Western Wonderland

Day 1

Perth

Arrive into Perth and meet with your tour guide and fellow travelers before setting off on a city tour of Perth, including visits to Kings Park and the Anzac Memorial. Afterwards, unwind and get to know your group with a welcome reception and dinner.

Overnight: Travelodge (Dinner included)

Day 2

Kalgoorlie

Head east as you pass through Corrigin to Hyden, visiting Wave Rock at lunch time. This superb rock formation resembles a vast wave and was formed by granite over three million years ago – it’s a fascinating sight and one not to be missed. Afterwards, why not explore the varied collections at the visitor’s cultural center, including the largest collection of toy soldiers in the world. Continue on to Kargoorlie, which is edged by pretty spring flowers (seasonal) and stark ghost towns.

Overnight: Rydges (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 3

Esperance

In the morning you’ll join a local guide to tour the Super Pit gold mine which produces up to 850,000 ounces of gold every year – this makes it the largest open-pit gold mine in Australia. After this fascinating tour, take an orientation tour of the gold mining town which is brimming with history and unique turn of the century buildings. Afterwards, stop to look out over Lake Lefroy before heading on to Norseman and on to Esperance from here.

Overnight: Comfort Inn Bay of Isles (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 4

Esperance

Visit the Cape Le Grand National Park for spectacular views of the wild coastal scenery and the mighty granite peaks, stopping along the way at the breath-taking Thistle Cove and Lucky Bay – one of the most picturesque bays in Australia. This area is known for its kangaroos which lounge on the beach in the sunshine. Spend the afternoon in Esperance, exploring at your own pace.

Overnight: Comfort Inn Bay of Isles (Breakfast included)

Day 5

Albany

Visit the magical pink lake today and travel through Ravensthorpe and the Fitzgerald Biosphere to Bluff Knoll Lookout, where you’ll be met with stunning views of the Stirling Ranges National Park. This is an incredibly rich area for flora, in fact its one of the best in the world, so don’t forget your camera. Afterwards, continue on to Albany – home of the Anzacs.

Overnight: Albany Dog Rock Motel (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 6

Margaret River

In the morning, take a visit to Torndirrup National Park – home to the Natural Bridge and the Gap – to discover the wild coastline. Next, take a trip to the historic whaling station for an insight into the seafaring past of this region, explained to you by a local guide. Visit the Valley of the Giants, filled with towering Tingle and Karri trees, then explore the canopy of the Tingle Forest with a treetop walk. End the day in Margaret River which is the premier wine growing region in Australia.

Overnight: Quality Inn Margaret River (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 7

Margaret River

Today you’ll take a scenic drive through the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, speckled with karri and peppermint trees. You’ll visit the Jewel Cave which is home to ancient fossil remains of now extinct animals, exploring this fascinating area with a local guide. Later on, visit the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse which is found where the Indian and Great Southern Oceans meet. Take a wine tour of the Margaret River region, with tastings and lunch included, then make the most of some free time to explore after a brief visit to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory.

Overnight: Quality Inn Margaret River (Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 8

Fremantle

Travel north through Busselton on your way to Fremantle; upon arrival, discover the indigenous heritage of the area on a guided walking tour. The remainder of the day can be spent at leisure, perhaps with a visit to the Western Australia Maritime Museum where you can learn more about the maritime heritage of Fremantle. Alternatively, take in the sights on a replica tram, accompanied by a local commentary and the option to hop and off at the local sights.

Overnight: Esplanade Hotel (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 9

Perth

Spend some free time this morning making the most of the Fremantle markets, giving you the chance to shop for local arts and crafts, and culinary delights. In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle cruise along the Swan River before returning to Perth.

Overnight: Travelodge (Breakfast included)

Day 10

Kalbarri

Journey to New Norcia today, a small settlement which revolves around a Benedictine Monastery. There will be chance to visit the museum and art gallery before continuing on to Kalbarri – a coastal fishing town situated at the spot where the Indian Ocean meets the Murchison River.

Overnight: Kalbarri Edge Resort (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 11

Monkey Mia

Today is a fun-packed experience beginning with a visit to the Kalbarri National Park. Here you will visit the Red Bluff Lookout and admire the stunning scenery of the Murchison River Gorge from the vantage point of Hawks Head Lookout. Be sure to watch out for the elegant peregrine falcons swooping overhead as they hunt along the cliffs. Afterwards, visit the Shell Beach which is one of only two in the world and is formed of billions of coquina bivalve shells. End the day upon arrival in Monkey Mia which will be your base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 12

Monkey Mia

Make the most of the staggering views today by watching the dolphins swim to shore along the coast. (These mammals are wild so there cannot be any guarantee of sightings). This is a day of leisure so why not go sailing with a picturesque cruise, soak up the sunshine on the beach or with a scenic flight over the coastline.

Overnight: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort (Breakfast included)

Day 13

Geraldton

Travel to Hamelin Pool to see the best known colony of Stromatolites in the world which date back to the beginning of life on earth. These living structures have played a crucial role in examining and tracking the progression of life on earth and are fascinating to see in person. Continue along the North West Coastal Highway to Geraldton which is situated in the heart of the Batavia Coast.

Overnight: Ibis Styles (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 14

Perth

Travel into Nambung National Park which is home to the mysterious Pinnacles, formed thousands of years ago by calcified limestone. From here, head south to Yanchep National Park to enjoy an authentic Aboriginal cultural experience in a bush setting, meeting your Aboriginal guide who will teach you about their culture and heritage. Celebrate in the evening with a farewell dinner with your group.

Overnight: Travelodge (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 15

Perth

After breakfast, make your way to the airport for your departing flight.

(Breakfast included)

What’s Included

• Hotels (14 nights)
• 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 10 dinners included
• Wine tour and chocolate tasting in Margaret River; City tour of Perth; Visit Super Pit gold mine; Climb Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse; Visit Fremantle markets; Walk along Shell Beach; Visit New Norcia Benedictine Monastery; Visit Kalbarri National Park; Explore the Pinnacles; Aboriginal cultural experience; Experience indigenous culture at Yanchep National Park
• Tour guide throughout and local guides