnarvon to Shark Bay and Dirk Hartog Island from above • Join a glass bottom boat tour to see the 300 kilometres • Join a 4WD day tour to François Peron reef without getting wet National Park for some rugged adventure Overnight: Coral Bay Head south on the North West Coastal • Dive for the day at Steep Point, Highway and turn right onto the Shark Bay Australia’s most western point Day nine World Heritage Drive. Overnight: Denham or Monkey Mia Coral Bay to Learmonth On your way in to Shark Bay, stop in at the Airport following landmarks Day seven 116 kilometres • Hamelin Pool Stromatolites, the oldest Monkey Mia to Coral Bay Take one last morning dip in the crystal “living” fossils in the world 564 kilometres • Shell Beach, 70 kilometres of beach waters of Coral Bay before departing for Leave Shark Bay in the morning and head made entirely of billions of tiny shells. Learmonth Airport for your afternoon flight north. Stop for lunch in Carnarvon and • Eagle Bluff for spectacular ocean views back to Perth. • Explore the Heritage Precinct and have and spot marine life in the water below. On your way to the airport, stop in at lunch at the Sunset Café while taking in • Meet sea life at Ocean Park Aquarium Bullara Station for homemade scones and the views of the Indian Ocean and enjoy a bite to eat overlooking barista coffee! • Drive the “Fruit Loops” to buy fresh fruit, Tinkerbell Flats vegetables and other treats for the road Enjoy a drink on the foreshore at Denham Continue your journey to Coral Bay or Monkey Mia and watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean. Overnight: Coral Bay BONUS NIGHT Overnight: Denham or Monkey Mia If you’ve got a spare night or seeking Day eight a special overnight spot, why not try Day six Explore Coral Bay the Station Stay Way - a collective Get up early to spend a day in the Bay: of outback stations with great Explore Shark Bay • Home to a resident population of Manta Wake up early to meet the Monkey Mia accommodation options. Rays. Interact with them any day of the year bottlenose dolphins who visit the shores Try Wooramel (between Shark Bay • Kayak and snorkel the Blue Maze and daily from 7.30am. Afterwards, get up close and Carnarvon), Quobba (out of Asho’s Gap to more of Shark Bay’s natural attractions: Carnarvon) or Bullara (between Coral • Quad bike and snorkel the secret and • Cruise the Bay spotting marine life on a Bay and Exmouth). hard to reach spots only the locals know wildlife cruise

#australiascoralcoast 15 tasty FOOD trail DURATION: 6 days WHEN: March – October SPECIAL EVENT: Gascoyne Food Festival (August) HIGHLIGHTS: Western Rock Lobster, craft beer, distilleries and Aboriginal bush tucker tour

Day 3 & 4

Wooramel Roadhouse

Day 1 Day 2 Perth to Dongara Geraldton to Carnarvon (Approx 354km – 4 hours) (Approx 475km – 5 hours)

Day 5 & 6 Travel north along the Indian Ocean Drive Wake up early and have breakfast at one of (continues north from Wanneroo Road), Geraldton’s favourites: through the coastal towns of Cervantes, • Jaffle Shack Dongara, Port Denison and Greenough. • Piper Lane Café Check out the following places: • Salt Dish • Morning Tea: Enjoy a great cup of Continue north to Carnarvon, a popular Houtman coffee and cake at House Blend Café holiday spot for food lovers. $104 million Abrolhos Day 2 Islands in Jurien Bay worth of fruit and vegetables are grown • Lunch (Monday or Tuesday): Dine annually in Carnarvon. at the Central Greenough Café and Day 1 Whilst driving on the North West Coastal Visitor Centre. Highway, stop off at either: • Lunch (Wednesday – Sunday): Visit the • Town of Nanson where the Burnt Barrel Hampton Arms Inn for rustic home-style Outback BrewBQ specialises in low and lunch and a browse of their bookshop. slow smoked meats coupled with beer The first hotel in the area built in 1863, it which is brewed onsite (open Friday- was restored 17 years ago. Enjoy scones Sunday only). with fresh cream and homemade jam. • The Billabong Homestead’s Red Car Dinner in Geraldton: enjoy a pre-dinner Café to fuel up, have a meal and rest up. drink at the Sunset Bar at the Broadwater Take an evening stroll along The Fascine Resort Hotel as the sunsets over Champion (Carnarvon’s waterway) showcasing Bay. Enjoy dinner at: magnificent sunset views before heading • The 'Broady' out for seafood meal at Sails Restaurant at • Salt Dish (dinner on Friday & Saturdays) the Best Western Carnarvon. Overnight: Geraldton Overnight: Carnarvon

16 australiascoralcoast.com fresh and DELICIOUS food

Day 3 Day 4 Day 6 Carnarvon Carnarvon to Kalbarri Dongara to Perth There’s so much to eat in Carnarvon: (445km – 4.5 hours) (350km – 3.5 hours) • Visit the Carnarvon Heritage Precinct Enjoy a great coffee and breakfast from the Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the Starfish and visit Sunsets Café at One Mile Jetty Port Hotel before setting off to Kalbarri. Café, right on Port Denison’s South Beach. for lunch Arriving in Kalbarri, enjoy a pub lunch. Travel south from Port Denison and join • Explore and sample the abundant fresh For dinner, try one of the favourites: the 11am distillery tour at Illegal Rum produce along the Gascoyne Food Trail • The Edge Restaurant Tender Co with a behind the scenes look – pick up a chocolate-coated frozen • The Jetty Seafood Shack at the distilling process. banana or mango smoothie Overnight: Kalbarri On your way home, stop in at Jurien Bay • Between May to October, every Saturday to experience the beachfront and tasty morning, the Growers’ Markets are run Day 5 treats from the Jurien Bay Bakery or if by the growers themselves in front of the Kalbarri to Dongara you’re seeking a full lunch, don’t forget the Carnarvon Visitor Centre. (220km – 2.5 hours) Cervantes Lobster Shack for the freshest • Cook your own dinner and pick up Western Rock Lobster. During Wildflower a selection of seafood from Pickles Wake up early for a full breakfast at the Gorges Café or Angie’s Café, both are season (July - September) explore Lesueur Point Seafood & Boatyard or Norwest National Park (near Green Head) and if you Seafood (April – October). very welcoming and relaxing places for a coffee or a meal. didn’t make it on the way up from Perth – For a real outback dinner, book don’t forget a visit to the Pinnacles! accommodation at Wooramel River As you travel through Northampton, turn off Retreat located between Carnarvon and to Nanson where the Burnt Barrel Outback Shark Bay. On Wednesday nights, the BrewBQ specialises in low and slow smoked team offer an Australian camp oven dinner BBQ coupled with beer which is brewed or enjoy a Homestead Hamper – a bush onsite (open Friday- Sunday only). picnic dinner. Dinner in Dongara-Port Denison: It’s got Overnight: Carnarvon and surrounds to be Southerlys Harbour View Bar and Restaurant in Port Denison to enjoy fresh top quality dining with friendly service, hearty serves and a great selection of brews. Overnight: Dongara or Port Denison

#australiascoralcoast 17 fun-filled FAMILY itinerary

Day 3 & 4 Wooramel Roadhouse

DURATION: 7 days Day 2 WHEN: All year round Dongara to Geraldton National parks, wildlife, Wake up and visit the Seaspray Café HIGHLIGHTS: located opposite the beach. Day 5, 6, 7 beaches and local delights Make your way north to Greenough (41km – 30mins) and stop in at the Greenough Day 1 Wildlife Park to meet the emus, kangaroos Perth to Dongara and friendly reptiles. You may get to cuddle (Approx 354km – 4 hours) a rescued baby joey and learn about the Travel north along the Indian Ocean Drive Houtman Day 2 importance of the protection of Australian Abrolhos (continues north from Wanneroo Road), Islands wildlife. Perhaps enjoy an afternoon picnic through the coastal towns of Cervantes, on the banks of nearby Ellendale Pool Dongara, Port Denison and Greenough. before continuing north to Geraldton. Day 1 First stop is The Pinnacles of Nambung Kids will love the Playground and Water National Park followed by Lake Thetis. Park, located at the Geraldton foreshore. Once you’ve worked up an appetite head It offers hours of free family fun. Or if to the Lobster Shack for a factory tour and you’re feeling a little more adventurous try seafood lunch. Ultimate Watersport’s many activities on Travel north to the twin towns of Dongara offer like jet skiing, jet packing and tubing - and Port Denison to sample some sweet located on the Geraldton foreshore. bakery treats from the Dongara Bakery. Take the kids to the Museum of Geraldton For dinner head to Southerleys Harbour to learn about the Batavia shipwreck View Bar and Restaurant where you can through interpretive displays or enjoy challenge the kids to a game of pool while a walking tour of the Monsignor Hawes waiting for your meals. designed, St Francis Xavier Cathedral. Overnight: Dongara or Port Denison On your way to your overnight accommodation in Geraldton, enjoy a tasty dinner at the Sunset Bar at the Broadwater Resort Hotel. Overnight: Geraldton

18 australiascoralcoast.com Day 3 to François Peron National Park and show to feed the cheeky local pelicans. Be there Geraldton to Shark Bay the kids the spectacular landscape where by 8.45am and watch the greedy pelicans (Approx 433km – 5 hours) the red dirt meets the ocean. compete for a fishy treat. Continue north to Shark Bay, home of the Learn about the Aboriginal culture of the Explore the magnificent Murchison River Monkey Mia dolphins and one of the two Nhanda and Malgana people on an after gorges of Kalbarri National Park by walking Coral Coast World Heritage Sites. dinner night tour. trails or have your photo taken in the iconic natural red rock Nature’s Window frame in As you travel through Northampton to Overnight: Monkey Mia or Denham Kalbarri National Park. Nanson in the Chapman Valley, enjoy lunch at the Burnt Barrel Outback BrewBQ Day 5 Visit Rainbow Jungle - the Australian (open Wed – Sun) which specialises in slow Shark Bay to Kalbarri Parrot Breeding Centre is a beautiful parrot (Approx. 399km – 4 hours) cooked smoked Kansas-style barbecue habitat, where you will find the largest coupled with beer which is brewed onsite. Head south to Kalbarri and stop off at parrot free-flight aviary in the country. There’s lots of space for the kids to run Shell Beach, 70 kilometres of white Overnight: Kalbarri around while parents enjoy the expansive cockle shells and turquoise water and the view over the rolling hills. Stromatolites of Hamlin Pool (considered Day 7 the oldest ‘living fossils’). If its wildflower Kalbarri to Perth Stop off at the Billabong Roadhouse to season (July – September) on the eastern (Approx. 573km – 6 hours) fuel up and rest your legs as you continue approach to Kalbarri you will find flower Whilst heading south towards Perth on the north to Shark Bay. displays at Galena Bridge rest area and scenic coastal drive, check out the stunning Overnight: Denham or Monkey Mia Warribanno Chimney road. views of the Coastal Cliff walkways. Overnight: Kalbarri Be sure to stop in for a photo at Port Day 4 Gregory’s stunning Pink Lake called Hutt Shark Bay Lagoon (just south of Kalbarri) before Spend some time at the Monkey Mia foreshore Day 6 continuing your journey to Perth. early this morning where you’re likely to meet Kalbarri Wake up early and join a quad bike tour the famous Monkey Mia dolphins, with the For a rest stop on the way home, stretch to explore the area or perhaps get on the first feeding starting from 7.45am. your legs at one of the coastal lookouts water and join a whale watching charter and beaches such as Tea Tree beach Visit the nearby Ocean Park Aquarium or (late June - November). (Leeman), Dynamite Bay (Green Head), or join one of the many tours on offer such as Kids love nothing more than to head down Sandy Cape (Jurien Bay). a wildlife cruise looking for dugongs. For to the Kalbarri foreshore (near the Grey the more adventurous, take the 4WD out Visit www.australiascoralcoast.com for and Wood St intersection) for their chance more itineraries. #australiascoralcoast 19 Arrive/Depart

Day 1, 2 & 3 experienceexperience WILDFLOWER NAME trails

Intro These are just a few wildflower itineraries and ideas. For more trails and information search ‘Wildflowers’ on www.australiascoralcoast.com

Houtman Abrolhos Islands

STOCKYARD GULLY NATIONAL PARK Day 1

Sandy Cape The WEEKEND wildflowers Day 2 Lake Thetis DURATION: 2 days minimum WHEN: July – October INDIAN OCEAN HIGHLIGHTS: colourful Kangaroo Paw species in Badgingarra National Park, orchids in Lesueur National Park DRIVE BASE YOURSELF: In/around Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Badgingarra and Eneabba Day 1 Day 2 Depart Perth and head north along the Just west of Green Head is the Lesueur towards Badgingarra where National Park. Known for its incredible you can wander through the two kilometre floral diversity representing 10% of Badgingarra Nature Trail. This trail will Western Australia’s total flora, the park show off: features more than 900 species, many of • Smokebush, purple star flower, which are not found anywhere else in the yellow buttercups, banksias plus black, world. Try the following locations: red and green kangaroo paws, one- Drummonds at the foot of Gairdner sided bottlebrush, melaleucas and Range offers an 8km hike (return) to the feather flowers messa of Mt Lesueur. The initial section is Travelling north to Eneabba, continue 22km flat with the ascent a switchback climb. north to Western Flora Caravan Park with Cockleshell Gully Road provides great guided wildflower tours daily until 4.30pm. views of the park, it’s an 18km bitumen Placeholder There’s often plenty of colour appearing scenic drive showing beside the walking tracks around the park: • Propeller banksias, magenta starflower, • Catspaw, various orchids, hakeas, wattle, smokebush, verticordias, hakeas, yellow myrtle, smokebush, droseras, grevilleas and leschenaultias. dampiera, daviesia and native buttercups Heading south along the Indian Ocean If you are travelling by caravan, book ahead Drive towards Perth, turn off to the for a site at Western Flora and keep exploring! Pinnacles of Nambung National Park. You Overnight: Cervantes, Jurien Bay or Western will find Flora Caravan Park (caravan/camping) • Acacias, hibbertias, various orchids, catspaws, blue tinsel lilies, myrtle, banksias and casuarinas Overnight: Cervantes or Jurien Bay or continue to Perth

20 australiascoralcoast.com Day 2 & 3

Houtman Abrolhos Islands The trail Day 1 EVERLASTINGS DURATION: 3 days minimum WHEN: June – October HIGHLIGHTS: Wreath flowers around Mullewa and fields of colourful everlastings in the Coalseam Conservation Park. STOCKYARD GULLY NATIONAL PARK BASE YOURSELF: In/around Dongara-Port Denison, Geraldton and Kalbarri Sandy Cape Day 1 Day 2 Lake Thetis Head inland to Mingenew and Three Take a walk in Geraldton’s Chapman River Springs for an abundance of unique wreath Regional Park home to flowers, birds and flowers, everlastings, hakea and more - reptiles. Join the guided walks offered on INDIAN OCEAN check with local information centres. the weekend, ask the visitor Centre for Travelling north between Mingenew and times and dates. DRIVE Mullewa is a wildflower “must-do” - the Just north of Geraldton is the Chapman Coalseam Conservation Park. The park Valley and Yuna where wildflowers is THE hot-spot for everlasting carpets flourish on the roadside. If travelling on in stunning white, pink and yellow the weekend, stop into Nanson and visit everlastings as far as the eye can see. the Burnt Barrel for a gourmet outback In Mullewa explore the Everlasting Cultural barbecue and crafted beer. Trails, rich with blooming flora and history. Heading north to Kalbarri, make sure to When entering, look along the highway stop at Northampton’s Elephant Lookout for bush flowers and orange daviesia (the for a number of wild orchids. bacon and egg flower). East of Mullewa Overnight: Kalbarri is Pindar where wreath flowers are common along the roadside and Canna Day 3 Visit the Kalbarri National Park, home to where orchids and everlasting fields breathtaking coastal cliffs and deep river bloom. West of Mullewa is Tenindewa gorges. The National Park has roughly 800 where yellow gentlemen’s buttons and species of native flora, many of which are everlastings grow wild. endemic species, including the coveted Overnight: Dongara-Port Denison or Kalbarri spider orchid. Don’t forget the Geraldton Coastal Cliffs, the walkways and trails are lit up with colour. Grab a wildflower map from the Kalbarri Visitor Centre to assist you. Overnight: Kalbarri

#australiascoralcoast 21 natural EVENTS and activities Home to two of Western Australia’s three natural World-Heritage sites, many events on Australia’s Coral Coast occur seasonally.

BEST TIME to visit THE PINNACLES Year round HUTT LAGOON (PINK LAKE) Year round from 10am to 2pm ABROLHOS ISLANDS March – October KALBARRI INLAND GORGES March – October DIRK HARTOG ISLAND March - September NINGALOO REEF March – October MACKEREL ISLANDS April – September

22 australiascoralcoast.com ACTIVITIES BEACH FISHING Year round BEST SPOTS Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Carnarvon EATING ROCK LOBSTER Year round BEST SPOTS Cervantes, Geraldton, Kalbarri DEEP SEA FISHING January - September BEST SPOTS Abrolhos Islands, Kalbarri, Carnarvon, Coral Bay, Exmouth SURFING March - October BEST SPOTS Dongara, Kalbarri, Geraldton, Red Bluff and Gnaraloo WINDSURFING October - April BEST SPOTS Leeman, Dongara, Denham, Geraldton and Carnarvon WILDFLOWERS July – October BEST NATIONAL PARKS Nambung, Lesueur, Coalseam, Shark Bay, Cape Range BEST TOWNS Mullewa, Coorow, Three Springs, Chapman Valley, Kalbarri

WILDLIFE MANTA RAYS Year round Best spot Coral Bay DOLPHINS Year round Best spot Kalbarri, Monkey Mia and Ningaloo AUSTRALIAN SEA LIONS Year round Best spots Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Leeman, Green Head, Geraldton and Abrolhos Islands DUGONGS Year round Best spot Shark Bay and Ningaloo WHALE SHARKS March – July Best spots Coral Bay & Exmouth HUMPBACK WHALES July – October Best spots Kalbarri, Dirk Hartog Island, Ningaloo and Mackerel Islands ORCAS July – October Best spots Exmouth EMUS Year round Best spots Denham town, Shark Bay, Exmouth town KANGAROOS Year round Best spots Nambung and Cape Range National Parks BIRDLIFE Year round Best spots Stockyard Gully, Kalbarri and Cape Range National Parks, Abrolhos Islands BLACK FOOTED ROCK WALLABIES Year round Best spots Cape Range and Kalbarri National Parks TURTLE NESTING December – February TURTLE HATCHING January – March Best spots Dirk Hartog Island, Ningaloo and Mackerel Islands inPRODUCE Carnarvon SEASON BANANA, PAPAYA All Year Round SEAFOOD All Year Round TOMATO, CHILLI, CUCUMBERS, BUTTERNUT PUMPKIN All Year Round WINTER VEGETABLES May - August MELONS October - April GRAPE November - January MANGO AND TROPICAL FRUITS November - March

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