South West Escape

South West Escape

Enjoy the picturesque coastlines and experience the true Australian outback; admire majestic karri trees and sparse landscapes and sample the finest of wines and best of cuisine.

What’s Included:

• Return flights
• 11 day car hire
• 10 nights' accommodation
• Pre-night accommodation in Perth

Highlights

• 3 nights in Margaret River
• Experience the real outback in Kalgoorlie
• See the whitest of beaches in Esperance

Day 1: Perth – Kalgoorlie

After your flight to Perth, collect your rental car and head east across the sparse red and green landscape. Make a stop in Meredith as you head to the outback town of Kalgoorlie. This was the hub of Western Australia’s gold mining era and there are reminders of those wild times everywhere you look, from the architecture to the tall stories in the local bars.

Day 2: Kalgoorlie – Esperance

Head south this morning towards the coast and the quaint seaside town of Esperance, where you’ll find kangaroos lazing on the beach.

Day 3: Esperance Free Day

A day to relax in this seaside town; amongst its most famous beauty spots is Australia’s whitest beach, Lucky Bay – set against a stunning seascape of 110 islands of the Recherche Archipelago, even the kangaroos can’t resist lounging here.

Day 4: Esperance – Albany

Drive along the magnificent and rugged coastline to the historic maritime town of Albany.

Day 5: Albany Free Day

Step back in time and explore convict jails, old taverns, whaling ships and settlers’ cottages. See grand National Trust homes in beautifully landscaped gardens and perhaps following the Amity Trail, a 30 minute self-guided walk that takes you past notable historic buildings.

Day 6: Albany – Margaret River

Drive to the eerie Valley of the Giants, a forest of gigantic tingle trees. Perhaps enjoy a bird’s-eye-view of the towering forest as you walk the daunting ‘Tree Top Walk’, a lightweight bridge that ascends into the treetops 40 metres above the rainforest canopy. Continue to Northcliffe and view the famous forest sculptures then visit the Karri Forest at Pemberton. See the Indian and Great Southern oceans meet as you stop at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse before continuing to Margaret River.

Day 7 & 8: Margaret River Region

Two days to explore the wonderous region; home to vineyards producing some of Australia’s best wines; orchards, farms and chocolatiers will be in food heaven. Take some time exploring the vineyards, boutique breweries and fine gourmet restaurants. Take a trip to visit the spectacular cave systems including Mammoth, Jewel and Lake Caves, the latter home to a tranquil underground lake.

Day 9: Margaret River – Fremantle

Travel to Busselton, home to the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere, then on to Mandurah where you’ll find a host of bird and marine life close to shore – dolphins are a common sight. Continue along the coast to Fremantle.

Day 10: Fremantle

A day to explore the vibrant and historic Fremantle, and perhaps visit the historic market if you are here over a weekend; take a ferry and visit Rottnest Island with its turquoise waters and pristine beaches, or head to nearby Perth.

Day 11: Fremantle – Perth

It’s a short drive to Perth today where you leave your car at the airport and board your flight home.