Australia 2023 AUS | Page 100

WESTERN AUSTRALIA SELF-DRIVE TOUR

Busselton Underwater Observatory
THE GREAT SOUTH WEST
12 NIGHT SELF-DRIVE TOUR
car or motorhome • spend time in the great outdoors • tuck into delicious local food and wine DAY 1 Fly to Perth
DAY 2 Perth
On arrival make your way to your hotel where the remainder of the day is yours to relax or step out and start exploring Australia ’ s sunniest capital city .
DAY 3 Perth
At leisure . The perfect introduction to Perth is the view of its cityscape from King ’ s Park and Botanic Garden . Back in the city you can stroll Northbridge and the Perth Cultural Centre or indulge in some retail therapy at King Street . Alternatively , hop on a ferry to neighbouring Fremantle where you can relax on the bustling ‘ Cappuccino Strip ’.
DAY 4 Perth / Margaret River
Collect your car and head south . You ’ ll find no end of places to stop during the day , including Busselton which has the southern hemisphere ’ s longest timber jetty . Stroll along the jetty or ride the train and head into the Underwater Observatory for a view of Australia ’ s greatest artificial reef . If visiting between January and April , it ’ s a good time to enjoy the region ’ s stunning beaches , including Meelup Beach and Bunker Bay ( 168 miles ).
DAY 5 Margaret River
What better way to enjoy this famed wine and foodie region than by hopping between the cellar doors and gourmet produce stores .
DAY 6 Margaret River / Pemberton
During today ’ s drive , take in the impressive Boranup Forest and its soaring Karri Trees ; or detour to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse where you can watch the Indian Ocean and Southern Ocean collide , whilst keeping your eyes peeled for migrating whales ( June to September ). Travel on to Augusta , a town of towering timbers ( 83 miles ).
DAY 7 Pemberton
Adventure enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the region ’ s numerous national Parks . In Gloucester and Warren you can climb some of the gigantic Karri trees . There are also great hiking trails in the surrounding forests , including the Bibbulmun Track .
DAY 8 Pemberton / Albany
When journeying through the Southern Forests to the coast , you should be sure to stop off in Walpole , home of the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk , for breathtaking views . You may also consider taking a break in the picturesque town of Denmark , known for its highly acclaimed Great Southern wines ( 144 miles ).
100 AUSTRALIA
12 night self-drive tour from £ 2299pp by car from £ 2249pp by motorhome
BY CAR OR MOTORHOME
DAY 9 Albany
When visiting the region , a visit to Torndirrup National Park is a must . Here , you will find attractions such as the Blowholes , the Gap and Natural Bridge , offering spectacular views over the Southern Ocean . You ’ ll also find beautiful beaches including Little Beach and Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve - both ideal picnic spots .
DAY 10 Albany / Esperance
During the drive eastwards to Esperance , stop at Bremer Bay and explore the Fitzgerald River National Park , with its pristine beaches and unique flora and fauna . Between September and November , wildflowers are in full bloom ( 300 miles ).
DAY 11 Esperance
Home to some of the best looking beaches and beautiful bays with tranquil blue water which is great for swimming and snorkelling . Nearby is Cape Le Grand National Park , where you may see kangaroos sunbathing on the beach !
DAY 12 Esperance / Hyden
Drive through the towns of Ravensthorpe , Lake King and Hyden to reach one of Australia ’ s biggest breaks - Wave Rock , an almost 50 foot high cresting wave of solid granite shaped by the forces of nature over two billion years . Be sure to also visit Mulka ’ s Cave , where a local Aboriginal legend is retold through more than 450 ancient rock paintings ( 238 miles ).
DAY 13 Hyden / Perth
With much of its Victorian and Federation architecture lovingly restored , York is the ideal place to stop and has a treasure trove of cafés , restaurants , galleries and antique shops . Continue back to Perth ( 206 miles ).
DAY 14 Perth
At leisure before returning your car at the airport for your onward journey .
Wave Rock
Margaret River Pemberton
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Perth
Albany
Hyden
Perth 2 nights ~ Margaret River 2 nights Pemberton 2 nights ~ Albany 2 nights
Esperance
Esperance 2 nights ~ Hyden 1 night ~ Perth 1 night
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
BY CAR : Departures : Daily . Accommodation : 4H Holiday Inn Perth City Centre ; 4H Margarets Beach Resort , Margaret River ; 3H Karri Valley Resort , Pemberton ; 3H Best Western The Clarence on Melville , Albany ; 3H Hospitality Esperance ; 3H Wave Rock Motel , Hyden .
Meals : Room only .
Tour price : The price shown for this tour includes international flights to and from Perth , 11 days compact car hire and hotel accommodation as shown .
BY MOTORHOME : Departures : Daily . Meals : Not included .
Tour price : The price shown includes return international flights to and from Perth , one pre-night at Holiday Inn Perth City Centre , and a Britz Venturer motorhome with bonus pack for 12 days . See pages 10-11 for motorhome options and details .
visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 900