The South West in Depth

Welcome to Perth, the sunniest capital city in the world. The perfect blend of vibrant big city highlights, beautiful wineries, white, sandy beaches and lush greenery, it is worth crossing the Nullarbor for this absolute gem. Meeting up with the tour group at the hotel at 2.00pm, we will have a briefing to find out more about what we can expect over the next 14 days. We'll get acquainted with this picturesque city on an orientation tour today, before strolling the stunning grounds that make up Kings Park and the Botanic Gardens.

One of the largest inner city parks in the world, we begin our sightseeing taking in the incredible city views as we walk through the canopy treetops on the Lotterywest Federation Walkway. Standing in the prominent position at the summit of Kings Park, looking out over Perth's Swan and Canning Rivers, the city skyline and the Darling Ranges, we will find the State War Memorial. Here, we can pay homage to the servicemen and women that passed in service of all wars Australia took part in. Get to know your new travel companions at a welcome dinner tonight. (D)

Travelling east, our first stop for the day is Western Australia's oldest inland town, York. We'll enjoy an orientation tour of this historic township, viewing the beautifully preserved Edwardian and Victorian architecture. Continuing our journey, we will enjoy a quick stop in the wheatbelt town of Quairading before we reach the iconic Wave Rock and Hippo's Yawn. Wave Rock, the massive surf-like granite formation, will leave you in awe with its myriad of earthly-coloured tones that change with the setting sun. Believed to date back beyond 2,700 million years, Wave Rock sits among the bushlands and offers an ideal photo opportunity. Following the scenic trail, we'll uncover Hippo's Yawn, a uniquely shaped granite tor, once forming part of a larger outcrop. Our day concludes in the nearby town of Hyden where we'll enjoy a relaxing dinner together. (B/D)

Our destination today is the famous gold mining town of Kalgoorlie. Sitting on the edge of the renowned Golden Mile, this prosperous town is overflowing with local attractions, from their historic buildings, two hectares of lush, green parklands amidst the arid outback, and of course, you can't miss the gigantic Super Pit. Founded by gold prospectors in 1888, we'll arrive at the town of Southern Cross this morning. Surrounded by farmland, this town comes alive with colour during the spring as the wildflowers contrast the red desert terrain.

We travel on to explore the town of Coolgardie. A tour of the town will take in the Goldfields Exhibition Museum, the open-air mining museum of Ben Prior Park and the Lindsay Pit Lookout to witness the large open cut gold mine. We will arrive in Kalgoorlie this afternoon and enjoy a brief orientation tour to familiarise ourselves with the town. Spend the evening at your leisure. (B)

Our half day tour of Kalgoorlie and Boulder this morning will include all the must see sights. Get your cameras ready as we behold the incredible Super Pit from its lookout, watching this working mine site in action. We'll head to the Beaten Track Brewery, a small microbrewery and a local, artisan woodworking store, Chunky Timber Co. where you might pick up an item made from reclaimed timber from the goldfields. Test your skills at the Two Up Shed today along with a visit to the working base of the Royal Flying Doctors Service located at the Kalgoorlie Boulder Airport. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace. (B)

We depart this morning for Esperance, stopping to view the scenic LeFroy salt lake from the Red Hill Lookout. Continuing to Norseman, we'll enjoy the panoramic vista of Beacon Hill and surrounds before arriving in the town. A short drive from Norseman will take us to the 550 million year old Dundas Rocks and the intriguing Lone Grave. Hike the heritage trail past the ancient rock formations, to see the ruins of the old ghost town of the original Dundas settlement. A single headstone of seven month old, Stanley Whitehead who died in 1897, is the only evidence that the site was once inhabited.

We'll arrive in the seaside town of Esperance this afternoon. Known for its turquoise waters that wash the bright, white sand of its many beaches, Esperance offers something for the nature and animal lovers alike. (B)

The ultimate way to experience this coastal wonder is from the ocean Special Experience: Cruising out to the 105 islands that make up the Recherche Archipelago, we'll pass by the stunning Lovers Cove Beach, West Beach and Blue Haven, with a chance to swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters, amongst the local sea life. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, dolphins, sea lions, geese and sea eagles and maybe even whales during the winter to early spring seasons.

Our afternoon sees us exploring Cape Le Grand National Park, where we'll begin by taking in the views of the immense granite rock formation, Mandooboornup (Frenchman Peak). We'll be hoping for a windy day today, as we reach the gorgeous bay of Thistle Cove where uniquely sculptured rocks whistle as the wind and waves reverberate through them.

Heading along the Coastal Walk Trail our destination is the exquisite Lucky Bay. One of the most famous beaches in the region, you will know exactly why it received this honour once you gaze upon the bright, white sand and azure waters. Try to spot the local kangaroos that frequent the bay. (B)

As we journey towards Albany today, we stop at the incredible silo art on display in Ravensthorpe. Showcasing images of the flowering cycle of the banksia, this specific species is only found between Esperance and Albany. A quick stop at the world's largest lollipop is a must, when visiting ‘Ravy' as the locals refer to their town. Standing nearly 8 metres tall and 4 metres wide, the giant structure was the creation of the Yummylicious Candy Shack owners and offers another of Australia's ‘big things' to cross off your list. Arriving in Albany in the early evening, enjoy a quiet night in or head out and explore the local area. (B)

As the oldest European settlement in Western Australia, Albany's rich history tells stories of the settlers, convicts and a whaling industry. Recreating this heritage, the many colonial buildings are now transformed into museums, galleries, cottages and eateries. Discovering Albany today, we'll visit the National ANZAC Centre and the Whaling Station Museum. An award-winning facility, the National ANZAC Centre pays tribute to those who bravely served, through interactive audio and visual displays along with historical artefacts. The only experience like this in the world, Albany's historic Whaling Station allows you to explore a fully restored whale processing factory and chasing ship.

Continuing into Torndirrup National Park, we'll witness The Gap from a viewing platform that reaches out over the edge of the mammoth 40 metre high granite rock wall, a divide between the cliffs that can create a surge of water to spurt out high above the deep ocean below. Keep your eyes peeled for whales at our next stop, the Natural Bridge. We'll watch as the waves roll under this huge structure, the perfect spot for a photo or two. Don't put those cameras away for too long, as we reach the Granite Skywalk, suspended on Castle Rock in the Porongurup National Park. Trekking through biodiverse bushlands encompassing a massive 750 native plant species, we'll reach the Skywalk, that sits at a whopping 670 metres high. Let your lens capture views of Albany's vast farmland, with the Stirling Range to the north, and Mt Gardner and Mt Manypeaks to the south-east.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity. (B)

Our day begins at the Valley of the Giants. At a height of 40 metres above the forest floor, we'll walk among the canopy of these majestic tingle trees. Some of the biggest on Earth, we'll get a true appreciation for these timber giants, as we stroll the structure designed specifically to minimise its impact on the natural beauty of its surrounds.

From the tall trees of the tingle forest, we travel to mainland Australia's tallest lighthouse, the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. Built in 1895 from local limestone, the lighthouse sits at the tip of the peninsula, where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. Peer into the lives of the men, women and children that have called this lighthouse home, learning of its significance that continues today, safely navigating vessels away from the dangerous cape. Upon arriving at Augusta, we will gather for a lovely group dinner; the perfect opportunity to discuss all the remarkable sights we have seen so far. (B/D)

You just can't visit Western Australia without exploring the vast and beautiful Margaret River Region. Located along the south west coast of Australia, this region extends from Busselton in the north, down to Augusta in the south, with so much in between. An exquisite shoreline meets towering forests, scattered granite outcrops, world-renowned wineries and gorgeous townships. A day of beaches, caves, vineyards and chocolate awaits, does it get any better!? Traversing the western coastline today, our first stop is the picturesque Hamelin Bay. This pristine beach is known for the inquisitive stingrays that love to swim up close to shore.

After some time with our new fishy friends, we depart for Mammoth Cave. Unearth the remains of a long-extinct, giant marsupial species, wedged within the limestone walls and dating back some 50,000 years. Continuing north, we'll stop at a winery in the heart of the stunning Margaret River Region, where we'll savour their wines and enjoy a scrumptious lunch, taking in the lush country surrounds. We'll also visit a nearby boutique chocolate factory, to sample some of their carefully crafted treats. Our final stop today is the fascinating Ngilgi Cave.

Special Experience: Bushwalk through the native wildlife as your guide points out traditional medicine plants, before entering the extraordinary Ngilgi Cave where we'll learn of the Dreaming legends. Be captivated as the silence is cut by the incredible sound of our guide playing the didgeridoo. (B/L)

A picture-perfect town, you will love exploring the seaside town of Busselton. Take a stroll down the iconic jetty, then check out the delicious restaurants overlooking the shore, wander the town centre or simply relax by the beach – the choice is yours! Later this morning, we'll continue to Bunbury to visit the Dolphin Discovery Centre. Uncover life under the ocean through interactive displays, activity centres and a new 360 degree Digital Dolphinarium. Have some free time here, before we depart for Fremantle. (B)

A beautiful blend of old and new, the port city of Fremantle has so much more to offer in addition to its essential grain silos and industrial areas. From its many historic buildings, museums and art galleries, Fremantle has exploded in the last decade as a buzzing hub for tourists, musical enthusiasts or those wanting to explore the various walking trails.

An exciting day awaits as we take the ferry to the iconic Rottnest Island. Get up close and personal with the local residents, the cute and mischievous quokka. Exploring the island's highlights on a comprehensive guided tour, we'll visit the Henrietta Rocks, Wadjemup Lighthouse, Oliver Hill Gun Fortification, Cathedral Rocks and Cape Vlamingh. We'll enjoy a unique, historic train ride whilst on the island, before concluding with some free time to walk around the Rottnest Island settlement. We'll return to Fremantle later in the afternoon, where your evening is at leisure. (B)

Enjoy a walking tour of some of Fremantle's main attractions this morning. Visit the fishing boat harbour, tour the WA Shipwrecks Museum and the remarkable reconstructed remains of the VOC ship, Batavia, see the oldest building still standing in Western Australia, the intriguing Round House and the Whalers Tunnel that runs underneath. At the conclusion of this tour, you will have free time to explore Fremantle at your own pace. Departing Fremantle this afternoon we drive to the scenically striking Swan Valley. Special Experience: Taste the flavours of the Swan Valley Gin Co Distillery, learning the secrets of gin making. Cross the scenic Avon Valley to a local camel dairy, where we'll experience a guided tour with product samplings, before gazing at the night sky over a BBQ dinner. (B/D)

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. If you have some time before your flight, why not check out the Fremantle Markets, which are open every Sunday. We bid farewell to our new friends and to the diverse and wonderful Western Australia. (B)