ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrive Perth
Arrive in Perth and transfer from the airport to your central hotel for the next 9 nights.

Day 2: Perth and Fremantle Tour.
See the city highlights of Perth including the Botanic Gardens at Kings Park, WACA cricket ground, historic Perth Mint, Swan Bell Tower, Royal Yacht club and St Georges Road before heading to Fremantle. Here take lunch at your leisure (own expense), peruse the shops and markets or soak up the charming sandstone buildings. Enjoy a 1 hour tram ride taking in many of the sights of Fremantle before joining the river cruise from Fremantle to Perth. Sample wines and enjoy complimentary tea and coffee as you enjoy the stunning views cruising back into Perth.

Day 3: Rottnest Island Tour.
Visit spectacular Rottnest Island, the “Emerald Isle in a Sea of Sapphire”, only 19 kilometres off the mainland coast. Join the most comprehensive guided tour of the island allowing you to explore the stunning beauty of this A-Class natural reserve in air-conditioned comfort, taking in the amazing fauna and flora of the island, stunning beaches, woodlands and incredible salt lakes – commencing with a unique historic train ride.
This 4-hour all-inclusive island tour takes in all of Rottnest’s must-see locations featuring the Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, Oliver Hill Gun Fortification and Tunnels and the majestic look-out point at the rugged Cathedral Rocks and Cape Vlamingh.
All major habitats are covered on this amazing tour, including Rottnest’s cultural and historical heritage ranging from maritime and military history right up to future developments. Finish the day by exploring the island settlement or enjoy a drink at the Rottnest Quokka Arms Pub.

Day 4: Margaret River Day Tour
We travel south from Perth driving through farmland with grazing cattle and passing by coastal towns. Arriving at Busselton, known as the gateway to the Margaret River Region we stop for morning tea (own expense) at the iconic Busselton Jetty, the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere. Driving into the heart of the region we head to one of Margaret River’s oldest breweries for a gourmet platter lunch of local produce, with complimentary beer and cider tastings.

Following lunch, we continue south through the forest to an internationally renowned winery to taste some of their best award-winning wines, whilst gaining some industry insight on wine production with the opportunity to purchase. Next it’s on to Mammoth Cave for a guided tour through this gothic cave with vast chambers that reveal fascinating information on the regions flora and fauna. Continuing south, through the Boranup Forest of enormous Karri Trees we reach the most fascinating part of the region Augusta. Here at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, marvel at the dividing point between the Southern and Indian Oceans, a rare phenomenon to view the meetings of the two Oceans.

Then we head north up to the township of Margaret River for a brief stop to stroll the main street. After a long but fantastic day giving you a full taste of this wonderful region, we break at a restaurant en route for a light dinner (own expense) then it’s back to Perth arriving at approximately 9:30pm.

Day 5: Wave Rock Tour
Journey through Western Australia’s wheatbelt to Hyden – home of Wave Rock, truly one of Australia’s most incredible natural landforms. Leaving Perth, we head through the Perth Hills and escarpment and enter farming country. Heading east, we enjoy morning tea (own expense) at historic York, the first township founded in the Avon Valley. From there we travel the Wheatbelt Highway through the agricultural towns of Corrigin and Kondinin; through outback farming country – giving a glimpse of Australian country life passing the infamous Dog Cemetery, a shrine to man’s best friend and an integral part of farming life.
Then visit Hippo’s Yawn, a rock formation which resembles a hippo yawning. We then break for an Aussie country style lunch at the Wildflower Shop. Whilst here, visit either a Wildlife Park, view a unique Antique Lace Collection – even featuring lace from Lady Diana, or visit the amazing Toy Soldier Museum. Then we move on to see the spectacular prehistoric rock formation of Wave Rock and sacred Aboriginal sites. We return to Perth with a stop at a remote country town for a light afternoon tea and snack (own expense) arriving approximately at 8:30pm.

Day 6: Pinnacles Day Tour.
We travel north along quiet back roads to arrive at West Coast Honey to learn about all things honey-related. Then onwards to the coastal town of Lancelin, passing huge sand dunes to arrive at the Lancelin Beach Hotel for an included lunch. We then travel to the iconic Nambung National Park in the town of Cervantes for a guided, easy paced walk through the mystical Pinnacles Desert – a truly iconic Western Australia landscape. Discover the moon-like sandscape of these fascinating limestone formations. If time permits, be sure to make a visit to the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre to learn about the Pinnacles and the cultural and natural heritage of the area. Return to Perth down the Indian Ocean Drive arriving at approximately 18:00.

Day 7: New Norcia & Swan Valley Tour.
Travel through the Swan Valley and arrive at Bindoon Bakery, paying homage to its countryside community roots and have the opportunity to purchase morning tea. Continue on to New Norcia, Australia’s only monastic town which is renowned for its Benedictine Abbey. We drive through the town and learn of the intriguing history and culture of the community before visiting the Abbey Church; home to one of only two large Moser organs originally crafted in Germany, followed by a visit to purchase Benedictine Community goods including olive oil, New Norcia nut cake and breads, together with time to visit the museum and stunning art gallery. Following this, enjoy included fish and chips lunch at the historic New Norcia Hotel before driving back through the amazing Chittering Valley stopping off at Whistler’s Chocolate for some samples before arriving back in Perth approximately 16:15.

Day 8: Wildflower Day Tour. Only available Sept & Oct each year.
Western Australia has 12,000 different species of wildflowers. Whilst the slope, soils and ancient granite outcrops of the Darling Escarpment are traditionally the ideal habitat and location to view wildflowers, profusion varies daily and is dependant on sunshine. We visit locations all around the Perth region where we expect to find the finest wildflowers for you to see and smell, monitoring the progress of wildflowers once in season to ensure we minimise travel time. Kings Park is renowned for its guarantee of wildflowers but areas such as Wireless Park, Gingin and Toodyay are also prolific at various times.

Our experienced guide will help you identify rare and delicate wildflowers including renowned everlastings, orchids, red and green kangaroo paw, banksias, bottle brush and Western Australia’s most famous orange flowering Christmas trees. During the day at an opportune time (hopefully close to the gorgeous wildflowers), we stop for our included lunch (venue dependant on itinerary).
There is ample time to identify and photograph flowers and a complimentary wildflower booklet on Western Australia’s unique wildflowers is included.
Please be aware that this tour highlights individual species and not carpets or fields of flowers, which are found 500 kilometres north of Perth.

Mandurah Half Day Tour when wildflowers are not in season.
We travel south from Perth heading into the Peel region famed for its stunning coastline and abundant aquatic wildlife. After leaving the city we head south into the City of Mandurah to join Mandurah Cruises for a leisurely 1.5 hour Dolphin & Scenic Marine Cruise aboard their purpose built sightseeing vessel. During this fascinating 1.5 hour expertly commented cruise, enjoy a fish and chips lunch on board from famous Cicerello’s. Following the cruise, enjoy free time for shopping and souvenir hunting along the scenic boardwalk of Dolphin Quay Marina before heading back to Perth along the freeway arriving approximately 15:45.

Day 9: Historic York Day Tour.
Heading east, we stop at Lake Leschenaultia, to admire the flora and fauna surrounding the lake as you enjoy morning tea. On arrival at York, the first township founded in the Avon Valley, join our tour guide for a guided tour of the town, passing the town hall, historical homes, York Flour Mill to arrive at Mount Brown Lookout, 342 metres above sea level. The lookout provides a beautiful 360 degrees panoramic view of York, offering photographic opportunities. We then head back into the town of York to enjoy lunch at Settlers House. Depart York to arrive at the Olive Oil Factory to learn all about the olive and the delicious and versatile oil produce, before departing the Olive Oil Factory to arrive back at Perth at 16:30

Day 10: Depart Perth
Your tour concludes today as you check out of your hotel and we transfer you to the airport. We hope you enjoyed exploring Western Australia.

Please note: The day by day descriptions published are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, road conditions, public holidays, travel restrictions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that ultimately are for the client’s benefit. It is essential that clients are flexible and open minded in this regard.