Day 1 Sun: Perth – Margaret
River
Depart Perth at 8.00am. This morning travel to the Forest Heritage Centre, deep
in the jarrah forest of Dwellingup. Enjoy magnificent views on the journey south
to Margaret River, one of Australia's premier wine growing regions. Visit Cape
Leeuwin Lighthouse, then sample local wines at the internationally renowned
Leeuwin Estate. Enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow
travelling companions this evening.
Accommodation: Emerald Colonial Lodge, Margaret River. (Your choice of
hotel dinner)
Day 2 Mon: Valley of the
Giants
Travel to Pemberton this morning and board the Pemberton Tram which meanders
through towering karri, marri and jarrah forest. Visit the enormous Gloucester
Tree, the tallest fire lookout in the world. From the viewing platform at the
top enjoy panoramic views over the forest. Journey through the Valley of the
Giants, where tinglewood trees tower majestically over the wildflower country.
Enjoy a walk along the Tree Top Walk exploring the canopy of the magnificent
tingle forest. Continue to Albany.
Accommodation: Esplanade Hotel, Albany, 2 nights. (B) (Your choice
of hotel dinner)
Day 3 Tue: Albany –
Whaleworld
Today enjoy a locally guided tour of historic Albany, the site of the first
European settlement in Western Australia. Admire the coastal landscape, from the
impressive granite formations of The Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup
National Park. Visit Australia's last whaling station, Whaleworld, for a
fascinating insight into the regions seafaring past. At Mount Romance visit the
Sandalwood Factory. (B) (Your choice of hotel dinner)
Day 4 Wed: Stirling Ranges
– Esperance
Travel to Bluff Knoll Lookout and into the Stirling Ranges, where jagged peaks
tower over the bushland. In season, many of Western Australia's indigenous
wildflowers can be sighted. Continue to Esperance, located on the picturesque
Bay of Isles.
Accommodation: Bay of Isles Motel, Esperance. (B) (Your choice of
hotel dinner)
Day 5 Thu: Cape Le Grand –
Kalgoorlie
This morning travel into Cape Le Grand National Park
for coastal views. Travel north through Norseman to the historic gold mining
township of Kalgoorlie. Stop at the Golden Superpit Lookout for an amazing view
of Australia's largest open cut gold mine in operation. An orientation tour of
this historic gold mining town will reveal unique turn of the century buildings,
including the Exchange Hotel, Western Australia's most photographed pub, and
Kalgoorlie's notorious red light district in Hay Street.
Accommodation: Quality Inn Railway Hotel, Kalgoorlie, 2 nights. (B)
(Your choice of hotel dinner)
Day 6 Fri: Kalgoorlie
Spend time this morning at the Mining Hall of Fame. Try panning for gold,
witness gold bullion being poured and go underground for a tour of the Mining
Reserve. Travel deep below the earth's surface to see how early pioneers
searched for gold. Later, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service for an insight
into the work of this great Australian icon. This afternoon explore this gold
town at leisure. You may like to visit the Museum of the Goldfields and ride the
lift to the mine headframe viewing platform for sweeping views of the city.
(B)
Day 7 Sat: Wave Rock
Travel to the ghost town of Coolgardie. Admire Wave Rock, a spectacular rock
formation resembling a gigantic wave. Visit a wildflower display where there
will be an opportunity to purchase dried wildflowers. Continue to York,
Western Australia's most historic inland town, then on to Fremantle.
Accommodation: Esplanade Hotel,Fremantle. (B) (Your choice
of hotel dinner)
Day 8 Sun: Fremantle –
Perth
Explore the Fremantle markets or visit the busy
traditional fishing boat harbour.
Aboriginal Cultural Experience (Included) - Discover the heritage of
Fremantle. Enjoy a walking tour of Fremantle's major landmarks including The
Round House. Learn how the Swan River is part of the Dreaming trail of the area.
This afternoon cruise along the Swan River to Perth. Enjoy complimentary wine
tasting whilst the Captain points out the sights. Arrive in Perth this afternoon
at approximately 5.00pm. You will be transferred to Perth Airport to connect
with your onward flight (flights to depart after 7.00pm).
(B)