Coates Wildlife Tours

The Pilbara is fascinating at any time, the wildlife is plentiful and the scenery is spectacular. Green covered hills and refreshing rock pools. The contrast between the red soil against the rocky outcrops are sure to create lasting memories.

This tour has it all. The Ningaloo Marine Park is one of the world’s largest fringing reefs, home to 200 species of hard coral, 50 soft coral and over 500 species of fish. It’s a great place to swim, snorkel and enjoy a cruise in a glass-bottomed boat to see the colourful sea creatures.

The Abrolhos Islands consist of 122 islands, approximately 60 km off Western Australia’s coast. The marine environment surrounding the Abrolhos is a meeting place for tropical and temperate sea life. It is also one of the most important seabird breeding sites in the world. More than 90 seabird species have been identified on the islands.

Karijini National Park contains some of the oldest rocks on the continent with many beautiful gorges and rock formations. The park is also home to approximately 800 plant species. Two small, carnivorous marsupials are endemic to the area, the Pilbara Ningaui (Ningaui timealeyi) and the Little Red Antechinus (Dasykaluta rosamondae). Other marsupials that call the park home include the Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani), Rothschild’s Rock-wallaby (Petrogale rothschildi), Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus) and the Common Wallaroo (Macropus robustus).

Join us and discover the spectacular natural wonders of this remarkable area.

Highlights:

• Abrolhos Islands
• Monkey Mia
• Coral Bay
• Ningaloo Reef
• Karijini National Park

Join us as we explore some of the most isolated areas in northern Western Australia and the Northern Territory. The scenery is spectacular, with ancient landscapes, scenic gorges, extensive dunes, lakes, wetlands and clear starry night skies.

We visit Newhaven Station, a wildlife sanctuary managed by Australian Wildlife Conservancy. Situated on the junction of three bioregions (the Great Sandy Desert, MacDonnell Ranges and Burt Plain), it is home to a diverse array of arid zone plants and at least 138 species of birds.

Our adventure has many highlights, but our detour off the Tanami Road to Mulan and Lake Gregory is one of the most exciting. This lake system is a RAMSAR site, due to the vitally important role it has for migratory birds travelling to and from Australia. The Black Necked Stork, large groups of Brolgas, Black Swans and Spoonbills are regularly seen on and around the lake, which is also home to Dingoes and a variety of other mammals.

Highlights: 

• The Tanami Road crosses the vast expanse of the Tanami Desert and will delight nature lovers and bird watchers.
• The West MacDonnell Ranges are known for their beauty and scenic gorges. They also provide refuge for many plants and animals.
• Newhaven Reserve is a hotspot for the wildlife of Central Australia and the scenery there is spectacular.
• Lake Gregory's (Paruku) remote freshwater wetlands is renowned for its prolific birdlife, supporting over 70 species of waterbirds.
• Birdwatching at Lake Stretch.
• Visit Wolfe Creek Crater, a well-preserved 880-metre-wide meteorite crater that is over 300,000 years old (the second largest crater in the world).
• Keep River National Park. A relatively small park but the scenery and landforms are just as dramatic as in the larger parks.
• Enjoy an early morning bird watching cruise on Lake Argyle.

This trip is designed to coincide with the northern wildflower season and explores some remarkable wilderness destinations in northern Western Australia.

We’ll begin with the magnificent Karijini National Park, famous for its spectacular gorges, waterfalls and cool swimming holes. It is one of the largest national parks in Western Australia and boasts an abundance of plant life; 481 species have been recorded here. Karijini is also home to a variety of marsupials, including the endemic Pilbara Ningaui (Ningaui timealeyi) and Little Red Antechinus (Dasykaluta rosamondae).

Measuring at over twice the size of Uluru, Mt Augustus is the world’s largest monocline. At dawn and dusk the colours of the rock constantly change, creating beautiful effects. The area is also well known for its prolific birdlife and flora. More than 100 bird species have been counted here in just two days. The vegetation is open mulga shrub land, and the mountain is home to several endemic plant species, including a native hibiscus, a Mulla-Mulla and a striking native fox glove.

The natural beauty of the ranges, wildflowers and wildlife will be an unforgettable experience.

Highlights: 

• Camping on the peaceful banks of the De Grey River
• Marble Bar and Chinaman’s Pool
• Karijini National Park -Oxers Lookout, Weano and Dales Gorges
• Mount Bruce - for great views over the surrounding Hamersley Range and Marandoo mining
• Mount Augustus - walks up on to the rock for magnificent views, Aboriginal rock art and shady waterholes
• Cattle Pool - swim and relax in the shade of the River Gums
• Kennedy Ranges - explore impressive gorges, bird life and wildflowers
• Murchison country - unique scenery rich with wildflowers
• Coalseam Conservation Park - spectacular wildflowers, bird life and history

The Kimberley region in the northwest of Western Australia is one of the most remote and unspoiled wilderness areas in the world. It’s unique geology, ancient limestone reef and rich Aboriginal culture has fascinated visitors for many years. It is home to some of Australia’s most beautiful and rare bird life, diverse flora and exciting fauna.

A highlight is our visit to Purnululu National Park to see the Bungle Bungle Range. This World Heritage listed site is one of the most fascinating geological landmarks in Western Australia. The beehive-like mounds are encased in a skin of silica and algae, creating a striking stripe pattern. A magnificent hidden world of gorges and pools lie within the range.

More than 130 bird species reside within Purnululu, including Rainbow Bee-eaters, flocks of Budgerigars and Australian Bustards. The Nail-tail wallaby and the Euro live around the massif, while Short-eared Rock wallabies are thought to live on top. Several species of rare animals also call Purnululu home.

Bird enthusiasts will particularly enjoy our visit to Marlgu Billabong at Parrys Lagoon Nature Reserve. These reserves are havens for a vast variety of sea and waterbirds.

Highlights: 

• 3 nights at Purnululu (Bungle Bungles) National Park; one of Western Australia’s most striking geological landmarks and home to remote wildlife
• Optional helicopter (at your own expense) over Purnululu to see the beehive-like mounds, hidden gorges and contrasting pools from above
• Visit Parrys Lagoon for wetland bird watching; this waterbird breeding and feeding area is also a stopover point for migratory waders
• Camp at Home Valley Station, a 700,000 acre outback oasis on the banks of the Pentacost River
• Visit the iconic Mitchell Falls (Punamii-unpuu to the Wunambal people); a four-tiered waterfall
• Stay at Drysdale River Station, a family owned and operated million-acre cattle station
• 2 nights at Mornington Station in search of the Gouldian Finch and the Purple Crowned Fairy Wren; also visit and swim at Dimond Gorge
• Camp at Silent Grove and take a relaxing swim at Bell’s Gorge
• Visit stunning Windjana Gorge and explore Tunnel Creek as it flows through a limestone cave system (the oldest caves in Western Australia)