Australia: Western Wonderland

Perth is the capital and largest city in Western Australia but it also boasts an impressive amount of green areas. Join your Travel Director for some city exploration and a leisurely walk through the heart of Kings Park, where you'll find over 3,000 types of plants in the Botanic Garden, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Swan River. This serves as a calm introduction to the exciting two-week journey ahead and your Western Australia adventure from Perth is about to kick off. In the evening, gather for a meal with your Travel Director and fellow travellers to wrap up the day.

Accommodation at the 4* Holiday Inn West Perth (or similar)

Today you'll travel from the coastal beaches of Perth to Wave Rock, the towering cliff that resembles a giant wave ready to crash into the surrounding bushland. Spanning 110 metres, this vibrant, rainbow-coloured granite formation was shaped over three million years ago. The locals in Wave Rock are warm and welcoming, with a deep love for their unique home. But don’t just take our word for it, meet Sheenagh, who will give you a personal tour of her farm and share insights into life on the land. It can be tough, but there's a certain charm to the vast, open expanse of the Australian outback. You'll also get a chance to see her collection of vintage cars and hear the fascinating stories behind them.

Accommodation at the 3* Wave Rock Motel (or similar)

After saying goodbye to Wave Rock you'll move on to explore the expansive streets and historic buildings of Kalgoorlie, a town rich in gold rush heritage and take in the breathtaking view of the massive 'Super Pit' open-cut gold mine. You'll also visit Hannans North Mine, part of Kalgoorlie's famed 'Golden Mile’.

Accommodation at the 4* Rydges Kalgoorlie (or similar)

Spanning over 31,000 hectares of vast heathlands, rugged coastal peaks and pristine white sand beaches, it’s easy to see why Cape Le Grand National Park is considered one of the most captivating parks in Australia. Arrive at Thistle Cove, where you can hear the distinctive whistle of the Whistling Rock amidst the sounds of the wind and sea. Next, head to the beautiful Hellfire Bay, where you'll meet your Aboriginal guide and you'll gain insight into the cultural heritage of the Wudjari people and learn about the area's rich natural beauty.

Accommodation at the 4* Comfort Inn Bay of Isles (or similar)

Today’s journey from Esperance takes you through some of the most abundant wilderness areas in Western Australia, including the Stirling Range National Park, which bursts into a stunning display of wildflowers during the season and boasts over 1,500 species, some of which are unique to this region. Enjoy a panoramic view from the Bluff Knoll Lookout, perched atop one of the highest peaks in WA and explore Lucky Bay, a picture-perfect spot where kangaroos often relax on the beach.

Accommodation at the 4* Dog Rock Motel (or similar)

Nature, history, food and wine – Albany has it all. The toughest part of your day will be choosing which adventure to embark on. You might choose a tour that takes you through the town’s history as the final stop for ANZAC troopships leaving Australia during WWI. Alternatively, you could venture into Torndirrup National Park, where towering cliffs give way to striking rock formations and you might spot whales migrating through the waters. For those with a taste for local flavours, a culinary tour offers a chance to sample delicious regional treats like cheeses, fudge, chocolate, ice cream, cider, wines and gins. However you choose to spend your day, the decision is yours.

Accommodation at the 4* Dog Rock Motel (or similar)

Suspended 40 metres above the ground, the Tree Top Walk offers an incredible vantage point, allowing you to look down on the towering tingle trees that dominate the Valley of the Giants. The Margaret River region of Western Australia rightfully holds its place as one of the country’s premier wine-growing areas, with countless exceptional vineyards. Home to an impressive range of wines, from sparkling to shiraz, rosé to reserve chardonnay, all of which you’ll sample during a guided tasting in the region, followed by a delightful dinner at an on-site restaurant.

Accommodation at the 3* Stay Margaret River (or similar)

The Margaret River is one of the few wine regions globally where vineyards are just metres from the beach. The scenic vineyards accompany you as you travel towards Busselton, home to the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Pay tribute to the builders of this impressive 1.8-kilometre structure that stretches out into Geographe Bay. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy in Fremantle.

Accommodation at the 4 * Esplanade Hotel Fremantle (or similar)

Sometimes, the most unforgettable days of travel are those spent leisurely strolling along the waterfront, enjoying a long lunch, or sipping a refreshing ale. We highly recommend you take this day of relaxation to do just that. If you decide to hop on the ferry for a Rottnest Island tour, don’t forget to have your phone ready for selfies with the island's adorable quokkas and the stunningly clear turquoise waters.

Accommodation at the 4 * Esplanade Hotel Fremantle (or similar)

Yanchep National Park is breathtakingly beautiful, a unique blend of bushland and wetlands that is both awe-inspiring and sacred. The best way to appreciate its significance to First Nations communities is with the guidance of an Aboriginal guide. Here you’ll learn about the storytelling traditions and their cultural importance, enjoy the sounds of the didgeridoo, and take part in hands-on activities with traditional tools. Two national parks in a single day – your next stop is Nambung National Park, where you're welcomed by a surreal moonscape. Your Pinnacles tour will wind through this remarkable array of limestone formations that will leave you amazed.

Accommodation at the 4* Nesuto Geraldton Apartment Hotel (or similar)

Prepare for an unforgettable journey to Monkey Mia, nestled in the heart of the Shark Bay World Heritage region. Be sure to have your sunglasses ready for Shell Beach, a stunning white cove formed from billions of coquina bivalve shells that can reach depths of up to 10 metres and Hamelin Pool, home to the world’s most famous colony of stromatolites. Remarkably, these rock-like structures are living organisms. Aboriginal communities have called Shark Bay home for 65,000 years, and you'll learn about this rich history as you join Nhanda man, Darren 'Capes' Capewell. He’ll share how stories are passed down, followed by a didgeridoo performance and this immersive experience also includes a tasting of traditional bush tucker, cooked over a campfire beneath the stars.

Accommodation at the 3* Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort (or similar)

Millions of years ago, the Murchison River carved its path through Kalbarri National Park, leaving behind breathtaking gorges of red-and-white banded sandstone and towering coastal cliffs. The view is truly spectacular, best appreciated from above. Enter the Kalbarri Skywalk, a daring platform that extends 25 metres beyond the gorge edge and rises 100 metres above the river below. Here, an Indigenous guide will welcome you to Country, sharing the stories of the land you stand on. You'll learn about bushfoods, medicinal plants and the traditional uses of local flora. Hear personal stories about life growing up on Country and gain insight into the region’s social history from an Aboriginal perspective. 

Accommodation at the 4* Kalbarri Edge Resort (or similar)

Upon returning to Perth, enjoy a meal with your newfound friends and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past two weeks. Say goodbye to your fellow travellers the following morning when your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Feel free to let one of our friendly consultants know if you'd like to continue your travels elsewhere and we'll be more than happy to tailor make your holiday to your preferences.

Accommodation at the 4* Holiday Inn West Perth (or similar)