South Western Delights
SELF DRIVE TOUR
PERTH | KALGOORLIE | ESPERANCE | ALBANY | PEMBERTON | MARGARET RIVER | FREMANTLE
Enjoy picturesque coastlines and experience the true Australian outback; admire majestic karri trees and sparse landscapes and sample the finest of wines and best of cuisine.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Kalgoorlie, a hub in the gold mining era and real “outback” Australia
- Esperance – don’t miss the ‘Roos on the beach at Lucky Bay
- Albany for settler’s cottages, whaling ships and convict jails; look out for whales from June – October
- Margaret River for stunning wines and incredible produce
- Fremantle – historic with a great vibe
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7-8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
Day 1 : Kalgoorlie
Arrive in Perth and make your way to Comfort Inn where you will stay for one night. In the morning, collect your rental car and head east across the sparse red and green landscape. Make a stop in Meredith as you head to the outback town of Kalgoorlie. The name Kalgoorlie is derived from the Wangai word Karlkurla, meaning “Place of the silky pears. Kalgoorlie Boulder is Australia’s largest Outback City with a population of more than 30,000 people. It is the largest urban centre in the Goldfields region and was the hub of Western Australia’s gold mining era. There are reminders of those wild times everywhere you look, from the architecture to the tall stories in the local bars.
Day 2 : Kalgoorlie – Esperance (245 miles)
Head south this morning towards the coast and the quaint seaside town of Esperance, where you’ll find kangaroos lazing on the beach.
Day 3 : Esperance Free Day
A day to relax in this seaside town; amongst its most famous beauty spots is Australia’s whitest beach, Lucky Bay - set against a stunning seascape of 110 islands of the Recherche Archipelago, even the kangaroos can’t resist lounging here.
Day 4 : Esperance – Albany (300 miles)
Drive along the magnificent and rugged coastline to the historic maritime town of Albany.
Day 5 : Albany Free day
Step back in time and explore convict jails, old taverns, whaling ships and settlers’ cottages. See grand National Trust homes in beautifully landscaped grounds and perhaps following the Amity Trail, a 30-minute self-guided walk that takes you past historical buildings of note. From June to October, watch out for magnificent Humpback and Southern Right whales that come to the rest before migrating to breed.
Day 6 : Albany – Margaret River (235 miles)
Drive to the eerie Valley of the Giants, a forest of gigantic tingle trees. Perhaps enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the towering forest as you walk the daunting ‘Tree Top Walk’, a lightweight bridge that ascends into the tree tops 40 metres above the rainforest canopy. Continue to Northcliffe and view the famous forest sculptures then visit the Karri Forest at Pemberton. See the Indian and Great Southern oceans meet as you stop at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse before continuing to Margaret River.
Day 7-8 : Margaret River region
Two days to explore this wondrous region; home to vineyards producing some of Australia’s best wines; orchards, farms and chocolatiers you’ll be in food heaven. Take some time exploring the vineyards, boutique breweries and fine gourmet restaurants. Take a trip to visit the spectacular cave systems including Mammoth, Jewel and Lake Caves, the latter home to a tranquil underground lake.
Day 9 : Margaret River – Fremantle (165 miles)
Travel to Bussleton, home to the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere, then on to Mandurah where you’ll find a host of bird and marine life close to shore – dolphins are a common sight. Continue along the coast to Fremantle.
Day 10 : Fremantle
A day to explore vibrant and historic Fremantle, and perhaps visit the historic market if you are here over a weekend; take a ferry and visit Rottnest Island with its turquoise waters and pristine beaches, or head to nearby Perth.
Day 11 : Fremantle – Perth (20 miles)
It’s a short drive to Perth today where you leave your car at the airport or downtown Hertz office.
