Best of Australia's South West

Day 1

Home - Perth - Mandurah
After arriving in Perth we will enjoy a picnic lunch before we reboard the coach and travel on to Fremantle for a town tour. Later, we make our way to Mandurah, located at the entrance to the Peel Inlet and a popular holiday destination with its vast waterways, for our overnight stay.

Day 2

Mandurah - Busselton
Travel through impressive landscapes today with the possibility of viewing wildflowers along the way. Traverse spectacular farmland arriving into the town of Harvey for a visit and morning tea. Later, travel via Australind to Bunbury, a major commercial and shipping centre for the south west where time will be allowed for you to purchase your lunch. View the Tuart Forest before heading to the popular town of Busselton on the shores of Geographe Bay. Visit the heritage listed Busselton Jetty, and ride the famous Jetty Train across the calm, clear waters of Geographe Bay to the Underwater Observatory (weather permitting).

Day 3

Busselton
Today as we travel south, we pass the stunning Boranup Forest, a visual highlight of the region before arriving at Augusta's famous Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. This majestic lighthouse with its stunning views of the spectacular coastline is situated at the most South Westerly tip of Australia where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Back on the coach, we head to Margaret River, enjoying a picnic lunch before a wine tasting at Regate Wines. Later, delight in a visit to Xanadu Winery, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the vineyard and savour some of their award winning wines. Complete the day with a visit to Margaret River Chocolate Company.

Day 4

Busselton - Pemberton
Leave Busselton and continue south via Nannup, known as the 'Garden Village' in honour of its many beautiful gardens and famous tulips. We make our way through the state forests via Bridgetown with its surrounding green rolling hills, tall jarrah and karri forests and on to Manjimup, gateway to the tall-timber country. Enjoy a picnic lunch as you admire the 72 metre high Gloucester Tree in Pemberton.

Day 5

Pemberton - Valley of the Giants - Albany
Travel via Walpole where the Tingal Forests will amaze you with the majestic and unforgettable Karri and Jarrah trees. Enjoy the Valley of the Giants tree-top walk or the Ancient Empire Forest floor valley walk. See the panoramic views of Wilson Inlet and peaceful Denmark, as we travel along the D'Entrecasteaux (pronounced don-truh-cast-oh) National Park coastline. This afternoon arrive into Albany, surrounded by excellent views, from the spectacular coastal scenery, rugged cliff-top beauty, to the calm and beautiful island strewn swimming bays.

Day 6

Albany
Spend today exploring Western Australia's oldest town, Albany, with its fine Victorian shopfronts and a main street that slopes toward the sea. See the Anzac Light Horse Memorial at Mt Clarence with views over King George Sound, Princess Royal Harbour and inland to the ranges. At Discovery Bay, enjoy a guided tour of the historic Whaling Station. Time will be allowed to wander through the stunning Botanic Gardens featuring plants from Western Australia's south coast, before purchasing your own lunch. This afternoon, following a visit to Stoney Hill Lookout, see Albany's Wind Farm before returning to our motel for dinner.

Day 7

Albany - Hyden
Today's journey takes us through the Stirling Ranges with its high craggy peaks which stand out against rolling hills and forest covered valleys. Visit Lake Grace before continuing on to Hyden, in the Shire of Kondinin, for a visit to the Wave Rock Reserve and one of Australia's most famous landforms.

Day 8

Hyden - Fremantle
Today we make our way back to Perth via Corrigin, Quairading and York. This area is known for wildflowers flowering between July and October, so be sure to keep watch for the dozens of wildflower varieties, producing carpets of colour. Famous for its Dog Cemetery, from Corrigin we travel on to the heritage town of York, the oldest inland town in Western Australia. Many of the Victorian and Federation buildings have been lovingly restored to house galleries, museums, cafes and antique shops. Our journey continues on to Perth where we will stop at Kings Park overlooking Perth City and the majestic Swan River.

Day 9

Fremantle - Home
After breakfast, it's time to farewell 'The West' as we make our way to the airport for your flight home.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner