Australian Multi-day Tour

Ningaloo Reef Kayaking Basecamp Adventure - August

Experience the very best of Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park over eight unforgettable days of kayaking and exploration with a fun group of women. Discover pristine beaches, vibrant marine life and breathtaking scenery, all while returning each evening to the comfort of basecamp.

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Destination Western Australia, Australia

Duration 8 Days

Price From $4,390

Departs 15 Aug 2027

Group Size 14 Max

Overview

Explore Tasmania's East Coast with AW

AW's 8-day Ningaloo Reef Kayaking Basecamp Adventure blends off-grid exploration with relaxed comfort for an unforgettable immersion in one of Australia's most spectacular natural environments.

The adventure begins with five nights at our beachside basecamp in the heart of Cape Range National Park. With spacious safari-style tents, high-density mattresses, hot showers and toilets, it's the perfect balance of comfort and immersion. Spend your evenings swapping stories over dinner, watching the sun sink into the Indian Ocean and gazing up at clear night skies.

By day, we'll kayak through the turquoise lagoons of Ningaloo Reef, stopping to snorkel vibrant coral gardens and encounter turtles, rays, dolphins and reef sharks. Each afternoon, we return by vehicle to the comfort of our basecamp, ready to relax before another day on the water.

There's plenty to discover beyond the reef, too. We'll explore Cape Range National Park, where dramatic limestone gorges, towering red cliffs and rugged wilderness are home to kangaroos, emus and birds of prey.

We finish with two nights in Exmouth, giving you time to unwind in comfort, with a free day to swim with whale sharks, relax by the pool or explore the laid-back town.

Fitness/Swimming Ability

No prior kayaking experience is required, but we strongly recommend some upper body strength and endurance training beforehand to improve your comfort and enjoyment. Our experienced guides will cover technique and safety on day one and offer ongoing support but the better prepared you are physically, the more rewarding the experience will be.

All participants should have at least an average level of fitness and agility, and be able to lift and carry loads of 10kg over soft sand. A basic level of swimming ability is also required.

Please note: while personal flotation devices (PFDs) are worn at all times while kayaking, you must be able to swim confidently to join this tour.

Pack-free hiking - your luggage moves with you
Wineglass Bay sunrise lookout walk
Freycinet National Park kayak with playful seals
Local Tasmanian produce at every meal
Comfortable lodge accommodation, not camping
Small group of like-minded women, max 14

Kayaking in clear waters — Kayak along stunning coastline, immersing in this ancient landscape

Day 1 Sun 15 Aug Exmouth - Cape Range National Park Basecamp

We start the day with an early alfresco breakfast before getting ready for the day ahead. We'll depart camp around 8:30am and drive to our launch site, where the kayaks are unloaded and safety briefings completed before we launch into the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef.

With the breeze at our backs, we begin paddling. The plan is to cover around 10km at a relaxed pace, with plenty of stops to get comfortable in the kayaks. Along the way, enjoy snorkelling with incredible marine life, plus beach breaks for morning tea and lunch.

By afternoon, we reach the endpoint, help carry the kayaks over the dunes, then return to camp by bus. Unwind with an open-air solar shower, a sundowner or simply relax before dinner.

Distances: appx 6-10 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tents at Basecamp

Day 2 Mon 16 Aug Basecamp: Kayaking Ningaloo Reef

By afternoon, we reach the endpoint, help carry the kayaks over the dunes, then return to camp by bus. Unwind with an open-air solar shower, a sundowner or simply relax before dinner.

Distances: appx 6-10 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tents at Basecamp

Day 3 Tue 17 Aug Basecamp: Kayak, swim and snorkel

Early risers can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a sunrise walk on the beach. After breakfast, we drive to the kayaks, carry them to the shore and set off on another memorable day on the water.

Today's paddle takes us through a stunning stretch of Ningaloo's turquoise lagoon, with great snorkelling and striking views of reef and range. Time passes quickly as you settle into the rhythm of the day. By afternoon, we reach our endpoint, carry the kayaks into the dunes and head back to camp by bus.

Distances: appx 6-10 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tents at Basecamp

Day 4 Wed 18 Aug Basecamp: Kayak, snorkel, hike to Yardie Gorge

We return to the water today, with plenty of opportunities to snorkel- from the shore or from the kayaks! Our guides know the reef intimately and will select the best options for the group.

We’ll aim to finish paddling earlier to enjoy downtime before heading out for a sunset hike at Yardie Gorge, the only water-filled gorge in Cape Range National Park. This 2km return walk takes about an hour and offers wildlife spotting, including black-flanked rock wallabies and a huge osprey nest.

The trail includes some steep, uneven terrain and rock scrambling, but you can skip sections if needed. The pace is relaxed, with staff on hand to assist.

Back at camp, everyone helps prepare dinner before turning in for the night.

Distances: Kayaking 6-12 km, Hiking 2 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tents at Basecamp

Day 5 Thu 19 Aug Basecamp: Hike Mandu Mandu Gorge and kayak

This morning, enjoy a cooked breakfast before gearing up for a hike to Mandu Mandu Gorge. We'll take a relaxed 3km loop (about 2 hours) through the dry riverbed and along the rim, spotting endangered black-flanked rock wallabies and abundant birdlife while navigating a few rocky scrambles along the way.

Afterward, we'll visit the Milyering Visitor Centre for interpretive displays and a spot of souvenir shopping, while our guides prepare a picnic lunch. After lunch, change into paddling gear for a few more kayak kilometres and a final snorkel before returning to camp.

Distances: Kayaking 3-5 km, Hiking 3 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tents at Basecamp

Day 6 Fri 20 Aug Basecamp: Kayaking - Return to Exmouth

Today is our last day exploring Ningaloo! After an early continental breakfast, you'll pack up your belongings while guides pack down camp.

Out on the clear lagoon waters, we paddle in search of turtles, rays and, if we're lucky, dugongs (sighted late May to August). We'll snorkel at a favourite shore-based site rich with marine life, then enjoy lunch on the beach before reaching the journey's end.

After a big congratulations and trip recap, we load the kayaks and all our gear onto the bus and head back to Exmouth (about 1 hour). We arrive at the resort around 4pm, say goodbye to our kayaking guides, and settle in for a well-deserved dinner and rest.

Distances: appx 6-12 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Exmouth Escape Resort, Exmouth

Day 7 Sat 21 Aug Free day; Optional Whale Shark Swim

Today is yours to enjoy however you like, before we come together for our final evening meal.

For those chasing the ultimate bucket-list adventure, swimming with majestic whale sharks is an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. We'll provide everything you need to pre-book this incredible encounter, sharing the day with fellow adventurous women as you get up close to the gentle giants of Ningaloo Reef.

Tonight, we gather once more for dinner to reflect on the unforgettable moments we've shared.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Exmouth Escape Resort, Exmouth

Day 8 Sun 22 Aug Departure day

After breakfast, it’s time to check out of our rooms. If you’re flying out today, a shuttle transfer is included. Your Adventurous Women Tour Leader will let you know when to be ready.

Meals: Breakfast

Important Notes

Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary as planned, but please remember this is adventure travel and conditions can change unexpectedly. Weather, road conditions, vehicle issues, or the health of fellow travelers may require adjustments. We’ll do our best to keep things on track, but a flexible and easy-going attitude is essential for the best experience.

Occasionally, certain experiences or activities may need to be modified or skipped due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, refunds will not be provided for any missed components of the itinerary.

Adventurous Women Tour Leader
Experienced, qualified sea kayaking guides
Double sit-inside expedition sea kayaks with rudder, paddles, PFDs (life jackets)
Snorkelling gear: snorkel, mask and fins, wetsuit in season
Activities as noted in itinerary, including National Park entry and camping fees
5 nights comfort camping and two nights in 4-star accommodation in Exmouth
Camping gear: spacious ‘stand up’ tents, high density foam mattress, pillows, sheets and doona
Arrival transfer (from airport or hotel) on day 1
Departure transfer by shuttle bus, if leaving on day 8
Meals as listed in the itinerary

Loved every minute of the trip! Organisation was great, tour leader (Jazzy) was fabulous, and the other women on the walk were just lovely.

Celia Nepal

So well organised by the team nothing was a problem so helpful lots of fun with the other Adventurous Women.

Lorrie Ningaloo Reef

I loved the great group of women and the variety of activities. We hiked, cooked, kayaked, met elephants, laughed, swam and ate. Marie’s knowledge of her homeland made this a memorable experience.

Michelle Cambodia

Loved the week hiking with Anna & an inspiring group of women. Really well organised, fun, delicious food, amazing scenery. Highly recommend.

Sue Bibbulmun Track

A stunning part of the world to hike with a special group of awesome women, led by our wonderful leader Lyn.

Tammy Japan

Good to know

Cancellation & Refunds

Cancellation by Adventurous Women:
In the event that we cancel a tour or are unable to guarantee the departure due to not meeting minimum numbers, we will provide a full refund.

Cancellation by you:

90+ days before departure - Loss of deposit (partial voucher available*)
75-89 days before departure - Loss of deposit
74 days or less before departure - Loss of all payments
No refund is available once a tour has commenced

*Multi-day tour cancellations made 90+ days before departure are eligible for a $250 voucher

We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance with trip cancellation cover for peace of mind.

View our full booking terms & conditions

The Adventurous Women Way

The magic of our trips comes from travellers bringing a supportive mindset, a go-with-the-flow attitude, and a genuine spirit of adventure.

We explore beautiful, often remote places where life moves at a different pace. Flexibility, a little humour and positivity go a long way in creating an atmosphere where everyone feels free to be themselves and make the adventure far more rewarding.

Find more about the Adventurous Women Way and travelling with AW

Exclusions

The following is not included in the cost of the tour:

Flights
Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Drinks other than water at meals
Items of a personal nature
Whale Shark Swim - Optional add-on (surcharge will be added to balance invoice)

Solo Travellers

If you’re travelling solo not to worry, you’re in good company! Many of our travellers join solo and our trips are designed to feel welcoming and supportive from the moment you arrive. It’s a great way to meet like-minded women, and friendships often form quickly along the way.

When on the tour, we pair you with a tent buddy for basecamp and try to mix it up for the two nights in Exmouth so that you have a chance to share and get to know different group members. Or, if you’d prefer your own tent/room on the trip, this is available for an additional supplement (subject to availability). You can select this option at the time of booking.

Arrival & Departure Details

The adventure begins and ends in Exmouth, WA. The nearest airport is Learmonth (LEA).

There are limited flights to LEA, so the tour is planned to align with the daily flight schedules.

As a result, you can arrive on 15 August on the afternoon flight. There's no need to arrive a day early. You can depart anytime on 22 August.

Do I need to have previous kayaking experience?

No prior kayaking experience is required, but we strongly recommend doing some upper body strength and endurance training beforehand to improve your comfort and enjoyment. Our experienced kayak guides will teach technique and safety on day one and offer on-going support, but the better prepared you are physically, the more rewarding the experience will be.

All participants should have at least an average level of fitness and agility to safely participate in this tour. Ability to lift and carry loads of 10 kg over soft sand is required. It is also a requirement that you have at least a basic level of swimming ability to participate in the tour.

Please note: while personal flotation devices (PFDs) are worn at all times during kayaking, you must be able to swim confidently to join this tour.

Who will be leading the trip?

All AW trips are accompanied by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. Their role is to take the hassle out of your travels and help you get the most out of your experience, while embracing the Adventurous Women way.

Throughout the basecamp portion of the trip, you'll also be accompanied by experienced kayaking guides who will support you on the water as well as preparing meals.

Do you accommodate dietary requirements?

Yes, we do our best to accommodate dietary requirements and food allergies on every tour. It’s important that any requirements are communicated accurately prior to the trip.

As we will be spending five nights camping, ingredients for meals are purchased and portioned in advance. If you request a specific diet (e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free) but then choose not to follow it during the trip, it can lead to unnecessary waste and may also mean that other guests have less food available to them.

Accommodation

On this trip you’ll spend 5 Nights beach camping at a well-equipped basecamp and 2 nights in a comfortable hotel. The tour price is quoted as twin share (two people per tent, 2 people per room) A single is available for a surcharge, subject to availability.

The campsite consists of spacious stand-up tents, complete with high density foam mattress, sheets, doona and pillow as well as a camp chair. Common area facilities include camp tables and chairs, gas cookers, fridges, wind and shade shelters, toilets and solar showers. There are facilities for charging devices via USB-C. Single Supplement is available for both camping and resort accommodation for additional cost.

Single Supplement details: The single supplement (subject to availability) ensures you will have a private tent and a private room for the duration of the trip.

Note that the hotel accommodations are made up of two-bedroom apartments. Each apartment has one Queen bedroom with its own ensuite bathroom and a second bedroom with two beds that share a bathroom. If you pay the single supplement, you’ll get the Queen bedroom and ensuite to yourself. However, two other ladies from the group will share the second bedroom in the same apartment- they will share a bathroom between them. You will not have the entire apartment to yourself.