The Wildflowers of Western Australia

After breakfast in the hotel this morning, we’ll transfer by coach to Fremantle, the departure point for the Rottnest Island Ferry. On arrival in Rottnest, we’ll take some time to explore the main settlement before meeting our coach for our extensive Grand Island Tour, including a picnic lunch, taking in all of the island’s must-see locations and exquisite flora and fauna – make sure you keep a lookout for the island’s famous quokkas. 

On the south side of the island, we’ll explore both the island’s natural beauty and World War Two history on a 90-minute return journey on the iconic Captain Hussey Train, a narrow-gauge railway built to service the military operation before World War Two. We’ll then visit the Oliver Hill Gun and Tunnel Fortification and have a light lunch before returning to the main settlement for some free time to explore more at your own pace before our late afternoon return to Perth. 

Dinner tonight is at leisure.

Overnight: Doubletree Northbridge, Perth (B, L)

This morning after breakfast and checkout, we’ll travel the short distance to the Swan Valley to ride the Bennett Brook Railway, a testament to the dedication of volunteers and the community’s commitment to preserving Western Australia’s unique railway history. Established in the 1970s and officially opened to the public in 1984, the railway has a diverse collection of both steam and diesel locomotives, and rolling stock that operate on six kilometres of 610mm narrow gauge track, providing a unique railway experience. 

On arrival, we’ll be treated to a private tour of the railway workshop before riding one of their locomotives through the scenic bushland of Whiteman Park in Perth’s northern suburbs. 

It’s then on to the quaint village of Dwellingup for some lunch before boarding the Hotham Valley Railway’s SteamRanger train, powered by beautifully restored steam locomotives dating back to Western Australia’s railway heyday, again maintained by dedicated volunteers. The Ranger travels leisurely westward to Isandra Siding, 14 km away. On the return journey this iconic steam locomotive ascends Western Australia’s steepest and most spectacular climb, the Darling Range Escarpment. 

From here, we’ll transfer to Busselton to check in to our hotel, and enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.

Overnight: The Hilton Garden Inn Busselton, Busselton (B, L, D)

This morning we’re going out for breakfast. Our private coach will take us the short distance to Busselton’s famous 1,841 metre timber-piled jetty built in 1865– the southern hemisphere’s longest jetty – for breakfast at the Goose Cafe, and another special little train journey. The Stocker Preston Express electric jetty train is powered by solar panels, the first of its kind in Australia, and travels from the jetty’s shore end to the Underwater Observatory at the jetty’s far end, providing spectacular views of Geographe Bay along the way.

The underwater observatory here, 8 metres below sea level, is only one of six of its kind in the world, offering an insight into over 300 different marine species, including an inspiring forest of vividly-coloured tropical and sub-tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrate, housed on Australia’s greatest artificial reef. 

We’ll continue by private coach to the lovely town of Yallingup, nestled in the Margaret River region, where we’ll enjoy lunch at Smiths Beach and some free time in the town, before continuing south via the town of Margaret River to the incredible Mammoth Cave – the magical natural history home to ancient fossil remains of long-extinct giant animals. There’ll be time to explore the majestic chambers of this amazing place via a series of boardwalks and platforms. 

After checking into our hotel at Busselton, we’ll walk a short distance to Restaurant Kyst, our venue for dinner this evening. 

Overnight: The Hilton Garden Inn Busselton, Busselton (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast, we’ll check out, and board our private coach to travel south then east to Pemberton, pausing along the way to view the magnificent Karri forests near Boranup and visit the scenic Cape Leeuwin and its massive lighthouse. This historic lighthouse is situated at the most south-westerly point of Australia, at the tip of a spectacular peninsula – where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. 

We’ll stop for a quick lunch, before arriving in Pemberton in the early afternoon. Centrally located in the “Southern Forests and Valleys” region, the quaint timber town of Pemberton is one of the green jewels in Australia’s South West, with its towering Karri forests surrounded by rich agricultural land. In spring, you can expect to see the forests veiled in a cascade of purple, white and yellow wildflowers.

On arrival, we’ll head directly to the Pemberton Tramway Company, nestled in the heart of towering karri forests, one of the tallest hardwoods in the world. Operating on the narrow-gauge tracks originally built for the region’s timber industry, this diesel powered tram takes visitors over historic bridges and past incredible natural landmarks through the majestic karri and marri forests. Our tour will be fully narrated, providing insights into the area’s history, flora, fauna, and logging industry. In springtime, you can expect to find the forest resplendent with colourful wildflowers. 

It’s then off to our hotel to check in before enjoying dinner together.

Overnight: The Forest Lodge Resort, Pemberton (B, L, D)

After breakfast and checkout we’ll embark on the journey to our final destination today of Albany, stopping along the way at the iconic and impressive Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk in Tingledale. This internationally recognised attraction takes you up close and personal, via an elevated walkway, with some of the world’s biggest timber giants – Western Australia’s majestic Tingle Trees. Over 400 years old and with massive hollowed trunks, some large enough to walk through, these trees are an important part of the region’s ecological and cultural heritage.

We’ll then drive on to Denmark, for a very special lunch at a renowned paddock-to-plate restaurant located on the banks of a dam on a charming 880ha family farm outside the historic town, before continuing on to Albany. 

Albany holds the distinction of being Western Australia’s oldest European settlement, established in December 1826 as a penal colony called Frederickstown, over two years before Perth and Fremantle. Key historical moments include its role as a coaling station for steamships in the 19th century and as the departure point for over 30,000 Australian troops during World War I, earning it a deep connection to ANZAC heritage. The whaling industry thrived here until the 1970s, with Albany’s station being Australia’s last operating one.

Upon our arrival in the mid-afternoon, we’ll check into our hotel and enjoy some downtime before heading out to dinner together in town.

Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn, Albany (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast in the hotel, we’ll set off to explore the oldest colonial settlement in Western Australia. 

We’ll begin with a visit to the Historic Whaling Station, a sobering site that tells the story of Australia’s whaling industry. The station began operations in 1952, processing sperm whales and humpback whales caught in the surrounding waters, and was the last whaling station to close in Australia in 1978, marking the end of commercial whaling in the country and a shift toward marine conservation. Now the site is a museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting this important chapter of the nation’s history. Here, you’ll explore the station’s original buildings, now home to exhibits showcasing the history of whaling, the processes involved, and its impact on the region. Get a sense of the whaling life at sea as you wander through the Cheynes IV Whalechaser, a restored whaling ship, which was part of the station’s fleet; and roam the original flensing deck, where whales were processed, offering a vivid look at the industrial scale of the whaling operation.

You’ll also have time to explore The Regional Wildflower Garden, located in the precinct. Here you can see a vibrant display of over 10,000 indigenous plants showcasing Western Australia’s diverse flora. Wander the boardwalk pathways and spot the wildlife that have made their homes here. 

On our way back to town, we’ll take a short detour and drive along the spectacular coastline, from Torndirrup National Park’s high cliffs to the spectacular Natural Bridge and The Gap, before visiting what is believed to be the oldest surviving house in Western Australia, the Patrick Taylor Cottage Museum, built in 1832, offering a glimpse into the early European settlement of the area and life in the 19th century. 

Upon our arrival back in Albany, there’ll be free time to have some lunch at leisure before heading to the award-winning National ANZAC Centre, a premier museum dedicated to honouring the Anzac legend. Overlooking King George Sound, the departure point for tens of thousands of men and women who left for the Great War. Multimedia and interactive technology beautifully tell the stories and honour the sacrifices made by the Anzacs – you’ll even have the opportunity to assume the identity of one of 32 Anzac-related characters, ranging from soldiers to nurses. 

The rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. 

Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn, Albany (B)

This morning we’ll depart Albany after breakfast and travel through an area of Australia which produces the widest variety of wildflowers, arriving in Esperance in the early afternoon, our home for the next two nights. 

Our first stop will be the central lookout Stirling Ranges National Park, which encompasses the only major mountain range in the southern half of Western Australia. We’ll drive through the heart of the park, winding past the unique landscape and soaking up ever-changing views of rugged peaks and stunning wildflowers.

After a brief stop at the well stocked Jerramungup Cafe for some lunch, we continue on the main road past Fitzgerald River National Park to Ravensthorpe, home to 1,400 species of flora. The landscape along the way is a delight in its own right, dotted with colourful wildflowers including banksias, hakeas, bottlebrush, feather flowers, quaalup bell, orchids and many others. 

Upon arrival in Esperance in the late afternoon, we’ll check into our hotel and have some time at leisure before dinner together at a popular, French-inspired bistro. 

Overnight: Hospitality Inn, Esperance (B, L, D)

After a late breakfast this morning we’ll dive straight into the Esperance Wildflower Festival to explore over 600 species of wildflowers, many of which are rarely seen outside the area. Here you can roam freely around the exhibits, soaking up the floral displays, art exhibitions and competitions showcasing works inspired by the local flora and fauna and sculpture installations. 

Lunch today will be at the excellent Lucky Bay Brewery, renowned for crafting truly local beers. It’s the first brewery in Australia to utilize up to 75% raw barley sourced directly from local farmers, significantly supporting the local economy, while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint. For those who prefer a glass of wine with lunch, there is a local selection on offer.

After lunch, we’ll pay a visit to the Cannery Arts Centre, located right on the picturesque Esperance foreshore. Housed in a heritage building originally constructed in 1948 as a fish cannery, the centre has evolved into a vibrant community hub dedicated to the arts, and is a popular venue for contemporary visual art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events.

The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to explore more of Esperance and have dinner at leisure. Some great ideas for you to consider are Cindy Poole Glass Gallery or the nearby Mermaid Leather Workshop, Australia’s only fish and shark leather specialist. 

Overnight: Hospitality Inn, Esperance (B, L)

This morning after breakfast and checking out, we’ll drive south east past colourful wildflowers, including dense thickets of showy banksia, for a round trip to Cape Le Grand. The road takes you along parts of the coastline, where you can see sweeping views of the ocean, beaches, and rocky outcrops, with great opportunities to pull over for photo opportunities. The highlight here is the picture perfect Lucky Bay -powdery, fine white sand contrasting beautifully with the vivid blue of the ocean, and a beach famous for its friendly kangaroos that often relax on the beach. 

We’ll then retrace our steps to the outskirts of Esperance to head north toward our final destination for today, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, pausing at the historic Gibson Soak Hotel and Shop in the small settlement of Gibson for lunch. This friendly pub, which first opened in 1896, is a great place for a cold beer and a hot feed, and if you ask around, the locals will tell you that no one leaves The Soak hungry! 

As we reach the outskirts of Kalgoorlie Boulder, you’ll be in the famous “Golden Mile”, one of the richest gold deposits in the world and is historically significant as the cornerstone of Australia’s gold mining industry.

After checking into our hotel and having some time to freshen up, we’ll enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant on the main street of Kalgoorlie.

Overnight: Quest Yelverton, Kalgoorlie (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast across the road at what is considered Kalgoorlie’s leading bar and bistro, you’ll step aboard the City’s Tourist Tram, “Ruby” for an extensive city tour travelling on the tram routes of yesteryear. As you roll around the city, you’ll gain an appreciation as to why Kalgoorlie’s trams were such an integral part of the city’s identity. The tramways began operation in 1902 and a year later, the first electric tram was ordered from Philadelphia. 

Our tour will take you to places such as the stunning historical Town Hall, the WA School of Minerals and Rock Museum, the iconic Super Pit – one of Australia’s largest open-pit gold mines, the suburb of Boulder, and a timber workshop. At the completion of our tour, we’ll enjoy lunch together at a local pub before travelling the short distance to Coolgardie, known as the ‘Mother of the Goldfields’. 

Coolgardie, once the third-largest town in Western Australia during the gold rush of the late 1800s, is now a sleepy, charming town known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, including Warden Finnerty’s Residence (built in 1895) and the Coolgardie Post Office and Courthouse, the town cemetery, which offers a glimpse into the lives of miners and settlers during the gold rush era, the railway station, and the Goldfields Exhibition Museum, housed in the grand historic two-storey former Wardens Court Building erected in 1898. 

Here we’ll enjoy some free time to explore the historic town before a guided tour of the Coolgardie Museum.

We’ll return to Kalgoorlie in the late afternoon for some free time to explore more of this iconic town and have dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Quest Yelverton, Kalgoorlie (B, L)

We’ll be checking out early this morning and collecting boxed breakfasts ahead of transferring to the station to board the Prospector train, departing at 7.05am. First opened in 1971, the Prospector was Australia’s fastest operating passenger service at the time. The train covers 653 kms from Kalgoorlie to Perth in eight hours on an iconic journey into the Golden Outback. Sit back, relax, and take in the rainbow-hued wildflowers and quaint towns as we travel to the town of Northam, arriving at lunchtime.

Lunch today is at the historic Farmers’ Home Hotel in Northam. Established in 1866 and thoughtfully restored in recent years, this handsome landmark blends country charm with contemporary style and is home to a rich tapestry of stories dating back to the early days of Australian settlement.

After lunch we’ll drive to the Pinnacles Desert in the Nambung National Park – the Pinnacles are amazing natural limestone structures, formed approximately 25,000 to 30,000 years ago after the sea receded and left deposits of sea shells. Over time, coastal winds removed the surrounding sand, leaving the pillars exposed to the elements. The Pinnacles range in height and dimension – some stand as high as 3.5 metres and some are jagged, sharp-edged columns, rising to a point, while others resemble tombstones. The shifting dune systems and low heathland support a rich variety of flowering plants, all which burst into flower in spring, creating a dazzling spectacle. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of this most incredible place.

From here, we’ll drive the short distance to the town of Cervantes, your home for the night. A crayfishing town, renowned for its fresh crayfish (Western Rock Lobster), Cervantes was named after a ship that was shipwrecked nearby. The ship, in turn, was named after Spaniard Miguel de Cervantes, author of the epic novel Don Quixote. You’ll find that most of the streets are named after cities, regions and rivers in Spain.

After checking into our very comfortable accommodation, we’ll enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Pinnacles Edge Resort, Cervantes (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast and checking out, we’ll explore Lake Thetis, one of the few places in the world where you can see living thrombolites, commonly referred to as ‘living fossils’. The thrombolites here are estimated to be around 3,000 years old and an easily accessible boardwalk provides a great vantage point from which to see them. 

We’ll then travel north to the Lesueur National Park, pausing briefly to enjoy the marvellous beach at Jurien Bay. Lesueur National Park is a botanic oasis that is a haven 122 species of native birds, 52 reptile species and over 900 plant species including 10% of Western Australia’s known plants – acacias, hibbertias, melaleucas, many species of orchids, are found here!

We’ll return to Cervantes for lunch at the famed Lobster Shack, the Indian Ocean Rock Lobster Factory restaurant – a ‘must visit’ in this part of the world. 

After lunch, we’ll continue on to Perth, arriving at our hotel in the late afternoon. There’ll be plenty of time to relax and freshen up before regrouping in the evening for a special farewell dinner and drinks. 

Overnight: Doubletree Northbridge, Perth (B, L, D)

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning.

(B)