Name: Ningaloo After Dark - Ningaloo Overnight Reef Escape | 2-Day Scenic Trek
Brand: Zero Trace Tours
SKU: 44654943076528
Price: 825.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

Start and Finish

Exmouth, WA

Small Groups

Maximum 8 People

Full Distance

15 KM

Difficulty

Moderate to Challenging

Climate +

200% Co2 Offset

Adventure seekers hiking along the rugged beach during a group trek in Western Australia.

Ningaloo After Dark | Overnight Reef & Range Escape

Two Days, One Epic View: Cape Range to Ningaloo by Foot

This 2-day, 1-night wilderness loop delivers the perfect taste of Cape Range and Ningaloo—without the full-pack commitment. On foot, trek up into Yardie Creek Gorge and onto the Cape Range terraces to camp high above Ningaloo Reef. By day two, your boots hit pristine sands before you arrive at the turquoise edge of the reef. Expect panoramic lawns of blue, horizon-folding sunsets, and whale song at camp if the season’s right. It’s short, scenic, and stays true to the wild heart of Western Australia.

Quick Facts

Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Style: Wilderness loop, on foot
Route: Yardie Creek Gorge → Cape Range terraces → high camp above Ningaloo Reef → pristine sands → reef edge
Overnight: High camp above the reef

Trip Highlights

Climb through Yardie Creek Gorge to terrace views over Ningaloo
Camp high above the reef—sunsets that fold into the horizon
Day-two beach approach: boots on pristine sands to the turquoise reef edge
Seasonal soundtrack: listen for whale song at camp
A short, scenic hit of Cape Range that keeps the adventure light and wild

View Operator Terms & Conditions

$350.00

RESERVE WITH DEPOSIT

Distance: 7km

Your guides collect you from your Exmouth accommodation and whisk you into the heart of Cape Range National Park. We start the journey tracing the ochre-red cliffs of Yardie Creek Gorge, a haven for the rare Black-flanked Rock Wallaby, wedge-tailed eagles, and ospreys nesting high above.

The track climbs into the upper reaches of the range, revealing sweeping views where rugged land meets the endless blue of Ningaloo Reef. We follow hidden gullies and little-used ridgelines to an exclusive high camp—a remote perch with front-row seats to both the reef and the ranges.

Camp Life:

Once packs are down, it’s time to relax into the rhythm of the outback. As the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean, colours shift from gold to deep rose, and humpback whales sometimes breach offshore. Dinner is hearty and hot, the Milky Way blazes overhead, and the silence wraps around you. This is the kind of night that lingers long after you’ve left.

Distance: 8km

Wake to the first light spilling over the high ridges and the bush coming alive with bird calls. After breakfast with a view, we break camp and descend through fossil-rich limestone terraces shaped by an ancient ocean.

Crossing the coastal plain, we keep a lookout for red kangaroos, euros (common wallaroos), and—if luck’s on our side—short-beaked echidnas foraging among the spinifex.

The reef draws closer until we crest the coastal dunes, where the turquoise lagoon invites you in. Kick off your boots and wade into Ningaloo’s crystal-clear shallows—an unforgettable way to end a trek.

After a final wander along untouched beach, we meet the vehicle for the return to Exmouth—tired, happy, and deeply connected to one of Australia’s most spectacular wild places.

Dinner is served with a sunset, and the night sounds of ocean and wind replace all else.

Where You’ll Be Staying & What You’ll Be Eating

Forget hotels—this journey unfolds under wide skies and rust-red cliffs. Camp is set in hand-picked wilderness locations each night, from high in Cape Range to the white sands of the Ningaloo Coast.

Night 1: Remote inland campsite deep within Cape Range

Night 2: Beachfront camp on the edge of the Indian Ocean

Lightweight tents are supplied for a comfortable night’s sleep, with sleeping mats and bags included. Campsites are off-grid and wild—no facilities, just nature. All gear is carried in, packed out, and set up as a group.

What’s Cooking

Meals are wholesome, hearty, and designed for life on the trail. Think generous portions, real ingredients, and zero-fuss preparation.

Breakfasts are simple and energising—muesli, fruit, hot drinks, and bush-style favourites.

Lunches are served trail-side or at scenic rest spots, with fresh salads, wraps, or grain bowls.

Dinners are nourishing and satisfying—usually one-pot meals prepared together at camp. Expect something warm, spiced, and deeply appreciated after a long day.

Snacks, trail treats, and plenty of tea and coffee are available throughout. Dietary requirements are catered for—just note them at the time of booking.

This is back-to-basics done right. No glamping, no gimmicks—just good food, wild places, and nights you’ll remember.

✅ What’s Included

Itinerary Activities

Fully guided 3-day trek from the eastern foothills of Cape Range to the Ningaloo Coast
Stargazing and remote camping beneath dark skies
Snorkelling, swimming, and beach walking along Ningaloo Reef
Wildlife spotting opportunities: turtles, rays, emus, wedge-tailed eagles & more

Guides

Experienced local wilderness guide (and naturalist)
Supportive, safety-focused, and deeply knowledgeable about the region’s ecosystems and stories

Accommodation

2 nights wild camping in scenic, remote locations
Lightweight swags, sleeping mats, and sleeping bags provided
Campsites are off-grid and carry-in/carry-out (no fixed facilities)

Meals

All meals from morning tea on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3
Trail breakfasts, picnic lunches, and nourishing campfire dinners
Snacks, fruit, tea, coffee, and electrolyte top-ups along the way
Dietary needs catered for (please advise when booking)

Transport

Return transfers from Exmouth to/from the trail
Gear shuttling and support vehicle logistics included

Equipment & Support

Use of trekking poles and daypacks (if needed)
Dry bags, communal cooking gear, and all group equipment
Emergency comms and satellite safety device carried at all times

Fees & Impact

National Park access fees
Responsible trekking practices with minimal environmental footprint
A portion of each booking goes toward coastal restoration projects

🚫 What’s Not Included

Accommodation in Exmouth before or after the trip – You’ll need to book this separately.
Travel to/from Exmouth – Flights, buses, and airport transfers are not included.
Alcohol – BYO if you’d like something to sip under the stars.
Personal hiking gear – Bring your own clothing, boots, and water bottles.
Travel insurance – Strongly recommended in case of cancellation or medical needs.

Seasonal Weather Expectations

Cape Range National Park sits on the doorstep of the Ningaloo Coast, meaning conditions are often dry, sunny, and stunning—but also variable. This is wild country, and it pays to be prepared.

March to May (Autumn):

Expect warm days (25–33°C) and cooler nights (14–20°C). Winds are usually mild and sea conditions favourable for snorkelling. Occasional late-summer storms may roll through early in the season.

June to August (Winter):

Mild trekking weather with daytime temps averaging 22–28°C. Nights can dip below 10°C, especially inland, so pack a warm layer. This is the best season for wildlife spotting—whale sightings, emus, and wildflowers abound.

September to October (Spring):

Hotter, drier days creep in (28–36°C) and evenings stay mild. The land is alive with blooms and the reef still teeming with life. Earlier starts and shaded breaks help manage the heat.

Key Note:

The East–West Traverse is deliberately timed to avoid the extreme heat of summer (Nov–Feb). If the forecast spikes or unexpected weather rolls in, your guide may adjust the itinerary for safety and comfort.

What to Pack

This is a genuine wilderness trek—off-grid, self-supported, and unforgettable. What you bring matters. Your gear should be reliable, lightweight, and suited for three days of carrying everything on your back.

🏕 Essentials:

60–70L hiking pack (good condition, with padded hip belt)
Sleeping bag (rated to at least 5°C)
Inflatable or foam sleeping mat
Compact pillow or stuff sack with clothes inside
Headtorch (with spare batteries)
Reusable water bottles/bladder (3–4L total capacity)
Trekking poles (strongly recommended)
Dry bags or liners to keep your gear protected

👕 Clothing:

Lightweight hiking shirts (long sleeves for sun protection)
Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts
Thermal base layer (top & bottom for cool nights)
Fleece or lightweight puffer jacket
Rain jacket (breathable and packable)
Wide-brim hat + Buff or neck gaiter
Underwear & socks (merino or synthetic preferred)
Swimwear (for dips in the reef)
Sleepwear (warm enough for outdoor camping)

👟 Footwear:

Worn-in hiking boots or trail shoes (no brand-new boots!)
Camp shoes/sandals (lightweight, for beach and evenings)

🧼 Personal Items:

Toothbrush & toothpaste
Small biodegradable soap
Quick-dry travel towel
Personal meds & blister kit
Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent
Toilet paper + small hand sanitiser
Waste bags (Leave No Trace)

📸 Optional But Handy:

Snorkel & mask (optional – some may be provided)
Camera or phone (in waterproof case)
Notebook/journal
Small daypack (foldable, for beach wanders)

Your guide will carry group safety equipment, first aid, maps, and a PLB (personal locator beacon). Shared group gear and food will be evenly distributed among all guests.

Pack thoughtfully. Carry lightly. And get ready to walk where few others do.

-1.0tCO₂e

-1.0t 10.0t

0–2 t Low · 2–4 t Moderate · 4–6 t High · 6–8 t Very High · 8+ Extreme

Your Tour Offsets drive far more than Tree Planting — We Go Climate Positive By Design | Click Here to View the Method

Zero Trace CO₂e Report — Overnight Cape Range & Ningaloo Reef Hike (Exmouth, WA)

Results Summary

Estimated total per person: ≈ 583 kg CO₂e
Offset per person (200%): ≈ 1,166 kg CO₂e
Group total for context (8 guests): ≈ 4.66 t CO₂e

Method: high-estimate with Well-to-Tank (WTT) and aviation non-CO₂ effects via RF = 1.9; includes single-origin guest flights, all meals (included + off-tour), on-tour transport & camp nights, and +10% uncertainty uplift.

Purpose

Conservatively estimate greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂e) across Scopes 1–3, report per person (with group totals for context), and state the 200% offset applied per person.

Key Tour Info

Region: Ningaloo Coast / Cape Range, Western Australia
Duration (per listing): 2 days / 1 night
Start/Finish: Exmouth (WA) — pickup/drop-off in Exmouth
Group size for context: Max 8 guests
Trail distance: ~15 km total (Day 1 ≈ 7 km; Day 2 ≈ 8 km)
Style: Wilderness loop on foot; vehicle support transfers to/from trail
Inclusions (summary): Guided trek, camping gear supplied, all meals during the trek window, NP fees, transfers Exmouth ↔ trail

Scope & Boundaries

Scope 1: On-tour vehicle fuel (trail transfers/gear shuttle).
Scope 2: Purchased electricity where directly attributable (typically captured via accommodation benchmarks).
Scope 3: Guest flights to/from start (single-origin rule), camp nights, all meals (included + off-tour), supplier logistics proxies, and uncertainty uplift. Capital goods excluded.
Framework: GHG Protocol; distance-based factors with WTT; aviation RF = 1.9.

Feeder Hub (Guest Flights) — Single Origin Rule

Chosen origin hub: Perth (PER) (nearest major capital to Exmouth).
Routing applied per person: PER ↔ LEA (Learmonth/Exmouth) return.

Emission Factors & Conservative Defaults

Flights: UK GOV/DEFRA 2024 distance factors (economy), WTT included, RF = 1.9.
Road (mini-coach/utility): Higher passenger-km factor to reflect partial occupancy (conservative).
Accommodation: Room-night method (HCMI/CHSB regional benchmarks) applied to camp nights to avoid undercounting.
Meals: Meat-inclusive average ~2.5 kg CO₂e/meal (upper-bound).
Uncertainty uplift: +10% to subtotal where primary data is missing.

Activity Data Applied (this estimate)

Guest flights: PER ↔ LEA return (≈ 1,092 km each way)
On-tour road: Assumed 200 km total (Exmouth pickups/returns + gear shuttle)
Accommodation: 2 camp nights (conservative; see assumptions)
All meals consumed: 9 meals/person (3/day × 3 days) to cover the trek window end-to-end, independent of inclusions

Results — Per Person (high-estimate)

Flights (PER ↔ LEA; WTT + RF=1.9): ≈ 440 kg
On-tour road (200 km; conservative p-km factor): ≈ 27 kg
Accommodation (2 nights; room-night benchmark): ≈ 40 kg
All meals (9 × ~2.5 kg): ≈ 23 kg

Subtotal: ≈ 530 kg
+10% uncertainty uplift: ≈ 53 kg
Estimated total per person: ≈ 583 kg CO₂e

Reporting focus is per person. Group totals are for context only; offsets are applied per person.

Group Totals (context, 8 guests)

Estimated group total: ≈ 4.66 t CO₂e

Assumptions (Transparent)

Origin hub fixed: Perth for all guests, consistent with the “nearest major capital” rule.
Listing inconsistencies: The page presents 2 days / 1 night in “Quick Facts”, but also mentions 2 camp nights and meals through Day 3. To remain conservative, this estimate counts 2 nights and 3 days of meals (9 total).
Road distance: Not specified; 200 km assumed to cover all transfers/support movement conservatively.
No powered extras: No boat/scenic flights listed for this product; none included.
Method: Distance-based factors with WTT; aviation RF = 1.9; HCMI/CHSB for accommodation; +10% uncertainty.

Versioning

Generated 23 Aug 2025 (Australia/Perth). Factors reviewed at least annually or when official sources update.

References

Tour page — Overnight Cape Range & Ningaloo Reef Hike (itinerary, distances, inclusions): [Zero Trace Tours] (Zero Trace Tours)
UK Government — Greenhouse gas reporting conversion factors 2024 (main page): [GOV.UK] (GOV.UK)
UK Government — 2024 Methodology (WTT; aviation treatment/RF): [GOV.UK PDF] (GOV.UK)
GHG Protocol — Corporate Accounting & Reporting Standard (Scopes 1–3): [GHG Protocol] (GHG Protocol)
Australia National Greenhouse Accounts (NGA) Factors 2024: [DCCEEW] (DCCEEW)
ICAO Carbon Emissions Calculator — methodology v13: [ICAO PDF] (ICAO Applications)
ICAO Carbon Emissions Calculator — overview/method page: [ICAO] (ICAO, ICAO Carbon Emissions Calculator)
Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI) methodology & tools: [Sustainable Hospitality Alliance] • [HCMI Intro PDF] • [Hotel Footprinting] (World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance)
CHSB / Greenview Hotel Footprinting Tool: [Greenview] • [Hotel Footprint Calculator] (Greenview, Hotel Footprints)
Great-circle distance reference (PER–LEA ≈ 1,092 km each way): [Travelmath] (travelmath.com)

Local Insights — Exmouth • Nyinggulu (Ningaloo) • Cape Range (Trek Region)

Travel takes place on the lands and waters of the Baiyungu, Thalanyji and Yinigudira peoples. Culture leads—follow local guidance and respect cultural sites and seasonal closures.

Big-picture snapshot

A desert-meets-ocean corridor where limestone ranges drop to turquoise lagoons. Treks weave canyon rims, spinifex plateaus and coastal dunes, with shore-snorkel options before/after walk hours. Distances are short, exposure is real, and there’s no reliable drinking water inside the park—plan like it’s remote, because it is.

Seasons & climate (what actually changes)

Dry months (Apr–Oct): Calmer trekking conditions, cooler nights, excellent visibility.
Hot months (Nov–Mar): Heat + afternoon sea-breezes; start at first light, build long shade breaks, and carry serious water.
Cyclone window: Nov–Apr in the northwest—track alerts, be flexible, and avoid flood-prone backroads during systems.
Turtle season: Nesting Nov–Feb; hatching ~Jan–Mar on west-side beaches (red-light rules and guided programs apply).

Culture & conduct (essentials that matter)

Sacred places & stories are present across the cape—observe no-photo zones and all site signage.
Drones: Regulated—many areas allow recreational flying under rules, but wildlife/sanctuary zones and some sites restrict or prohibit use. Check park-specific guidance before launching.
Look, don’t touch: Leave shells, fossils and cultural artefacts in place.

Passes & bookings (plain English)

Park entry: WA park fees apply at Cape Range.
Camping: Advance bookings required for coastal campgrounds; sites are basic (toilets; no drinking water).
Maps: Grab the official visitor guide / maps and download offline versions before leaving town.

Water, safety & nav (read this)

No potable water in park day-use areas or camps. Carry all drinking water for walks and camp.
Hydration rule-of-thumb: ≥ 1 L per person per hour while walking in heat; add electrolytes for longer stints.
Exposure & footing: Trails are rocky, open and sun-hard—hat, long light layers, grippy footwear.
Comms: Expect patchy reception—carry a PLB/satellite device and leave a trip plan.

Trails & highlights (trek-friendly picks)

Mandu Mandu Gorge (3 km loop, Class 4): Rocky creek bed and rim-top views; excellent short canyon sampler.
Yardie Gorge Trail (to ~2 km): Clifftop track overlooking the gorge and reef line; watch for black-footed rock-wallabies.
Badjirrajirra (high-range loop from Thomas Carter Lookout): A Class 4 loop (~6 km) on the Cape Range crest with Shothole/Exmouth Gulf views—best early or late for colour and breeze.
Charles Knife & Shothole Canyons: East-side lookouts, rim walks and 4WD access into dramatic limestone gorges—iconic golden-hour spots.
Coast add-ons (if legs still lively): Lakeside for an all-tide gentle snorkel; Oyster Stacks at high tide only (to protect coral and for safe depth).

Recommendations & local-style tips

Sunrise on the range: Hit Charles Knife at first light—layered ridges over Exmouth Gulf make easy hero shots.
Wind-smart sequencing: Do ridge or gorge walks in the morning, then slide to coast or visitor-centre time when the afternoon breeze kicks up.
Tide gospel (reef side): Plan Oyster Stacks for high tide (~≥1.2 m); otherwise skip it and choose Lakeside.
Wildlife etiquette: Give wallabies space on Yardie’s ledges; no feeding near carparks or camps.
Night sky: The cape does serious Milky Way—check moon phase and pack a warm layer for after-dark chills.

Practical logistics

Fuel & food: Stock up in Exmouth; there’s no potable water at park camps/day-use.
Road mix: Main access is sealed; Shothole is 4WD-only; unsealed spurs can close after rain—carry a Plan B.
Reception: Patchy outside town; Telstra has the best odds, but still expect black spots.
Swim sense: In marine sanctuaries, don’t stand on coral; use designated entries and observe all no-take rules.

Zero Trace (do it right)

Pack out everything, keep soaps and food scraps out of water, stay on formed pads, and respect cultural, wildlife and fire/cyclone closures without debate. Aim simple: leave the next visitor feeling like the first.

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This is a genuine multi-day pack hike, so a good base level of fitness is essential. You’ll be carrying a pack weighing around 15–18 kg, covering up to 15 km per day across rugged terrain. If you’ve done overnight hikes before—or are keen to train for one—you’re in the right place.

Wilderness camping, off-grid and spectacular. Think stargazing from your sleeping mat, ocean breezes through your tent fly, and the hush of Cape Range at night. Tents and sleeping mats are provided.

Yes, this is a small-group guided tour with a maximum of 8 travellers. This ensures a more personal experience and low impact on the environment. The guides are experienced professionals who also double as cooks, storytellers, and safety leads

You’ll be picked up and dropped off in Exmouth.

This Tour Has An estimated footprint of :

-1.0tCO₂e

-1.0t 10.0t

0–2 t Low · 2–4 t Moderate · 4–6 t High · 6–8 t Very High · 8+ Extreme

What That Means

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