Western Australia Grand Self Drive

Where did Perth get its name? Who was Yagan? Where is the best street art? You'll discover all the answers on Perth's most informative tour - Arcades & Laneways. Explore downtown Perth via the pedestrian friendly malls, ornate arcades, trendy laneways, back streets and dirty alleyways. Originally, not of any interest to the British, it was only when French and Dutch explorers started sniffing around that the English decided there should be a colony in the West of Australia. Starting at the historic Perth Town Hall, the tour winds through the lanes and arcades that cut through the city as you learn all about the stories, people and places that make Perth what it is. You will explore landmarks including The State Buildings, London Court and Wolf Lane hearing stories delivered by your knowledgeable tour guide. No stone goes unturned on this tour! At the conclusion of the tour, relax at a cool local bar where the first drink is on us. A great afternoon out in Perth. The tour is approximately 2.5hrs in duration, however actual walking time is approximately 75 mins. There are regular opportunities to rest. Toilet breaks available mid tour. Total distance approximately 2.5km

After a journey surrounded by premium wineries, extraordinary architecture and amazing vistas of undulating vineyards, it is the lush forest, the river and the surf breaks that add an extra dimension to Margaret River. On your approach to town, down by the river a picturesque forest and park with fabulous walks is a great place to stretch your legs. After crossing the river the town appears, sweeping up its one long street lined with cafes, gourmet and curiosity shops, boutiques, galleries and more.

In 1965, Margaret River was compared to the famed Bordeaux region, with an agricultural report suggesting it would be well suited for premium wines, particularly ‘age-worthy' reds. The rest is history. Today, this corner of the southwest produces some of the world's finest Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Voyager Estate invites guests to join them in the Wine Room to taste through a selection of the region's key varietal wines, including the latest releases of Voyager 's Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, and to learn more about the winemaking philosophies. There is an opportunity to taste other wine styles if guests wish. Guests can enjoy this guided tasting with a member of the knowledgeable Wine Room team, or explore the wines independently, with a self-guided journey using extensive tasting notes.

Pemberton is one of the the green jewels in Australia's South West, with their towering Karri forests, rich agricultural lands and stunning Southern Ocean provide rich experiences and adventure options for every visitor. The region features the famous Gloucester, Bicentennial and Diamond fire lookout trees and diverse National Parks. Mountain biking, bush walking, swimming, canoeing, 4WD tours, fishing and family activities along with the world renowned Munda Biddi cycling trail and the Bibbulmun walking track make this region an attractive, affordable holiday destination. Enjoy some of the 80 varieties of fruit and vegetables, truffles, fresh milk, marron and local products from the Southern Forest Food Region.

Albany, with its dramatic coastline, magnificent scenery and pristine white beaches, has a breathtaking backdrop like few other places in Australia. Beyond the rugged cliffs and serene natural landscapes, this quaint city boasts unrivalled charm, with grand colonial architecture evident amongst the various museums and galleries that display the historic legacy of the first European settlers in Western Australia. Within just a few minutes of all these visitors can choose from an array of true WA experiences including diving, hiking, four-wheel driving, surfing, camping and of course world famous whale-watching.

Esperance is easily one of the most incredible spots on the entire Australian coastline, blessed with the countrys whitest beach; Lucky Bay, it is just one of flawless beauty amongst the hundreds of untouched islands surrounded by turquoise waters and phenomenal coastal scenery that makes it a dream for beach and nature lovers. There are 5 national parks around Esperance, including Cape Le Grand National Park where you can see kangaroos lazing on the beach. The towns remote location, 90 minutes flight from Perth or an 8 hour drive is what makes it such a perfect spot to get away from it all and venture off the beaten track.

There is nowhere else in Australia quite like Kalgoorlie, Australia's largest Outback City with over 30,000 people. Unlike most goldmining towns, which last for as little as a couple of years, it sits on the edge of the famous Golden Mile and has an economy which has been driven by gold since 1893. The main street, Hannan Street, is awash with glorious buildings all bearing testament to the wealth that has been generated in the area. Kalgoorlie-Boulder plays host to some grand architecture such as the York Hotel from 1901 as well as all of the seemingly endless outback adventures right on its doorstep.

Hyden is home to Wave Rock, a granite wave-shaped cliff, 15 meters high and 110 meters long. Its rounded shape has been caused by weathering and water erosion over 60,000,000 years. During the wetter months, water running from springs down the rock dissolves minerals causing the unique coloring of the wave. Other natural attractions in the area include Hippos Yawn, Mulkas Cave and the Wave Rock Walk Circuit. The Aboriginal art in Mulkas Cave is some of the best found in the southwest of Western Australia. Around Hyden in the spring (September to December), dozens of wildflower varieties produce carpets of color, and more than 40 different species of birds, from the smallest wren to the large wedge tailed eagle, can be seen.

Cervantes is the gateway to Western Australia's Pinnacles Desert and the beginning of Australia's Coral Coast region. The town also boasts beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise waters teeming with marine life, making it a popular choice for fishing or swimming and relaxed family getaways enjoying tasty fresh seafood. Located in the heart of the Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles Desert is one of Australia's most unique landscapes, featuring thousands of limestone spires, some up to 12 meters tall. Explore the desert on the designated four kilometer driving trail or stroll through them at your leisure on the 1.2 kilometer walking trail. Learn more about the Nambung National Parks fascinating geology, flora and fauna at the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre.

Nestled at the mouth of the Murchison River where it meets the Indian Ocean, Kalbarri is one of Western Australia's most popular holiday destinations. Marvel at the state's richest wildflower bushland, with over 800 species of wildflowers in Kalbarri National Park. Spot whales and dolphins from the clifftops or on a day cruise. Enjoy a bike ride along the spectacular coastline. Or visit Rainbow Jungle, the Australian parrot breeding center, where you can learn about the active breeding program for endangered species of parrots.

With blue skies and sunshine almost every day of the year, Monkey Mia is ideal for a leisurely getaway or exciting outback adventure. One of only a few sites in the world to meet all four of the natural criteria for World Heritage listing, the enormous 2.2 million hectare (5.4 million acre) Shark Bay World Heritage area is the place to go if you want to see marine life in spectacular abundance. The Wulyibidi Yaninyina trail is also a must do, a 1.5km walking loop that offers incredible views.

Leisure in Monkey Mia

Coral Bay is a small settlement that lies protected from the Indian Ocean by the Ningaloo reef, Australia's only fringing reef. In contrast to other locations the coral starts right at the water's edge. The fish and the coral are easily accessed and can be experienced either snorkeling or on a coral viewing boat. It is about 50 km to the North of the tropic of Capricorn, but weather is mild, without the humidity that is often associated with tropical climates, making it the perfect spot for year-round for visitors.

The opportunity to swim with the Whaleshark is one of the world's greatest interactive marine encounters. This fish, the largest of the shark family and the largest fish in the world at an average of 12 meters (40 foot) in length, is a harmless plankton eater, with their graceful and passive nature providing an unforgettable day out on the waters of the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Marine Park.

Famous for its fishing industries (you can visit the prawn and scallop processing plant), Carnarvon is the center of a prosperous fruit and vegetable growing region, the Gascoyne district. Apart from the great fresh food on offer there are many attractions to visit in and around Carnarvon. Two landmarks that have had a significant influence on the history of Carnarvon are the Carnarvon Maritime Heritage Precinct and the OTC Satellite Communications Dish. The rugged coastline, only a short drive north of Carnarvon, features outstanding coastal cliffs at Cape Cuvier, plus great fishing, swimming and snorkeling all year round. Pack a hamper and visit Rocky Pool and Chinamans Pool which are typical Australian waterholes nestled amongst Ghost Gums.

The seaside city of Geraldton is emerging as a trendy beach escape. Base yourself in the city center (where you'll find cafés, street art and galleries) and explore the area's naturally blessed surrounds, which includes beautiful beaches, Aboriginal driving trails and even a pink lake. So soak up the sunshine, and the laid-back vibe, in this coastal getaway.

Package ends in Perth.