Welcome to Western Australia where our spring tour will take us to one of the richest wildflower areas in the world! Today is a travel day as we arrive at Perth.

Accommodation: Pan Pacific, Perth
Included Meals: Dinner

We embark on a sightseeing tour of Perth with our local expert who will guide us through the unusual combination of skyscrapers and colonial architecture. Among them is Parliament House, St Mary’s Cathedral and Government House before being treated to spectacular views over the city and river from Kings Park. The Park gives epic views over of the Swan and Canning Rivers and the skyscrapers perched on their banks – a vision not to be missed. Wander through Federation Walkway where we get our first glimpse at the wildflowers of the west as they are dotted throughout the park. After free time to purchase lunch, we visit the imposing Bell Tower. Filled with incredible history and boasting a unique and distinctive design, it has become an icon for Perth. The historic ring of bells was given to the people of Western Australia as part of the national Bicentennial celebration and among them include the twelve bells of St Martin in the Fields.

Accommodation: Pan Pacific, Perth
Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

The township of Fremantle is full of well preserved heritage including the convict built colonial era buildings, the old jetty and the prison. Our first visit is at the Western Australian Maritime Museum which is perched on the shoreline of the Indian Ocean. The museum is symbolic of Fremantle’s past, present and future as a coastal city and port. From leisure boats and handcrafted sailing boats to commercial pearl luggers, the Museum inspires visitors to discover WA’s affinity with the ocean.

Next, we transfer to the Old Fremantle Prison for a ‘Behind Bars’ tour giving us a true insight into life as a prisoner. We enjoy lunch at Cicerello’s, a WA icon, who have spent over 100 years fortifying the best fish and chips before time at leisure to explore Fremantle further.

Accommodation: Pan Pacific, Perth
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Travelling to Busselton, we jump onboard the leisurely train, taking in the 360-degree views across the Indian Ocean as we journey across the calm, clear waters. At the end of the 1.8-kilometre jetty is the Underwater Observatory, giving us the opportunity to experience on of Australia’s greatest artificial reefs. Descending 8 metres below the surface, we’ll be led through the natural wonders that lie beneath the jetty. The reef is host to an awe-inspiring forest of vividly coloured tropical and subtropical corals, sponges and fish.

Our final visit is to the Margaret River Chocolate Company where we gain a fascinating insight into the world of chocolate. Here they make and sell a mouthwatering range of chocolate bars, handmade truffles, chocolate sauces and much more.

We continue south and arrive in Margaret River, where we can unpack as this will be our home for the next two nights.

Accommodation: Stay Margaret River, Margaret River
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today we discover the true gems of Margaret River, known for its world class wine and incredible scenery. First, we head to Mammoth Cave. The magical gothic like limestone cave is a natural time capsule, home to the ancient fossil remains of the long extinct giant animals known as Australian Megafauna. The Interpretive Centre will tell us more about the history of the caves after our viewing.

Next, we travel to Cape Leeuwin. The historic lighthouse is situated at the most south westerly tip of Australia, standing at the point where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. We visit the Lighthouse Precinct before stopping for lunch at the Augusta Hotel which overlooks the Hardy Inlet where the Blackwood River meets the Southern Ocean.

Of course, a visit to Margaret River is not compete without a wine tasting which we enjoy at Leeuwin Estate Winery before returning to our accommodation.

Accommodation: Stay Margaret River, Margaret River
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We head to the pretty timber town of Pemberton where we stop at the famous Gloucester Tree, which stands at a staggering 61 metres and is reputed to be the tallest tree mounted fire lookout in the world. We explore the “Valley of the Giants”. Amidst the mystic tingle foliage is the tree top walk that provides amazing views over the forest canopy and meandering through the trees, opening up a world of birds and flowers most people never see.

We continue to Albany, a town steeped in history of dramatic whaling, convicts and settlers.

Accommodation: Mandala Ace Albany Hotel, Albany
Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

The town of Albany marks the spot where the first European settlers set foot in Western Australia. Much of their legacy remains today with colonial buildings standing proudly as museums, galleries and cafes. Albany is also known as the birthplace of the Anzac story and is home to the National Anzac Centre. The state of the art museum uses multimedia, interactive exhibits and historical artefacts to create a deeply personal connection with the past and pay tribute to those who served in WWI.

Next, we travel nearby Albany’s Historic Whaling Station. Built in the remains of the former whaling station, it’s the only museum of its kind in the world.

We spend the afternoon at Torndirrup National Park. There are a number of spectacular natural attractions here including The Gap and Blow Hole – each providing great views of the coast. At Salmon Holes, we take an easy 10 minute walk to the lookout where we have a chance to see one of the most picturesque beaches in the region.

Accommodation: Mandala Ace Albany Hotel, Albany
Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

We head through the stunning Stirling Ranges National Park for great views of Bluff Knoll, the highest and one of the most spectacular peaks in south Western Australia. Keep your eyes peeled for wildflowers that usually come out at this time of year. We enjoy our picnic lunches while soaking in the views.

We continue to Esperance, located on the beautiful heart shaped bay called “Bay of Isles”.

Accommodation: Comfort Inn Bay of Isles, Esperance
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning, we explore the Cape Le Grand National Park – just to the east of Esperance. It is one of the most accessible of the many National Parks in the area and one of the most spectacular with coastal headlands, abundant wildlife and some of the best beaches in the world.

Heading back to Esperance we have time at leisure.

Accommodation: Comfort Inn Bay of Isles, Esperance
Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Today we head through wildflower regions again this morning through to Hyden where we have lunch on arrival. We are then met by our local guide to show us one of WA’s most famous landmarks, Wave Rock. Walk through the wildflowers and see the magnificent, prehistoric rock formation. Marvel at the size and shape of this phenomenon. Geologist believe the original formation was vertical but has been sculpted and coloured by chemicals over millions of years to form its wave like character.

Accommodation: Hyden Wave Rock Hotel Motel, Hayden
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Today we make our way back to Perth, enjoying our packed lunches enroute. In Perth, we visit the Perth Mint. Inside the historic premises, our guide will introduce us to some of the most famous coins and medals ever made in Australia. We’ll also have the chance to hold a large bullion bar and even see a traditional gold pour in the old meting house.

Our farewell dinner awaits us whilst we share the highlights and stories of our tour with our fellow passengers.

Accommodation: Pan Pacific, Perth
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

With our bags packed full of wonderful memories, we are transferred to the airport for our return flight to Brisbane. We arrive home from our incredible trip to South West WA.

Included Meals: Breakfast