Karijini National Park trek and Ningaloo Reef exploration

Active trip to Karijini NP and Ningaloo Reef

The spectacular gorges and swimming holes in Karijini National Park

Snorkelling with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef | Jake Parker

Monkey Mia

Ningaloo

Endless walking opportunities await in Karijini National Park

Code: SOG6664

Overview

Highlights

This program is 100% carbon offset. World Expeditions Schools absorb the cost of credits mitigating 100% of the unavoidable carbon emissions as its ongoing commitment to responsible travel
Welcome to country at Kings Park in Perth
Explore the ancient gorges and cool pools of Karijini National Park
Trek along the Mount Bruce trail
Walk in the iconic Hancock and Weano Gorges
Trek along stunning white sandy beach coastline
Swim and snorkel in the beautiful Ningaloo Reef
Optional Whale Shark tour
Climb Mt Jarndunmunha (Mt Nameless) and overnight at the outback station at Cheela Plains
Astronomy session at Cheela Plains

This multi activity program provides an achievable challenge exploring the dramatic gorges of Karijini National park combined with learning about life underwater at the stunning Ningaloo Reef. Starting in Perth with a welcome to country and exploration or the city and Fremantle we then head North into the Pilbra, to Paraburdoo. From here we drive straight to Karijini, where we take in some of the world's most striking features and landscapes. Our program includes challenging but achievable walks to soak in the feel of the Pilbara and to swim in the many idyllic swimming holes. We spend three days in Karijini walking, swimming, exploring and relaxing before we drive across to Exmouth and the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. We learn about life below water and the importance of reefs in marine ecosystems. Here we can trek along the stunning white sandy beach coast and swim with turtles, dugongs, tropical fish and stunning colourful reef.

Countries:

Activities:

Grading:Introductory to Moderate

Addressing:

Itinerary

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Day 1
Fly to Perth, welcome to country, explore Kings Park and Fremantle

Fly Melbourne to Perth. On arrival in Perth you will be met by our experienced guide and transfer to your accommodation for the night. After freshening up we travel to beautiful Kings Park overlooking the city where we will meet a traditional Noongar land owner for a welcome to country ceremony and insight into the Noongar history. Depending on your arrival time we can then explore cultural and iconic landmarks of Perth and Fremantle.

Meals: D

Day 2
Fly to Paraburdoo, drive to Karijini - Explore and swim at Dales Gorge

This morning we head to the airport for your flight to Paraburdoo located in Western Australia's pilbra. This area is known for its Aboriginal peoples; its ancient landscapes; the red earth; and its vast mineral deposits, in particular iron ore. It is also a global biodiversity hotspot for subterranean fauna. On arrival you will be met at the airport for the drive to Karijini National Park. We head straight to one of Australia’s most beautiful gorge systems, Dales Gorge. We’ll spend the rest of the day exploring Dales Gorge on foot, with Circular Pool, Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool all offering wonderful swimming and walking opportunities. In the evening we set up camp for the next two nights at Karijini. Accommodation: Karijini National Park – Eco Retreat campground

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Trek along the Mt Bruce walk trail

Mt Bruce is Western Australia’s second highest peak. The Mt Bruce walk trail is a fantastic ridge walk, with some steep and rocky sections along the route. From one side you’ll have the vista of Karijini Range; from the other an iron ore mine. Your guide will discuss the flora and fauna of the area as well as local follore as we complete the 9.5 km return walk. The walk will take us most of the day and is definitely worth the effort. We will have a picnic lunch en route. Accommodation: Karijini National Park – Eco Retreat campground

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Trek Hancock and Weano Gorges, transfer to mining town Tom Price

We’ll pack up camp this morning before heading out to explore two of the most iconic gorges in Karijini – Hancock and Weano. The walks are challenging in places, and very rewarding, but not technical. Both involve some wading and clambering on rocks and both reward us with fantastic jade pools nestled deep within the narrow gorge walls. In the afternoon we’ll say goodbye to Karijini and head for Tom Price where we will spend a night at Tom Price Caravan Park. Tom Price is a mining town located at the edge of the Hamersley Range and is the highest town above sea level in Western Australia, famous for its iron ore deposits.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Mt Jarndunmunha (Mt Nameless) and Cheela Plains, overnight outback station, astronomy session

We can walk directly from our accommodation to climb Mt Jarndunmunha this morning. It’s a fairly steady ascent all the way to the summit but the views over Tom Price and surrounds are great. After lunch we’ll have a look around Tom Price before heading for a true outback station stay at Cheela Plains where we will be amazed by the night sky of the desert. Tonight we have an astronomy lesson using the stations huge telescope. Away from the glare of light we will have the opportunity to see the sky lit up by millions of stars. Accommodation: Cheela Plains Station Stay.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Drive to Exmouth through Charles Knife Canyon

Time to rest the legs on a travel day. Western Australia is a big place so it will take us much of the day to get across to Exmouth. On route we will take a drive up through the spectacular Charles Knife Canyon. We will arrive with time to watch the sun set into the Indian Ocean.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Explore Ningaloo Reef snorkelling, optional Whale Shark tour

The famed Ningaloo reef lays in waist deep water off the beach. It is one of the most extraordinary and accessible reef systems on the planet. Manta Ray, turtle and dugong sightings are not uncommon, and of course it will be teaming with various tropical fish and coral. There are a number of sites we can explore along the coast, and we will make use of the time as best we can to be in the water. We will learn about the reef system and it's importance to life underwater. This afternoon we can enjoy an optional Whale Shark tour, the Whale Sharks are incredible creatures and this will be an afternoon that stays with you for the rest of your lives! Overnight stay in cabin accommodation *The whale shark optional tour is not included in your trip cost

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Trek and snorkel Cape Range National Park, Mandu Mandu Gorge and Yardie Creek

Today we will explore Cape Range national park, with a series of walks, snorkels and swims along the coast. We will have the opportunity to spot rock wallabies and an incredible array of sea life on this wonderful day. We will explore Mandu Mandu gorge and make our way to Yardi creek for a fabulous days exploring.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 9
Ningaloo Reef, fly Exmouth to Perth, connect to Melbourne

Our last day and we will get you to the airport in time for your flight but not without the opportunity to have one last snorkel and swim on Ningaloo Reef. We then transfer to the airport for your midday flight to Perth, connecting to Melbourne

Meals: B

Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health And Well-being: Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable development.

Climate Action: Climate change is a global challenge that affects everyone, everywhere.

Life Below Water: Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future.

Learning outcomes for students

A World Expeditions Schools adventure is a unique learning experience. Our journeys are designed to encourage thriving and positive youth development along with leaving the communities and environments where we travel in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to enhance the following life skills that will help you grow as an individual:
• the confidence to lead a group and make decisions
• the value of working together as a cohesive team to achieve a common objective
• the ability to face mental and physical challenges
• the ability to adapt to new environments outside of their 'comfort zone'
• to appreciate and care for the natural environment. The environments we trek through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers and also the local peoples
• basic outdoor skills obtained on trek such as personal hygiene, pitching a tent, helping to prepare meals
Importantly our adventures help increase general well-being and build resilience in young men and women to help them deal with adverse situations in life.
CARBON NEUTRAL
World Expeditions Schools absorbs the cost of credits mitigating 100% of the unavoidable carbon emissions. This is our commitment to being part of the solution to climate crises.

Inclusions

What's included

Flights to Paraburdoo // Exmouth return
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners and snacks daily
Transport in air-conditioned 4WD tour coach
Teachers from your school accompanying your journey
2 professional wilderness guides
4 nights accommodation at campsites
4 nights accommodation in cabins
All group camping equipment including bed, mattress, eating utensils and camp chairs (not included: sleeping bag and pillow)
All National Park entrance fees
Emergency support satellite phones and first aid kit
All activities as listed in the itinerary

What's not included

Travel insurance
Sleeping bag or pillow (can be hired)
Items of a personal nature
Day packs
Optional whale shark tour

Grading

Introductory to Moderate

Customise your program

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