Western Wonderland

Day 1: Welcome to Perth

This afternoon when you meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers at your hotel, set off on a city tour of Perth including a visit to Kings Park where you can see the broad expanse of the Swan River and wander around the Anzac Memorial and wildflower gardens. You’ll also see the many public art installations around the city and get a feel for the different precincts surrounding the CBD. Tonight, get to know your fellow travellers over a Welcome drink and delicious meal.

Hotel: Travelodge Perth or Rendezvous Studio Hotel Perth Central

Day 2: Perth – Wave Rock

Travel to the small town of Hyden and visit spectacular Wave Rock. This magnificent rock formation, resembling a gigantic wave, was formed over three million years ago. Explore the formation and then take a short walk to discover Hippo’s Yawn, another fascinating rock formation. Afterwards you may like to wander through the Visitor Centre’s eclectic collection of lace and the largest collection of toy soldiers in the world. Then you’ll take an exclusive farm tour to hear about life in the Outback with a Wave Rock local. Exploring the farm with the owner, you’ll have to opportunity to take part in a cattle feed and later explore a private collection of vintage cars.

Hotel: Wave Rock Motel, Hyden

Day 3: Wave Rock – Kalgoorlie

This morning travel through classic Western Australian outback landscapes on your way to Kalgoorlie. Discover the characters and stories of this historic town on an orientation tour before visiting the lookout for fascinating views into the Super Pit open cut mine. Exploring Hannans North Mine provides a lifetime opportunity to discover the famous and historical Golden Mile in Kalgoorlie as well as experiencing a vibrant mix of gold rush history and modern-day mining. Get up close to the huge haul trucks and stand inside the shovel of one of their monstrous loaders.

Hotel: Rydges Kalgoorlie

Day 4: Kalgoorlie – Esperance

Today visit Cape Le Grand National Park for breathtaking views of the wild coastal scenery, rugged granite peaks and sweeping heathlands. Stop at Thistle Cove and marvel at its jaw dropping white sand and crystal clear blue water. At Lucky Bay, one of the most unique and stunning bays in Australia, you may see grey kangaroos that like to laze on the pristine beach.

Hotel: Comfort Inn Bay of Isles

Day 5: Esperance – Albany

Travel through Ravensthorpe and the Fitzgerald Biosphere to Bluff Knoll Lookout to witness the rugged beauty of the Stirling Ranges National Park. The National Park is one of the richest areas for flora in the world. Continue to Albany, rich in Anzac history, and settle into your hotel for the night.

Hotel: The Dog Rock Motel, 2 nights

Day 6: Albany Free Time

Today the day is free to explore this historic town on your own terms. You might want to delve into the history of why Albany was so important for those ANZACS bound for WWI with a visit to the National Anzac Centre or choose to explore the region on an optional half day or full day tour to discover wine and locally produced food.

Day 7: Albany – Margaret River

Visit the Valley of the Giants to explore the canopy of the Tingle forest along the beautiful Tree Top Walk. This afternoon visit Cape Leeuwin lighthouse precinct where the Indian and Great Southern Oceans meet. Continue to Margaret River, one of Australia’s premier wine growing regions. The region’s scenery and fresh air will leave you invigorated.

Hotel: Stay Margaret River, 2 nights

Day 8: Margaret River

Enjoy a sleep in this morning then get ready for a day that will delight your taste buds! Margaret River is known not only for its fabulous wine but also for its fresh produce and boutique producers. Vasse Virgin is where you’ll have the chance to learn about all things olive oil, taste the gourmet produce, and sample their range or beauty products made from olive oil. Continue to our hand-picked local winery for wine tastings and lunch prepared using fresh local produce. This afternoon you will have some free time to relax or explore the town of Margaret River. Your evening is free to do as you please.

Day 9: Margaret River – Fremantle

Hugging the coastline, we travers to the coastal town of Busselton to explore the historic wooden jetty. The jetty is the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere stretching out over a mile into Geographe Bay. Departing Busselton travelling further back up the coastline to the port city of Fremantle where you’ll have the afternoon to explore. You may like to visit the colourful Fremantle Markets. There are 150 stalls under one roof, and you’ll have a chance to purchase local arts and crafts and taste local delights.

Hotel: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle – by Rydges, 2 nights

Day 10: Fremantle Free Time

Today is a day to explore how you want. You might choose to wander along the Fremantle foreshore to discover the impressive fishing fleet and enjoy refreshing ale at Little Creatures Brewery. You could choose to take a ferry to explore Rottnest Island and enjoy a guided bus tour. The turquoise waters of Rottnest Island are something to behold. If boats are not your things than why not choose to discover Fremantle by foot with a locally guided walking tour to discover some hidden gems. Whatever it is you choose to do; you’re bound to enjoy every second.

Day 11: Fremantle – Geraldton

Today you’ll travel along the West Australian coastline to the port of Geraldton. Heading north to Yanchep National Park, you’ll enjoy a fantastic Aboriginal cultural experience in a bush setting. Meet your Aboriginal guide who’ll share with you their way of life and will treat you to the enchanting sounds of the didgeridoo. It’s a hands-on experience where you’ll have the chance to touch and feel traditional Aboriginal tools and it will have you rolling around with laughter. Continue along the coast to the seaside hamlet of Lancelin at lunchtime and then to Nambung National Park, home of the marvellous Pinnacles, a series of intriguing limestone formations. On arrival in Geraldton you’ll visit the evocative HMAS Sydney Memorial.

Hotel: Mantra Geraldton

Day 12: Geraldton – Monkey Mia

Travel north through Denham and the stunning waters of UNESCO World Heritage Shark Bay. Continue to the crystal blue waters and the pristine white sandy beaches of Monkey Mia. This afternoon is yours to do as you choose. Why not take a scenic flight over Shark Bay Marine Park or choose a wildlife cruise aboard a catamaran to spot sea creatures great and small. In the evening, there’s nothing like sitting back with a cocktail or a cool beer watching the world go by as the sun goes down over the water.

Hotel: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

Day 13: Monkey Mia – Kalbarri National Park

Rise early to see Monkey Mia’s wild dolphins swim close to shore. Wandering along the fascinating Shell Beach, one of only two in the world, formed from billions of coquina bivalve shells up to ten metres deep. We continue to Hamelin Pool to see the world’s best known colony of Stromatolites. Dating back to the beginning of life on earth, while they may not appear alive, these living structures have helped scientists unravel the history of life on earth!  Next up venture into Kalbarri National Park to view the spectacular scenery of Murchison River Gorge from the vantage point. During wildflower season, the National Park is a bloom with many a variety of wildflower. You might spot Acacia, Banksia, Caladenia and more! Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Hotel: Kalbarri Edge Resort

Day 14: Kalbarri National Park – Perth

On your way south, travel past Hutt Lagoon, one of the famous Pink Lakes in WA, before continuing to your final destination of Perth. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner. What a great opportunity to share a few laughs as you recount stories from the last 14 days together!

Hotel: Travelodge Perth or Rendezvous Studio Hotel Perth Central

Day 15: Farewell from Perth

Bid farewell to your fellow travellers when your trip concludes after breakfast.