15 day Western Escape tour with AAT Kings

Inclusions

• 14 nights superior accommodation
• Full buffet breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 10 dinners
• Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with professional tour director and driver
• Airport transfers
• Hotel porterage
• Travel wallet and map
• Welcome drink
• Explorer Margaret River
• Meet Monkey Mia's dolphins

Western Australia escorted tour with AAT Kings

Day 1    Arrive Perth
On arrival in Perth you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a city tour of Perth including Kings Park where you can see the broad expanse of the Swan River. 
Hotel: Mantra on Murray, Perth

Day 2    Margaret River
We travel south through Busselton, a popular holiday resort on the shores of Geographe Bay. Visit the Margaret River Caves and explore awe-inspiring Mammoth Cave. Continue to Margaret River, one of Australia’s premier wine growing regions. Hotel: Australis Margaret River, Margaret River, 2 nights.

Day 3    Margaret River
This morning enjoy a scenic journey through the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. We’ll see Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, situated at the most south westerly tip of Australia.  You are invited to a tour, tastings and lunch freshly prepared from local produce at Palandri Winery. This afternoon there is time to explore Margaret River.

Day 4    Margaret River - Albany
View the enormous Gloucester Tree, the highest fire lookout tree in the world. Journey through the Valley of the Giants with its huge Tingle and Karri trees. Explore the canopy of the tingle forest along the Tree Top Walk. Continue to Torndirrup National Park, home to the Natural Bridge and the Gap, then visit Whaleworld for a fascinating insight into the region’s seafaring past. Hotel: Comfort Inn, Albany.

Day 5    Albany - Esperance
Visit the Anzac Memorial and enjoy the panoramic views. Travel to Bluff Knoll Lookout to witness the rugged beauty of the Stirling Ranges. Continue to Esperance and see the Pink Lake. Hotel: Comfort Inn Bay of Isles, Esperance.

Day 6    Cape Le Grand - Kalgoorlie
Travel into Cape Le Grand National Park for coastal views. Continue through Norseman to the gold mining town of Kalgoorlie. An orientation tour of this historic gold mining town will reveal unique turn of the century buildings including the famous Exchange Hotel and Hay Street. Hotel: Rydges, Kalgoorlie, 2 nights.

Day 7    Kalgoorlie
Spend this morning at the Mining Hall of Fame. Try panning for gold, witness gold bullion being poured and go underground for a tour of the Mining Reserve. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service for an insight into the work of this Australian icon.

Day 8    Wave Rock
Travel through the former ghost town of Coolgardie, recently rejuvenated following new ore discoveries. Journey to Wave Rock, a striking rock formation resembling a gigantic wave, which was formed from granite over three million years ago. Continue to York, Western Australia’s most historic inland town, before travelling on to the port of Fremantle. Hotel: Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle.

Day 9    Fremantle - Perth
Time this morning is at leisure to explore the Fremantle markets and busy harbour. Enjoy a walking tour including the Round House. Learn how the Swan River is part of the Dreaming Trail of the area. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Swan River to Perth. Hotel: Mantra on Murray, Perth.

Day 10    Perth - Kalbarri
Travel to New Norcia, Australia’s only Spanish town. The small settlement revolves around the Benedictine Monastery, where we will visit the museum and art gallery.  We then visit a wildflower farm with its unique collection of flowers before continuing to Kalbarri, a coastal fishing town where the Murchison River meets the Indian Ocean. Hotel: Kalbarri Edge Resort, Kalbarri.

Day 11    Kalbarri National Park
Venture into Kalbarri National Park. Visit Red Bluff Lookout and view the spectacular scenery of Murchison River Gorge from the vantage point of Hawks Head Lookout. Continue to the crystal blue waters and the pristine white shell and sandy beaches of Monkey Mia. Hotel: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, 2 nights.

Day 12    Monkey Mia
Watch for the famous dolphins that swim into shore. (Note: As dolphins are wild their appearance cannot be guaranteed.) The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 13    Geraldton
Travel to Hamelin Pool to see the world’s best known colony of Stromatolites, dating back to the beginning of life on earth. Continue south along the North West Coastal Highway to Geraldton, in the heart of the Batavia Coast. Hotel: All Seasons Geraldton, Geraldton.

Day 14    The Pinnacles - Perth
Today travel into Nambung National Park, home of the mystical Pinnacles, formed by calcified limestone thousands of years ago. Heading south to Yanchep National Park, meet Aboriginal guides who will share with you their way of life in a traditional community and will treat you to the enchanting sounds of the didgeridoo. Continue to Perth this afternoon. Hotel: Mantra on Murray Perth.

Day 15    Depart Perth
You will be transferred to Perth Airport to connect with your onward flight.

Departure dates and Prices*

*Terms and Conditions

• Prices current as at 9 May 2012
• Prices are per person in AUD$ based on twin share
• Prices are subject to change (eg due to currency fluctuation)
• Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time
• Further conditions apply please see AAT Kings Western Australia 2012/2013 brochure