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, Hillarys 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.

Days 5 to 7: Margaret River

Today collect your hire car and drive to pretty Margaret River in the southwest.

It’s an easy drive from Perth, with plenty of extraordinarily scenic places to stop off along the way. You can take a dolphin spotting cruise at Bunbury or stretch your legs in Busselton, with a stroll to the end of the longest timber piled jetty in the southern hemisphere.

You have three days to explore one of Australia’s finest wine regions, which is home to a plethora of award-winning wineries and craft breweries, artisan food producers and a thriving arts scene.

Alternatively enjoy walking along the coastline on the ‘Cape to Cape’ track. The beaches are simply spectacular, and here you will find some of the world’s tallest hardwood trees.

Day 8: Pemberton

Today drive from Margaret River to the wine region of Pemberton, which is surrounded by towering karri (eucalyptus) trees.

It's here that you will find (and can climb) the world's tallest fire lookout tree - the famous Gloucester Tree. It’s easy to explore off the beaten track, with plenty of driving, hiking and riding trails.

Days 9 to 11: Albany

As you drive towards Albany, we suggest you stop at the town of Walpole, with its ‘Valley of the Giants’ tree top walk. Suspended 125 ft above the floor of an ancient forest, this allows you to walk through the canopy of huge 400 year old tingle (eucalyptus) trees, that are unique to the Australian southwest.

Continue travelling eastwards to Albany, where you will stay for three nights. Albany is where European settlers first set foot in Western Australia and their legacy still remains very much in evidence today. The town has many heritage buildings and an array of restaurants, as well as pristine beaches.

Several award-winning wineries are within easy reach of the town, and many artisanal producers can be found around the coastal hamlet of Denmark. The National Anzac Centre is dedicated to Australians and New Zealanders who fought in both World Wars and the former Whaling Station is now a fascinating museum.

For stunning coastal views, head to the Torndirrup National Park where you can gaze in awe at the spectacular natural scenery found at the Gap, the Natural Bridge and the Blowholes. Wildflowers bloom here between September and November, with displays more prolific after good winter rains, and if you stand atop these tall cliffs between July and October, you may spot migrating whales.

From January to April you can take a full day excursion to see large pods of killer whales feeding at Bremer Canyon. Dolphins can also be seen in the ocean.

You can also take a day trip to in Porongurup National Park, which has a 2.6 mile Granite Skywalk. You need a moderate level of fitness to do this, as to reach the summit you must scramble over some rocks and climb an enclosed ladder, but you will be rewarded with wonderful Southern Ocean views.

Afterwards enjoy relaxing on one of Albany’s spectacular beaches.

Day 12: Drive back to Perth

From Albany head back to Perth, where you will stay overnight.

Note: If you have more time available, you can carry on eastwards to Hopetoun and Esperance, a beach and nature lovers dream, and then head inland to Kalgoorlie in the heart of Western Australia’s gold rush country.

Day 13: Fly Home

Drive to Perth airport to drop off your hire car and fly home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a room only basis, including 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.