Outback Spirit - South Western Explorer

This morning, the journey departs from Perth, traveling east through the John Forrest National Park. The itinerary includes a visit to York and the historic York Motor Museum before continuing to Hyden, arriving midafternoon. This tiny town, located in Western Australia’s semi-arid wheat belt, is home to the fascinating and unique geological formation known as Wave Rock.

Today, the journey departs from Hyden and continues toward the far-east mining district of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Since 1893, the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area has produced over 50 million ounces of gold, making it one of only four districts in the world to achieve such a milestone. Upon arrival in the afternoon, travelers embark on a town tour followed by a visit to the incredible Super Pit mine. This massive open-cut mine is nearly 600 meters deep, 3.5 kilometers long, and 1.5 kilometers wide. With expert commentary from a local guide, the tour includes a drive along internal haul roads, offering an up-close view of the impressive mining operations.

This morning, the journey heads south through the villages of Kambalda and Norseman toward the seaside town of Esperance. Along the way, there are often spectacular wildflower displays, providing opportunities for stops to admire the scenery. Upon arrival at the coast, the itinerary includes a drive along the scenic Great Ocean Drive, featuring highlights such as Rotary Lookout, the Pink Lake, and Australia’s first wind farm. This 40-kilometer loop showcases Esperance’s breathtaking coastline, with its tranquil bays, soaring cliffs, and stunning beaches.

This morning, the journey continues west through Ravensthorpe and Jerramungup, with a stop along the way for lunch. Later in the afternoon, a visit to Bluff Knoll Lookout in the majestic Stirling Range National Park offers stunning views, followed by a guided tour. The day concludes with arrival in the historic whaling town of Albany.

This morning, the itinerary includes a visit to the Discovery Bay Tourism Experience, a magnificent whaling museum in Albany. Here, visitors embark on an interactive journey through the last operating whaling station in Australia, enhanced by a series of audiovisual displays, artifacts, and rich whaling history. In the afternoon, a catamaran cruise offers a spectacular whale-watching experience in Albany’s harbor, followed by a self-guided audio tour at the National Anzac Centre.

Today, the journey continues to Walpole-Nornalup National Park, home to the Ancient Empire, a grove of veteran Karri and Tingle trees. Among the largest in the world, these towering trees can measure up to 16 meters around the base. To experience them up close, visitors explore the world-class Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, which gently ascends through the Tingle canopy, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding birdlife and flora. The itinerary also includes a visit to the Gloucester Tree, the second-highest fire lookout tree in the world. Adventurous travelers have the opportunity to climb it for a unique perspective. In the afternoon, the journey continues through the diverse State Forests of the southwest.

This morning, the itinerary includes local touring before traveling to Cape Leeuwin for a guided tour of the historic lighthouse. Following this, the journey continues to Margaret River, Western Australia’s premier wine-growing region, home to over 40 world-class wineries. After lunch, there is free time to explore the Margaret River township at leisure.

This morning, the journey departs from Margaret River and travels to Busselton on Geographe Bay, where there is time to explore the 1.7-kilometer jetty, the longest in Western Australia. The route then continues through the Tuart forests to Bunbury, where a visit to a local lookout offers impressive views over the harbor and city. The journey proceeds through Australind and Mandurah before arriving in the cosmopolitan city of Fremantle by mid-afternoon. Situated at the mouth of the Swan River, Fremantle is a major Australian port city and serves as Perth’s primary harbor. Recognised as one of the best cities to visit in the world, Fremantle boasts a rich maritime history and vibrant culture. In the afternoon, a guided tour provides an opportunity to explore the town before checking into accommodation for the night.

This morning, the itinerary includes a visit to the Western Australian Maritime Museum. This impressive museum features six themed galleries, including one that houses the famous racing yacht Australia II, renowned for its winged keel that secured victory in the America’s Cup. The museum is also home to the retired HMAS Ovens submarine, built in 1969 and later donated to the collection. Later in the morning, the journey departs from Fremantle’s B-Shed jetty for a ferry transfer to Rottnest Island, a new highlight of this tour. Upon arrival, visitors enjoy lunch followed by an informative coach tour, showcasing the island’s most spectacular locations with expert commentary. Along the way, there may even be a chance to encounter a friendly quokka. After some free time to explore, the day concludes with a relaxing journey on the Rottnest Express ferry, which follows the scenic Swan River all the way back to Perth.

This morning is free to be spent at leisure before being transferred to the airport for the return flight home.