Western Escape

Day 1: Arrive Perth
On arrival in Perth you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a city tour of Perth including Kings Park where you can see the broad expanse of the Swan River. Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your Tour Director. (D)
Accommodation: Rydges, Perth.

Day 2: Margaret River
We travel south through Busselton, a popular holiday resort on the shores of Geographe Bay. Visit the Margaret River Caves and explore awe-inspiring Mammoth Cave, home to ancient fossil remains of extinct animals. Continue to Margaret River, one of Australia's premier wine growing regions. (B,D)
Accommodation: Australis Margaret River, Margaret River, 2 nights

Day 3: Margaret River
This morning enjoy a scenic journey through the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park with its peppermint trees and karri forest. We'll see Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, situated at the most south westerly tip of Australia.  You are invited to a tour, tastings and lunch freshly prepared from local produce at Palandri Winery (see page 13 for details). This afternoon there is time to explore Margaret River, including the ever popular Chocolate Factory. (B,L)

Day 4: Margaret River - Albany
View the enormous Gloucester Tree, the highest fire lookout tree in the world. Journey through the Valley of the Giants with its huge Tingle and Karri trees. Explore the canopy of the magnificent tingle forest along the Tree Top Walk. Continue to Torndirrup National Park, home to the Natural Bridge and the Gap, then visit Whaleworld for a fascinating insight into the region's seafaring past. Accommodation: Comfort Inn, Albany. (B,D)
Accommodation: Comfort Inn, Albany

Day 5: Albany - Esperance
Visit the Anzac Memorial and enjoy the panoramic views. Travel to Bluff Knoll Lookout to witness the rugged beauty of the Stirling Ranges. Continue to Esperance and see the famous Pink Lake. (B,D)
Accommodation: Comfort Inn Bay of Isles, Esperance

Day 6: Cape Le Grand - Kalgoorlie
Travel into Cape Le Grand National Park. 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. An orientation tour of this historic gold mining town will reveal unique turn of the century buildings including the famous Exchange Hotel. (B,D)
Accommodation: Rydges, Kalgoorlie, 2 nights

Day 7: Kalgoorlie
Spend 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. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service for an insight into the work of this Australian icon. This afternoon is at leisure to explore this gold town. (B)

Day 8: Wave Rock
Travel through the former ghost town of Coolgardie, recently rejuvenated following new ore discoveries. Journey to Wave Rock, a striking rock formation resembling a gigantic wave, which was formed from granite over three million years ago. Continue to York, Western Australia's most historic inland town, before travelling on to the port of Fremantle, a city rich in heritage buildings and attractions. It has been recognised as the best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape in the world. (B,D)
Accommodation: Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle

Day 9: Fremantle - Perth
Time this morning is at leisure to explore the Fremantle markets and busy harbour.  Discover the heritage of Fremantle. Enjoy a walking tour including the Round House. Learn how the Swan River is part of the Dreaming Trail of the area. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Swan River to Perth. (B)
Accommodation: Rydges, Perth

Day 10: Perth - Kalbarri
 Travel to New Norcia, a settlement revolving around the Benedictine Monastery, where we visit the Museum and Art Gallery. We then visit a wildflower farm with its unique collection of flowers before continuing to Kalbarri. (B,D)
Accommodation: Kalbarri Edge Resort, Kalbarri

Day 11: Kalbarri National Park
Venture into Kalbarri National Park to view the spectacular scenery of Murchison River Gorge from the vantage point of Hawks Head Lookout. Visit Shell Beach, one of only two in the world, formed from billions of shells up to ten metres deep. Visit Red Bluff Lookout before continuing to the crystal blue waters and the pristine white shell and sandy beaches of Monkey Mia. (B,D)
Accommodation: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, 2 nights

Day 12: Monkey Mia
Watch for the famous dolphins that swim into shore. These wild mammals of the ocean swim into the shallows to mingle with people. (Note: As dolphins are wild their appearance cannot be guaranteed.) The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps take an optional sailing cruise to spot dugong and dolphins. (B)

Day 13: Geraldton
Travel to Hamelin Pool to see the world's best known colony of Stromatolites, dating back to the beginning of life on earth. Continue south along the North West Coastal Highway to Geraldton, in the heart of the Batavia Coast. (B,D)
Accommodation: All Seasons Geraldton, Geraldton

Day 14: The Pinnacles - Perth
Today travel into Nambung National Park, home of the mystical Pinnacles, which were formed by calcified limestone thousands of years ago.  Heading south to Yanchep National Park, you will enjoy an Aboriginal cultural experience in an authentic bush setting. Meet Aboriginal guides who will share with you their way of life in a traditional community and will treat you to the enchanting sounds of the didgeridoo. Continue to Perth this afternoon. (B,D)
Accommodation: Rydges, Perth

Day 15: Depart Perth
You will be transferred to Perth Airport to connect with your onward flight. (B)