On this tour, a feast for the eyes is in store as Western Australia’s wildflowers create an explosion of colour. See towering karri trees in the Valley of the Giants, hear stories of Australia’s gold mining past in Kalgoorlie, taste wines at Margaret River, see wild dolphins at Monkey Mia and walk on the lunar landscape of the Pinnacles.
Day 1. Arrive Perth
Be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Then set off on a city tour including a visit to Kings Park, perched on Mt Eliza overlooking the city. Absorb the views of the city and the Swan River then return to town for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2. York, Wave Rock
Early this morning set out across the pretty Darling Ranges on the way to the historic town of York, classified by the National Trust. Here, join a local guide for a tour before continuing to Hyden. Visit Wave Rock, a rock formation that rises 15 metres high, appearing ready to crash onto a prehistoric surf.
Day 3. Coolgardie, Kalgoorlie
After breakfast, journey through the wheat belt on the way to Coolgardie, the site of Western Australia’s original gold rush. After stopping to look around, continue on to Kalgoorlie, where more than half of the gold mined in Australia is produced. Travel Kalgoorlie’s Golden Mile, reputed to be the richest square mile in the world, and admire the town’s interesting architecture.
Day 4. Lake Lefroy, Esperance
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Kalgoorlie, before heading for Lake Lefroy, where the white salt makes for a striking contrast against the blue sky. Stop to take in the dramatic colours, then continue on to the beautiful seaside town of Esperance.
Day 5. Pink Lake, Albany
This morning take in the sights of Esperance, including Twilight Bay and the Pink Lake. Then drive through the Stirling Ranges and meet a local wildflower expert to learn about what is known as one of the richest areas for flora in the world. From Bluff Knoll, see the jagged peaks towering over bushland that’s usually carpeted with wildflowers in spring. Later this afternoon, arrive in Albany.
Day 6. Albany
This morning, head to Whale World at Cheyne’s Beach. Here join an interactive journey through the former site of Australia’s last operating whaling station. Afterwards, head for Torndirrup National Park where you’re likely to see a large number of colourful native wildflowers along the Stoney Hill Heritage Trail. Upon your return to Albany, the remainder of the afternoon is then at your leisure to relax or further explore this charming coastal town.
Day 7. Valley of the Giants, Pemberton
Today experience the beauty of the Valley of the Giants, a world-famous forest of gigantic tingle trees. Afterwards, travel via the famous wine-producing region of Margaret River on the way to Pemberton, home to what is thought to be the third largest hardwood tree in the world.
Day 8. Margaret River, Fremantle
After exploring the incredible limestone formations of Jewel Cave this morning, you’ll head to the Cape Leeuwin coastline and visit the lighthouse that overlooks the joining of the Southern Ocean and the Indian Ocean. This afternoon continue to Fremantle.
Day 9, Fremantle. Perth
Located at the mouth of the Swan River, Fremantle is famous for its wonderful beaches as well as its well-preserved architectural heritage dating back to the colonial era. After breakfast today, you’ll enjoy the morning and early afternoon to explore Fremantle as you please. Late this afternoon, travel back to nearby Perth.
Day 10. Perth New Norcia
Departing Perth, this morning you’ll venture north to New Norcia, a monastic town in which the influence of Spanish Benedictine monks is apparent throughout. After visiting the town’s museum and art gallery, head for the nearby Coomberdale Wildflower Farm for a guided tour. Here, thousands of dried wildflowers are prepared for export around the world. This afternoon, continue to the seaside town of Kalbarri.
Day 11. Kalbarri National Park, Shark Bay
Day 11. Kalbarri National Park, Shark Bay, Seafood Feast.
Visit Kalbarri National Park this morning, where around 800 species of wildflowers burst into bloom between July to October in a riot of colour. Take in the beautiful scenery and sweeping sand plains then continue to Eagle Bluff (subject to road conditions). Stop to absorb the breathtaking views and look out for the sharks, dugongs, rays and large fish who regularly visit the shallow waters below. Then continue to the small town of Denham and visit the Shark Bay Interpretive Centre to learn about the area. Then head north to Monkey Mia, located at Dolphin Beach on World Heritage-listed Shark Bay. After settling in, this evening indulge in a delicious seafood dinner at the resort, exclusive to Travelmarvel.
Day 12. Monkey Mia Dolphins
At sunrise, enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach, taking in the beautiful glow on the waters of Shark Bay. Enjoy the daily dolphin feeding experience (subject to appearance) and see the dolphins coming in to feed close to shore. Then, following breakfast, the remainder of this afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. This evening enjoy a wonderful sunset cruise on the bay.
Day 13. Shell Beach, Hamelin Pool, Geraldton
Departing Monkey Mia after breakfast, travel to Shell Beach, a 60 kilometre beach that consists of billions of tiny white ‘coquina bivalve’ sea shells. One of only two shell beaches like it in the world, the contrast of aqua-blue waters against the pure white shoreline is a sight to behold. Continue on to Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve where you’re able to view what are thought to be the world’s oldest living organisms, the stromatolites. Afterwards, travel to Geraldton.
Day 14. The Pinnacles, Perth
This morning travel to Nambung National Park to see The Pinnacles. Believed to be millions of years old, these unusual limestone spiers rise up to six metres above the shifting sands, creating a unique landscape. This afternoon, return to Perth and enjoy a Farewell Dinner this evening.
Day 15. Depart Perth
After breakfast this morning, your tour ends and you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
