Perth to Exmouth, Karijini & Return

Overview & Itinerary

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Physical rating

To get the most out of this trip you need to be prepared for walks of between 3-9 km on some days. This may be on rough ground and perhaps getting feet wet in rivers and creeks. From Oct to March in the Red Centre, West Coast, and South of Australia you will experience temperatures of over 35 degrees Celsius (and sometimes well into the 40’s) so be prepared to endure extra physical stress due to the heat at these times, especially while on walks. In the Top End of Australia (Kimberley and Kakadu) temperatures in the shoulder months of April, May and September, October humidity levels can be high and sometimes slightly uncomfortable.

These extreme outside temperatures can also place stress on the air-conditioning units within our vehicles which can make travelling uncomfortable. Your tour guide will assist with regular breaks and information to assist in keeping well hydrated.

ATTENTION: This tour is only for fit and active people, who can hike 5-9kms a day over uneven terrain, often in high temperatures. Some hikes may require sections of walking/swimming through water. Temperatures can be extreme; very high during summer days and very cold during winter nights. The operator reserves the right to assess the fitness capability of passengers prior to tour departure. Tour is not suitable for children. There is a STRICT LUGGAGE LIMIT of 15kgs per person, in a backpack or soft bag.

Is this trip right for you?

• This is a ‘no frills’ west coast experience. You’ll spend some nights of the trip sleeping at camping grounds in twin-share tents. While conditions can be basic, this is all part of the adventure.
• This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves a lot of walking, allowing you to really get among nature. The hike in Karijini National Park is challenging. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing. You will need two pairs of shoes, one that can get wet.
• On some days of the trip, you will spend several hours driving, often through very sparse areas of desert. Sit back and enjoy landscapes that you would miss in any other form of travel, and please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
• Temperatures in Western Australia can be extreme. During the day the weather can be hot (and the Australian sun is strong) so please bring appropriate clothing, use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings temperatures really drop, so ensure you have base layers and warm clothing.
• When you’re not camping, you’ll stay in multishare accommodation that may be mixed gender.

Joining point

Tourist Bus Stop on Barrack Square (Next to Pinnacle Tours Office), departing 07:00AM
Barrack St Jetty
Perth
AUSTRALIA

Joining point instructions

The default pick up location for this trip is at 7am at the Tourist Bus Stop on Barrack Square (Next to the Pinnacle Tours Office).

The default pick up point is where we will meet you for your tour, unless you or your travel agent requests an alternative location (contact our Reservations team for more information). It is your responsibility to contact us with your preferred pick up point well ahead of departure. We do not take responsibility for missed tours if we have not been advised of an alternative in advance and you are not at the default location on time.

Problems and emergency contact information

ALL general enquiry must be directed to our Reservations team on +61 (0)3 9125 3630.

In the case of a GENUINE EMERGENCY, or concerns about a missed pick-up on the day of departure ONLY please contact our Operations Manager in Western Australia on +61 (0)8 7918 1840 or 0417 818 432.

Finishing point

Central Perth at approximately 6 pm.

Perth
AUSTRALIA

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.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn’t an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it’s recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Essential Trip Information

Important notes

1. Please refer to the COVID-19 Hub for the latest information on ATA’s COVID-related policies. Read details here
2. Tour commences in Perth on Day 1 at 7 am and finishes in Perth (Day 10) at approximately 6 pm. Onward travel should be booked for the following day.
3. A strict luggage limit of 15 kg applies. Please bring a soft sided bag only.
4. This trip requires a sleeping bag.
5. The accommodation on this trip is a mix of Hostel – mixed gender multishare and camping in unpowered tents. The minimum age for this trip is 18 years old.

Travel insurance

We endorse the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that all travellers take out travel insurance. It is your personal responsibility to purchase your own travel insurance.

Food and dietary requirements

Passengers with special meal requirements or food allergies MUST ensure they or their travel agent inform ATA of this when booking. Food for the trip is purchased before commencement and special requirements cannot be catered for after departing. If you have not notified us prior to departure, you may be asked to pay for any additional food yourself. Due to the nature of our trips food is basic but plentiful. We provide the substitutes below; please bring your staples if you require specific foods not listed below:

• No Pork (Alternative to Ham provided)
• No Dairy (soy milk provided)
• Vegetarian (additional veg and vegie burgers provided)
• Vegan (supply of additional fruit and veg provided)
• Gluten Free (cereal, bread, wraps, pasta, snack bars, sweet and savoury biscuits provided)

*Religious dietary requirements and specifically prepared/sourced produce cannot be catered for.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (3 nights), Hostel (6 nights)

PARTICIPATORY CAMPING:
To participate in this trip you must be prepared to assist with preparing meals, cleaning dishes, collecting firewood, setting up and packing up camp every day, in all conditions.

ACCOMMODATION PP10:
Please note that standard accommodation on this trip is:
5 nights multishare accommodation with shared facilities, 4 nights camping. There are no upgrade rooms available on this trip and due to the multishare accommodation the minimum age for this trip is 18.

Accommodation on the West Coast consists of multishare accommodation and simple permanent tents when camping. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag or pre-purchase one from us for the nights spent camping. Please also provide your own pillow if you wish. Multishare accommodation may be in mixed sex dorms.

Feedback

ISSUES ON YOUR TRIP
While we always endeavour to provide you with the best possible holiday experience, sometimes things can and do go wrong due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your tour guide 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 tour guide cannot resolve a situation to your satisfaction – if this is the case, please ask the guide to speak to their direct manager or contact our reservations staff.

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. But we ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide practical help after the trip is complete.

FEEDBACK
After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could do better. It allows us to make improvements for future travellers. Please visit this page to leave feedback: www.adventuretours.com.au/submit-tour-feedback

Medical conditions

Please note this tour operates in remote regions, and as such, medical facilities may be difficult to access. If you have any medical conditions or take any form of medication, please provide full details & nature of the condition. Please provide details of the medication taken.

Transport

All Terrain vehicle

DRIVING DISTANCES IN AUSTRALIA

Australia is a BIG country! In fact, the whole of Europe fits into Australia with plenty of room to spare. Australia has a total land area of 7,706,168 sq km, and the coastline spans a massive 15,049km.

Here in Australia we’re used to driving long distances on holiday, but you may not be. Take for example, our 10 day Perth to Broome trip will see you travelling about the length of Portugal. Driving from Alice Springs to Darwin is about the length of the UK, and our 10 day Perth to Adelaide trip is about the same distance from Spain to Poland. Yep, it’s a big country! However, that’s why we think seeing Australia from the ground is better. We live in a country that has it all; stunning coastline and beaches, the outback, tropical rainforests, and some seriously amazing landscapes and wildlife. Whilst you may spend some days in the vehicle a little longer than others getting to the next destination, we think it’s worth it!

Accommodation

Hostel (with shared facilities) (5 nights)
Camping (with shared facilities) (4 nights) 

A couple of rules

Everyone has the right to feel safe when they travel. We don’t tolerate violence (verbal or physical) or sexual harassment, either between customers or involving our guides, partners or local people. Sexual relationships between a guide and a customer are strictly forbidden.

Use or possession of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. If you choose to consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you’ll abide by the local laws regarding alcohol consumption.

By travelling with us you are agreeing to adhere to these rules. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of Australia, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our Responsible Travel Guidelines.

The decision of the guide is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a guide, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the guide may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked.

If you feel someone behaves inappropriately while travelling with us, please inform your guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in this Essential Trip Information’s Emergency Contact section.

Packing

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags are convenient and we recommend your bag has carry straps. You’ll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day.

LUGGAGE LIMIT:
Please keep your luggage to a minimum. Due to limited space and strictly enforced road laws regarding weight limits, Adventure Tours travellers can carry a maximum of 15 kg.
For our West Coast trips it is essential you bring only one small to medium soft-sided bag plus a day pack. We are not able to carry large suitcases, particularly hard/externally framed suitcases as they are difficult to store and can damage equipment and other travellers’ belongings.
If your trip is beginning and ending at the same location, excess luggage can usually be stored at your arrival/departure hotel and can be collected after your trip. If your trip does not return to the same starting point we suggest you look at freighting your excess luggage. One option is with greyhound: http://www.greyhoundfreight.com.au/

WATER BOTTLE:
Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.

SLEEPING BAG & MAT:
Comfortable sleeping mats are provided when camping. Please bring a travel pillow and sleeping bag or pre-purchase a sleeping bag from us. 10ºC sleeping bags are available for sale prior to travel. If you do not wish to keep your sleeping bag we will return them to our Operations Department, where they will be washed and donated to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Below are some ideas and helpful tips on what you specifically need for this trip.

ESSENTIALS:
– Lightweight clothing. You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing and layers. Long shirts and pants are useful to protect against the harsh Australian sun. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry.
– During dry season months (May – August) overnight temperatures can drop below 0 Celsius but daytime temperatures can still exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Daytime temperatures and humidity can be extreme in the shoulder seasons of March, April and September, October with temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius
– Comfortable closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grass-lands, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings.
– Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

RECOMMENDED:
– Personal medical kit. A larger kit will be on hand with your guide, but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes, Band-Aids and insect repellent.
– Water bottle. We recommend at least a 1.5litre capacity.
– A headlamp or torch is recommended for around your accommodation at night.
– Camera with spare batteries.
– A spare pair of shoes that can get wet, along with two towels.
– A pair of slip on shoes/sandals that you can carry in your day pack for riding the bus and casual wear.

OPTIONAL:
– Sleep sheet. If you are travelling during the hot season you may wish to pack a sleep sheet so you will be comfortable no matter what the weather.
– Ear plugs
– A good book, a journal and music player
– Binoculars for spotting wildlife

VALUABLES:
Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.

BATTERIES/POWER:
Most of our trips have access to power to recharge batteries for phones and cameras every couple of days. There are some days where there is no power at the campsites at all. We always recommend that you carry an extra battery for your camera just in case. Your vehicle will be equipped with a 12 volt “cigarette lighter” socket which may be used at the crew’s discretion, however, do bear in mind that only one piece of equipment can be charged at a time and it will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle’s batteries low. Batteries may also be recharged from hotel room wall sockets. Hotels and many campsites have electricity and charging of batteries is advised before checking out the following day.

Participatory Camping

On most days, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Your guide will prepare most of the meals whilst on tour but you will have the opportunity to assist with daily activities such as setting up camp, helping prepare meals and clearing dishes. None of this is difficult however many hands make light work and any assistance provided to crew is always much appreciated. Most people agree that this type of activity helps you feel like less of a tourist and more of an explorer.

Phone and internet access

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
This is the beauty of our style of travel: many of our travellers join because they are travelling solo and want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people.

Wireless (wi-fi) is common across accommodation in urban areas of Australia. Some properties may charge a fee for usage. Cafe’s and pubs across the Northen Territory may have wi-fi for a fee, with those in tourist area’s offering it for free. Shopping centre’s, airports and other public spaces offer limited free wi-fi access.

Even travelling a small distance from populated areas will see internet access stop. Many of our camps have little to no internet access (any access at all is expensive) being as remote as they are. Please be prepared for up to 3-4 days at a time without internet or cell service. Turn your phone off and enjoy the beauty of this part of the world.

Australia’s main telecommunication companies all operate in towns in the NT. Different networks will work in outback or regional area’s. Pay phones (most are prepaid card only) are rarer than hen’s teeth but can be found in most campsites we use.

If you are spending longer in Australia, it might be a good idea to purchase a local SIM card for data and your mobile device. If you need to purchase a phone locally. look for Telstra’s ‘blue tick’ phones with better coverage in rural areas.

Guides are equipped with satellite phones for emergencies only.