Whales & Trails of Western Australia
with Coral Expeditions
- Relaxed small ship atmosphere
- Witness various whales in their natural environment
- Enjoy a diversity of natural wilderness including spectacular bays and stunning sea-cliffs
- Members save $500 per person^
This journey along Western Australia’s southwest coast reveals a dramatic meeting point of the Indian and Southern Oceans. Remote walking trails offer front-row views to the annual whale migration. Wildflowers bloom in abundance during Kambarang, the Noongar season of birth, bringing vivid colour to this untamed landscape.
The fleet
Coral Expeditions' small ships and unique itineraries take you to some of the most beautiful and remote regions of Australia, the Asia Pacific, South Pacific and the Indian Ocean. On board you will discover a personalised style of cruising. With ships carrying only 72 to 120 guests, you can say goodbye to queues, long waits, and assigned seating. Instead, enjoy a relaxed, convivial atmosphere shared with like-minded explorers.
Without crowds to worry about, the chefs can prepare small-batch meals made with Australian ingredients. Where possible, they procure from local food markets. The shallow draft and high manoeuvrability of the purpose-designed expedition ships let you get closer on coastal adventures to explore the sheltered bays and hidden inlets inaccessible to larger ships.
Coral Geographer
Launched in March 2021, Coral Geographer is the newest addition to the fleet, purpose-designed to access remote wilderness shores around the world that are often inaccessible to large cruise vessels. Coral Geographer carries a maximum of 120 guests, delivering Coral Expeditions’ renowned warm Australian hospitality, intimate onboard atmosphere, and world-class expedition experience.
- 120-passenger ship
- 6 bridge deck suites with horizon bathtubs
- 60 spacious staterooms – all outside facing
- Over 1000 square metres of open deck space
- Wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views
- Shallow draft to access remote destinations
- Two trademark Xplorer tenders
- Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration
Coral Adventurer
Launched in April 2019, Coral Adventurer is a tropical expedition ship purpose-designed to access remote wilderness shores in Australia and internationally, that are often inaccessible to large cruise vessels. Carrying a maximum of 120 passengers – Coral Adventurer is purpose-built to take you closer to unspoiled vistas in comfort, style, and safety.
- 120 guests
- 2 bridge deck ‘Cairns’ and ‘Darwin’ suites
- 60 spacious staterooms – all outside facing
- Over 1000 square metres of open deck space
- Wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views
- Shallow draft to access remote destinations
- Two trademark Xplorer tenders
- Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration
Coral Discoverer
Coral Discoverer is our smaller expedition yacht, designed to take you to destinations that are inaccessible to larger vessels. Carrying only 72 passengers, she offers an intimate expedition experience larger ships cannot replicate.
- 72 guests
- 6 spacious bridge deck balcony staterooms
- 36 spacious staterooms – all outside facing
- Over 1000 square metres of open deck space
- Wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views
- Shallow draft to access remote destinations
- One trademark Xplorer tenders
- Two zodiacs for more intrepid exploration
Highlights
- Witness various whales in their natural environment: Humpbacks, southern wright whales and blue whales
- Walk sections of the iconic ‘Cape to Cape’ trail; consistently voted one of Australia’s best hiking experiences
- Learn about the Noongar people’s relationships with the coastal environment and the role that whales and other marine mammals play in their culture
- Take in spectacular wildflower blooms in diverse landscapes and learn to identify various species and variations
- Engage with specialist marine experts and discover their research and conservation goals for the species
Inclusions
- All excursions with our Expedition Team
- Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
- Snorkelling
- Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
- All meals, chef-prepared on board
- Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
- Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
- 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
- All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
- Tips and gratuities
- Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
- Expedition diary, along with a photo and video gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage
- Post-cruise transfers to Fremantle, Perth CBD and Airport.
- Premium wifi package of 10GB card – additional at own expense
Day 1: Depart Fremantle (Walyalup)
Arrive at Fremantle Berth C for boarding at 8am, with time to settle into your stateroom before our 9am departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard. As dusk falls join guests and the friendly crew as we enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks and sit down to the first of many delicious dinners.
Day 2-10: Whales & Trails of Western Australia Cruise
Rottnest Island (Wadjemup)
Meet the Whadjuk Noongar people, who have been on this land for over 30,000 years and join a guided walk to learn about seasonal life, culture, and welcome ceremony. Join a guided walk on the Wadjemup Bidi trails. Whale-watching hotspots on this stop include Cape Vlamingh and West End (conditions permitting). Enjoy free time to explore the various beaches, trails, museums and spot the iconic Quokkas that inhabit this island.
Eagle Bay
Enjoy flexible exploration of Eagle Bay with two full days to walk Cape-to-Cape trail, with several opportunities to walk short, medium and long trails. In the afternoon, relax with sunset drinks as we cruise past Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.
Optional Extra: Whale-watching charter from Dunsborough (additional cost) offers closer and additional encounters.
Albany (Kinjarling)
Discover Western Australia’s oldest colonial town, rich with Minang Noongar heritage and maritime history. Learn how whaling shaped Albany’s past, then in free time explore bicentenary exhibitions, galleries, and cultural events. Stroll through wildflower displays and uncover stories linking land, sea, and community.
Point Ann & Whalebone Point
Walk the Point Ann Heritage Trail, or hike Mamang Trail and watch for whales from ashore and Xplorer tenders. Southern right whales are known to frequent in the area due to the sheltered bay. Enjoy snorkelling or kayak if conditions allow.
Cheynes Beach
Cheynes Beach is another hub for southern right whales, as well as various other marine species from early winter to late spring. Here, learn about groundbreaking whale migration research and the Mirnong Maat tagging project. On land, search for rare birdlife like the elusive noisy scrub-bird and join a coastal walk into the Arpenteur Nature Reserve.
Augusta
Wander beneath towering karri trees, the third tallest in the world on a guided loop walk through the Boranup Forest. During Kambarang, the ‘season of rebirth’, the forest bursts to life with wildflowers.
Busselton (Undalup)
As one of Western Australia’s oldest settlements, Busselton is a hub for food, wines and spirits. Ride the small train or walk the iconic 1.8km jetty, explore heritage trails, art, and markets, or enjoy local produce at a cafe. With free time to wander, discover a vibrant coastal hub rich in culture and history.
Day 11: Arrive Fremantle (Walyalup)
This morning we arrive into the Port of Fremantle, C Berth, at 7am before disembarking at 8am. There will be post cruise transfers provided to the airport and CBD of Fremantle and Perth.
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.
Departures:
2026 - 13 October
2027 - 14 October
| Cabin | Standard price Per person, twin share |
RAC Member price Per person, twin share |
|---|---|---|
| Coral Deck | From $10,990 | $10,490 |
*Advertised price is based on twin share in the lead-in category. Limited sole use occupancy available.
Please enquire with your local RAC travel consultant for full terms & conditions, current pricing and availability.
*Terms & Conditions apply. Prices are per person, listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST. Advertised price based on lead in category (Coral Deck stateroom) and included RAC member discount. A non-refundable 20% deposit is required at time of booking, balance of the fare is due 90 days prior to departure. A $500pp date change fee for changes made more than 90 days before departure applies. Date change within 90 days of departure is considered a cancellation and standard Cancellation Policy applies. Further Coral Expeditions terms & conditions apply. Please contact your RAC travel consultant for full terms and conditions.
^RAC members save $500 per person: Discount applies to all voyages with Coral Expeditions. Combinable with Xplorer's Club benefits only, not combinable with any other offer. Offer ends 1 January 2026.
General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.
