Southwest Australia: beaches, wine & wildlife

Today, we'll arrange a ferry trip to Rottnest Island and a bicycle to explore. Rottnest is also home to the notorious quokka (a small, naturally tame marsupial endemic to the area), and you are likely to see several emerging from the bush as you explore the islet. Surrounded by the hidden remains of several briny shipwrecks, today, Rottnest Island is a nature reserve with rolling hills, pine trees, lakes, and sandy beaches. Offshore reefs make for good snorkeling too.

Today, you have a full day to explore Perth and the surrounding area at your leisure. Cottesloe Beach is a popular spot with locals, and the brilliant white sand and crystal-clear waters are a paradise just a few minutes from the heart of the city.

The two main ways of traveling from Perth to Esperance are by plane or by road, and if traveling by car, we recommend setting off early to make a day of the journey through the Wheatbelt. There are several places to stop for the night, should you wish, such as the mining town of Kalgoorlie in the Goldfields or around Hyden and Wave Rock, an amazing rock formation in the 'Golden Outback.'

This morning you will take an epic scenic helicopter flight over Esperance, orbiting the famous Pink Lake, Cape Le Grand National Park and Woody Island. You will see the spectacular archipelago and the Southern Ocean from above. We recommend taking the afternoon to relax on the pristine white sands of Lucky Bay, enjoying the company of the local kangaroos.

This morning, get an early start to make the journey across the stunning southern coast from Esperance to Albany. There are some great places to stop for walks along the way — beautiful coastline, sand plains, and river valleys — and make sure to keep your eyes peeled for whales as you go. This afternoon, visit the Torndirrup National Park to admire the Indian Ocean tussling with the various blowholes and rock formations, most notably at 'The Gap.'

Walk the streets of the historic maritime town of Albany and explore convict jails, old taverns, whaling ships, settlers' cottages, and grand National Trust homes. Later in the day, you might wish to head to one of the region’s stunning beaches, such as Middleton Beach or Salmon Beach.

Travel close to the Southern Ocean today, along the coastal road to Walpole and enjoy the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. This impressively engineered structure allows you to walk through the canopy of tingle forest 40 metres above the ground. There is a pretty walk at ground level, too, for those less keen on heights. In the afternoon, you might like to visit one of Pemberton’s quaint boutique wineries or head out for a walk in one of the region’s towering karri forests.

Continue your journey west today into the beautiful Margaret River region. The journey should take around three hours. Enjoy a morning walk along coastal trails keeping an eye out for migrating whales. In the afternoon, you might like to visit some of the region's famous wineries, walk on the scenic Cape to Cape coastal track, explore the wild karri forests or relax on one of the many picture-perfect white sand beaches.

Today, you will spend the day sampling some of the best wine the Margaret River region has to offer at the famous Voyager Estate, one of Australia's most prestigious and innovative wineries. Start the day with a guided walk through the vines, learning about grape growing, vinification and Voyager's focus on sustainability and organic practices. You will then head to a private tasting room with the winemaker to try some of the region's best-loved varietals, such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, before finishing the day with a delicious seven-course lunch and matched wines — a must-do experience in the Margaret River region.

This morning's excursion takes you deep underground into the Ngilgi Cave with a wonderful Wadandi Aboriginal guide, Josh, to learn about the culture and history of the region's traditional owners. Enjoy a live didgeridoo performance, hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime and learn how to identify bush tucker on this informative and compelling tour.

Drive north today to Fremantle and spend your last day exploring this charming seaside town's markets, craft breweries and historic landmarks. 'Freo', as it is known by the locals, is full of characterful colonial buildings and is a great place to enjoy some waterside dining. UNESCO World Heritage Listed Fremantle Prison is also well worth a visit.

Make your way back to the airport today for your onward flight.