Departs
All major airports
Tour length
16 days
Travel by
Coach/Fly
Accommodation
12 Hotels
Fitness
Easy
Tour summary
Departure dates
Tour description
Download pdf of itinerary
View daily itinerary (click + for more info)
Day One: Perth
Join us in Perth today at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for the next 2 nights. (D)
Day Two: Perth
Today you depart on a tour taking in Perth and Fremantle, affording the opportunity to drive around these iconic cities with various stops. Starting in Perth, the tour takes in all major attractions of the revitalised Perth CBD, passing Western Australian Cricket Ground (WACA) and Optus Stadium. Then on to Kings Park Botanical Gardens, where you have the opportunity to view wildflowers or take in the stunning views from the war memorial looking back over the city skyline. Continue through the affluent Western Suburbs of Perth, known as Millionaire’s Row, passing by Cottesloe Beach where the Indian Ocean sparkles. Travel on into historic Fremantle, viewing the impressive facades of this heritage listed city including a brief stop. To fully enhance and maximise your experience in Fremantle, we have organised a relaxing Swan River cruise back to Perth. (B,D)
Day Three: To Pemberton
Begin your day early in Perth, driving south along the Kwinana Freeway toward Bunbury. After about two hours, stop in Bunbury, a coastal town known for its Koombana Bay and the chance to see wild dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery Centre. From Bunbury, drive about an hour to the famous Margaret River region. Upon arriving, take some time to explore one of the region’s many wineries, such as Voyager Estate or Vasse Felix, for a wine tasting and a leisurely lunch. Margaret River is renowned for its world-class wines, and many wineries offer stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and gourmet food options. In the afternoon, continue south toward Augusta for a quick visit to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the point where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. You can take a guided tour of the lighthouse or simply enjoy the coastal views and the dramatic meeting of the seas. Leaving Augusta, drive inland toward Pemberton, passing through more of the stunning Southern Forests region. As you approach Pemberton, you’ll notice the landscape becoming greener and more forested, with rolling hills and dense woodlands. Tonight, you’ll have beautiful view from your room overlooking the lake at the RAC Karri Valley Resort. (B,L,D)
Day Four: To Albany
Upon departing Pemberton, make a stop at the Gloucester Tree, one of the tallest fire lookout trees in the world. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb the tree for incredible views over the forest canopy.From Pemberton, drive toward Walpole, a journey of about 120 km. This drive will take you through the Walpole-Nornalup National Park, where you can stop and explore the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. This 600-meter-long walkway is suspended 40 meters above the forest floor, offering a unique perspective of the towering tingle trees. After walking among the treetops, take the time to explore the Ancient Empire Boardwalk, a ground-level trail that winds through the ancient forest, showcasing massive trees with gnarled roots and trunks. After leaving Walpole, continue driving along the South Coast Highway, heading east toward Denmark, a charming town about 60 km from Walpole. Denmark is known for its stunning coastline, wineries, and art galleries, making it a great place to stop for lunch. If we have time, visit Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks in William Bay National Park, just west of Denmark. Greens Pool is a sheltered beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for a swim, while Elephant Rocks features massive granite boulders resembling a herd of elephants. From Denmark, continue your journey toward Albany, which is about 50 km away. As you approach Albany, make a stop at Torndirrup National Park, home to dramatic coastal features such as The Gap and Natural Bridge. These natural rock formations have been shaped by the Southern Ocean’s powerful waves, creating spectacular scenery. The new viewing platform at The Gap provides a thrilling experience as you stand above the churning ocean below before arriving at the Dog Rock Motel. (B,L,D)
Day Five: To Hyden
Depart Albany heading north on Albany Highway, and after about 45 minutes, you’ll reach Mt. Barker, a small town in the heart of the Great Southern wine region. A travelling day today. Tonight’s stay is at the Wave Rock Motel. (B,L,D)
Day Six: To Esperance
This morning you’ll be visiting the home of Wave Rock, a natural rock formation that resembles a giant wave frozen in time. This iconic attraction is just outside the town, and it’s well worth spending time exploring the site. Take a walk along the base of Wave Rock, admiring the unique geological patterns and shapes. There are also other interesting rock formations nearby, such as Hippo’s Yawn, which you can visit with a short walk. Then head southeast along the Hyden-Norseman Road. Your next stop is Ravensthorpe, a small town surrounded by the stunning Fitzgerald River National Park. This area is known for its wildflower displays (in season) and rugged coastal scenery. From Ravensthorpe, drive the final leg to Esperance, passing through the agricultural plains and eventually catching your first glimpse of the southern coastline. As you approach Esperance, consider making a slight detour to visit the Stokes National Park, which offers beautiful coastal views, quiet beaches, and opportunities for birdwatching. You can take a short walk to Fanny Cove or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Check in to the Hospitality Esperance. (B,L,D)
Day Seven: To Kalgoorlie
As you leave Esperance, head north on the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway. About 45 minutes into the drive, your first stop is Esperance Stonehenge, a full-scale replica of the original Stonehenge in England. It’s a quirky attraction worth visiting for its uniqueness and to break up the morning drive. Continue northward, passing through the wheatbelt town of Salmon Gums. This small, quiet town is named after the unique salmon gum trees that dominate the landscape in this part of the region. As you travel further, the landscape shifts from agricultural land to more arid, outback terrain, typical of the Goldfields region. Your next stop is Norseman, a historic mining town about halfway between Esperance and Kalgoorlie. Take some time to explore the Norseman Visitor Centre, which offers insight into the town’s gold mining history and local landmarks. You can also stretch your legs with a visit to Beacon Hill Lookout for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After leaving Norseman, continue along the highway, making your way toward Kalgoorlie. Along this stretch, the remote outback scenery is defined by low scrub, red earth, and wide-open spaces. As you near Kalgoorlie, time permitting we will stop at the Kambalda Lookout, which offers views over the salt flats and nearby mining operations before arriving at the Rydges Kalgoorlie Resort for 2 nights. (B,L,D)
Day Eight: Kalgoorlie
Start with a visit to the Kalgoorlie Super Pit, one of the largest open-cut gold mines in the world, where you can witness the enormous scale of the mining operations. Head to the Super Pit Lookout for an impressive view of the mine and the surrounding area. In town, take a stroll along Hannan Street, the main thoroughfare lined with historic buildings, pubs, and shops. Spend time at the Hannans North Tourist Mine. You might also visit the Western Australian Museum – Kalgoorlie, which offers fascinating exhibits on the Goldfields’ history, including the gold rush and the region’s development. (B,D)
Day Nine: To Madura
As you leave Kalgoorlie, drive southeast on the Goldfields Highway. From Kambalda, drive another 50 km to Norseman, the gateway to the Nullarbor Plain. Norseman also has a collection of tin camels that pay homage to the town’s history of camel trains in the early days of mining. After a brief stop in Norseman, head east on the Eyre Highway, the road that will take you across the Nullarbor. About two hours east of Norseman, you’ll reach Balladonia, a small roadhouse famous for being near where parts of NASA’s Skylab space station crashed back in 1979. The Balladonia Museum has a fascinating exhibit about this event, along with information about the local Indigenous culture and history. After Balladonia, continue along the Eyre Highway as it merges with one of the longest straight roads in the world, stretching over 145 km without a curve. The drive here is iconic in its vastness, with nothing but the wide, open plains and big sky to accompany you. As you approach the Nullarbor Plain, the landscape becomes more barren and desolate, offering a true outback experience. Your next is Caiguna, another small roadhouse along the highway, about 180 km from Balladonia. Here, you can take a quick break, and perhaps stretch your legs before the final stretch of the journey. From Caiguna, it’s another 150 km to Madura, and along the way, you’ll continue to witness the ever-changing, remote landscape of the Nullarbor. As you near Madura Pass, the scenery shifts as you descend from the Hampton Tablelands into the Madura Plains. Stop at the Madura Pass Lookout to enjoy sweeping views of the plains below, a striking contrast to the flat terrain you’ve travelled through. It’s a great spot for photos and to appreciate the scale of the landscape. Arriving at the Madura Oasis in the early evening. (B,L,D)
Day Ten: To Ceduna
The journey from Madura to Ceduna covers approximately 680 km, taking you across the Nullarbor Plain and through some of Australia’s most remote landscapes. As you leave Madura, your first stretch of road takes you across the vast and flat Nullarbor Plain. The views here are expansive, with the landscape stretching out endlessly under the wide, open sky. Continuing east, you’ll soon arrive at Eucla, one of the larger settlements along this stretch. Stop here to explore the Old Telegraph Station, located just a short drive from the highway. Partially buried in sand dunes, this historic ruin offers a glimpse into the region’s pioneering past. From Eucla, we will take a short detour to the Eucla Pass, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the coastal cliffs and the vast Southern Ocean. After leaving Eucla, cross the border from Western Australia into South Australia. Just past the border, stop at the Bunda Cliffs, a dramatic series of limestone cliffs that drop steeply into the ocean. These cliffs are a highlight of the drive across the Nullarbor, and several lookout points along the highway offer stunning views over the cliffs and the Great Australian Bight. Spend some time here enjoying the views and taking photos before continuing your journey. Your next major stop is Nullarbor Roadhouse, where you can lunch, and visit the Head of Bight. The Head of Bight is one of the best spots to see southern right whales during the winter months (June to October), as they come close to shore to calve and nurse their young. Even outside of whale season, the views of the Bight’s rugged coastline are worth the short detour. From Nullarbor Roadhouse, continue driving east toward Penong, a small town known for its collection of windmills. After Penong, it’s just another 70 km to Ceduna, the gateway to the Eyre Peninsula. Arrive at the East West Motel in Ceduna in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day Eleven: To Flinders Ranges – Wilpena Pound
Your sightseeing journey from Ceduna to Wilpena Pound covers approximately 630 km, taking you from South Australia’s coastal landscapes through the semi-arid outback to the stunning Flinders Ranges. About 2 hours into the drive, Wudinna is a perfect place to take a short break. This small agricultural town is home to the impressive Australian Farmer Granite Sculpture, which honours the pioneering spirit of the region’s farming community. As you drive toward Kimba, you’ll start to notice the landscape changing from coastal plains to rolling farmland. Kimba is famous for its claim as the “halfway across Australia” point, and here, you can stop to see the Big Galah, one of Australia’s many quirky “big” landmarks. The Kimba Silos, with their striking murals depicting local scenes, are also worth a visit. Continue your journey toward Port Augusta, located on the Spencer Gulf. Port Augusta, known as the “Crossroads of Australia”. Visit the Wadlata Outback Centre, where interactive exhibits take you on a journey through the region’s Aboriginal history and the early European explorers. From Port Augusta, head north on the Flinders Ranges Way toward Quorn, a historic town known for its preserved heritage railway. The final leg of your drive takes you into the heart of the Flinders Ranges, where the dramatic landscape of ancient rocky mountains and rugged gorges begins to unfold. Arrive at Wilpena Pound in the late afternoon, just in time to watch the sun cast a warm glow over the towering cliffs that surround the natural amphitheatre. Spend 2 nights at the Wilpena Pound Resort. (B,L,D)
Day Twelve: Flinders Ranges – Wilpena Pound
Australia has the world’s oldest visible geology on Earth and much of this can be found in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. The gorges around Wilpena Pound Resort provide an ancient and fascinating history of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges, and are visible in the fossil layers and referred to as the ‘Corridor Through Time’. Explore more than 100 million years of this history as well as marvelling at the rugged beauty of Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges. Search for Yellow Footed Rock Wallabies and enjoy sweeping views of Bunyeroo Valley and the eastern wall of Wilpena Pound. Visitors will learn about the rugged mountains including the moss rocks with their contrasting colours and the ever-changing flora of the area, especially after the rain. Today you’ll experience all of this on your guided tour. (B,L,D)
Day Thirteen: To Barossa
Embarking on a scenic journey from Wilpena Pound to the Barossa Valley via Orroroo offers a delightful blend of stunning landscapes and charming towns, showcasing the natural beauty and rich heritage of South Australia. As you enter Orroroo, take a moment to visit the Blackrock Wool Press, an impressive piece of industrial heritage that reflects the town’s wool production past. After exploring Orroroo, continue your journey by heading southeast toward the Barossa Valley. The drive offers picturesque scenery, with rolling hills and vineyards starting to appear as you approach the region known for its world-renowned wines. Enjoy a wine tasting at one of the regions premier wineries before settling in for the night at Novotel Barossa Resort. (B,L,D)
Day Fourteen: To Wentworth
After leaving the Barossa, head west toward Mildura, a vibrant town on the banks of the Murray River. Upon arrival, enjoy a Murray River cruise, where you can take in the natural beauty of the river, with its lush banks, wildlife, and stunning river gum trees. The cruise often offers opportunities to spot native animals like kangaroos, emus, and a wide variety of birdlife, making it a relaxing way to experience this iconic waterway. Once in Mildura, stop by Lock 11, a fascinating spot where you can observe the river lock system that controls the flow of water on the Murray. From Mildura, it’s a short drive to Wentworth, where the Murray and Darling Rivers meet. Wentworth is rich in history, with attractions such as the Old Wentworth Gaol and The Wentworth Wharf, offering insights into the area’s past as a key river port before arriving at the Wentworth Grande Resort. (B,L,D)
Day Fifteen: To Wagga Wagga
As you leave Mildura, head southeast on the Sturt Highway, enjoying the picturesque views of the surrounding vineyards and farmland. The drive to Balranald takes about two hours, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife along the way, including kangaroos and emus. Back on the road, continue your journey towards Wagga Wagga, approximately 200 km away. The landscape changes as you travel through the rural heart of New South Wales, characterized by rolling hills and expansive fields. As you approach Wagga Wagga, take a moment to enjoy the views of the Murrumbidgee River, which winds its way through the city before arriving at The Quality Rules Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day Sixteen: To Sydney
Depart this morning with a morning tea stop along the way at Gundagai and a visit to the pen museum followed by lunch in Goulburn & an afternoon comfort stop mid-way back to Sydney. Thank you for choosing this tour and we hope you enjoyed seeing a part of Australia many Australians never get the chance to experience. You made it – well done!! (B,L)
Book your adventure today
Please select a date below to book onto this Tour. For groups of 3 or more, please contact us.
