Eyre Peninsula, the Bight and South West to Perth

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DAY 1 - Friday 10 October

As we begin our journey to the west we will head down the Hume Highway (to Berrima for morning tea) then on to Yass. An afternoon stop at Junee before heading to our overnight stay at the historic town of Narrandera (overnight Fig Tree Motel - 550km)

DAY 2 - Saturday 11 October

Through the Riverina and Riverland today via Hay, for morning tea and a visit to Bishops Lodge. Lunch at Balranald on the banks of the Murrumbidgee then on through Mildura (time for a shore break) to Renmark (overnight Citrus Valley Motel - 495km)

DAY 3 - Sunday 12 October

We travel through Mallee country to the old river port of Morgan and on to historic Burra, (town tour) then through the rich farmland and charming towns of South Australia’s central agricultural areas to Port Augusta (overnight Standpipe Golf Motor Inn - 380km)

DAY 4 - Monday 13 October

We begin exploration of the Eyre Peninsula, travelling via the port and industrial city of Whyalla (town tour), Cowell, (jade, marble and talc deposits) and the charming fishing villages of Arno Bay, Port Neill and Tumby Bay to Port Lincoln (next two nights Hilton Motel - 345km)

DAY 5 - Tuesday 14 October

Today is spent exploring historic Port Lincoln and the surrounding area, including a visit to Lincoln National Parks and following Whalers Way to the very tip of the Peninsula (140km)

DAY 6 - Wednesday 15 October

Leaving Port Lincoln we head first for Coffin Bay, South Australia’s “oyster capital”. We then follow the western coastline of the Eyre Peninsula passing through the small historic ports of Elliston, Venus Bay, and Streaky Bay on our way to Ceduna (overnight East-West Motel - 410km)

DAY 7 - Thursday 16 October

On to the vast limestone plain of the Nullabor today. We will divert to the coast of the Bight at Fowlers Bay and within the Nullabor National Park, visiting the Head of the Bight where Southern Right Whales come to calve every year. We also stop to enjoy the majesty of the Bunda Cliffs on our way to the WA Border and Eucla (overnight Eucla Motor Hotel - 510km)

DAY 8 - Friday 17 October

Before leaving Eucla we will explore the telegraph station and jetty, then we travel through Mundrabilla (site of the first European settlement in the area), to Cocklebiddy. We will lunch at Cocklebiddy Caves before moving on to Balladonia for the night (overnight Balladonia Hotel-Motel - 520km)

DAY 9 - Saturday 18 October

Leaving Balladonia we have two options depending on road conditions and weather. We either head west through Norseman and then south to Esperance or head south down the Balladonia Track visiting Cape Arid on our way to Esperance, a prosperous port and service centre (next three nights Bay of Isles Motel - 647km)

DAY 10 - Sunday 19 October

A relaxing day to explore the town (port, museum, wind farm) and take a cruise to the beautiful Archipelago of the Recherche.

DAY 11 - Monday 20 October

Today we explore the isolated beaches, headlands and heathlands of Cape le Grand and Cape Arid National Parks, extending from Esperance to the western end of the Bight. This is one of the most remote and unspoilt areas in Australia, with wonderful wildflower displays (300km)

DAY 12 - Tuesday 21 October

From Esperance our route follows the coast to Hopetoun, then through Fitzgerald River National Park with its bizarre biological treasures. Leaving the coast we continue west through mixed farming country around Jarrangunnup and Ongerup then south through the spectacular Stirling Range. The National Park has a very different environment to the surrounding lowlands. It is regarded as one of the most outstanding botanic environments in the world, with more than 1000 species, about 60 of which are endemic. Our overnight stay is a little further south at Porongorup, in the shadow of the ancient granite of the Porongorup Range (overnight Karribank Country Retreat - 460km)

DAY 13 - Wednesday 22 October

As we head back to the coast we pass through the mixed farms, orchards and vineyards of the Porongerup area. Albany, on King George’s Sound, is the major port and business centre in the region, and was the site of Australia’s last whaling station, which closed in 1978. It was also the site of the first formal British claim to the western part of the continent in 1826. After exploring the historic features such as the port, old gaol and Anglican Church we continue west along spectacular coastline through Denmark, diverting to see the huge Karri and Tingle trees of the Valley of the Giants in Walpole. The Tree Top Walk is a must for those who don’t suffer from vertigo, and the Ancient Empire Walk is awe inspiring (overnight Tree Top Walk Motel - 210km)

DAY 14 - Thursday 23 October

This morning we will take an award winning wilderness cruise to the Nuyts Wilderness Peninsular. We leave the coast once more, heading northwest to the small forest centre of Pemberton where we will be exploring the magnificent forests around Pemberton and Manjimup. There are also good wildflower displays and rich orchard and farmland (overnight Karri Forest Motel - 150km)

DAY 15 - Friday 24 October

We travel through lush grazing country and forests via Nannup to reach the coast once more. The Leeuwin – Naturaliste National Park lies between the two capes of the same name. This stretch of coastline has an extraordinary variety of vegetation, rugged headlands and tranquil bays. Margaret River, once a lush dairying district, is now famous for its red and white wines (lunch and a visit to a winery). Wildflowers are also still a feature as we head for our overnight stay at Busselton, an important farming and tourist centre (overnight Paradise Motor Inn, Busselton - 220km)

DAY 16 - Saturday 25 October

After an exploration of Busselton’s famous wharf and historic buildings we head north through Bunbury, the major port and administrative centre of the south-west and follow the coast road through Mandurah, the industrial centre of Kwinana to Fremantle with its historic buildings and waterfront pubs and cafes. We have an orientation tour around the city of Perth and Kings Park before ending our tour at Miss Mauds (overnight Miss Mauds Swedish Hotel - 200km)

DAY 17 - Sunday 26 October

Today is departure day. Transfers to the airport can be organised. For those staying on, following breakfast, you will be free to enjoy the city sights, shop or relax. **Additional accommodation at Miss Mauds can be pre booked for those who wish to stay on. Please speak to our office staff to make arrangements prior to tour **

Includes travel, twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities, all meals and comprehensive notes.