South West Western Australia Wildflower Spectacular - Trade ...
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South West Western Australia
Wildflower Spectacular
With Trade Travel
11 Days / 10 Nights
Tour Departs: Thursday 16 September - Sunday 26 September 2021
Day 1 Thurs 16 Sep: Melbourne- Perth - Kings Park & Botanical Gardens - Fremantle Dinner
Flight VA 679 Melbourne to Perth 0915 - 1135 ( Indicative - subject to confirmation)
On arrival at Perth Airport we are met by our local coach captain before heading across the Swan River to Kings Park
and the Botanical Gardens. Kings Park is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner city parks. It is rich in
Aboriginal and European history, contemporary culture and offers innovative design, displays and services. Kings Park
is home to the spectacular Western Australian Botanical Garden, which displays over 3,000 species of the State’s
unique flora. Two thirds of the 400 hectare park is protected as bushland and provides a haven for native biological
diversity. Visitors enjoy the sweeping views of the Swan and Canning Rivers, the city skyline and the Darling Ranges to
the east. There are free afternoon guided walks available or we may like to explore on our own. There are also plenty
of on-site cafés available for refreshments. Later in the afternoon we leave the park and city of Perth making our way
down along the beautiful Swan River to Fremantle where we check into our hotel which will be our home base for the
next three nights. After settling into our rooms we meet for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Overnight Fremantle: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges
Day 2 Fri 17 Sep: Rottnest Island Breakfast & Dinner
Today takes us across to Rottnest Island, WA’s most beautiful island believed to have been separated from the
mainland approximately 7,000 years ago. Our ferry departs B Shed Fremantle at 9.45am and arrives on Rottnest at
10.20am. On Rottnest Island our Oliver Hill Train and Tunnel Tour takes us on an historical journey passing some
iconic and historical landmarks on the island. Upon arriving at Oliver Hill, we are taken on a guided tour through the
stunning tunnel system that once played a crucial role in Australia’s military defence in World War II. The area is still
preserved with Rottnest’s WWII guns and tunnels, which commemorate its military history and our soldiers who fought
to defend the shores of Western Australia. Rottnest Island was a key part of the Western Australian defence during
WWII. The island was home to intricate secret tunnels and housed 9.2″ guns to protect against invading Axis forces.
Post-war, the 9.2-inch battery on the island was saved from disposal due to the high cost of removal and shipping of
the guns to the mainland. This led to the preservation of the military artefacts. Now, this equipment provides a look at
the rich history of the Western Australian defence force and attracts many visitors to the area every year. Following our
tour it’s time for lunch which can be purchased from the bakery, café’s or restaurants before a leisurely afternoon that
may include at own cost a bike ride, a visit to the Rottnest Island Museum, Salt Store Gallery and Exhibition Centre,
Lomas Cottage, Pilot Boathouse or go sailing. Our 3.45pm ferry arrives back at B-Shed Fremantle at 4.20pm before
transferring back to our hotel for a rest and time to refresh before dinner.
Overnight Fremantle: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges
Victoria: PO Box 1137 Mildura VIC 3502 | Queensland: PO Box 1715 Noosaville BC QLD 4566
Freecall: 1800 034 439 | Fax: 03 5022 7993 | E-mail: groups@tradetravel.com
Website: www.tradetravel.com.au | ABN: 91 061 591 375
Day 3 Sat 18 Sep: Perth Highlights - Swan River Scenic Cruise Breakfast Today it’s into Perth to take in some of the city’s major sights and attractions. The Perth Mint provides a great starting point as we set off on a guided heritage walk which takes us through the grand heritage building, the heavily secured vault and the original melting house providing the cues for many extraordinary stories about Western Australia’s golden history and the Mint’s prolific output of priceless gold bars and coins. The Gold Exhibition is a world-class attraction which uses the latest innovations in exhibition concept design and audio visual technology, to bring the story of Western Australian gold, and The Perth Mint, to life. Finally witness the amazing spectacle of a traditional gold pour in the original 1899 melting house, during which pure gold is heated to molten temperatures and, as it cools, transforms into a gleaming solid gold bar. Next stop is the Bell Tower home of the Swan Bells, we will experience a fascinating live demonstration and explanation of full circle ringing by one of the experienced guides. As we wander around the tower we will discover an ever growing collection of antique bells, clocks and bell-related material from all over the world. The Bell Tower is also home to the largest bell cast in the Southern Hemisphere, The Anzac Bell commemorates the Centenary of Anzac 2014-2018, marking 100 years since Australia’s involvement in the First World War. Weighing in at 6.5 tonnes, the bell is the heaviest of its kind ever to be cast in Australia. It was installed within the Bell Tower at Elizabeth Quay in time for its first public ringing on Remembrance Day, November 11, 2018. Following our tour there will be time to stroll along Elizabeth Quay, the exciting new waterfront precinct on the banks of the Swan River. Here we find the island playground, the BHP Billiton Water Park, public artwork, promenades, open spaces and a range of bars and restaurants. This afternoon we travel from Perth to Fremantle on a relaxing and picturesque Swan River Cruise whilst listening to our Captains’ detailed and entertaining commentary. We journey along the river, admiring the waterfront scenery of Perth’s downtown skyline, upscale suburbs and yacht clubs - not to mention the beautiful cliff faces of Black Wall Reach, the famous Point Walter “Spit” (as the locals call it) and Perth’s iconic “Blue Boat House”, the Crawley Edge Boatshed. Disembark in Fremantle and spend the remainder of the day freely adventuring around the beautiful historic port city at our own leisure. Dinner tonight is at our cost with many superb dining options available within a short stroll of our hotel. Overnight Fremantle: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges Day 4 Sun 19 Sep: Fremantle - Busselton Jetty - Margaret River Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner After breakfast and checkout our tour has us heading south to Busselton, home of the longest wooden jetty in the world at 1841 metres. On arrival into Busselton, we enjoy a light lunch at the Equinox Restaurant and Bar before heading over to the jetty. The Stocker Preston Express Train takes us the length of the jetty to the Underwater Observatory. We descend 8-metres below the ocean’s surface, then gaze at the natural wonders that lie beneath the jetty where its piles have created Australia’s greatest artificial reef host to an awe-inspiring forest of vividly-coloured tropical and sub-tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates. Discover more than 300 individual marine species in their natural habitat through eleven viewing windows at various levels within the 9.5 metre diameter observation chamber. We now continue down into the famous Margaret River wine region and check into our hotel before meeting for dinner this evening in the hotel restaurant. Overnight Margaret River: Stay Inn Margaret River Day 5 Mon 20 Sep: Cape Leeuwin - Mammoth Cave - Margaret River Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner This morning after breakfast we depart for Cape Leeuwin, the most southern west tip of Australia. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is one of only two places in the world that has guided vessels where the two great oceans meet. After our self guided tour of the heritage precinct including the lighthouse, enjoy morning tea in the Cape Leeuwin Cafe. We leave Cape Leeuwin and take in the beautiful surrounds as we travel up along Caves Road to the Mammoth Cave, part of the Margaret River show caves. Mammoth Cave is one of the larger caves in the South-West with huge caverns and majestic formations. This awe inspiring cave is a natural time capsule and home to ancient fossil remains of extinct animals. A perennial stream flows through Mammoth Cave during winter and early spring which has slowly eroded the limestone over the past eons creating huge caverns and large rock-piles. There are many cave formations including stalactites and stalagmites of extraordinary length and size, flowstones which resemble a karri forest and beautiful shawls. Next stop is at the stunning Xanadu Estate for lunch and for those wishing a chance to taste world renowned wines at the cellar door. Xanadu have been awarded a Chef Hat by the Australian Good Food Guide, 2019 Chef Hat Awards and also featured as one of WA’s Top 50 Best Restaurants by the West Australian Good Food Guide in 2017 and 2018. After lunch we visit The Margaret River Chocolate Company. Our visit provides a fascinating insight into the world of chocolate, with free chocolate tastings, interactive displays and viewing windows to watch the chocolate products being made. Information and merchandise are available on all aspects of chocolate, plus a mouth-watering range of chocolate bars, chocolate-coated delights, hand-made truffles, novelty chocolates, ice creams, chocolate milk and a variety of chocolate cakes and desserts. Next door is The Providore, voted one of Australia’s Top 100 Gourmet Experiences by Australian Traveller Magazine, Providore is a food and wine lovers paradise. Their vineyards, organic olive grove, orchard and vegetable gardens provide them with a spectacular array of produce and the shop and tasting centre showcase an award winning selection of wines and liqueurs and a huge range of home made jams, preserves, olive oils sauces, dressings, spice mixes and desserts. We travel back to our accommodation and early evening we gather back together for dinner in our hotel restaurant. Overnight Margaret River: Stay Inn Margaret River Day 6 Tues 21 Sep: Pemberton Tramway Breakfast & Dinner Today following breakfast and check we travel through the stunning towering Karri, Marri and Jarrah forested national parks to Pemberton. On arrival, it’s all aboard at the Pemberton Railway Station for our return Pemberton Tram journey which meanders its way through towering Karri Forest resplendent with colourful wildflowers, crossing over trestle bridges spanning rivers and streams along one of Australia’s most majestic rail lines. Following our wonderful rail experience, we have free time in Pemberton to purchase lunch along Brockman Street.
Day 6 continued It’s also near here that we pay a visit to the impressive Gloucester Tree, a towering Karri that was once used as a watchtower for bushfires. This afternoon as we travel through the heart of Tall Timber country, we have the opportunity to visit one of the local wineries (time permitting and at own expense). This afternoon we continue our travel through the heart of Tall Timber country and arrive at the delightful Kingsley Motel for check in before we meet up for dinner in the Restaurant this evening with Marron on the menu! Overnight Manjimup: The Kingsley Motel Day 7 Wed 22 Sep: Valley of the Giants - Albany Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner After breakfast and checkout we head down through the National Parks and State Forest’s to Walpole and then into the Walpole Wilderness region where we visit the “Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk”. This area contains the “Giants” for which the forest was named and features some trees five metres in diameter at the base. To appreciate the beauty of the forest, we can stroll along the Tree Top Walk suspended 40 metres high into the canopy of the ancient tingle forest, or for land lovers we can follow the Ancient Empire ground level boardwalk. Our lunch stop today will be at the iconic Denmark Tavern before making our way across to Albany via the Mount Romance Sandalwood Factory who of course specialise in everything that is Sandalwood. Offering health, wellness and beauty products that leverage the calming nature of this unique ingredient goes hand in hand with being one of the largest distillers of sandalwood oil in the world. On arrival in Albany we check into our accommodation and have time to settle into our rooms before meeting for dinner in Ryan’s Restaurant at the motel. Overnight Albany: Ace Accommodation Albany Day 8 Thurs 23 Sep: Albany Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Our morning has us viewing the impressive Albany Wind Farm as we drive around Princess Royal Harbour en-route to the Torndirrup National Park and The Whaling Station Museum. The Albany Wind Farm is one of the most spectacular and largest wind farms in Australia. Next, we take a drive along the Torndirrup National Park, where the Southern Ocean has sculpted a Natural Bridge in the coastal granites and formed The Gap, where the waves rush in and out with tremendous ferocity. The Blowholes, a crackline in the granite, ‘blows’ air and occasionally spray, all are well worth a stop. Arriving at Albany’s historic Whaling Station our private guide takes us through the stories of the workers, the whales and their place in the economic and social history of Albany. It is not always a pleasant story, but believe it is an important story to share. Following our guided tour we are free to roam the deck of the Cheynes IV ship, the whale oil tank theatres and fascinating photo and artefact galleries plus take a walk through the Wildflower Garden or Wildlife Park. After a light lunch at Whaler’s Galley Cafe it’s back around to Mount Clarence passing the dynamic Silo Art by duo The Yok and Sheryo that took on the CBH Group grain silos, and referenced Albany’s pristine environment and sea-life with one very happy-looking marine creature (and local resident), the ruby sea dragon. Our next stop is the National ANZAC Centre which was opened on the 1st of November 2014 by the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand. The National ANZAC Centre is an award-winning facility that uses multimedia, interactive technology and historical artefacts to create a deeply personal connection with the past, as well as pay tribute to those who served. The experience delivered at the NAC is known for commemorating the war through the stories of the ANZAC’s as opposed to telling its own story via pro-war or anti-war sentiments. The symbolic location of the centre, selected for its strong sense of place as it looks out across King George Sound, the location from where the convoys gathered and then left. We also have time to explore the Mount Clarence Parkland’s containing the Mount Clarence Memorial and Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum. From Mount Clarence we travel back to our motel where time will allow us to rest up and refresh before dinner in the on-site restaurant. Overnight Albany: Ace Accommodation Albany Day 9 Fri 24 Sep: Albany - Stirling Ranges - Hyden Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner As there is a lot of amazing things to see and do today it’s an early breakfast and start as we say goodbye to Albany and travel north via the Stirling Range National Park. This National Park encloses the only major mountain range within the southern half of Western Australia. The rugged peaks, which rise to more than 1000 metres above sea level, feature stark cliff faces, sheltered gullies, magnificent views and a rich diversity of unique and colourful wildflowers. Our drive up to the Bluff Knoll Car Park and return is quite breathtaking. The park is one of the world’s most important areas for flora with 1500 species, many of which grow nowhere else. After out descent we stop at the Bluff Knoll Cafe to purchase a cuppa and cake before heading up to Hyden via the Pingrup Silo Art. A scene drawing threads from the fabric of everyday life in Pingrup, Evoca1’s figurative depictions of the town’s iconic Pingrup races, its Merino sheep, its people, cattle dogs and even a tractor based precisely on one found on the main street of town, all tell a story about the character of the community. Lunch will be ready for us at the iconic Lake Grace Hotel. Geologically the Wheatbelt is an ancient stable area with a very low drainage profile. The rain that falls is very slow to drain away and is held in large shallow depressions. This leads to lots of evaporation and the formation of lakes of salt. Even in their dry state they offer stunning scenery and great photo opportunities. Depending on seasonal conditions around September/October each year the sand plains are transformed into a sea of flowering colour. While in Lake Grace we will view the Pioneer Women’s Mural and also visit one of two remaining Australian Inland Mission Hospitals. The Lake Grace Australian Inland Mission Hospital was established in 1926 through the work of Dr John Flynn and the local community. Until the new hospital was built in 1952, the AIM hospital and the Royal Flying Doctor Service served the vast area from Kukerin to Ravensthorpe. The building, at the west end of town, has been restored as a hospital museum. Late afternoon we arrive at the Wave Rock Wildflower Shop, Lace Museum and Toy Soldier Museum, just amazing! Then take a stroll to Wave Rock – a 27 million year old prehistoric granite rock formation that will leave us in awe. It is 15 metres high and 110 metres long and has weathered into the shape of a wave. Follow the walking track around and also see “Hippos Yawn” another unusually shaped granite formation that was formerly part of the larger outcrop. After experiencing the sunset over Wave Rock we check into our motel before dinner in the hotel restaurant. Overnight Hyden: Wave Rock Hotel
Day 10 Sat 25 Sep: Hyden - Corrigin - Perth Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast and checkout, we leave Hyden and continue our journey along the stunning “Wildflower Drive” to
Corrigin. Widely known as a ‘Town of Windmills’ due to the abundant supply of ground water, almost every home had a
windmill until 1960 when the town was supplied with scheme water. A stop at the Corrigin Pioneer Museum provides
a link with the past in its display of early Australian farm machinery and then it’s onto the Mallee Tree Cafe and Gallery
for morning tea. Just west of Corrigin is the famous Dog Cemetery, established in 1974, the cemetery, is a tribute
to man’s best friend. With over 80 loved ones now buried, the cemetery is unique to Corrigin and well worth a visit.
Our next break comes at the historic township of York for the chance to purchase lunch. During the break and time
permitting, you may like to step inside the amazing Motor Museum (at own expense) where motoring history comes
to life. A fascinating collection of cars and bikes that have cruised our roads and highways for over 100 years. After
lunch we meet at the York Town Hall for an informative talk before hopping onboard the coach with our experienced
local guide for our York highlights tour. York was the first inland European Settlement in Western Australia and has
maintained a vibrant spirit among its many Victorian and Federation buildings. On our tour we will gain a fascinating
insight into the grand old pioneer days and take in the sights of the wonderfully preserved buildings. Late afternoon
has us arriving back into Perth for check in and dinner tonight in the hotel restaurant at the hotel.
Overnight Perth: Doubletree By Hilton
Day 11 Sun 26 Sep: Perth - Melbourne Breakfast
Flight VA 686 Perth to Melbourne 1225 - 1800 (Indicative - subject to confirmation)
After breakfast and checkout, we transfer to the Perth Airport for our flight back to Melbourne. On our journey home
we will have time to reflect on a wonderful time had by all witnessing the special sites and amazing colours of the
wildflowers of Western Australia” with Trade Travel.
Tour Highlights: Kings Park & Botanical Gardens; Perth Mint & Gold Pour; Bell Tower - ANZAC BELL; Elizabeth
Quay Precinct; Swan River Scenic Cruise Perth to Fremantle; Rottnest Island Olive Hill Train & Tunnel Tour;
Busselton Jetty - Stocker Preston Express Train & Underwater Observatory; Margaret River Chocolate Company
& The Providore; Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse; Mammoth Cave Tour; Xanadu Estate Lunch & Tasting; Gloucester
Tree; Pemberton Tram Railway; Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk; Mt Romance Sandalwood Factory; Torndirrup
National Park - Natural Bridge, The Gap, Blowholes; Albany`s Whaling Station, Wildflower Garden, Wildlife Park;
Albany Silo Art Mural; National ANZAC Centre; Mount Clarence Parkland’s & Princess Royal Fortress Military
Museum; Stirling Ranges National Park & Bluff Knoll; Pingrup Silo Art; Lake Grace - Pioneer Women’s Mural,
Inland Mission Hospital; Wildflower Shoppe, Lace Museum & Toy Soldiers; Wave Rock & Hippo’s Yawn Sunset;
Corrigin Museum & Dog Cemetery; York Highlights Tour; York Motor Museum plus more!
Tour Price Includes:
• Return economy flights Melbourne to Perth ( Ex other capital cities - Price on application)
• Luxury coach travel
• 10 Nights quality hotel accommodation
• Breakfast, lunch & dinner as per Itinerary (24 meals)
• All entry fees, attractions & guides as per Itinerary
Tour Pricing - 11 Days / 10 Nights - Fly/Fly
$4298.00 per person twin share (Min 20 pax)
$780.00 per person single
Deposit: Deposit of $250 per person is due by Friday 19 March 2021
Final Payment: Due no later than Friday 11 June 2021
For all Bookings & Travel Insurance Contact:
Free call: 1800 034 439
Email: linda@tradetravel.com
Victoria: PO Box 1137 Mildura VIC 3502 | Queensland: PO Box 1715 Noosaville BC QLD 4566
Freecall: 1800 034 439 | Fax: 03 5022 7993 | E-mail: groups@tradetravel.com
Website: www.tradetravel.com.au | ABN: 91 061 591 375You can also read
