SOUTH WEST TOURS & CHARTERS

Departing Perth after breakfast we travel up though the Eastern hills and arrive at the historic wheatbelt town of York. York is the oldest inland town in Western Australia, situated in the Avon Valley, which is one of the most fertile areas of the State. Tour the York Motor Museum, which has an interesting range of vintage vehicles and is also home of the “Never Never Tours” Valiant ute used in the movie “Crocodile Dundee”, which even has Paul Hogan’s signature on the dashboard! We enjoy a morning tea on the banks of the Avon River and have some time to explore the heritage buildings of the town, prior to continuing our drive through the inland wheatbelt. En-route to Wave Rock we will stop at the ‘Dog Cemetery’ a touching tribute to our canine friends. On arrival at Wave Rock, enjoy an easy walk around this fascinating geological formation. Rising 15 metres from the ground and more than 100 metres long, the rock looks like a giant surf wave of multicoloured granite about to crash onto the bush below. It’s believed this amazing formation was more than 2,700 million years in the making. This evening head into the small town of Hyden to enjoy a real outback pub meal.

Accommodation: Wave Rock Resort, Hyden
Meals: Lunch

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This morning we take the short drive North to explore the Humps & Mulka’s Cave. The name Mulka comes from an Aboriginal legend associated with the cave. Mulka was the illegal son of woman who fell in love with a man with whom marriage was forbidden according to their law. It is believed that a result of breaking these rules, she bore a son with crossed eyes. Even though he grew to be an outstandingly strong man of colossal height, his crossed eyes prevented him from aiming a spear accurately and becoming a successful hunter. Out of frustration it is said Mulka turned to catching and eating human children and he became the terror of the district. He lived in Mulka’s Cave, where the imprints of his hands can still be seen, much larger and higher than that of an ordinary man. After viewing the paintings and recovering from the story, we take a short walk around the woodland area. We continue through to the town of Ravensthorpe and after a lunch break (own expense), we arrive at the delightful coastal town of Esperance with a short orientation tour prior to settling into our comfortable accommodation, home for the next 3 nights. Tonight enjoy included dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Comfort Inn, Esperance
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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After breakfast we depart from the nearby helipad in Esperance Bay and discover the turquoise coast from above as we fly toward Woody Island. Upon arrival on the island, enjoy morning tea on the deck of the visitor’s centre looking out over Shearwater Bay. Join an informative guided walking tour, learning about the history of the island while discovering the local wildlife on this unique Nature Reserve. Enjoy some free time choosing to swim with the abundant marine life in the bay, or just sit back and relax, unwind and take in the views. Cap-off our Woody Island Adventure with a refreshing drink at Black Jacks Bar (fully licensed) and a bite to eat from the waterfront kiosk (own expense), before returning to Esperance by ferry. (Note: Helicopter / ferry schedule may operate in reverse). Later this afternoon we take the short drive to Lucky Bay Brewery, purveyors of fine craft ales and enjoy the wood fired pizzas, a great way to finish off the day.

Accommodation: Comfort Inn, Esperance
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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Our adventure continues today as we head to Cape Le Grande National Park where we explore, walk, relax and swim at some of the most pristine beaches in Australia. The landscape changes from massive granite outcrops to freshwater pools with a diverse variety of coastal flora and fauna to be viewed. After visiting Hellfire Bay, enjoy a swim on famous Lucky Bay which is said to have the whitest sand of any Australian beach (soilscienceaustralia.org) and is home to a colony of friendly kangaroos which are often seen soaking up the sun. There is the opportunity to take a spectacular coastal hike (approx. 1 hour) over the headland arriving at Whistling Rock, where your guide and vehicle will be waiting. After a picnic lunch we depart the National Park arriving back in Esperance mid afternoon, allowing time to explore the town centre. Dinner is your own choice tonight at one of the nearby local restaurants or pubs.

Accommodation: Comfort Inn, Esperance
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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An early morning departure takes us to the small holiday village of Hopetoun. After a short break we enter the Fitzgerald River National Park, a botanical wonderland, recognised by UNESCO as a biosphere of unique importance. Approximately 20% of the state’s described plant species, 22 mammal species, 41 reptile species, and more than 200 bird species, including rare species such as the ground parrot and the western bristle bird frequent the park. As we traverse the park, we have the opportunity to take a variety of short walks and view the spectacular coastal scenery and flora. After lunch, travel back out to the South Coast Highway arriving in the City of Albany late in the afternoon. Our accommodation is the newly opened Hilton Gardens on the marina, where you may enjoy dinner tonight.

Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn, Albany
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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This morning we hit the rough & ready Pt Warrender Road as we head into the inspiring country of the Wununbal people – the traditional owners of the region north of the King Edward River. We will explore incredible rock art sites, have the opportunity to swim and be awed by the stunning beauty of the natural environment. After a picnic lunch on the banks of the pristine river, shaded by giant paperbarks we return for a sunset by the Drysdale River. Optional early morning scenic flight over Mitchell Falls own expense.

Accommodation: Drysdale River Station
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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This morning we visit Albany’s Historic Whaling Station for a unique view and a self-guided interactive experience at the whale processing factory and whale chasing ship. The Cheynes Beach Whaling Company was the last whaling company to cease operations in Australia, closing in 1978. Opening in 1980 (known then as Whale World), it is now home to a museum on whales and whaling. A short drive takes us to the Torndirrup National Park where state-of-the-art viewing structures at The Gap and the Natural Bridge provide safe and accessible views of the beautiful and dramatic coastal environment. We complete the trilogy of National Parks ‘Getting high in nature trail’ when we visit the Granite Skywalk which is a suspended walkway on the huge granite outcrop of Castle Rock. A marvel of engineering, the two lookouts give spectacular views across the park and undulating farmland to Albany on the south coast and the Stirling Range to the north. For the fit and intrepid the two kilometre walk up from the Castle Rock picnic area passes through jarrah, marri and karri forest and by Balancing Rock to reach the base of Castle Rock and the lower lookout. Reaching the upper lookout requires scrambling through and over rocks and climbing a 6 metre ladder (Graded Class 5 Walk). Fortunately for those after a gentler afternoon, there is the option of a lovely stroll around the interpretive walk at the bottom of the climb.

We continue our travels to our overnight destination, the luxury boutique Premier Mill Hotel. Previously the region’s flour mill, and an iconic building in Katanning, it had fallen into disrepair, however is now back to the pride & joy of the wheatbelt town and a destination in itself. The silos have been transformed into modern and tastefully renovated rooms. After learning the fascinating history of the mill and heritage renovation, settle in with a pre-dinner cocktail at the ‘Cordial Bar’, prior to joining a dinner featuring local produce.

Accommodation: Premier Mill Hotel, Katanning
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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This morning we are joined by a guide who gives us a locals perspective of Katanning, which is the most ethnically diverse regional town in all of Western Australia, with over 40 languages spoken. We venture out in the verdant country and may visit one of the local wineries. After lunch we travel back to Perth arriving late afternoon where your tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation.

Accommodation: Own Accommodation
Meals: Breakfast

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