Day 1
Our adventure began at 6 AM, just as the winter sun started to rise. Our destination: Yardie Homestead, a 10-hour drive away from Perth, Western Australia. Along the way, we made our first stop in Geraldton after four hours on the road. Here, we stocked up on supplies for our journey and enjoyed an early lunch to fuel us for the rest of the drive. Arriving at Yardie Homestead, we set up camp and settled in for the night under the starry skies.
Day 2
After an early morning preparing for the day ahead, our first stop was Yardie Creek. With stand-up paddleboards in tow, we navigated the semi-challenging waters flanked by towering cliff faces. Despite a brief halt for some unforgettable photos (later learning that disembarking was not allowed), we continued our adventure to Oyster Stacks, my favorite spot for snorkeling in Exmouth. Wrapping up the day, we witnessed a spectacular sunset at Vlaming Head Lighthouse, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson.
Day 3
Rising with the sun, we geared up for an exciting day of diving at the Dive Ningaloo Centre. Welcomed warmly by the staff, we embarked on our first dive at The X, descending 13.5 meters into the azure waters. Amidst schools of colorful fish and the graceful presence of a Manta Ray—a first for us—we marveled at the wonders of Ningaloo Reef. After a barbecue lunch, our second dive at The Labyrinth revealed more marine marvels, including a white-tipped reef shark. Back on land, we indulged in cake and fruit, savoring the day’s unforgettable experiences. A drive to Charles Knife Canyon offered breathtaking views from Thomas Carter Lookout, followed by a scenic route to Shothole Canyon, where we explored until dusk before returning to Exmouth for supplies.
Day 4
Today’s exploration led us to Wapet Creek, accessed via Learmonth Jetty and a drive along the shoreline. Though shallow waters limited our paddle, the surroundings were serene and picturesque. A stop at the Potshot memorial provided a glimpse into WWII history, followed by a relaxing afternoon at Pebble Beach, where we enjoyed a leisurely nap under the sun. Back in Exmouth, we treated ourselves to shopping and a pint at the local tavern before preparing for an evening adventure—night diving at Navy Pier. After a briefing and gearing up, we entered the water to discover a vibrant underwater world teeming with life, from turtles to the majestic groper. It was an exhilarating dive that concluded with memories to last a lifetime.
Day 5
We woke early, dismantled our camp at Yardie Homestead, and embarked on an eight-hour journey to our next destination: Karijini National Park.
