Take a trip to Australia’s west coast and view spectacular scenery including Margaret River, Valley of the Giants, Wave Rock & Monkey Mia!

INCLUSIONS

 

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive Perth (D)
On arrival in Perth you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a city tour of Perth including Kings Park where you can see the broad expanse of the Swan River. Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your Tour Director. Overnightl: Mantra on Murray, Perth

Day 2: Margaret River (B, D)
We travel south through Busselton, a popular holiday resort on the shores of Geographe Bay. Visit the Margaret River Caves and explore awe-inspiring Mammoth Cave, home to ancient fossil remains of extinct animals. Continue to Margaret River, one of Australia’s premier wine growing regions.  Overnight: Australis Margaret River, Margaret River, 2 nights.

Day 3: Margaret River (B, L)
This morning enjoy a scenic journey through the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park with its peppermint trees and karri forest. See Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, situated at the most south westerly tip of Australia. You are invited to a tour, tastings and lunch freshly prepared from local produce at Palandri Winery. This afternoon there is time to explore Margaret River, including the ever-popular Chocolate Factory.

Day 4: Margaret River - Albany (B, D)
View the enormous Gloucester Tree, the highest fire lookout tree in the world. Journey through the Valley of the Giants with its huge Tingle and Karri trees. Explore the canopy of the tingle forest along the Tree Top Walk. Continue to Torndirrup National Park, home to the Natural Bridge and the Gap, then visit Whaleworld for a fascinating insight into the region’s seafaring past.  Overnight: Comfort Inn, Albany.

Day 5: Albany - Esperance (B, D)
Visit the Anzac Memorial and enjoy the panoramic views. Travel to Bluff Knoll Lookout to witness the rugged beauty of the Stirling Ranges. Continue to Esperance and see the Pink Lake.  Overnight: Comfort Inn Bay of Isles, Esperance.

Day 6: Cape Le Grand - Kalgoorlie (B, D)
Travel into Cape Le Grand National Park for coastal views. Continue through Norseman to the gold mining town of Kalgoorlie. Stop at the Golden Superpit Lookout for an amazing view of Australia’s largest open cut gold mine. An orientation tour of this historic gold mining town will reveal unique turn of the century buildings including the famous Exchange Hotel and Hay Street. Overnight: Rydges, Kalgoorlie, 2 nights.

Day 7:  Kalgoorlie (B)
Spend this morning at the Mining Hall of Fame. Try panning for gold, witness gold bullion being poured and go underground for a tour of the Mining Reserve. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service for an insight into the work of this Australian icon. There is the opportunity this afternoon to explore this gold town at leisure.

Day 8: Wave Rock (B, D)
Travel through the former ghost town of Coolgardie, recently rejuvenated following new ore discoveries. Journey to Wave Rock, a striking rock formation resembling a gigantic wave, which was formed from granite over three million years ago. Continue to York, Western Australia’s most historic inland town, before traveling on to the port of Fremantle, a city rich in heritage buildings and attractions. It has been recognized as the best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape in the world.  Overnight: Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle.

Day 9: Fremantle - Perth (B)
Time this morning is at leisure to explore the Fremantle markets and busy harbor.  Discover the heritage of Fremantle. Discover the heritage of Fremantle. Enjoy a walking tour including the Round House. Learn how the Swan River is part of the Dreaming Trail of the area. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Swan River to Perth.  Overnight: Mantra on Murray, Perth.

Day 10: Perth - Kalbarri (B, D)
Travel to New Norcia, Australia’s only Spanish town. The small settlement revolves around the Benedictine Monastery, where we will visit the museum and art gallery. We then visit a wildflower farm with its unique collection of flowers before continuing to Kalbarri, a coastal fishing town where the Murchison River meets the Indian Ocean. Overnight: Kalbarri Edge Resort, Kalbarri.

Day 11: Kalbarri National Park (B, D)
Venture into Kalbarri National Park. Visit Red Bluff Lookout and view the spectacular scenery of Murchison River Gorge from the vantage point of Hawks Head Lookout. Visit Shell Beach, one of only two in the world, formed from billions of shells up to ten meters deep. Continue to the crystal blue waters and the pristine white shell and sandy beaches of Monkey Mia.  Overnight: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, 2 nights.

Day 12: Monkey Mia (B)
Watch for the famous dolphins that swim into shore. These wild mammals of the ocean swim into the shallows to mingle with people. (Note: As dolphins are wild their appearance cannot be guaranteed.) The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps take an optional sailing cruise to spot dugong and dolphins.

Day 13: Geraldton (B, D)
Travel to Hamelin Pool to see the world’s best known colony of Stromatolites, dating back to the beginning of life on earth. Continue south along the North West Coastal Highway to Geraldton, in the heart of the Batavia Coast. Overnight: All Seasons Geraldton, Geraldton.

Day 14:The Pinnacles - Perth (B, D)
Today travel into Nambung National Park, home of the mystical Pinnacles, formed by calcified limestone thousands of years ago. Heading south to Yanchep National Park, you will enjoy an Aboriginal cultural experience in an authentic bush setting. Meet Aboriginal guides who will share with you their way of life in a traditional community and will treat you to the enchanting sounds of the didgeridoo. Continue to Perth this afternoon.  Overnight: Mantra on Murray Perth.

Day 15: Depart Perth (B)
You will be transferred to Perth Airport to connect with your onward flight or ask us about adding a journey on the Indian Pacific across to Adelaide or Perth!

Departure Dates
2012:  Feb 18; Mar 10; May 12; Jun 16; Jul 28; Aug 4, 25; Sep 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct 6, 20; Nov 3, Dec 29
2013:  Jan 19; Feb 16, Mar 9

Based on departures:  Feb 1, 2012 - Mar 31, 2012:
Price per person twin share from $4920
Price per person single occupancy from $6200

Based on departures:  May 1, 2012 - Mar 10, 2013:
Price per person twin share from $6109
Price per person single occupancy from $7704