Daily Itinerary

Day 1  
Welcome to Fremantle, the historic port city which is part of the Perth Metropolitan area. Many Australians will remember Fremantle as the home of the 1987 America’s Cup-winning syndicate. Fremantle’s rich maritime history dates to 1829 when the Perth colony was established as the Swan River Colony.  The city boasts dozens of preserved Victorian-era buildings as well as other remnants of its colonial past. Once you have checked into your hotel and got settled, take an afternoon wander around the Boat Harbour area. When you start to feel peckish there will be plenty of choices. The restaurants around here serve some of the best, freshly-caught fish that you’ll taste anywhere. You can choose from traditional fish and chips to more upmarket seafood dining.  Cicerello's, Kailis Fish Market Cafe' and Joe's Fish Shack all offer a harbourside view of the iconic fishing boats.

Day 2
Take in some of the history of Fremantle today with a visit to the impressive West End. Here they are a huge number of well-preserved nineteenth-century port-city buildings. Western Australia has recognized the precinct for its unique architecture and historical significance and has slated over 250 buildings on the state heritage register. The Fremantle prison is a significant piece of Australia’s penal colony and today the prison offers several engaging tours including a True Crime Tour and a Torchlight Tour. The tours operate most days at allocated intervals. The Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre (WACC), located on Captains Lane in the Bathers Beach Art Precinct, showcases aboriginal art, culture and history and runs programs and workshops to coincide with the six Nyoongar seasons. Participate in Nyoongar language classes, movie screenings, exhibitions, bush-food workshops, art classes and learn important lessons from respected aboriginal artists, local leaders and elders.

Day 3
Rise early today for your day trip to Rottnest Island. The Rottnest Express Ferry service makes the journey in 30 minutes and you might be lucky enough to be accompanied by Dolphins. There is plenty to do on the island, you can hire bikes or purchase a ticket for the Island Explorer bus service. Either way, you will have a chance to visit Wadjemup lighthouse, the Fur Seals at Cathedral Rocks, Salt Flats, take a dip at one of the many picturesque beaches if it’s not too cold, and of course, see the awesome little Quokkas. The quokkas are everywhere on the island, but you will find plenty at The Settlement. There are quite a few places to eat and drink around The Settlement, and behind the general store is the Museum, which is small but interesting and not to be missed. Once back in Freo, you could head to the Little Creatures brewery for a casual meal accompanied by Beer of course.

Days 4 to 5
After Breakfast and check out, hit the road and head for the world-famous Margaret River region. Margaret River is home to some of the countries most famous wines, surfing beaches and a thriving art scene. Foodies and nature lovers will revel in all that Margaret River has to offer. Drop into the visitors centre on the afternoon of arrival and pick up some local maps and brochures and start to map out your Margaret River. Do not leave off Yardbyrd Café one morning, The Berry Farm for lunch, and the scenic vantage point of Redgate Beach.

Day 6
A perfect final full day in Margaret River is the plan for today. Sit back and relax on this all-day tour which includes tastings at the estates of Xanadu and Voyager. You will be collected from your hotel at 0945, stop for an included a la carte lunch at Olio Bello, the most awarded olive oil company in Australia and return via a selection of Boutique Vineyards such as Vasse Felix, Jarvis Estate, Woddy Nook and others. The tour even offers a chocolate and cheese tasting stop to round out the experience.

Day 7
Today will be a full day driving. We recommend you leave around 8 am and head for Nannup which is about an hour out of Margaret River. You can stretch your legs with a wander along the heritage trail before continuing on to Walpole which is a further 178 km. At Walpole, you must visit the Golden Wattle Bakery fur lunch and then drive up to the Walpole Wilderness National Park. Stop at the lookout then continue up the hill to the Giant Tingle Tree. This huge Tingle tree, which was hollowed out by fire, is now accessible by an 800m boardwalk loop. When you leave Walpole you’ll spend another 90 minutes on the road before arriving at Torndirrup National Park which is just outside of Albany. The surging power of the Southern Ocean is evident at The Gap, a spectacular channel in the 40 metre high coastal granites of Torndirrup National Park. Lookouts at both The Gap and Natural Bridge provide outstanding views of the Southern Ocean and the coast from Bald Head to West Cape Howe. There is a new viewing platform 40 metres directly above the surging seas, this vista will provide a  perfect end to a day exploring this spectacular corner of the country.

Day 8
Another early rise so that you can visit the imposing and inspiring Anzac Centre at Albany. Check out of your accommodation and arrive at the centre in time for opening. You will be able to spend a good 4 hours looking over the displays and exhibits before you head for Point Ann which is about a three-hour drive away.

Day 9
If nature co-operates, Whales and Wildflowers await at The Fitzgerald National Park. The park is one of the most botanically significant in Australia and Wildflower time happens to coincide with the Whales passing by. There are several scenic day drives or if you prefer a hike they are in abundance. At Point Ann, there is purpose-built Whale Watching platforms and Southern Right Whales are often seen cavorting in the Bay. Do have a look at some of the walks and drives and choose a couple that would best suit you. Be sure to make the most of this awe-inspiring and dramatic Southern Ocean scenery.

Day 10
Leave your Fitzgerald Coast accommodation this morning and skirting the National Park, head to Esperance, a 5-hour drive away. En route, there will be opportunities to stop at quaint regional towns such as Ravensthorpe and Munglinup. This entire region boasts about 2000 wildflower species and many walking trails. On arrival in Esperance this afternoon, sit back and relax with a Wine or Beer and hearty country meal at the Pier Hotel on the Esplanade.

Days 11 to 12
Esperance is a natural playground.  Its beaches include calm Blue Haven, and West Beach, with its surf breaks. Nearby, Cape Le Grand National Park has beaches like Lucky Bay, the beach with the whitest sand in Australia plus heathlands and wildflowers. Offshore, the Recherche Archipelago islands shelter fur seals and sea lions. On Middle Island, Lake Hillier is a striking shade of pink. Middle Island and Lake Hillier are normally accessed by scenic flight only.

Day 13
Turning away from the coast and heading inland for two hours you will come to Norseman. This town marks the end of the epic Eyre Highway that spans 1,675 kilometers across the Nullarbor Plain - the largest limestone karst landscape on earth. Norseman is both a modern and colonial mining town, part of the Goldfields region. Breathtaking panoramas of Norseman's landscapes can be enjoyed just 2 kilometers from town at Beacon Hill. Sit and take in the view, follow the bush land walk trail or read about the region's rich mining history. After your whistle-stop layover in Norseman, head a further 2 hours inland to Kalgoorlie.

Day 14
Whether you take on a spot of prospecting, visit the Super Pit or Hannan’s Tourist Mine, the Heritage and charm of Kalgoorlie will surprise you. History lovers can set off on The Kalgoorlie Boulder Audio Walking Tour which encompasses more than 50 different sites in and around the Kalgoorlie and Boulder CBDs, including Heritage Buildings and Hotels or you can delve back further into the towns earlier history with a visit to significant Aboriginal sites, learning about the traditional Wongutha way of life. Hear Dreaming stories and local legends of the gold rush era. At the end of the tour, join in with a smoking ceremony, Dream-time song and learn about traditional Wongutha tools, implements and hunting weapons.

Day 15
Set off about 9.30 so that you miss the heat of midday at Wave Rock. It is just over 4 hours to drive, so arriving around 2 pm would be ideal. Wave Rock, one of the most imposing rock formations anywhere in the world. The "wave" is about 15 m high and around 110 m long. It forms the north side of a solitary hill, which is known as "Hyden Rock".  You will not have any doubt as to why you came. Crystals from Hyden Rock have been dated at being 2700 million years old, which are among the oldest in Australia. You will find interpretive signage around the rock, enlightening you on the history of the rock and surrounding areas. Hippo's Yawn consists of an unusually shaped granite tor that was formerly part of the larger outcrop. This is the second most visited site in Hyden. It is connected to Wave Rock and the car park by a loop walking track, approx 1 km long. Wave Rick is known to deliver spectacular Sunset colours. Your accommodation at Narembeen is only an hour away so maybe you should grab some snacks and pop a drink in a cooler bag and sit back and enjoy.

Day 16 
When you check out of your Narembeen accommodation and head to Perth Airport, your “Wildlife, Wine and Wildflowers Quest” comes to an end.  “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Dr Seuss.