15 Day Western Wonderland

Take a trip to Australia’s west coast on AAT Kings’ Western Wonderland, see spectacular scenery including Margaret River, Valley of the Giants, Wave Rock & Monkey Mia

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

• Wildflower season (Aug-Nov) determined by Mother Nature
• Fossils at Mammoth Cave
• Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
• Explore Margaret River
• Mining Hall of Fame
• Royal Flying Doctor Service
• Spectacular Wave Rock
• Walking tour of Fremantle
• Visit Kalbarri National Park
• Meet Monkey Mia's dolphins
• Explore the Pinnacles
• Yanchep National Park
• Balga Mia Aboriginal Dreaming
• INCLUDED Aboriginal cultural experience
• Wildflower viewing
• 'You are invited' experience

PREMIUM HOLIDAY INCLUSIONS

Quality Touring Rooms with private facilities in quality hotels, on a twin share basis Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, seatbelts, reclining seats, panoramic windows All purpose travel wallet and map Porterage at your tour hotels Airport transfers: Day 1 - Flights to arrive prior to 1.00pm into Perth Day 15 - Flights anytime from Perth

Professional Team Experienced services of a professional Tour Director and Tour Driver Included Meals Welcome Drink Full Buffet Breakfasts (14) B You are invited Lunch (1) L Hotel Dinners (10) D Hotel porterage included

SAMPLE ITINERARY

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. Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your Tour Director.
Hotel: Mantra on Murray, Perth D

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, home to ancient fossil remains of extinct animals. Continue to Margaret River, one of Australia’s premier wine growing regions.
Hotel: Australis Margaret River, Margaret River, 2 nights. B D

Day 3: Margaret River
This morning enjoy a scenic journey through the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park with its peppermint trees and karri forest. We’ll see Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, situated at the most southwesterly 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, including the ever-popular Chocolate Factory. B L

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. B D

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. B D

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. Stop at the Golden Superpit Lookout for an amazing view of Australia’s largest open cut gold mine. 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. B D

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. There is the opportunity this afternoon to explore this gold town at leisure. B

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, a city rich in heritage buildings and attractions. It has been recognised as the best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape in the world.
Hotel: Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle. B D

Day 9: Fremantle - Perth
Time this morning is at leisure to explore the Fremantle markets and busy harbour. D Discover the heritage of Fremantle.Discover the heritage of Fremantle. 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. B

Day 10: Perth - Kalbarri
(Tour code: wPmP). 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 offlowers before continuing to Kalbarri, a coastal fishing town where the Murchison River meets the Indian Ocean.
Hotel: Kalbarri Edge Resort, Kalbarri. B D

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. Visit Shell Beach, one of only two in the world, formed from billions of shells up to ten metres deep. Continue to the crystal blue waters and the pristine white shell and sandy beaches of Monkey Mia.
Hotel: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, 2 nights. B D

Day 12: Monkey Mia
Watch for the famous dolphins that swim into shore. These wild mammals of the ocean swim into the shallows to mingle with people. (Note: As dolphins are wild their appearance cannot be guaranteed.) The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps take an optional sailing cruise to spot dugong and dolphins. B

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. B D

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, you will enjoy an Aboriginal cultural experience in an authentic bush setting. 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. clients depart this afternoon in Perth (Tour code: wPmP).
Hotel: Mantra on Murray Perth. B D

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

INDIAN PACIFIC
Why not add a journey aboard the Indian Pacific to the beginning or end of this tour? Enquire for details.