DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Perth

Arrive in Perth, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Days 2 to 4: Explore Perth

The next few days are free to explore Perth, a major mining commercial centre and one of the world’s most isolated cities. It has a gorgeous setting along the winding Swan River and offers a sunny outdoor lifestyle, with some of Australia’s finest beaches. Sailing, swimming and fishing are all popular here.

Follow the waterside pathway along the Swan River, enjoy waterside dining at Elizabeth Quay or head out to the beaches of Scarborough or Cottesloe. 

A visit to the enormous Kings Park and Botanic Garden atop Mount Eliza is a must. From here you will have sweeping views over the city. You can also enjoy a leisurely cruise on Swan River, or take a day trip to Fremantle situated at the mouth of the river, with its rich maritime and convict history.

St. Mary's Cathedral is a grand neo-Gothic church, whilst the Bell Tower in Barrack Square (which looks like an alien spaceship) houses the original 14th century bells from Saint Martin-in-the-Fields church in London. Perth Cultural Centre houses the state ballet and opera, as well as the Art Gallery of Western Australia, whilst Perth Mint offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of gold mining.

Perth Zoo will introduce you to endemic Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, wombats and Tasmanian devils. About 12 miles northwest of the city, Hillary’s Boat Harbour is a lovely marina with restaurants, shops and the fabulous Aquarium of Western Australia. 

Car-free Rottnest Island is idyllic for a day trip. It is home to the quokka (short-tailed scrub wallaby), a mini marsupial endemic to the island. You can also visit Pinnacles and Yanchep National Parks, with their strange rock formations, and enjoy an evening of star gazing in the Pinnacles Desert.

The beautiful wineries of the Swan Valley are just a short drive away.

Day 5: Cervantes

Collect your hire car and head north from Perth, travelling along the coast to the windsurfing hub of Lancelin.

From here continue to the Pinnacles Desert in the Nambung National Park.  You can follow a driving trail or a walking track, weaving through thousands of golden limestone spires formed over millions of years.

Then drive to the fishing town of Cervantes. Just east of town is Lake Thetis, a saline lake sheltering ancient marine fossils. The stromatolites (layered rock) found at here look otherworldly.

In town you can view the lobster catch at the one of the jetties, or from Thirsty Point Lookout.

Day 6: Coral Coast to Kalbarri

Cervantes is the gateway to the stunning Coral Coast, with its abundance of natural wonders.

At Jurien Bay you can stop and head out on a sea lion charter, whilst in Geraldton you can see more of the region’s past, beautifully preserved at the Greenough Central Historic Settlement.

As you drive along the North West Coastal Highway, explore 400 million year-old river gorges, dramatic coastal rock formations and the spectacular pink waters of Hutt Lagoon. If you’re travelling between June and November, watch out for migrating humpback whales with their young.

Day 7: Kalbarri National Park

Spend today exploring the Kalbarri National Park - either on foot, on a camel trek, or aboard a Murchison River cruise.

Days 8 & 9: Monkey Mia

A 2.5 hour drive this morning takes you to the start of the Shark Bay World Heritage Drive. The living fossils, unique landscapes and rare wildlife found here have earned this region its World Heritage status. At Hamelin Pool you will see stromatolites that will give you a glimpse of what the earth looked like over 3.5 million years ago, for these are the oldest living marine fossils on the planet.

Continue to Monkey Mia, where you can enjoy wild dolphin encounters, explore by kayak and take wildlife cruises, where you should spot sea turtles, manta rays and dugongs playing (the world’s largest population of dugongs is found here).

Day 10: Carnarvon

Leave the dolphins behind and continue ever northwards to Carnarvon. This is known as the ‘fruit bowl’ of Western Australia as well as being a seafood lovers dream. 

Days 11 to 13: Ningaloo Reef

You will cross the Tropic of Capricorn on your drive today, as you head for Exmouth – the northern gateway to Ningaloo Reef and the Cape Range National Park.

The Ningaloo Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Area and one the great ocean paradises. It gives the Great Barrier Reef a run for its money, and from March to July you can swim with majestic whale sharks. From June to November it is also possible to swim with humpback whales.

We suggest you take a day to drive around the peninsula, with the cool early mornings best for spotting kangaroos and emus. You can also hike along one of the many bush trails at Yardie Creek and Mandu Mandu Gorge and enjoy a gorge wildlife cruise at Yardie Creek.

Then spend the rest of your time snorkelling and relaxing on spectacular white sand beaches.

Day 14: Fly to Perth

Return your hire car to Exmouth airport and fly back to Perth. Here you will be met and transferred to your hotel for overnight.

Day 15: Fly Home

Transfer to Perth airport for your flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a room only basis, including airport transfer on arrival and standard car hire. International flights are not included and will be quoted separately.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including recommended route and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your holiday.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance and an appropriate driving licence. The FCO should also be consulted.