Best of Perth, Margaret River & Rottnest Island

Welcome to Fremantle! Or Walyalup in the language of the local Whadjuk Noongar people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Fremantle and Perth are now located. Your adventure starts on the west coast of the Australian mainland with a welcome meeting at your hotel at 6 pm tonight. After, get to know your new fellow travellers and your leader (and get excited about the journey ahead) during an included dinner at a nearby restaurant. (D)

This morning, you’ll take the scenic boat ride to Rottnest Island – a little white-sand paradise off the coast. Maybe grab a coffee, then, as is customary here, try to grab a quick quokka selfie – these little marsupials have earned the title of ‘world’s friendliest animals’ and are usually happy around people! Your leader will guide you across the island on a hop on hop off vehicle that’s always rotating around the island. You have most of the day free here to enjoy the many swimming bays, beaches and snorkelling spots around the island. Take the afternoon ferry back to Fremantle later today. (B)

This morning, you’ll drive to Margaret River, with a few stops along the way. First, you’ll have the chance to grab some lunch in Busselton – home to the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere at 1. 841 km. Take the chance to stretch your legs and explore the lovely foreshore. Continue the scenic coastal drive, stopping at Meelup Beach, Cape Naturaliste and Sugarloaf Rock. Have your swimsuit ready at Meelup Beach – this is a gorgeous spot for a quick dip. Take in the white sand, clear turquoise water and relax in the shady, grassy areas before making your way to Cape Naturaliste and Sugarloaf Rock – a huge granite rock that juts out from the Indian Ocean near the mainland in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Here, you’ll walk to the lookout point and have time for photos. Tonight, stay in your Margaret River accommodation – maybe take a stroll down the main street before dinner. (B)

This morning, drive to Yallingup – a gorgeous hub of beaches and limestone caves. When you arrive, journey into Ngilgi Cave for a fascinating 2. 5-hour tour. Take a bushwalk with a local Aboriginal guide and learn how to identify traditional plants, foods and medicines and how they are linked to the six Nyoongar seasons, then discover the art of creating fire by rubbing sticks together. Then head into the cave and witness a captivating didgeridoo performance, amplified by the superb acoustics.  Learn about the tools and cultural artefacts used by the Wadandi people in their everyday life and listen to stories about their life, history and culture. Then, sit down for an included lunch at a local brewery that features a beautiful outdoor area and a great bar and restaurant. Next up is a visit to a local winery for a tasting session of their ranges of wines that are fully estate grown. The wine’s entire journey from vine to bottle is completed on site. At another winery you have the option to taste nougat. View the production line and taste some freshly made nougat or treat yourself to another wine. Then cap it all off with a gin tasting at a nearby distillery. Tonight, keep the fun going at a local pub with an optional group dinner or just relax at your accommodation. (B/L)

Head towards the coast this morning for breakfast at a beachside café, overlooking the Indian Ocean surf. Then take a walk along the beach to where the Margaret River empties into the Ocean. Next you’ll head towards Perth, but not without a stop for a chocolate tasting at a local chocolate producer and at Lake Clifton, known for its thrombolites built by micro-organism that live in the lake. When you arrive in Perth, your leader will take you up to Kings Park for epic city views. The trip comes to an end with a drop-off at our centrally located hotel in Perth, at around 6:30 pm. (B)