Walk Western Australia’s Karijini & Ningaloo Reef
from $3510
Duration: 10 Days
Minimise the driving time and maximise the adventure on a 10-day guided camping tour in Western Australia. Snorkel in the clear waters of Turquoise Bay at Ningaloo Reef, take a dip in secluded swimming holes fed by tumbling waterfalls, explore the rugged landscapes of Karijini National Park and more. With the perfect combination of activities and relaxation surrounded by some of Australia’s most incredible scenery, this trip is big on adventure. With an opportunity to swim with whale sharks plus plenty of hiking trails, this trip is perfect for those who love to jump right in.
  • Explore Karijini National Park including Kalamina, Dales, Weano & Hancock Gorges, Kermit's and Handrail Pool, and summit Mt Bruce - Australia’s second highest peak.
  • There’s no need for a map or GPS on this walking trip – with an expert local leader that knows the area inside-out, all you have to do is enjoy the journey.
  • Snorkel Ningaloo Reef, where you’ll see rich and diverse marine life plus vibrant coral creating a rainbow of colours underneath the turquoise waters.
  • Take the opportunity for an (optional) experience of a lifetime and go swimming with whale sharks, the world’s biggest fish, off Western Australia’s Coral Coast.
  • With all meals included, you’ll enjoy breakfast at your campsite, fresh picnic lunches in incredible locations and delicious campfire dinners prepared by your guide.
  • Karijini National Park - Dales Gorge
  • Karijini National Park - Kalamina Gorge walk
  • Karijini National Park - Karajini Visitor Centre
  • Karijini National Park - Mt Bruce Summit walk
  • Karijini National Park - Hancock Gorge
  • Karijini National Park - Kermit's Pool
  • Karijini National Park - Weano Recreation Area
  • Karijini National Park - Weano Gorge & Handrail Pool
  • Tom Price - Mt Nameless (Jarndunmunha) Trail walk
  • Cape Range National Park - Mandu Mandu Walk
  • Cape Range National Park - Yardie Gorge Trail
  • Ningaloo Marine Park - Turquoise Bay
  • Cape Range National Park - Charles Knife Canyon & Badjirrajirra Walk trail
  • Day 1 Location: Paraburdoo / Karijini National Park
    Welcome to Paraburdoo Airport! After a pickup at the airport, your group will drive into Karijini National Park, home of the Banjima, Innawongka and Eastern Guruma peoples. This is Western Australia’s second largest national park with a landscape that is more than 2.5 billion years old and some of the best hiking trails in the state. Get to know your group over sunset drinks and dinner before settling into your comfortable safari-style tent for the night.
    Day 2 Location: Karijini National Park
    Your first walk is an introduction to hiking in Karijini National Park, Kalamina Gorge. Don’t forget your swimmers as you’ll have the chance to cool off in one of Karijini’s pristine swimming holes at the bottom of the gorge. After your swim, drop into the Visitor’s Centre to check out the information about the park and perhaps grab yourself an ice cream. From here, it’s off to Dale’s Gorge for the rest of the afternoon and a swim in Circular Pool and Fern Pool, two of the park’s most beautiful waterholes. With deep red rocks, lush ferns and waterfalls, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered your own private paradise.
    Day 3 Location: Mt Bruce / Karijini National Park
    After breakfast, lace up your hiking boots for a hike to Mt Bruce, Western Australia’s second highest peak. This full day ridge walk has it all, from paths that feel like you’re taking a gentle stroll to rock scrambles and climbs so steep there is a chain for support. When you reach the top of the mountain, the 360 degree views of the Karijini Range, its rich red landscape and a bird’s eye look at a working mine site make the occasional challenging section of this walk completely worthwhile.
    Day 4 Location: Karijini National Park
    Today’s occasionally challenging walk has four major highlights including two of Karijini National Park’s most famous gorges - Hancock and Weano. The trail to Junction Pool Lookout is relatively flat and has terrific views of Hancock and Joffre Gorges. Your feet will enjoy a cool down as some sections of the walk require wading. Soak up the scenery during a swim in the pristine waters of Kermit’s Pool and Handrail Pool before the return trip to camp for a shower and dinner under the stars.
    Day 5 Location: Mt Nameless / Cheela Plains
    This morning you will say farewell to Karijini and begin your journey toward the West Coast. The rocky peak of Mt Nameless (Jarndunmunha) dominates the landscape as you drive to Tom Price. Follow the trail, along the ridge line to the top of this significant mountain. The hike has some challenging sections but rewarding views! For those after an alternative to hiking Mt Nameless, there is a mine site tour that leaves from the visitors centre or you may wish to spend the morning relaxing in the township of Tom Price at a local cafe. In the afternoon depart Tom Price for Cheela Plains, a true outback station stay where you will enjoy a delicious meal under the spectacular desert night sky!
    Day 6 Location: Exmouth
    Grab your favourite tunes or a good book and settle back and rest your legs on the drive from Cheela Plains to Exmouth. There will be time to stop and stretch your legs along the way and have lunch together before you arrive in Exmouth in time to watch the sun set into the Indian Ocean.
    Day 7 Location: Exmouth
    Less than 1 in 3 million people have swum with whale sharks and today that person could be you! Book early for the opportunity to go on an (optional) experience of a lifetime and swim with whale sharks, the world’s biggest fish, off Western Australia’s Coral Coast. It’s not unusual for these gentle creatures to grow up to 10 metres in length which makes swimming alongside them an incredible experience. The tours are optional, but highly recommended. Alternative activities are available and can be arranged if you don’t want to join one of the whale shark tours.
    Day 8 Location: Cape Range National Park / Ningaloo Reef
    Get set for a day of adventure in Cape Range National Park, with a series of short walks, snorkels and swims along the coast. Highlights include exploring Mandu Mandu Gorge on a walk that follows the route of an ancient riverbed and spotting rock wallabies in Yardi Creek Gorge. From here, you’ll head to Turquoise Bay on Ningaloo Reef, part of the traditional lands of the Baiyungu, Thalanyji and Yinigurdira peoples, for swimming and snorkelling before a group dinner back at Yardi Homestead Caravan Park.
    Day 9 Location: Cape Range National Park / Ningaloo Reef
    You’ll begin your adventures on dry land walking the Badjirrajirra Trail, a 6.8km walk with gorges cut into the limestone karst and spinifex country offering views that seem to stretch on forever. Compared to some of your walks in Karijini National Park, this trail is relatively easy but it can be extremely hot, so your leader may have to augment today’s itinerary if this is the case. Once you’ve explored Charles Knife Canyon, cool off in Ningaloo’s sparkling waters and go in search of turtles around the small islands known as the Oyster Stacks. After another full day of exploring, it’s back to camp for the last night of the trip. Today’s walking distance is approximately 7kms.
    Day 10 Location: Exmouth
    After breakfast, you will be transferred to Exmouth airport for your flight back to Perth. Alternatively, you are welcome to make your own onward travel arrangements.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    11JUL2023
    Return Date:
    20JUL2023
    3510NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    19JUL2023
    Return Date:
    28JUL2023
    3510NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    27JUL2023
    Return Date:
    05AUG2023
    3510NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    31JUL2023
    Return Date:
    09AUG2023
    3510NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    04AUG2023
    Return Date:
    13AUG2023
    3510NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    08AUG2023
    Return Date:
    17AUG2023
    3510NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    16AUG2023
    Return Date:
    25AUG2023
    3510NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    24AUG2023
    Return Date:
    02SEP2023
    3510NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    26APR2024
    Return Date:
    05MAY2024
    3510NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    30APR2024
    Return Date:
    09MAY2024
    3510NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    04 Jul 2023

    Trip title

    Walk Western Australia's Karijini & Ningaloo Reef

    Trip code

    PJXN

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Apr 2023 to 31 Mar 2024

    Introduction

    Minimise the driving time and maximise the adventure on a 10-day guided camping tour in Western Australia. Snorkel in the clear waters of Turquoise Bay at Ningaloo Reef, take a dip in secluded swimming holes fed by tumbling waterfalls, explore the rugged landscapes of Karijini National Park and more. With the perfect combination of activities and relaxation surrounded by some of Australia’s most incredible scenery, this trip is big on adventure. With an opportunity to swim with whale sharks plus plenty of hiking trails, this trip is perfect for those who love to jump right in.

    Style

    Basix

    Themes

    Walking & Trekking

    Transport

    Private Vehicle,Walking

    Physical Rating

    4

    Physical preparation

    All walks on this trip are less than 10 km but each has its challenges. The terrain is rocky and there is a lot of ascending and descending - both for the peaks and the gorge walks. A reasonable level of fitness is required to fully enjoy the trip. Cardiovascular fitness is always important for walking holidays and a regular routine of walking, dancing, swimming, cycling etc will help with that. What's also important for a tour like this is strength, balance and joint mobility. Regular walking on a variety of terrain and surfaces, incorporating hills and/or stairs, will be of great benefit. The most important thing is to have fun. Enjoy your preparation and think of it as a challenge rather than a punishment. A better holiday and better overall health are your reward. We know that this type of preparation is difficult to fit into a busy schedule. If you don't have the time to do long walks, we recommend doing regular stair walking sessions. Walking small distances frequently helps a lot as well. For instance, walking 3 - 5km four times a week, and 8km once a week, is a great help. If you're doing short training sessions, make sure you get yourself puffed and sweaty. Otherwise you won't benefit from your efforts. And start walking in the shoes you will wear on the walk now!

    Joining point

    Paraburdoo Airport

    Paraburdoo

    AUSTRALIA

    Phone: +61 8 9159 8300

    Joining point instructions

    This trip is scheduled to meet the following flights on arrival at Paraburdoo Airport: Monday to Friday: QF1620 Departs Perth at 1:30pm, Arrives Paraburdoo at 3:15pm Saturday: QF1842 Departs Perth at 07:30am, Arrives Paraburdoo at 09:20am Sunday: QF1624 Departs Perth at 3:50pm, Arrives Paraburdoo at 5:35pm

    Finish point

    Ningaloo Centre Exmouth

    2 Truscott Cres

    Exmouth

    AUSTRALIA

    Phone: +61 899493070

    Important information

    START & END TIMES The trip begins at Paraburdoo Airport on day 1. For pick up times for the different days of the week please read the joining point instructions carefully. The trip finishes finishes with a transfer to Exmouth or Exmouth Airport on the last day. SINGLE TRAVELLERS Single travellers will have their own tent for all camping nights. LUGGAGE LIMIT Luggage limit is strictly one small-medium sized soft sided back, maximum weight 12kg per person. Sleeping bag, pillow, day pack and walking poles can be carried in addition to your main luggage. OPERATOR This trip is operated and run by Inspiration Outdoors, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Inspiration Outdoors customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Inspiration Outdoors to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time away. SWIMMING WITH WHALE SHARKS Swimming with whale sharks is not included on this trip and is an optional activity. It is very important that you pre book any Whale Shark experiences, as this can sell out far in advance. You are able to book this service with us (subject to availability). Please also note that whale sharks visit the region between mid-March and mid-September only, so please make sure you schedule your trip accordingly if you would like to include this experience in your trip.

    Group leader

    All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

    Safety

    Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. Entry requirements can change and are different depending on your nationality. Please refer to your government's foreign travel advisories, the consular websites for the countries you’re travelling to and those you may transit through. Always follow visa advice from official websites; not all visa information found online may be valid. You can also head to Intrepid’s Entry & Health requirement page to get the latest information on travel documents and visa requirements, plus local government COVID-19 vaccination and quarantine policies: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/visa-health-requirements All travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia. Failure to do so means you may not be allowed to board your flight to Australia. Most nationalities can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority via the internet before arrival. Please check the following website or with your relevant Australian visa issuing office for your nationalities requirements. http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/

    Why we love it

    Explore Karijini National Park including Kalamina, Dales, Weano & Hancock Gorges, Kermit's and Handrail Pool, and summit Mt Bruce - Australia’s second highest peak.

    There’s no need for a map or GPS on this walking trip – with an expert local leader that knows the area inside-out, all you have to do is enjoy the journey.

    Snorkel Ningaloo Reef, where you’ll see rich and diverse marine life plus vibrant coral creating a rainbow of colours underneath the turquoise waters.

    Take the opportunity for an (optional) experience of a lifetime and go swimming with whale sharks, the world’s biggest fish, off Western Australia’s Coral Coast.

    With all meals included, you’ll enjoy breakfast at your campsite, fresh picnic lunches in incredible locations and delicious campfire dinners prepared by your guide.

    Is this trip right for you

    This trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with a good level of mobility. Good footwear, plus perhaps walking poles are recommended. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary. If you need a break from walking, you can always have a day or sometimes an afternoon off to relax if you feel like it. Your guides will attempt to find alternative activities where possible. This trip is operated and run by Inspiration Outdoors, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Inspiration Outdoors customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Inspiration Outdoors to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time away. The majority of our campsites are unpowered, so be prepared to be without electricity for most nights. Please note that you will need to bring your own sleeping bag, or hire one at an additional cost. This will need to be requested prior to the trip via your booking agent. Please note that swimming with whale sharks is not included on this trip and is an optional activity. It is very important that you pre-book any whale shark experiences, as these can sell out far in advance. You are able to book this service with us (subject to availability). Please let us know well ahead of time if you would like to add this option to your booking. Please also note that whale sharks visit the region between mid-March and mid-September only, so please make sure you schedule your trip accordingly if you would like to include this experience in your trip.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. COVID-19 The safety and wellbeing of our travellers, leaders, crew, staff, and suppliers continues to remain our highest priority as we travel. You can read more about how we will keep you safe on our trips, including our COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safe-travels VACCINATION POLICY From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for this trip. However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers get vaccinated to protect themselves and others. Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully. For more information, including a detailed FAQ about this policy, please visit https://www.intrepidtravel.com/covid19. HEALTH SCREENING If you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to complete a self-screening health form at the group meeting for this trip. If you are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms or have any health concerns during the trip, we will follow the advice of local health authorities to determine whether medical assistance, isolation or further action is required. Travellers who test positive while taking part in an Intrepid trip will need to leave the group for a minimum of five days and may only rejoin the group if presenting as asymptomatic – our team will assist them in arranging a place to self-isolate and any onward journey. It's quite possible that the destination country may have different or more strict protocols than your home country regarding COVID-19. This may include hotel or hospital quarantine or quarantine for the group. Please check your government's travel advice or contact the closest embassies to find out the details. We ask all travellers to continue to monitor their health throughout their travels and report any relevant symptoms to their tour leader. HYDRATION Daytime temperatures across Australia can be extreme from October to March with temperatures over 40C/104F. Even for travellers familiar with these temperatures, it’s easy to become dehydrated. The key point to remember is not to wait until you’re thirsty, but to drink water regularly. Adding an electrolyte solution can aid in replenishing the salts/electrolytes lost when travelling at this time of year. MEDICAL RESTRICTIONS As we operate in remote areas, guests will need to bring all of their own personal medications on tour. Whilst our guides are qualified in remote area or wilderness first aid and carry satellite phones, we do not carry epi-pens, Ventolin or other emergency medications. If a person requires urgent medical attention whilst on tour, it may take several hours or more for emergency services to attend the scene and take you to a medical facility. Under certain circumstances your tour consultant may request a medical certificate of fitness before you are cleared to participate on the tour. If pre-existing medical issues that will affect your ability to complete the tour or have an impact on other guests experiences, are not disclosed prior to the departure, we reserve the right to remove you from the tour. You can bring a CPAP machine whilst on tour but you will need to purchase a single supplement.

    Food and dietary requirements

    We cater to all dietary requirements and will make sure you are well fed and looked after on tour. Please let us know in advance of travel if you have any dietary requirements. You will be surprised at just how good the food is! Breakfast comprises of cereal, fruit and toast. Lunch is cold meats and salad with sandwiches, rolls or wraps. Dinner is a 2-course meal. Morning tea is supplied and fresh fruit is always available. If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know when you book, we are happy to adapt our tasty, nutritious meals to suit a variety of dietary needs. We are not able to have campfires in Karijini; food is cooked on gas stoves. All eating utensils are provided. Drinking water is always available. Guests may bring a small quantity of alcohol. If possible please purchase beer and wine in either cask or cans as opposed to glass. There will be an opportunity to purchase alcohol in Tom Price on Day 5 and then again on Day 6 on your way through Exmouth. There is limited capacity for cooling drinks.

    Money matters

    CURRENCY The Australian Dollar (A$ or AUD) is the currency of Australia. CREDIT CARDS Credit and debit cards can be used for purchases in most shops and restaurants. ATMs are common across Australia but may be limited in remote areas. Your leader will advise when this may occur so you can withdraw enough cash in advance. Credit cards in Australia require a PIN rather than a signature and may have a small surcharge for purchases. SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. TIPPING In Australia, tipping, while appreciated can be the exception rather than the norm. As a guide, tipping is appropriate in a restaurant for a meal (10-15% as a general rule). In a taxi, a cafe or bar, rounding up is acceptable. You can consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline AU$2-5 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

    What to take

    LUGGAGE LIMIT: Luggage limit is strictly one small-medium sized soft sided back, maximum weight 12kg per person. Sleeping bag, pillow, day pack and walking poles can be carried in additional to your main luggage. ESSENTIAL ITEMS: • Pillow, sleeping bag and sleeping sheet (in a sturdy plastic bag if they don't fit in your luggage). • Day-pack - with a thick waist strap to help take some weight off your shoulders. • Shorts/long pants and shirts for walking - lightweight and quick-dry material are best. • Socks - whichever thickness you're comfortable walking in. • Warm clothing in case of cold evenings and mornings - jumper, tracksuit pants, beanie, fleece jacket. • Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or boots (ankle support is recommended as many surfaces are rocky and uneven) • Reef sandals/shoes for walking in water. Make sure they have good grip even when they're wet. • Ankle gaiters/sock protectors suitable for hot weather (not plastic). • Waterproof jacket*. • Sun protection - hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (and consider your clothing) • Casual clothes for evenings and rest days. • Bathers, rash vest and small swimming towel (lightweight so you can easily carry them). • Small bath towel. • Toiletries, hand sanitiser and personal medication. • Reliable headlamp with spare batteries (much better than a torch because you can use both hands when wearing a headlamp). • Any preferred first aid supplies - such as your favourite blister treatment! (Your guide will carry a full first-aid kit). • Water bottle/s or camelback - 2 to 3 litre capacity. • A lunch container • Fly net (especially for walks in warmer weather) • Camera and charger/batteries • Gaiters for snake bite protection are recommended unless you are wearing long pants and long socks. They're also good for keeping sand out of your shoes. • Sock protectors (to keep sand out of your boots) • Robust sandals for wading/beach sections • Bathers and towel • Small towel to carry during the day OPTIONAL ITEMS: • Snacks and alcohol - there will be time to purchase more during the week if you need to. Some people like to have some muesli bars, nuts, lollies etc • Walking poles • Snorkelling gear* * You may bring your own but if you would like to hire on the ground the price per day at time of publishing is: $8 mask and snorkel, $8 fins or $16 mask, snorkel and fins.

    Climate and seasonal

    Days are usually dry in the mid to late 20s. However, some evenings can be very chilly, particularly in June, July and August in Karijini National Park, with overnight temperatures sometimes dipping to single figures. We recommend packing a warm fleece jacket, gloves and a beanie for those very chilly nights. It can rain at any time, so please be prepared.

    A couple of rules

    We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leaders are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the number below: Intrepid's Local Operator: 1300 544 882 or +61 8 6219 5164

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip leaders, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN As an Australian-owned business with a vision to change the way people see the world, Intrepid is committed to reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. While Intrepid might have done a lot to empower communities, businesses and our partners around the world over the years, there’s still a lot for us to do here at home. We are working towards a better, more inclusive and fairer Australia. You can find more information about our Reconciliation Action Plan here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/reconciliation

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than 12.8 million dollars and supported more than 130 communities worldwide. Now, with almost 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. By simply being on this trip, Intrepid Travel will make a donation to the Intrepid Foundation on your behalf. If you choose to donate too, 100% of your donations will go directly to our partners on the ground – where they’re needed most. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your leader or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

    Accommodation notes

    This is a camping tour with lots of comforts. (As we like to say it's a camping tour for noncampers!) Each person will have the use of their own semi-permanent tent and a comfy camping bed. Even if you are travelling with a friend or a significant other you will have access to your own tent or you are more than welcome to share. You will need to bring a pillow and sleeping bag or you can hire a sleeping bag from us for $55 (to cover dry cleaning at the end of the tour). There are flushing toilets and showers in all the campgrounds. When we are out and about during the day there are long drop toilets available. There is also ample opportunity for swimming on most days. On some departures (due to flight availability) guests will stay a night in a motel in Tom Price or Exmouth. All departure dates will still go to all the same gorges and sights.

    Transport notes

    Transport is by an air-conditioned tour coach. Our vehicles are comfortable and regularly serviced to ensure safety and reliability. Seats are not pre-allocated, so to ensure all participants get to enjoy seats close to the front and window seats we encourage guests to change where they sit each day. In the case of a breakdown or other unforeseen circumstances affecting the vehicle or guide, the operator reserves the right to substitute vehicles and guides other than those specified, to ensure the operation of a tour.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services AUSTRALIANS TRAVELLING DOMESTICALLY Travel insurance will help ensure you’re protected in case of any unforeseen changes to your journey – such as flight cancellations or COVID-19 related disruptions. For this reason, we recommend you purchase comprehensive domestic travel insurance for your trip. This may not be something you would have typically done in the past when travelling domestically in Australia, but it does offer you a number of benefits in these dynamic times. While Australians and Australian Permanent Residents travelling within Australia are not required to be covered for hospital care due to being covered by Medicare, a comprehensive domestic travel insurance policy should cover you for expenses resulting from – among other things – COVID-19 related changes, including an outbreak in your destination or on your departure necessitating changes to your travel plans that incur additional costs. Domestic travel insurance plans may also include personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage and personal effects, and other benefits. It is also advisable that domestic travellers have current ambulance cover in the case of emergency evacuation or incidents requiring ambulance transportation. Please be sure to carefully check the policy’s inclusions with your preferred insurer.

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.

    Accommodation

    Semi-permanent tented camp (shared facilities) (9 nights)

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