Margaret River & Albany Adventure

Welcome to the west coast of the Australian mainland. Your adventure begins in Perth (Boorloo in the language of the local Whadjuk Nyoongar people, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Perth is now located). This morning, meet your leader and fellow travel crew at 8. 30am – find out exact details in the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ of your Essential Trip Information – then begin your coastal journey south towards the laidback locale of Busselton. Home to the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere at 1. 841 kilometres, take the chance to stretch your legs and explore along the lovely foreshore. Continue to your accommodation in Margaret River, then head out again, this time inland to an immersive and powerful First Nations cultural experience, giving you a snapshot into the history of the land and its peoples. Take a short bushwalk identifying traditional medicines in plants and learning local Noongar knowledge from your guide. Venture into Ngilgi Cave, home to significant Dreaming stories for local communities, and experience a mesmerising didgeridoo performance inside the cave. Tonight, perhaps keep the introductions going over dinner and a drink with your newfound travel pals.

Today is all about tasting what the Margaret River region has to offer. This section of Australia is home to some of the best artisanal flavours around, particularly their wines, cheeses and chocolate. So, luckily for you, the group will hit all three today! Take to the less travelled regional roads bound for a boutique winery, a local chocolate factory and cheesery, tasting some of the best going around. Margaret River’s wineries have built a reputation on their cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, and you’ll soon know why. After a day of indulging, the evening is yours to enjoy how you’d like. Perhaps it’s time to explore the township’s restaurant and bar scene – be sure to ask your group leader for their recommendations. (B)

Strap in for a day of sightseeing – first stop, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. Here, learn of the fascinating maritime history of the Cape region full of shipwrecks and lighthouse keeper tales. There will also be time for a short coastal walk along the Cape to Cape Track, so be sure to have your camera handy for some cool coastal shots. Pass by Winjee Sam (Canal Rocks) and The Bridge, keeping an eye out for a passing Southern Right or Humpback Whale, which you might just be lucky enough to spot. Next drive to Hamelin Bay and search for some local stingrays floating around in the shallow waters. Finish up with an easy one-hour drive to the former timber town of Donnelly River, where you’ll spend the night in heritage buildings with shared communal facilities, surrounded by kangaroos, emus and possums. This is true blue. (B)

Depart Donnelly River Village bound for Walpole-Nornalup National Park. Spend the morning in nature on board a wilderness eco cruise in Walpole. Keep your eyes peeled for pods of dolphins and other marine life in this secluded cove. Afterwards, stop by the impressive Valley of the Giants, embarking on a Tree Top Walk on boardwalks and bridges suspended upwards of 40 metres in the canopy above. This ancient tingle forest is the largest in the state, and the biodiversity of trees in this region are very special. Explore the forests of southern WA, and on your way to Albany, stop by the coast at natural attractions such as Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks, discovering some postcard-perfect views. Think sun-bleached boulders, crisp white sands, turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs – they’re all on the cards today. Following an action-packed day end up in Albany tonight. (B)

After breakfast head out to explore the sights in and around Albany. See The Gap, Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park and Frenchmans Bay, stopping to stretch your legs and take some coastal photos. Then, in the afternoon, it’s time to head back to Perth. Depending on the time of year, fields of wildflowers will be in full bloom roadside, making for some scenic roadside views. You will arrive back to Perth in the late afternoon or early evening. Once there, you are free to continue your own adventure or begin your homeward journey, as your tour ends on arrival. (B)