Western Australia Self Drive

Western Australia Self Drive

From towering forests to whale-watching and fine food and wine to world class surfing, Australia's south west boasts a wealth of experiences along with superb beaches, mammoth caves, potteries, studios and art galleries. Enjoy some of the best Australian wine in Margaret River, walk to the end of the world's longest jetty in Busselton and see the dramatic forested cliffs of the south coast.

Laid-back, liveable Perth has wonderful weather, beautiful beaches and an easygoing character. About as close to Bali as to some of Australia's eastern state capitals, Perth's combination of big-city attractions with relaxed and informal surrounds offers an appealing lifestyle for locals and lots to do for visitors.

Perhaps best known for its delicious blue manna crabs and stunning estuarine waterways, Mandurah is a much loved holiday destination. The fusion of the ocean, estuary and rivers, world class golf courses, arts and culture make Mandurah and the Peel Region a delightful and exciting place to visit.

Just three hours south of Perth, the Margaret River region mingles natural beauty with phenomenal dining and over 120 wineries that produce a quarter of Australia’s best bottles. Your options here are endless: the coastline proffers clear waters and world-class surfing, cellar doors are always open, wildflowers are abloom, and an arty heritage spills out of its many galleries. Stir into the mix a host of hearty exploits from sea-air-kissed trail walks to soul-uplifting yoga, and it’s easy to see why the allure of this Western Australian getaway is increasingly contagious.

What's Included:

• Return flights.
• 11 nights in hotels and 3 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar).
• Room only basis.
• 8 days' car hire
• Visas.

Day 1 - 3: London - Perth

Day 3 - 7: Perth

Arrive in Perth this morning and make your way to your hotel for your 4-night stay. Perth has all the ingredients for a perfect Australian holiday. Cruise the Swan River past parks and skyscrapers to 40 vineyards in the Swan Valley or the Perth Zoo. Visit Rottnest Island, where you can explore history, bike ride to secret beaches and kayak to secluded bays. Feast on seafood and soak up the carnival atmosphere in historic Fremantle. Discover the lookouts, landscaped gardens and Aboriginal heritage of huge Kings Park. Swim, surf, fish, windsurf and sail on clean and uncrowded beaches such as Cottlesloe or Scarborough. Then skip between the sunny boardwalks, beaches and marinas of the Sunset Coast.
Overnight - Sullivans Perth

Day 7 - 10: Perth - Mandurah (44 miles)

Pick up your hire car and head south to vibrant Mandurah. Swim or snorkel with dolphins and wander the bustling foreshore of Mandjar Bay. There are plenty of beautiful beaches within walking distance of the Mandurah waterfront. Town Beach is just across from the marina, at the southern end of Silver Sands – perhaps the best of the ocean beaches. There's a designated, boat-free swimming area on the far side of the estuary, just north of Mandurah Bridge. Here dolphins have been known to swim up for a frolic. Facing the ocean, west of the mouth of the estuary, is family-friendly Doddi's Beach.
Overnight - Seashells Mandurah

Day 10 - 14: Mandurah - Margaret River (149 miles)

Continue south to Bunbury where you can dive the wreck of a scuttled pirate boat and catch crabs and fish from the ocean. Next stop is Busselton, where you an walk along the world's longest timber jetty and peer at coral and fish in the observatory. Drive through Yallingup and visit one of the quiet beaches or the sheltered lagoon. Walk the coastline in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Head into the Margaret River region where the pace becomes a pleasurable crawl between wineries and cellar doors. Stock up on wine and gourmet delights and then explore the the spectacular limestone caves.
Overnight - Abbey Beach

Day 14 - 15: Perth - London

Make your way back to Perth this morning and drop off your hire car at the airport for your flight back to the UK.