10 Things to add to your 2023 bucket list
9 December 2021
Looking for some ideas to inspire you for your next trip along Australia’s Coral Coast? We’ve listed our must-add bucket list items that will make your 2023 travels a blast!
Explore the wildflowers
Australia’s Coral Coast is home to over 12,000 species of wildflowers, 50% of which cannot be found anywhere else on earth!
Wildflower season blooms between late July and early October. Starting 1 hour, 45 minutes' drive north of Perth, Wildflower Country comprises the inland farming towns of Dandaragan, Badgingarra, Eneabba, Carnamah, Coorow, Three Springs, Mingenew, Mullewa and their surrounding areas. The region comes to life with a range of nature trails and heritage-focused activities while the towns are also rich with history and heritage, and offer otherworldly stargazing opportunities year-round.
Watch colourful carpets of pink, gold, cream and white everlasting flowers burst into bloom each season that cover the park's dramatic terrain of rugged cliffs, rocky outcrops and red soil at biodiversity hotspot Coalseam Conservation Park. Places such as Lesueur National Park, Cape Range National Park and the Shark Bay World Heritage Area have wildflowers blooming all year.
Dune buggy the Pink Lake
Add riding a dune buggy around the Pink Lake with Pink Lake Buggy Tours to your bucket list for a thrill-seeking experience!
Explore the stunning coastline of Port Gregory before making your way up to the sand dunes to an elevated view of the spectacular Pink Lake. You can embark on the local flora and fauna as well as learn about the history of the little fishing village.
Each tour is limited to 5 passengers, and children under 3 are not permitted. Tours run at 9:30am and 3:30pm and take approximately 60 minutes.
Visit the Kalbarri Skywalk
Venture beyond the edge of a 100m drop for mighty views over Kalbarri National Park.
Floating over the cliff-top, two 100-metre-high lookouts projects an impressive 25 and 17 metres beyond the rim of the Murchison River Gorges red-rust cliffs, flowing water and bushland of Kalbarri National Park.
Learn about the traditional owners ‘Nanda’ heritage and culture through interpretive signage and artwork. Discover local fauna statues, fossils and geolocation information on the 400 million year old sandstone that makes these gorges.
The new Kalbarri Skywalk is universally accessible. People of all ages and physical abilities are welcome to visit.
Stay at an Eco Retreat
Staying at an Eco Retreat is a must when you’re travelling along the Coral Coast. There is just something about sustainable escapes that complete an Aussie getaway.
We’re talking about booking a stay somewhere that uses solar power, harvests rainwater and makes local produce. Somewhere you can take a time-out and appreciate the beauty of nature that lies in front of you.
North of Perth we have Bullara Station Stay, Karijini Eco Recompletreat and Sal Salis just to name a few. Sit back by the camp fire and stargaze the milky way skies of the Coral Coast – there’s nothing quite like it!
Plan ahead to avoid disappoint – Some Eco Retreats close during the summer months.
Meet the Monkey Mia Dolphins
Renowned as one of the best and most reliable places for dolphin interactions in the world, Monkey Mia is the only place in Australia where dolphins visit daily, not just seasonally.
Meet the Monkey Mia Dolphins - The friendly pod of wild bottlenose dolphins that swim to Monkey Mia’s shore to interact with humans up to three times a day. This often occurs more frequently in the mornings, with feeding times occurring between 7.45am and 12 noon. Between four to seven dolphins visit for daily feedings, with up to 20 others visiting occasionally, often sighted in the bay with swimmers or on wildlife cruises.
An entry fee must be paid to enter Monkey Mia reserve, but the dolphin interaction is free.
Explore Francois Peron National Park by 4WD
Add this 4WD adventure to your bucket list for an unforgettable experience. Situated in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Francois Peron National Park entails a scenic coastline with dramatic red cliffs and white sandy beaches.
Peron Peninsula is known as Wulyibidi to the local Malgana Aboriginal people who occupied the area prior to European settlement and continue to live in Shark Bay today. Francois Peron National Park was declared in 1993. It has a fascinating pastoral history, and offers a wilderness experience to four-wheel-drivers.
Explore the roads less travelled by self-driving or going on a cultural tour with Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures.
4WDs are essential for travelling the park. Make sure to deflate your car tyres by the Homestead where there is a tyre compressor station for your convenience.
Heli-adventure the Coral Coast
Embark on the ultimate adventure along the Coral Coast with Coral Coast Helicopter Services. Explore all there is to see between Carnarvon and the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park with inclusions of scenic helicopter flights, snorkelling, fishing and light bush walks.
Add this to your 2023 bucket list and make that Coral Coast experience extra special with Coral Coast Helicopter Services.
Drive the Fruit Loop Trail
When in Carnarvon, take a drive along the scenic North and South River Roads, known as “The Fruit Loop” drive trail. The Drive will take you past local produce stores and working plantations, some of which run roadside stalls or shop fronts where you can purchase a wide range of preserves, dried fruits and ice-creams made fresh from seasonal fruit and vegetables.
The 26km long drive trail includes 9 locations: Tipton's Plantation Roadside Shop; Cosh Plantation Roadside Shop; Morel's Orchard; Gascoyne Biodynamic Plantation; Gascoyne Organic Farm; Pickles Point Seafood + Boatyard; Carnarvon Tackle + Marine; Bumbak's Plantation; and the Gascoyne Growers Markets.
Sunset at Charles Knife Canyon
Starting 21 kilometers south of Exmouth, take your 4WD on a winding road to the top of the range where you can experience draw-dropping views of Charles Knife Canyon.
Lay your picnic blanket and prepare a delicious grazing board while you watch the sun light beam onto the razorback gorges. The rugged landscapes during sunset are a photographer’s dream and a must-add for your 2023 bucket list.
Swim with the BIG 3
Africa has its BIG 5, and Ningaloo has its BIG 3 – Whale Sharks, Humpback Whales, and Manta Rays!
Swimming with the BIG 3 is an experience of a lifetime, and a must-do when you’re visiting the region. Situated in the world’s largest fringing reef, there really is no wonder why Ningaloo Coast is regarded as one of the world’s ocean paradises. Get your adrenaline pumping and feel exhilarated when you interact with these wild creatures in their natural habitat. Tours to swim with the BIG 3 operate in Coral Bay and Exmouth.
Coral Bay from March to June
Exmouth from March to August
Coral Bay from mid-July to October
Exmouth from August to October
Manta Rays are all year round!