Coral Coast Aventure with South Western Discovery

Upon arrival, be met at the airport and transferred to your expedition ship, the Coral Adventurer. Designed for intrepid exploration, this purpose-built vessel has been designed to access remote shores and far-flung destinations. Settle in and take time to explore the ship's facilities before toasting the beginning of your adventure with a glass of sparkling on the deck. This evening, a casual dinner introduces you to your fellow travellers as you prepare for an unforgettable journey. Stay 10 Nights: Coral Adventurer (D)

Spend a leisurely day at sea as you make your way towards your next destination. Take full advantage of the ship's exceptional amenities, or attend insightful lectures led by your knowledgeable Expedition Team, who offer expertise on the regions you'll explore. Gather on deck to admire the views and relax in the comfort of your surroundings. This evening, join your fellow travellers for the Captain's welcome dinner, a relaxed and enjoyable way to celebrate the start of your cruising adventure. (B/L/D)

The Dampier Archipelago, a stunning collection of 42 islands and islets, offers a captivating mix of natural beauty and cultural significance. The surrounding turquoise waters are a haven for coral reefs, tropical fish and sea sponge gardens, while the archipelago itself is home to important Aboriginal and European heritage sites, many within National Heritage Listed Areas. First charted by English explorer William Dampier in 1699, the islands were originally inhabited by the Yaburara people, as seen in the thousands of rock engravings and stone arrangements scattered across the landscape.

Today, there will be ample opportunity to explore both the historical and cultural sites, before enjoying in a variety of activities such as swimming, kayaking, and birdwatching. Keep an eye out for migratory waders, sea eagles, ospreys, and, with some luck, the elusive Rothschild's rock wallaby. Please note that access to Aboriginal petroglyphs is subject to approval and guidance from the Traditional Owners, and viewing cannot be guaranteed. (B/L/D)

The Montebello Islands, an archipelago of more than 250 limestone islands and islets, lie off the coast of the Pilbara. Known for their rich biodiversity, the islands are a vital sanctuary for birdlife, hosting over 1% of the world's population of fairy and roseate terns, as well as sooty oystercatchers.

The islands are also steeped in history, with a tumultuous past. Alpha and Trimouille Islands were the sites of British atomic weapons tests in the 1950s, and relics from the operation can still be seen today. Visit Trimouille Island's Ground Zero plinth, now home to an abundant wildlife population, including the rare rufous hare wallaby.

The Montebellos also hold a fascinating maritime history, as the first Europeans to land here were survivors of the British East India ship Tryall, which was wrecked in 1622. Spend the day exploring this remarkable island group, enjoying wildlife spotting and leisurely beach walks, with the opportunity to see the elusive rufous hare wallaby and lagoon rays amid stunning coastal vistas. (B/L/D)

Ningaloo Reef, one of the longest and most pristine fringing reefs in the world, is home to an extraordinary array of marine life. The reef's unique proximity to deep ocean waters and the coast creates a thriving ecosystem where vibrant corals, schools of tropical fish, manta rays, and whale sharks coexist in harmony. As one of the most significant turtle nesting sites in the Indian Ocean, Ningaloo offers unparalleled opportunities to witness these graceful creatures in their natural habitat.

Spend the day in Cape Range National Park, with the option to snorkel in the clear waters of Turquoise Bay, home to colourful coral gardens and abundant marine life. Explore the picturesque Yardie Creek on a 1.2km Nature Walk, or visit the Vlamingh Head lighthouse for panoramic views of the coast. Discover the region's fascinating history at the Ningaloo Centre, or enjoy some free time to wander through Exmouth's charming town. (B/L/D)

Today, discover the Muiron Islands, located just 18 kilometres from the North West Cape. The island group is renowned for its vibrant reef systems and rich marine life. Snorkellers and divers alike will be captivated by the colourful soft corals, schools of tropical fish, and the chance to spot majestic manta rays and sea turtles. Explore a variety of dive sites, including swim-throughs and ledges, where you may encounter nudibranchs, eels, and angelfish. The protected reefs and abundant 'bommies' (coral reef outcrops) offer excellent snorkelling opportunities, with a stunning display of gorgonians and diverse fish life.

Onshore, the islands are a haven for birdwatchers, with sightings of wedge-tail shearwaters, roseate terns, osprey, and black-shouldered kites. After your time exploring the island's marine wonders, enjoy a peaceful stroll along the pristine beaches, immersing yourself in the beauty of this remote paradise. (B/L/D)

Over two days, immerse yourself in the stunning Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Western Australia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised in 1991. This extraordinary region is known for its colourful landscapes, rare flora and fauna, and is home to an impressive 35% of all Australia's bird species.

Discover the beauty of Francois Peron National Park, named after the naturalist who accompanied explorer Nicholas Baudin. Cruise past the historic Cape Inscription, where Dirk Hartog landed in 1616, and, conditions permitting, take a refreshing swim off a pristine, remote beach. The region's rich natural and historical significance offers a memorable experience. (B/L/D)

Today, explore the captivating Abrolhos Islands, a group of 122 islands divided into the Wallabi, Easter, and Pelsaert Groups. Situated in the path of the Leeuwin Current, the islands are a meeting point for tropical and temperate marine life, including Australian sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, and over 90 species of seabirds.

Spend your day exploring the Wallabi Group, where you'll have the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Turtle Bay, home to vibrant marine life. As you explore the bay, you'll encounter a rich variety of species including colourful soft corals, reef fish, and the curious Australian sea lions. The waters are also home to juvenile green and loggerhead turtles, which are often spotted gliding gracefully through the shallow waters. Take a leisurely walk along the beach, keeping an eye out for tamar wallabies, skinks, and the endemic Abrolhos dwarf bearded dragons.

Cruise past the Pidgeon Islands, known for their crayfishing industry, and enjoy birdwatching for ospreys, white-bellied sea eagles, and Caspian terns. Conditions permitting, visit Beacon Island, also known as the Island of Angry Ghosts, where a tragic history unfolds. See the Batavia Memorial cairn and the coral pits where mutineer leader Jeronimus Cornelisz was held before his trial. (B/L/D)

On board the Coral Adventurer, enjoy a leisurely day at sea, where Guest Lecturers will offer insightful talks and presentations about the regions you have explored. With a selection of workshops and demonstrations, there's plenty to keep you engaged. You also may like to catch up on your reading in the onboard library, enjoy a drink or two at the bar, or even peruse the onboard gift shop in between enjoying the ocean views up on deck. (B/L/D)

Disembark your ship this morning and transfer to Perth where you will spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening, meet your group and Tour Director at dinner. Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Perth (B/D)

Make the journey to Hyden today, home to Wave Rock. Over 2.7 billion years old, 15 metres high and running the length of over 100 metres, this striped granite rock formation appears like an ocean breaker frozen in time. A stone's throw from Wave Rock is Hippo's Yawn, a large rock formation that closely resembles a yawning hippo. Enjoy time to take photos of this intriguing landmark before continuing on to your accommodation for the night. Stay: Hyden, Wave Rock Hotel (B/L/D)

Journey to Kalgoorlie today, Australia's largest outback town, where more than half of the gold mined in Australia is sourced. Stay: The Plaza Hotel Kalgoorlie (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Super Pit Mine Tour Take a tour of the Super Pit, Australia's largest gold-producing mine. The tour features a stop at the brand-new private lookout that affords sweeping panoramas of the mine, which is said to be grand enough to be viewed from space.

Begin your day with a gentle walk up to Red Hill Lookout where views of Lake Lefroy, one of the area's most stunning white salt lakes, awaits in all its gleaming glory. Afterwards, continue southbound to the seaside town of Esperance. This enchanted corner of Western Australia boasts sugar-white coastlines, turquoise waves and wildflower-dotted heathlands. On arrival, check-in to your exclusive, adults-only chalet accommodation. Stay Two Nights: Esperance Chalet Village (B/L/D)

Enjoy a Signature Experience this morning before continuing to Cape Le Grand National Park to explore its ancient, rugged coastline. Visit Thistle Cove and Lucky Bay, where you may encounter resident kangaroos that frequent the beach. If you wish to cool off, enjoy a refreshing dip in the bay before heading over to Whistling Rock, a rocky monolith named for the sounds it emits on a windy day. (B)

Signature Experience - Esperance Wildlife Cruise A scenic wildlife cruise reveals the incredible natural landscapes of Esperance and the islands off its coast. Set off from Taylor's Jetty to the Recherche Archipelago, home to New Zealand fur seals, Australian sea lions, Cape Barren geese and bottlenose dolphins. During your cruise, enjoy the opportunity to snorkel in some of the world's clearest waters.

Journey west along the coast towards Albany today. En route, stop at Stirling National Park, renowned for its wildflowers which cause a riot of colour across the landscape between August and October. It's within this natural wonderland that you'll visit Bluff Knoll Lookout and admire 360-degree views of the eucalyptus forest, banksia trees and misty mountains. Continue to Albany. Stay Two Nights: Hilton Garden Inn Albany (B/L/D)

Begin your day in Albany with a visit to the National Anzac Centre, where you will enjoy an immersive experience following the lives of 32 Anzac characters from pre-war life to Gallipoli and beyond. The museum is well-known as one of Australia's most significant museums that honours the Anzac legend. Afterwards, continue to the Albany Historic Whaling Station, which was the last operating station in Australia. Here, gain an insight into Albany's history through captivating short films, whaling artefacts and memorabilia, as well as the giant blue whale skeleton.

Later, follow the call of the Southern Ocean and venture to The Gap and Natural Bridge, a channel and natural lookout set among the coastal granites of Torndirrup National Park. It's here you can access a viewing platform set 40 metres above the ocean and gaze out over crashing waves and sea-sprayed cliffs. (B)

This morning will prove to be a feast for the senses. Discover Manjimup, a town once coined as timber country, now a hotspot for keen gourmands thanks to its abundance of fresh produce, in particular its Périgord truffles.

Continue to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. Located at the most south-westerly point of mainland Australia, you are perfectly positioned to watch the meeting of two mighty oceans: the Southern and the Indian. During your tour of this still-working lighthouse, gain an insight into the local maritime history and learn how this landmark was first constructed. Later, arrive in the Margaret River region where you will enjoy dinner this evening. Stay Two Nights: Margaret River, Margarets Beach Resort (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Truffle Talk and Tasting Learn more about Australia's largest exporter of truffles at Hound and Hunter, where you will enjoy an in-depth truffle talk alongside delicious tastings and morning tea.

Following a special Signature Experience, savour lunch and a wine tasting at Aravina Estate, a single-vineyard winery renowned for its exceptional cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, thanks to the region's enviable Mediterranean climate. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps taking advantage of your hotel's facilities with a refreshing dip in the pool, or strolling along the nearby beach. (B/L)

Signature Experience - Ngilgi Caves Cultural Tour Tour of the Ngilgi Caves, starting with a bushwalk accompanied by a guide who will identify the various Indigenous plants, foods and medicines that have been utilised by the Wadandi people for thousands of years.

Continue to the town of Busselton this morning, stopping en route at the award-winning Gabriel Chocolate to sample delicious cacao creations crafted at the Yallingup factory. At the seaside city of Busselton, join an included Underwater Observatory tour, descending eight metres below the surface of Geographe Bay to glimpse life below the waves: tropical and sub-tropical coral gardens, colourful fish, a variety of sea sponge and more. Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure to explore your lunch options before the return journey to Perth where you will celebrate your journey with a memorable farewell dinner. Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Perth (B/D)

Your tour concludes after breakfast this morning. (B)