Elizabeth Quay, Perth. Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Coral Bay. Credit: Tourism Western Australia
MARGARET RIVER & WAVE ROCK
ULTIMATE CORAL COAST
9 Day Self Drive from Perth
7 Day Self Drive from Perth INCLUDES: 6 nights accommodation as shown
INCLUDES: 8 nights accommodation as shown
| Mid-size rental car on all-inclusive basis & unlimited kms
DAY 1: Perth, Margaret River (265km) - This morning collect your rental car and head south following the picturesque coastline and pass through the pretty towns of Busselton and Bunbury, Arrive into the Margaret River region, an area of remarkable natural beauty and a relaxed pace of life. Stay: Margaret’s Beach Resort (2 nights) DAY 2: At leisure - A free day to explore all that this region has to offer. There are numerous walks through ancient woodland and forest as well as coastal trails. At Cape Leeuwin, view the famous lighthouse and see where the Indian & Southern Oceans meet. Alternatively, you may wish to discover some of the many local wineries that offer cellar door tastings and al-fresco lunches. DAY 3 & 4: Nannup, Pemberton (140km) - Travel east via the historic mill town of Nannup to Pemberton, nestled in a valley with lush green pastures and acres of rolling vineyards and surrounded by the spectacular Karri forests of the Gloucester National Park, Indulge in the taste sensations offered by many restaurants, cafes and wineries, who specialise in fresh gourmet food and home grown produce. Recreational activities such as canoeing, fishing, swimming and bushwalking are popular pastimes. Stay: Karri Valley Resort (2 Nights) DAY 5: Torndirrup National Park, Albany (240km) - Drive on to the port city of Albany in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. It is the oldest permanently settled town in Western Australia and boasts a spectacular collection of old colonial buildings including old convict jails, churches and cottages. The Torndirrup National Park located close by offers some wonderful hiking trails whilst the town is famous for whale watching, with southern right, humpback and blue whales often spotted close to shore between May and November. Stay: Best Western Albany (1 Night) DAY 6: Wave Rock, Hyden (342km) - Travel north to Lake Grace and Kodinin. On to Hyden, home to the famous Wave Rock and Mulka’s Cave. The Wave on Hyden Rock is one of Australia’s most famous landforms, a giant surf wave of multicoloured granite about to crash onto the bush below. Stand under it and feel rock power from over 2,700 million years ago, before dinosaurs roamed the earth. Stay: Wave Rock Motel (1 Night) DAY 7: Return to Perth (290km) - Perhaps wander around the animals and birdlife of the areas at the local Wildlife Park before returning to Perth and dropping off your rental car on arrival.
Oct 19 – Mar 20
DAY 1: Perth, Geraldton (419km) - This morning collect your rental car and head north along the Brand Highway to Geraldton. Take a detour to the Nambung National Park where you can view the Pinnacles Desert with its thousands of limestone pillars protruding from the sand. Stay: Best Western Hospitality Inn Geraldton Day 2 & 3: On to Monkey Mia (430km) - Continue north along the North West Coastal Highway to
Monkey Mia in the Shark Bay World Heritage area. Each morning for more than 40 years, wild bottlenose dolphins have swum to the shallows of Monkey Mia to visit and interact with people. This rare and famous animal encounter is one of the world’s great wildlife experiences, one which attracts visitors from all over the world. Stay: Monkey Mia Resort
Day 4: Coral Bay (581Km) - You’ll find yourself just a few metres from the sheltered coral gardens of Ningaloo Reef. Take an afternoon swim or snorkel, laze on the white-sand beach, or hire a quad bike for a spin up the coast at sunset. Dining options are varied, and there are plenty of good spots to take in Coral Bay’s stunning sunsets. Stay: Ningaloo Reef Resort Day 5 & 6: Exmouth (364Km) - Drive on to the charming town of Exmouth on the Coral Coast. Ningaloo, the largest fringing reef in Australia is just a stone’s throw away making this a must-see destination for those who enjoy snorkelling and diving. You can also enjoy kayaking or cruising in a glass bottom boat and for the ultimate marine adventure, experience the thrill of swimming with the world’s largest fish, the mighty whale shark (available mid-March to late July). Stay: Mantarays Ningaloo Resort (2 nights) *Option to drop off your car & fly back to Perth today
Day 7: Carnarvon (364Km) - Carnarvon’s unique location makes it a tropical oasis. It is commonly
recognised for its banana plantations, tropical fruits, fine seafood and warm climate and is situated in the heart of the Gascoyne Region on the doorstep of the Indian Ocean. It is the gateway to Australia’s Ningaloo Coast, and in very close proximity to the Ningaloo Reef World Heritage areas.
Day 8: Kalbarri (444Km) - Where the ancient rugged outback meets white sand beaches. Hop on a
Murchison River cruise, hire a paddleboat or hit the water in a kayak. Take in views from the lookouts, hike the trails or join a canyoning and abseiling tour. Stay: Kalbarri Edge Resort Tip: Plan your trip to coincide with the wildflower season (July to October) and experience the eye-popping wonder of over 1100 varieties of Western Australian wildflowers transforming the outback into a sea of colour.
Day 9: Return To Perth (571Km)
Per person twin share from Apr 19 – Sep 19
Per person twin share from
£563 £584
Apr 19 – Sep 19 Oct 19 – Mar 20
The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park. Credit: Tourism Western Australia
100
| Mid-size rental car on all-inclusive basis & unlimited kms
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | INDEPENDENT TOURING
The Australia Book 2019 - 20 | UK Sterling
£849 £855