Best of Perth, Margaret River & Rottnest Island

Welcome to Perth! Or Boorloo in the language of the local Whadjuk Nyoongar people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Perth is now located. Your adventure starts on the west coast of the Australian mainland with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, get to know your new fellow travellers and your leader (and get excited about the journey ahead) during an included dinner at a restaurant serving modern Australian cuisine with local ingredients. (D)

This morning, you’ll drive to Margaret River, with a few stops along the way. First, you’ll have the chance to grab some lunch in Busselton – home to the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere at 1. 841 km. Take the chance to stretch your legs and explore the lovely foreshore. Continue the scenic coastal drive, stopping at Meelup Beach, Cape Naturaliste and Sugarloaf Rock. Have your swimsuit ready at Meelup Beach – this is a gorgeous spot for a quick dip. Take in the white sand, clear turquoise water and relax in the shady, grassy areas before making your way to Cape Naturaliste and Sugarloaf Rock – a huge granite rock that juts out from the Indian Ocean near the mainland in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Here, you’ll walk to the lookout point and have time for photos. Tonight, stay in your Margaret River accommodation – maybe take a stroll down the main street before dinner. (B)

This morning after breakfast, maybe walk around the main street of Margaret River and explore the shops. Or just enjoy a relaxing morning before heading out for the day and discovering the region. Your first stop is an optional nougat tasting at a local winery and nougat producer. View the production line and taste some freshly made nougat with your morning coffee at their café (or treat yourself to an early wine?). Then, sit down for an included lunch at a local brewery, cidery and winery that features a beautiful outdoor area and a great bar and restaurant, perfect for lounging the afternoon away. Next, head to a chocolate tasting at a local company and then cap it all off with a gin tasting. Tonight, keep the fun going at a local pub with an optional group dinner or just relax at your accommodation. (B/L)

This morning, drive to Yallingup – a gorgeous hub of beaches and limestone caves. When you arrive, journey into Ngilgi Cave for a fascinating 2. 5-hour tour. Take a bushwalk with a local Aboriginal guide and learn how to identify traditional plants, foods and medicines and how they are linked to the six Nyoongar seasons, then discover the art of creating fire by rubbing sticks together. Then head into the cave and witness a captivating didgeridoo performance, amplified by the superb acoustics.  Learn about the tools and cultural artefacts used by the Wadandi people in their everyday life and listen to stories about their life, history and culture. After, you’ll head to Fremantle, but not without a stop at a local cheesery to try some of their produce. When you arrive in Fremantle, embark on a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings. The rest of your afternoon is free to explore the city or head to a restaurant and people-watch. (B)

This morning, you’ll take the scenic boat ride to Rottnest Island – a little white-sand paradise off the coast. Maybe grab a coffee, then, as is customary here, try to grab a quick quokka selfie – these little marsupials have earned the title of ‘world’s friendliest animals’ and are usually happy around people! Your leader will guide you across the island on a hop on hop off vehicle that’s always rotating around the island. You have most of the day free here to enjoy the many swimming bays, beaches and snorkelling spots around the island. Take the afternoon ferry back to Fremantle later today. This is where your trip comes to an end, at around 5:30 pm. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent. (B)