Have the ultimate couple’s getaway in Exmouth and Karijini National Park
Combining a trip to Exmouth and Karijini National Park makes for the ultimate couple’s getaway. Here are our top budget-friendly picks for things to do and places to stay, as well as a bit of temptation to treat yourselves if you're looking for something a little more luxe.
Turquoise Bay in Exmouth, image credit: Tourism Western Australia
Exmouth
Exmouth is best known as the place to swim with the majestic whale shark however there is a whole lot more to see and do on the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef.
Swimming with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef, image credit: Tourism Western Australia
There’s nothing better than a day spent at Turquoise Bay. But don't take our word for it - Turquoise Bay has ranked #6 in the world's best beaches in Trip Advisor's 2021 Travellers' Choice Awards. Take a picnic to enjoy on the beach or marvel at the coral gardens, colourful fish and turtles on a drift snorkel.
To finish the day, make your way to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse. Enjoy an incredible WA sunset as you look out across the bay.
Want to get the heart pumping? Grab your hiking boots and Camelbac for the Mandu Mandu gorge walk. Head out early for cooler temperatures and a chance to spot the rare rock wallabies.
Where to stay
Is there anything more magical than falling asleep to the sound of the ocean?
Osprey Bay campground, image credit: Tourism Western Australia
We guarantee a good night’s sleep at Tulki Beach and Osprey Bay campgrounds. Book early to secure your spot right on the beach.
Upgrade your Exmouth experience
If it’s good enough for Chris Hemsworth then it’s good enough for us!
If you’re looking to tick off those once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list items, we recommend getting into the water with Exmouth’s majestic whale sharks. There are plenty of operators and experiences to choose from including this tour on a luxury catamaran.
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, image credit: Bridgewater Bakehouse
Keep your bathers on because there’s more on offer in Exmouth. Why not learn to dive on the world’s largest fringing coral reef? If you already have your diving ticket, then don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Exmouth Navy Pier – voted one of the best shore dives in the world!
Exmouth is also a great destination to throw a line in. Feel the rush with some world-class game fishing or catch your own delicious dinner-for-two on a reef fishing charter.
Sometimes you just need a bit of pampering. Give yourselves a well-earned treat with a luxury accommodation stay. Recharge and unwind at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, Mantarays Ningaloo or Exmouth Escape Resort.
Bullara Station
Podcasts, driving games, singalongs, random detours – there’s a million and one great ways to pass the time on a WA roadtrip. The drive between Exmouth and Karijini National Park is no mean feat though so we recommend you take plenty of stops along the way.
Factor into your itinerary an overnighter at Bullara outback cattle station.
Bullara Station, image credit: Tourism Western Australia
The Shallcross family offer visitors a warm welcome so you should expect to make new friends at the complimentary damper tasting and have a great yarn with the team over a long table dinner. Definitely be brave and use the outdoor showers.
Bullara Station has accommodation to suit all budgets and travel preferences. BYO tent or camper trailer and pitch up amongst the friendly kangaroos, upgrade to a shearers lodge, or relax in true comfort in one of their stunning huts.
Karijini National Park
The rugged natural beauty of vast Karijini National Park easily rivals the likes of the Grand Canyon.
Fern Pool, image credit: Tourism Western Australia
Karijini's gorges appear like dazzling oases in the sea of rust-coloured dirt of this tropical semi-desert landscape.
You will need at least a couple of days to make the most of WA’s second largest national park. You can join a tour, tackle a new sport under some expert guidance, or simply explore under your own steam.
We recommend you give yourselves at least a day in and around Dales Gorge. Make sure to visit the look-out and take your towels for a dip at Fern Pool and Fortescue Falls.
On Day 2 (or 3), crack out your reef shoes again for the spider walk at Hancock Gorge and reward yourself with a cooling dip at Kermit’s Pool at the end. Another great but challenging option is to head to Weano Gorge and take the ‘journey to the centre of the earth’ to Handrail Pool.
Finally, take a trip to iconic Hamersley Gorge and the much-photographed Spa Pool.
Spa pool, image credit: Tourism Western Australia
Where to stay
Accommodation in and around Karijini National Park is limited so booking ahead is an absolute must. Two great options are Dales campground and the Tom Price Tourist Park.
Upgrade your experience
It doesn’t get much more luxury than chartering your own helicopter. Choose your own itinerary and see some of the incredible sights of the Pilbara from the air, including WA’s second highest mountain, the gorges and Wittenoom ghost town.
For a unique outback glamping experience, plan a stay inside the national park in a deluxe eco tent at Karijini Eco Retreat. You’ll soon see why this award-winning, Aboriginal-owned retreat was voted one of Australia’s top 5 camping spots by Booking.com.
Karijini Eco Retreat, image credit: Tourism Western Australia
Lastly, if you’re heading up to Karijini around 6-10 April then be sure to grab some tickets to the 2021 Karijini Experience: five days of culture, art, food and music on country. Highlights include a guided yoga session at Fortescue Falls and a bush tucker high tea.
Getting there
- Fly from Perth to Exmouth (Learmonth) with Qantas
- Fly from Perth to Paraburdoo with Qantas (1.5 hours drive from Karijini National Park)
- Fly from Perth to Newman with Virgin Australia and Qantas (2 hours drive from Karijini National Park)
- Book your car hire with Perth Airport
All advice, recommendations and use of this blog is subject to Perth Airport Online Services - Terms of Use.