Headed north, we’ll stop in at Clare for a quick coffee before continuing on to the ancient Southern Flinders Ranges. So unique are the fossils found in this landscape, geologists had to revise the geologic time-line of the Earth’s history, identifying a new era called the Ediacaran period! Hike Alligator Gorge where we’ll have lunch and explore the pristine Warren Gorge where we’ll be spending the night camped out under the stars of the Southern Cross.
Today we drive approx. 400 km (4 hours) in total with stops along the way. We’ll be bush camping (no facilities) and your lunch and dinner are included.
It’s an early morning start for the incredible Dutchmans Stern hike, then travel to the wild and beautiful Eyre Peninsula, one of Australia’s best kept secrets. See some unique outback silo art in the tiny town of Kimba and after a quick pit-stop for lunch, it’s time to head to the coast to explore Venus Bay, Talia Caves. Next it’s to the Lake Newland sand dunes where adrenaline junkies can test out their sand-boarding skills.
In the afternoon we’ll pull in to Coodlie Park, our home base, where company owner Hassie will cook up a delicious BBQ feast and you’ll share stories with travellers from our other tours around the campfire before spending the night in a unique little swag hut.
Today we drive approx. 450km (5 hours) in total with stops along the way and all meals are included. The campground features unique bucket showers and eco- toilets.
Just up the road from Coodlie Park lies Baird Bay, an environment famed for its watery wildlife. This morning you’ll get the option to swim, snorkel and splash about with playful sea lions and dolphins on a 3-hour cruise. This outsourced adventure operated by Baird Bay Eco Tours is an optional experience and at only $180 will be an experience you will treasure forever.
Following a picnic lunch on the beach, we’ll continue driving along the coast to then do a learn to surf lesson on a remote and pristine beach. Those not wanting to surf will be able to relax, swim or explore Sceale Bay while the others test their surf skills.
After dinner, you have the chance to experience some country hospitality and meet the locals when we visit the Penong Pub for a nightcap. Today we drive approx. 5 hours, in total with stops along the way and camp at Penong which is famous for its dozens of windmills which pump the local water supply from a large underground basin. All meals included.
There is no getting out of a long drive today as we start to travel across the mighty Nullarbor Plain. “Crossing the Nullarbor” has become a rite of passage for backpackers. And for Australians it is the quintessential experience of the “Australian Outback“. Take a snap the world famous wombat, kangaroo and camel road sign, see jaw-dropping scenery at the longest continuous cliff coast line in the Southern Hemisphere, the spectacular Bunda Cliffs or “Edge of Australia”.
Stop at the iconic Nullarbor Roadhouse, explore the ruins of an old telegraph station and come arvo, cross the border into WA where tonight’s free entertainment is provided courtesy of the celestial sphere.
Tonight we bush camp (no facilities) under the Southern skies on the Nullarbor and all your meals are provided.
Another early rise this morning as we travel the last part of the Nullarbor visiting the Caiguna Blowhole for some free air-conditioning from the ocean. With their planetary sounding names and strewn about space junk, the small towns of Balladonia and Norseman have a slightly intergalactic atmosphere about them. Balladonia shot to worldwide fame in 1979 when the Skylab space station returned to earth here rather abruptly. After lunch, we continue the drive to Esperance, which may seem like a bustling metropolis after a couple of days in the outback.
After another reasonably big drive day, get ready for some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery with this part of WA having no less than 9 National Parks and some of the best beaches in the world. We’ll set up camp in the spectacular Cape Le Grand National Park where you also have showers facilities. All meals included.
Crystal clear waters, powdery white sands, expansive granite bluffs… and sunbathing kangaroos? Sound like a dream? Well it’s not because today you’ll wake up in one of Australia’s best known and most spectacular National Parks. Pristine and perfect are two words that reflect its absolute beauty. The ocean here is practically transparent, the local western grey ‘roos are regularly sun-baking on the beach and the sand at Lucky Bay has twice been judged Australia’s whitest. So beautiful is this park we will be spending the whole day here exploring, swimming, bushwalking and you’ll also have some free time to do whatever you please.
We drive approx 10 minutes today, and walks will vary from 2-4 hours. You will have shower facilities and all meals included.
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Head down to the beach nice and early to make friends with some of the local kangaroos. Then we’ll be hiking Frenchman Peak, where beautiful vistas span right across Cape Le Grand and the Recherche Archipelago. Refuel with a lunch stop on one of the many beaches on Esperance’s Great Ocean Drive then settle in for the onwards drive to our Stirling Ranges campsite at Mount Trio.
We drive for about 5 hours today, and walk for two hours. We camp in a private campground in the Stirling Ranges where you have shower and toilet facilities. All meals included.
Today’s an early start as we visit the oldest mountain range in the world, the unique Porongurups which rise from the landscape like an island. Set out on a two-hour hike through some spectacular forests to Castle Rock which is a bit of a climb but worth every bit of effort as you are rewarded with breathtaking views over the region. Then traveling along Western Australia’s answer to Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, you’ll be treated to superb views of sun-bleached boulders, turquoise seas and dramatic red-rock cliffs shaped by eons of crashing waves and rolling tides. Visit the Gap, Natural Bridge, Elephant Rocks and Green Pools for a swim in a sheltered swim and then a stop at the largest Tingle Tree in Western Australia.
We do about 5 hours driving today, with stops along the way. Tonight, we swag camp at a Quinnup Caravan Park with shower and toilet facilities and all meals are provided.
Discover the pristine wilderness region of Walpole before tantalising those tastebuds as we spend the rest of the day tasting our way around the Margaret River region visiting boutique wineries, breweries, a chocolate factory and a cheese factory, sampling as we go. Cheers to that.
Today we drive approx 5 hours making stops along the way. Tonight, we swag camp at a camp ground with shower and toilet facilities with all meals are provided. There is even limited phone charging here.
On the last day of the trip you’ll wake to the now-familiar warble of kookaburras and cockatoos before heading to Dunsborough where you’ll meet Wardandi custodian Josh, who will introduce you to the world’s oldest living culture with his authentic and personal interpretation. Go deep down into the Ngilgi Cave for a memorable didgeridoo cave experience, taste native foods, discover bush medicine and experience traditional fire lighting on this unique indigenous cultural experience.
As our 10 day adventure draws to an end, we have our final lunch and swim at the popular tourist town of Busselton, where it’s hard to miss the 19th-century Jetty stretching 1.8km into Geographe Bay. One last stint on the road sees us arriving into Perth around 6pm and although there are no formal activities planned it is usual for the group to get together and reflect on the big journey together over a few drinks and meal (at own expense).
Today we drive approx. 4 hours and please make sure you have booked your Perth accommodation prior to departure.
10 Days
$1,695 AUD
