Australia wildlife holiday: whale sharks and wallabies

Itinerary in brief:

• 3 nights Perth
• 2 nights Coral Bay
• 3 nights Exmouth
• 2 nights Adelaide
• 3 nights Eyre Peninsula
• 2 nights Kangaroo Island
• 1 night Adelaide

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights 

Day 2: Arrive Perth

On arrival in Perth, you’ll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel in the city, checking in for three nights.   

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel  

Day 3: Perth

Start your holiday with a couple of days to enjoy Perth – on your first day we’ve included a 90 minute walking tour of Karrgatup (Kings Park) where you’ll learn about the area’s intriguing past and spiritual significance to Noongar People. Start your experience with the Noongar welcome and ochre ceremony before hearing a Dreamtime story, traditional songs and Noongar language against the backdrop of modern day Perth.

Included: Karrgatup (Kings Park) walking tour, 4* hotel             

Day 4: Rottnest Island

Today we’ve included a day trip to Rottnest Island. We’ve included a bike and ferry trip, so you’ll be able to catch the ferry over and be given a bike hire to get around the island and explore at your own pace. Why not pop your snorkel and fins in your bag and head off to find the perfect spot? Our favourite beaches are Little Parakeet Bay, Ricey Beach and Little Salmon Bay. You can also kayak along Pinky’s Beach and relax in the warm shallow waters of Porpoise Bay.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for quokkas, the tiny local marsupials that have made Rottnest their home. You won’t need to go out of your way to meet the little animals – you’ll find them munching on berries in the shade of the trees or lurking behind fishermen in search of a snack. They are very friendly and cheeky, but you mustn’t feed them – hard to resist as they are so cute!

Included: Bike & Ferry Rottnest trip, 4* hotel    

Day 5: Fly to Exmouth, drive to Coral Bay

This morning, you’ll be picked up and taken back to the airport for the flight north. On arrival in Exmouth, you’ll pick up your hire car and drive south to Coral Bay, a tiny village on the edge of the coast, famous for its access to the Ningaloo Reef.

Included: Transfers, internal flights, hire car, 3* hotel   

Day 6: Coral Bay

Today you’ll head off onto the Ningaloo Reef for the day, on an Marine Eco Safari to swim with manta rays. You’ll start the day with some snorkelling in Bills Bay, where you’ll spot clouds of colourful fish and reef sharks in the coral gardens. Enjoy morning tea onboard before heading out again to find some turtles. After a delicious lunch on board you’ll head to Bateman’s Bay, where, with the assistance of a spotter plane who will be looking for the majestic creatures from above, you’ll have the opportunity to swim with manta rays. These gentle giants are enormous, with wingspans of up to four metres. Swimming with them is sure to be a highlight of your trip!            

Included: Marine eco safari, hire car, 3* hotel    

Day 7: Drive to Exmouth

After breakfast, drive back north to Exmouth, the entry point to Cape Range National Park. Make sure you check out the Big Prawn as you drive into town, before checking into your hotel for three nights.

Included: Hire car, 4* hotel        

Day 8: Whale shark swim

This morning, you’ll head out beyond the reef to look for whalesharks, in an exciting full day adventure swim tour. Snorkelling with the largest fish in the sea is an incredible experience! You’ll start the day on your large and stable boat watching the spotter plane up above looking for the whale sharks. The animals are completely wild and nothing is done to attract them, including feeding. On board, you’ll learn about the whale sharks and the ecology of the reef, before jumping in with your experienced guide. Coming face to face with these gentle giants is an awe-inspiring experience – if you want to hear from someone who has done it, then just ask. Several of us at Travel Nation have been lucky enough to experience this very special moment. Hopefully you’ll have several opportunities to go into the water with the whale sharks, as well as the possibility of seeing humpbacks, mantas, dugongs and dolphins. Enjoy lunch with morning and afternoon tea onboard before being dropped off back in Exmouth at the end of the day. 

Included: Whale shark swim, hire car, 4* hotel

Day 9: Cape Range National Park

Today is yours to explore Cape Range National Park at your leisure. We recommend driving round the top of the cape and heading south down the west coast to Yardie Creek. This ancient gorge has deep red cliffs and lots of wildlife to spot, including wallabies and kangaroos along the bank, as well as turtles in the bright blue water. You can take a cruise along the limestone gorge, or head out on a walking trail with a picnic to enjoy the views.

In the afternoon, head to Turquoise Bay; a pretty beach with azure water and sand like sugar. The real highlight of this beach lies under the water, in the fringing Ningaloo Reef that lies just offshore. Turquoise Bay is home to a strong current that runs along the beach – just walk to the end, pop on your snorkel and you’ll be carried along the beach, no need even to swim as the current is so strong! Only a few metres into the water and you’ll be surrounded by shoals of pink and yellow fish, dark green corals and the occasional blue starfish. Spend the afternoon enjoying this gorgeous spot.

Included: Hire car, 4* hotel        

Day 10: Fly to Adelaide

After breakfast, you’ll drive back to the airport and drop off your car, before catching your flight to Adelaide. On arrival in Adelaide, you’ll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel, checking in for two nights.

Included: Hire car, internal flights, transfers, 4* hotel    

Day 11: Adelaide     

With two days to explore this friendly city, you’ll be spoiled for choice on how to spend your time. Why not head to the Oval to visit the iconic cricket ground – you can even walk along the roof if you choose on the iconic Roofclimb – if you’d like us to book this, just ask! Wander through the heritage architecture of Adelaide Central Market, stroll through the Art Gallery of South Australia or visit the National Wine Centre to taste some local vintages. We’ve included a short walking tour with a born-and-raised local, Katina, who will give you an orientation of the city, teaching a little about Adelaide’s history and showing off the best shopping areas and food spots.

Included: Walking tour, 4* hotel              

Day 12: Fly to Port Lincoln 

It’s an early start this morning – you’ll be picked up and driven to the airport for your short flight to Port Lincoln, on the Eyre Peninsula. On arrival, you’ll guide will greet you at the airport and drive you through spectacular sugar gum trees towards Big Swamp Wetland. These freshwater lakes form a water dependant eco-system and, alongside an ancient Red Gum forest, creates a unique habitat for lots of wildlife. Look for rare waterfowl, endangered emu and black swans from the bird hide, as well as so many other species of birds.

You’ll then arrive at beautiful Coffin Bay, famous for wide, pristine beaches and delicious oysters. You’ll head straight off on an oyster cruise with Coffin Bay oyster farmer Chris Hank. Learn about the Pacific and Native Angasi Oysters in the turquoise waters of Coffin Bay before heading back to enjoy a selection of gourmet seafood platters for lunch.

After lunch you’ll explore the national park, looking for wildlife on the vast beaches and bays, including Western Grey Kangaroos, Peninsula Dragons and Pied Oystercatchers. Southern Right Whales are often seen along the coastline in early winter as they migrate towards their breeding grounds, while sea lions, ospreys and White-bellied Sea-eagles are all monitored by conservations services to protect them in their native habitat. After a fantastic day exploring Coffin Bay, you’ll head back to Port Lincoln and spend the evening relaxing.

Included: Breakfast, lunch, shared touring, 4* hotel        

Day 13: Swim with sealions and dolphins in Baird Bay

This morning you’ll be picked up early and head off on the three-hour journey to Baird Bay. You’ll stop a few times to enjoy some great coastal views in Elliston and Venus Bay, and the long drive is worth it for the incredible ocean experience that awaits you. You’ll head out into the bay to swim with the Australian sea lions off Jones Island. One of only a few places on the planet where you can swim with sea lions, this experience is full of wonder & charm with these sweet animals. The sea lions have never been fed - it is simply the natural curiosity of the sea lions, and mutual respect between both sea lion and human, that has led to such a close relationship with the animals. Following the sea lion encounter, the boat will venture into deeper waters where you now have the chance to swim with the resident Bottlenose dolphins. Powerful & lightning fast - these animals often come so close to you that you can hear the high pitch chatter.

On return to Baird Bay we have lunch before we depart on our journey back down towards Port Lincoln. If time permits, you’ll stop in at the Talia Cave. The sea & wind have etched patterns through time on its limestone roof, whilst the surf washes the rocks, offering another spectacular scene of colour & the force of the Southern Ocean. The last stop of the day is one of the very best vantage spots on the long stretch of the Great Australian Bight. The Cummings Monument provides this and more as the view gives you uninterrupted views of the rugged cliff tops that make up the Bight before arriving back in Port Lincoln for the night.

Included: Breakfast, lunch, shared touring, 4* hotel        

Day 14: Eyre Peninsula       

This morning you’ll head off to the small coastal hamlet of Tulka, where waders, swans and seabirds can seen from the hides before visiting the Port Lincoln National Park

From the naturally rugged and wild Sleaford Bay and the Southern Ocean to the tranquillity of the Spalding Cove area and other beautiful beaches. Rugged cliffs provide an opportunity to view Osprey and White Bellied Sea-Eagles and to keep a look out for Kites and Harriers. Stopping at Taylors Landing you will enjoy lunch and more opportunities to stop and watch the birdlife.

In the National Park, you can walk and beachcomb along Surfleet Cove, take a 45-minute hike to see spectacular views of Boston Bay and Port Lincoln at the Stamford Hill Lookout or even walk along the rocks underneath the Cape Donnington Lighthouse. There are 130 species of birds listed in the National Park as well as lots of other wildlife including Western Grey kangaroos and emus. Migrant Southern Right Whales can be seen from from May to September. In the afternoon, you’ll get up close and personal at one of Australia’s very best habitats where Koalas can be found in the wild.

Stroll under the beautiful old Eucalyptus trees and come face to face with the cuddly icon of Australia as they laze in the Manna gums. As the gum trees are fairly short, your view of the koalas is at eye level which is very unusual. Wild kangaroos casually hop & graze around in this beautiful historical setting, where in 1842 Scotsman Adam Borthwick and his family made their home as one of the very first European settlers of the region. Wander through the restored original homestead as emus roam around and look for some of the 160 native bird species that reside here, such as the Port Lincoln Parrot, Blue Breasted Wrens and an occasional Scarlet Robin. As the sun settles for the evening, sit back around a fire (only out of fire season), relax with a platter and drop of local wine surrounded by wildlife and the sounds of nature before heading back to Port Lincoln for the night.

Included: Breakfast, lunch, shared touring, 4* hotel        

Day 15: Fly to Kangaroo Island

After breakfast, you’ll be taken back to the airport for your flight from Port Lincoln to Kingscote in Kangaroo Island, via Adelaide. On arrival in Kangaroo Island, you’ll be met and driven to the gorgeous Sea Dragon Lodge, on the eastern tip of the island. Once you have relaxed take a walk in the surrounding bushland or head to the secluded private beach at Pink Bay before settling in for a delicious dinner.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, dinner, Sea Dragon Lodge            

Day 16: Kangaroo Island    

Spend the day on a small-group tour with other lodge guests, exploring the diverse natural attractions and wildlife of Kangaroo Island. Enjoy short walks, a picnic lunch and close up wildlife encounters while learning about the history and nature of this amazing island.

First stop is the enormous Australian sea lion colony at Seal Bay, where you can wander along the pristine beach, learning about these beautiful mammals from your guide. After this, you’ll head to Flinders Chase and along the drive you’ll witness the remarkable regrowth of the island after the 2019 bushfires. A stop at Remarkable Rocks will give you the first views of the rugged coastline in this diverse national park. Learn about the early maritime history of this wild environment, all the while spotting other native animal species including long-nosed fur seals at Admirals Arch, echidnas, kangaroos, tammar wallabies and a range of birds and reptiles.

On the return to Sea Dragon, you’ll stop for a swim or a short walk at one of the many picturesque beaches (temperatures permitting), arriving back at approximately 5.30pm. Enjoy a rest in your room with a cold glass of wine before tucking into another sumptuous dinner.

Included: Breakfast, touring, dinner, Sea Dragon Lodge               

Day 17: Kangaroo Island, fly to Adelaide

After breakfast, you’ll check out of your room at Sea Dragon, before heading off on another day of touring on Kangaroo Island. You’ll spend the day indulging in some of the island’s best food and drink providers – the day might include a visit to the organic honey farm to learn about Ligurian bees and taste their honey, a KI Brewery for a tasting paddle of their craft beer or a visit to Emu Bay Lavender Farm, home to an estimated 7,500 plants. One place you’ll definitely visit is Kangaroo Island Spirits, Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery. Join a guided tour of the garden with a distillery host, learning about the native botanicals that go into the specially crafted gin. Afterward, take some time to appreciate samples of gin and mixers and enjoy lunch in the garden.

After a day of touring, you’ll be driven back to the airport in Kingscote for the short flight back to Adelaide. Spend your final night in the city enjoying a delicious meal and toasting your incredible Australian wildlife holiday.

Included: Breakfast, touring, transfers, internal flights, 4* hotel               

Day 18: Depart Adelaide

After breakfast, you’ll be driven back to the airport in time for your flight home.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights        

Day 19: Arrive UK