Day 1 Monday: Historic York, Wave Rock
Join tour and at 7.15am, depart Perth to cross the Darling Ranges to historic York, classified by the National Trust, for a tour with a local guide. After time to explore, continue to the quaint outback town of Hyden. Explore the mesmerising natural wonder of Wave Rock, rising 15 metres high. This rock formation appears ready to crash onto a prehistoric surf, now frozen in time. Stay: Hyden, Wave Rock Hotel. (D)
Day 2 Tuesday: Coolgardie, Kalgoorlie
Journey through the wheat belt to Coolgardie, the original site of Western Australia’s gold rush. Visit the Gold Museum, offering an excellent introduction to the early colourful social history of the Coolgardie goldfields. Continue to Kalgoorlie, known as the City of Gold, producing more than half of the gold mined in Australia. Travel Kalgoorlie’s Golden Mile, reputed to be the richest square mile in the world, and admire the town’s interesting architecture. Stay: Kalgoorlie, All Seasons Plaza Hotel, right in the town centre. (B, D)
Day 3 Wednesday Kalgoorlie, Freedom of Choice Touring, Lake Lefroy, Esperance
In Kalgoorlie, join your selected Freedom of Choice Touring activity. Visit the Mining Hall of Fame, take an underground tour at Hannans North Tourist Mine or try your luck panning for gold. View Lake Lefroy, where the white salt makes for a striking contrast against the blue sky. Continue to the seaside town of Esperance. Stay: Esperance, Bay of Isles Motel. (B, D)
Day 4 Thursday: Pink Lake, Historic Albany, Meet Local Wildflower Expert
Take in the sights of Esperance, including Twilight Bay and the unique Pink Lake. Drive through the Stirling Ranges and meet a local wildflower expert. From Bluff Knoll, see the jagged peaks towering over bushland that is usually carpeted with wildflowers in spring. Arrive in historic Albany this afternoon. Two Night Stay: Albany, Dog Rock Motel. (B, D)
Day 5 Friday: Albany, Freedom of Choice Touring, Wildflower Spotting
This morning in Albany, choose to visit the Mt Romance Bodycare Factory, or board a catamaran and cruise Albany’s harbour on a whale-watching cruise. Underwater microphones help you listen for the song of humpback whales. This afternoon, tour Whale World at Cheyne’s Beach. Afterwards, head to Torndirrup National Park where you have the opportunity to see native wildflowers along the Stoney Hill Heritage Trail. (B)
Day 6 Saturday: Valley of the Giants, Freedom of Choice Touring, Pemberton, Margaret
River Experience the beauty of the Valley of the Giants today with Freedom of Choice Touring. Choose the Tree Top Walk to explore the Tingle forest at canopy level, or admire the Tingles at ground level on a boardwalk through the Ancient Empire. For the more adventurous, climb the highest fire lookout in the world at the Gloucester Tree, 60 metres above the forest. Later, join a local guide on the Pemberton Tramway. Then drive to Margaret River and enjoy a pre-dinner wine presentation. Stay: Margaret River Resort. (B, D)
Day 7 Sunday: Margaret River, Fremantle
Today tour the sights of Margaret River, exploring the limestone formations of Jewel Cave. Head to the Cape Leeuwin coastline and visit the lighthouse where the Southern Ocean meets the Indian Ocean. Afterwards visit the award-winning Leeuwin Estate and enjoy a tour and tasting of Margaret River’s best wines. This afternoon arrive in Fremantle. Stay: Fremantle, The Esplanade Hotel. (B)
Day 8 Monday: Fremantle, Freedom of Choice Touring, Perth
This morning join your selected Freedom of Choice touring activity. Join the Fremantle tram tour and cruise back to Perth along the Swan River, or perhaps spend the morning exploring Fremantle Prison or the Maritime Museum. Alternatively you could choose to cruise to Rottnest Island and spend the day exploring this wildlife haven. At around 5.30pm tour concludes. (B)
