Product Description
Highlights
The South West of Australia is one of the most pristine, untouched regions of Australia. See some of the most beautiful things nature can create, such as Wave Rock and towering forests. Be at one with nature, camp outdoors in stunning National Parks.
Overview
Discover the exquisite natural beauty and sublime solitude of Western Australia’s Esperance area on this round-trip journey that begins and ends in Perth. Check out Wave Rock’s immense rock face, explore the hidden coves of Fitzgerald River National Park and bask on Cape Le Grand’s white powder sands. Hit the hiking trails of the Stirling Ranges, walk among colossal eucalypts in the Valley of the Giants and encounter ancient Aboriginal culture in Ngilgi Cave. This 6-day adventure is just the trip for those wanting to experience the stupendous natural attractions of Western Australia’s southern gulf.
Breakfast Included: 5 Lunches Included: 6 Dinner Included: 5
Perth to Fitzgerald National Park
Boasting beautiful beaches, sprawling parks and a thriving craft beer scene, Perth is well worth arriving in a few days pre-tour to get to know. Day 1 of our tour we set out early east across the city and over the Darling Ranges, stopping off for lunch at the unusual granite formations Hippo’s Yawn and Wave Rock. Millennia in the making and colossally spectacular, these epic natural sculptures are one very photogenic pit stop. Further south to Fitzgerald River National Park, there’ll be time for an afternoon beach stroll before pitching camp for the night.
Note: driving time today is approximately 10 hours, walking is approx 1 hour.
Cape Le Grand National Park
Welcome in the day with a hike up East Mt Barren for incredible views across the rugged coastline and waters of The Bight, or don’t – it’s your call. Sleep in if you’d prefer. Once on the road, we’ll stop in for a coffee and stretch in the charming little town of Esperance, then pass through some extraordinary landscapes to Cape Le Grand (we’re talking clear blue seas, chalky white beaches, hidden bays and sunbathing kangaroos). After setting up camp, there’ll be a free afternoon for swimming, bushwalking, stretching out on the sand, or whatever else your heart desires.
Note: driving time today is approximately 3 hours. Walking time is approximately 3 hours.
Stirling Ranges
The views from the top of Frenchman’s Peak are pretty impressive, so this morning the top of Frenchman’s Peak is where we go. Following the walk, it’s back in the van for the drive into the Stirling Ranges (with a lunch stop near Esperance along the way).
Note: driving time is about 6 hours, walking time is about 4.5 hours
South West Coast
Today’s an early start as we visit the oldest mountain range in the world, the unique Porongurups which rise from the landscape like an island. Set out on a two-hour hike through some spectacular forests to Castle Rock which is a bit of a climb but worth every bit of effort as you are rewarded with breathtaking views over the region.
Then traveling along Western Australia’s answer to Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, you’ll be treated to superb views of sun-bleached boulders, turquoise seas and dramatic red-rock cliffs shaped by eons of crashing waves and rolling tides. Visit the Gap, Natural Bridge, Elephant Rocks and Green Pools for a swim in a sheltered swim and then a stop at the largest Tingle Tree in Western Australia. The day’s last lot of driving brings us to Quinninup camp.
Note: driving time is about 4 hours, walking time is about 1.5 hours.
Margaret River
Discover the pristine wilderness region of Walpole and if feeling brave you can climb the 50 metre Diamond Tree, a native karri tree once used as a fire lookout and only 1 of 3 wooden top towers in the world. Next it’s time tantalise those tastebuds as we spend the rest of the day tasting our way around the Margaret River region visiting boutique wineries, breweries, a chocolate factory and a cheese factory, sampling as we go. Cheers to that.
Today we drive approx 5 hours making stops along the way.
Margaret River - Perth
On the last day of the trip you’ll wake to the now-familiar warble of kookaburras and cockatoos before heading to Dunsborough where you’ll meet Wardandi custodian Josh, who will introduce you to the world’s oldest living culture with his authentic and personal interpretation. Go deep down into the Ngilgi Cave for a memorable didgeridoo cave experience, taste native foods, discover bush medicine and experience traditional fire lighting on this unique Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander cultural experience.
As our 6 day tour from Perth draws to an end as we have our final lunch and swim at the popular tourist town of Busselton, where it’s hard to miss the 19th-century Jetty stretching 1.8km into Geographe Bay. One last stint on the road see’s us arriving into Perth around 6pm and although there are no formal activities planned it is usual for the group to get together and reflect on the big journey together over a few drinks and meal
Please note: driving time today is approx. 4 hours