MELBOURNE TO PERTH

Welcome to our holiday to the stunning South West Corner of WA. With chauffeured pickup from home, we travel to Melbourne Airport.  Here we’ll be greeted by an O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours representative who will assist us with check in, and see us onto the plane for our direct flight to Perth. Arriving at Perth Airport, we will be welcomed by our coach crew who will assist us with our luggage before we board the coach for the transfer into the city. We have time to relax in our lovely accommodation before our first dinner together.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight

OVERNIGHT: Pan Pacific, PERTH

EXPLORING PERTH

Today we will discover the unique charm of Perth. We’ll see Elizabeth Quay, Parliament House, Government House and Barrack Arch, finishing our sightseeing at the Perth Mint.  Originally opened in the late 1800’s as a branch of the Royal Mint in London, today it only produces collectors’ coins and “one off” items like the 2000 Olympic Medals. We now head to Kings Park for spectacular views over the city and river; hopefully we may see some wildflowers!  The rest of the day is free to explore or just put your feet up and relax!

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: Pan Pacific, PERTH

PERTH TO BUSSELTON

This morning we make our way south to Mandurah, known for its impressive waterways, abundant wildlife and natural beauty. We take a cruise along the canals and waterways of the Mandurah Estuary and the Peel Inlet – we might spot a dolphin or two!  We have time for lunch on Mandurah Esplanade before driving past Bunbury to Busselton. Before we check in to our accommodation, we’ll take a ride on the Busselton Jetty Train and relax while the train driver takes us on a 1.7 kilometre journey across the calm, clear waters of Geographe Bay!

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: Abbey Beach Resort, BUSSELTON 

MARGARET RIVER REGION

The Margaret River area is a rich dairy and timber region, with a reputation for fine wines and surfing. We take a guided tour of the magical Mammoth Cave, home to ancient fossil remains and get the full story of the area’s fascinating limestone caves at the Cave Works Interpretive Centre. Being in a major wine region we stop at a local cellar door for a wine tasting. We’ll also stop briefly at the Margaret River Chocolate Factory, then visit the Vasse Virgin Olive Oil and Soap Factory, whose products are especially good for various skin conditions.

OVERNIGHT:  Abbey Beach Resort, BUSSELTON

BUSSELTON TO PEMBERTON

The rocky headland of Cape Leeuwin is our destination this morning. The walk up to the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, to the point where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet, is one of the great experiences on the Western Australian coast. This lighthouse is the tallest on mainland Australia and the light from the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse can be seen 25 nautical miles out to sea!  We then begin making our way to Pemberton, where we enjoy a light lunch before a visit to the famous giant Gloucester Tree - reputed to be the tallest tree-mounted fire lookout in the world! Our motel is only a block from the town centre so maybe a walk into town or just take some time to relax before dinner.

OVERNIGHT:  Best Western Pemberton Hotel, PEMBERTON

PEMBERTON TO ALBANY

This morning we make our way through virgin Karri forests to the Valley of the Giants and the Walpole National Park where we divert off the highway for a Tree Top Walk amidst the tingle foliage, opening up a world of birds and flowers that we might never see. The Ancient Empire boardwalk, on the forest floor, peacefully meanders around and sometimes through a grove of veteran tingle trees. We retrace our steps to Walpole to join WOW Wilderness Eco-Cruises for a cruise through the wilderness areas and waterways of Walpole’s National Parks. From here, we continue on through Denmark and onto Albany for the next two nights. 

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  Ace Accommodation ALBANY 

EXPLORING ALBANY 

The historic port of Albany settled in 1862 was Western Australia’s first settlement. Australian and New Zealand troops departed for the First World War from King George Sound, so for many, Albany was their last sight of Australian soil. We visit the state-of-the-art National Anzac Centre interpretive museum to experience the Great War through their personal stories. This afternoon we travel to the old whaling station of Frenchman Bay before stopping at Discovery Bay, which now records the history of whaling in Albany. Returning to Albany we make a couple of stops to view the southern coastline of the Torndirrup National Park, complemented by displays of wildflowers, including the Sticky Tailflower, the pink Pimilea Rosea and the blue Scaevola Nitida. There are numerous natural attractions here including The Gap with its overhanging platform and Natural Arch - each providing great views of the coast.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: Ace Accommodation ALBANY

ALBANY TO HYDEN

Our first stop today is the Mount Romance Sandalwood Factory to view the world-class technology used to process Australian Sandalwood oil, destined for some of the world’s leading perfume houses. After our visit, we drive on to Hyden, stopping along the way for our picnic lunches. In Hyden we are joined by our local guide who takes us to visit “Hippos Yawn” and then onto spectacular Wave Rock to learn about the geological and historical importance of this well-known attraction.

OVERNIGHT:  Hyden Wave Rock Hotel Motel, HYDEN

HYDEN TO FREMANTLE

Wildflower hunting along the way, we head to the coast this morning via Narrogin. The Dryandra Woodland features the largest area of remnant vegetation in the western Wheatbelt and forms part of an international biodiversity ‘hotspot’ where more than 850 species of plants can be seen. The Darwinia Drive Trail offers the opportunity to enjoy the woodland and to learn about its ecosystems.  It is named after a darwinia that grows in only a few locations in the south west, including Dryandra. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing on through Brookton to Fremantle, a great tourist area with seemingly row upon row of interesting historic buildings, gracious modern hotels and extensive seaside parks.

OVERNIGHT:  Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges, FREMANTLE

ROTTNEST ISLAND

Located just off the coast in the warm clear waters of the Indian Ocean, Rottnest Island is a spectacular world of white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters, abundant marine life, rare marsupials and rich history. The island was named “Rottnest” by Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh which meant “rats nest” - he mistook the island’s unique marsupials - the Quokkas, for giant rats! We have a great day ahead including the return ferry to the island, lunch and a guided coach tour - as well as some free time to relax and enjoy this tranquil place.

OVERNIGHT:  Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges, FREMANTLE

FREMANTLE—PERTH TO HOME

it’s been a great holiday and now time to make our way home. Following breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures and transfer to the Perth Airport for our flight home. On arrival at Melbourne Airport, our chauffeurs will be waiting to transfer us home, right to our door—all part of the O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours superior service.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight