WESTERN  AUSTRALIA SOUTHWEST 13 days

This itinerary visits cosmopolitan Perth, maritime Fremantle, Rottnest Island, the Margaret River region and the rugged coastal scenery and parks of Denmark and Albany in the southwest region.

Western Australia, covering the entire western third of the country, is made up mostly of the arid Outback. Its population is concentrated in its fertile southwest corner, home to the Margaret River wine region and the riverside capital, Perth.

Not to be confused with the European country, Denmark, W.A.,(423 km south-east of Perth) and Albany are both home to gorgeous beaches, thick forests and incredible natural pools.

Before you go:

• Travel Adaptor - Type I

• Visa required - register online

• Entry fees for visiting National Parks

• Travel Guide: Lonely Planet Western Australia

• Gas stations in remote areas of W.A. can be very spread out, best to fill up when you can.

DAY 1

• Arrive at Perth airport and transfer to your hotel. <where to stay>

• Perth the largest city in Western Australia is surrounded by the Indian Ocean on one side and the Australian outback on the other. The city is known for its glorious beaches, amazing sunsets, low pollution, green spaces and fine dining experiences, plus has more hours of sunshine than any other city in Australia.

• If time permits, explore or dine in Northbridge. Many nationalities live there, resulting in a wide range of ethnic and international cuisine options. Go there for a good meal and a relaxing evening.

• Overnight: Perth

DAY 2

• Visit Fremantle - discover Australia's best-preserved 19th-century port.

• Fremantle is known for its maritime history, Victorian architecture and the largest convict-built prison in Australia.

  • The bustling, centrally located, Cappuccino Strip (South Terrace) with al fresco dining and coffee round the clock makes Fremantle a social hub. <Eat and drink>

  • Enjoy Indian Ocean fresh seafood and craft beers.

• Activities <Learn more>

• Overnight: Fremantle

• Distance: Perth ---> Fremantle. 30 minutes

DAYS 4 and 5

• Spend two (2) days discovering what to see and do on Rottnest Island.

• The island features a casual atmosphere, picturesque scenery and some of the world's finest beaches and bay.

  • Bike route.

  • Pedal & Flipper - with over 1,890 bikes and specialty equipment available for hire. Located behind the Hotel Rottnest.

  • Top snorkeling spots.

• Relax at the superb beaches. <monthly beach water temperature>

• Eat and drink guide.

• Overnight: Rottnest Island

DAY 6

• Depart Rottnest Island by ferry back to Fermantle and continue to Bunbury.

• Stop at the Bunbury Discovery Centre - a dolphin interactive center with over 100 dolphins in the bay.

  • Best time to visit is early-November to March.

• Afterward drive to Yallingup - the coastal scenery is spectacular. Considered one of the world’s best surfing locations.

• Walk or relax at the ‘famous’ Smith’s beach.

• Overnight: Yallingup (3 nights). We recommend the Smiths Beach resort.

• Distance:

  Ferry: Rottnest Island ----> Fremantle. 25 min. one way.

  Fremantle ---> Bunbury. 2 hrs.

  Bunbury ---> Yallingup. 1.5 hrs.

DAYS 7 and 8

• Two (2) fun days at Margaret River region.

  • Margaret River offers world-class wine alongside unspoiled coastline, as well as stunning inland rivers, tall-timber forests.

• Relax at Smith’s beach.

• Wine for Dudes-a “must” for people who love Wine, Food and a Good time.

• Surf N’ Dirt Adventures - offers adventure and wine tours.

• Relax at gorgeous Hamelin Bay - one of the best places in Australia to spot wild stingrays up close. Gentle and friendly, yet completely wild, they are unafraid of people wading in the water and swimming with them.

• Overnight: Yallingup.

• Distance:

  Smith’s beach ---> Hamelin Bay. 1 hr.

Albany Highlights:

• Little Beach and Two People Bay Nature Reserve.

• Waterfall Beach - just east of Greens Pool.

• Whale watching - Albany Whale Tours.

• Snorkeling - at Little Beach/Waterfall Beach and the small island off Two People Bay.

• Torndirrup National Park is one of the most scenic areas for whale spotting and cliff-top walks.

  • The park is known for its springtime wildflowers and spectacular rock formations.

  • The Southern Ocean has carved the granite coastline into formations known as the Gap and Natural Bridge.

  • Bald Head Walk Trail - one of the best hikes in the Park.

    • The 12 km out and back trail on the Flinders Peninsula provides stunning views of the Southern Ocean and King George Sound. This rewarding hike has several great photographic opportunities.

    • You need to be in good physical condition. Difficulty is rated moderate. <All Trails>

• Overnight: Albany (2 nights)

• Distance: Denmark ---> Albany, 45 min.

DAY 12

• Return to Perth.

• If time permits, explore the city parks, the urban shops and the pubs in the Northbridge and Leederville areas.

  • Leederville is a culinary and cultural melting pot with cafes and fashion boutiques.

• Overnight: Perth

• Distance:

  Albany ---> Perth. 5 hrs, 420 km.

DAY 13

• End of the adventure, depart Perth to another Australian destination or return home.