Western Australia Wildflowers Wonder - With Trade Travel 11 Days / 10 Nights Tour Departs: Thursday 2 September - Sunday 12 September 2021
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Western Australia
Wildflowers Wonder
With Trade Travel
11 Days / 10 Nights
Tour Departs: Thursday 2 September - Sunday 12 September 2021
Day 1. Thurs 2 Sept: Homeport - Perth - Fremantle Dinner
Upon 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, 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 in to 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: The Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges
Day 2. Fri 3 Sept: City of Perth Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast we head out to enjoy a day in the unique city of Perth. 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 where we 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 which 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 back 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 Boat shed.
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 2. Continued... Disembark in Fremantle and spend the remainder of the day freely adventuring around the beautiful historic port city at our own leisure before making our way back to the hotel to rest and refresh for dinner. Overnight Fremantle: The Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges Day 3. Sat 4 Sept: Rottnest Island Breakfast & Dinner Our day takes us across to Rottnest Island, Western Australia’s most beautiful island believed to have been separated from the mainland approximately 7,000 years ago also famous for the adorable Quokkas that call the island home. Our ferry departs from B Shed in Fremantle at 9:00am and arrives on Rottnest at 9:35am. On Rottnest Island the 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 we purchase lunch from the bakery, cafés 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 4.00pm ferry arrives back at B-Shed Fremantle at 4:35pm where we will transfer back to our hotel for a rest and time to refresh before dinner. Overnight Fremantle: The Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges Day 4. Sun 5 Sept: Fremantle - Dalwallinu Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Following breakfast and check out we travel north along the Indian Ocean Drive to the lobster fishing town of Cervantes via the Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park. These amazing natural limestone structures, some standing as high as five metres, were formed approximately 25,000 to 30,000 years ago, leaving the pillars exposed to the elements. Enjoy a guided tour at The Lobster Shack and then a hearty meal in their restaurant. We continue our travel through Moora, the gateway to The Wildflower Way, where the town clock and splendid murals welcome us. Moora is a beautiful country town situated on the banks of the Moora river in the wheatbelt region. Our journey continues to the Westways Wildflower Farm where Clive and Maureen have owned the Westways property for over 40 years making their knowledge and variety of flowers very impressive. Enjoy a 4WD tour of their 2000ha property going through sandy heartlands, giving us an up-close look at not only the stunning wildflowers but the native birds, kangaroos and occasional emus. We now make our way to Dalwallinu to check in and refresh before dinner in the motel restaurant. Overnight Dalwallinu: Wheatland Motel Day 5. Mon 6 Sept: Dalwallinu Breakfast & Dinner This morning our journey continues along The Wildflower Way to Perenjori, a small town full of history and heritage. Our first stop is at the Pioneer Museum and Visitor Centre housing an informative collection of historical memorabilia. We will be given an insight into the history of the building with one of the local volunteers while enjoying a homemade morning tea. The tour would not be complete without taking a look at the magnificent steel sculptures and interpretive panels that have been installed along the Wildflower Way. Making our way through to Morawa, a sheep and wheat farming town located in the heart of wildflower country there are a number of different flowers to take in. From August to October each year the region puts on a stunning display of colourful and unusual outback wildflowers, including orchids, native foxgloves, grevillea, acacias, and wreath flowers. We stop for lunch (at own expense) in Mingenew, often referred to as “The Grain Centre” as it has the largest grain receivable site facility in the southern hemisphere. The Coalseam Conservation Park provides a variety of wildflowers with everlasting carpets of blooms that transform the usually sparse under-storey of wattle scrub during the wildflower season. Continue south on the Midlands Road through Three Springs and Carnamah and onto Coorow, a small but charming farming town, whose first settlers raised sheep and horses. Remnants of the area’s farming history are still very evident along with beautiful gardens and thriving wildflowers. Enjoy a drive around the Historic Coorow Farm and the breathtaking array of everlasting, pink fairy orchids and many other plant and flower species. We return to the motel after a fantastic day touring the wildflowers to refresh and meet for dinner in the motel restaurant. Overnight Dalwallinu: Wheatland Motel Day 6. Tues 7 Sept: Dalwallinu - York - Corrigin - Hyden Breakfast & Dinner After breakfast and check out it’s time to farewell our hosts from the Wheatland Motel. Close by, the Windmill Shed is a privately owned collection belonging to historian Jim Sawyer, who has been collecting and restoring old windmills since the 1930’s. Enjoy a guided tour and talk as we pass through the shed before heading off to Northam situated right in the heart of the beautiful Avon Valley. The Rivers Edge Cafe provides the perfect stop for morning tea and also allows us time to wander through The Northam Tourist Centre, home to a number of displays including The Migrant Heritage Interpretative Display, Environmental Interpretive Display, Aboriginal Heritage Interpretive Display and Art Gallery plus information on the Avon Valley Region. Our next stop is at York, an historic town best known for the first European settlement in Western Australia. It has maintained a vibrant spirit among its many Victorian and Federation Buildings. After purchasing our lunch from any of the boutique styled cafés we continue down to Corrigin stopping at the unique Dog Cemetery. Established in 1947, the cemetery is a tribute to man’s best friend, over 200 loved ones are buried here. Take time to wander and read some of the headstones of beloved pets in their final resting place.
Day 6. Continued... Late afternoon we arrive at the Wave Rock Wildflower Shop, Lace Museum and Toy Soldier Museum, just amazing! Meeting up with our local guide we 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 in to our accommodation before dinner in the motel restaurant this evening. Overnight Hyden: Hyden Motel Day 7. Wed 8 Sept: Hyden - Albany Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Today we have an early start as we farewell Hyden and travel south to Albany via many historic landmarks. Our first stop is at Lake Grace, known for its diverse range of flora and number of indigenous plant groups, including Grevillea, Hakea, Eucalyptus and Acacia. Within the reserve and roadsides of the shire we will be able to see these along with many other amazing flowering plants and trees. 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. Just a short drive down the highway is the unique 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, a tell all story about the character of the community. Just south of Pingrup is the Stirling Ranges National Park, a breathtaking park in one of the world’s most important areas for flora with over 1500 species, many of which grow nowhere else. Indulge in a country style lunch at the Buff Knoll Cafe before taking a drive up to the Bluff Knoll Lookout admiring 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. On arrival in Albany we check in to our accommodation and have time to settle into our rooms before meeting for dinner in Ryan’s Restaurant at the motel. Overnight Albany: Ace Motor Inn Day 8. Thurs 9 Sept: Albany Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Our tour this morning starts by 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 Blow holes, a crackline in the granite, ‘blows’ air and occasionally spray. 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 an important one to share. Following our guided tour we are free to roam the deck of the Cheynes IV ship, the whale oil tank theatre 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 Motor Inn Day 9. Fri 10 Sept: Albany - Margaret River Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner This morning following check out our journey takes us on a northeast route towards the beautiful Margaret River Wine Region. Our first stop is at the amazing Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, enjoy a stroll among the upper branches of giant Tingle and Karri Trees for a “bird’s eye view” of the southern forests. Nearby, under the Tree Top Walk, is a winding board walk that takes us through a grove of veteran Red Tingle trees known as the Ancient Empire. One can even walk through the hollowed out butt of one tree! Just a short drive up the road is Pemberton, an old timber town with beautiful old growth Karri forests and the famous Gloucester Tree. Lunch is enjoyed at the historic Pemberton Hotel. Making our way into Margaret River we visit the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the oldest limestone building and one of the only two places in the world that guide vessels along where the Indian and Great Southern Ocean meet. Visit the Interpretative Centre, housed in the original lighthouse keepers cottages, celebrating the history and lives of the numerous lighthouse keepers who were custodians of this rugged coastline, using artefacts and stories, interactive technology and a large scale animated film, visitors can discover fascinating insights into the lives of the men, women and children who once lived at the tallest lighthouse in mainland Australia. We arrive into Margaret River for check in and time to refresh before meeting up for dinner this evening. Overnight Margaret River: Stay Margaret River
Day 10. Sat 11 Sept: Margaret River - Perth Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning after breakfast and check out we visit the main street in Margaret River, lined with an abundance of
unique boutique shops with something for everyone to enjoy. Following our browse we head to the Margaret River
Chocolate Company which provides a fascinating insight into the world of chocolate, with free chocolate tastings,
interactive displays, viewing windows to watch the chocolate products being made and a family friendly atmosphere.
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 deserts. After our visit we make our way onto Bunbury, home of the Dolphin Discovery Centre.
We arrive in time to join the Dolphin Eco Cruise and enjoy the wild dolphin experience in Koombana Bay. Informative
commentary will give us an insight into this incredible mammal as we watch them feed, play and interact with each
other. On our return to the Centre we enjoy lunch in the café before re-joining our guide to go through the brand new
Interpretive Centre. The centre houses a large number of marine rescue animals and allows people to gain an insight
into the rehabilitation process they face. Leaving Bunbury we continue up to Perth checking in to our accommodation
late afternoon before meeting up again for a special Farewell Dinner.
Overnight Perth: DoubleTree By Hilton, Northbridge
Day 11. Sun 12 Sept: Perth - Homeport Breakfast
Today we check out of our Hotel and say goodbye to beautiful Western Australia as we transfer to the airport for our
flight home after a wonderful trip exploring Western Australia with Trade Travel.
Rail Option - Indian Pacific, Perth to Sydney. Please contact your Trade Travel consultant for further details.
Tour Highlights: City Sights Tour of Perth including Kings Park & Botanical Gardens; Rottnest Island; Oliver Hill
Train & Tunnel Tour; Perth Mint; The Gold Exhibition; Bell Tower; The ANZAC Bell; Elizabeth Quay; Swan River
Cruise & “Blue Boat House”; Pinnacles Desert; Lobster Shack; Nambung National Park; Westways Wildflower
Farm; Pioneer Museum & Visitor Centre; Historic Coorow Farm; Windmill Shed; Rivers Edge Cafe; The Northam
Tourist Centre; Dog Cemetery; Wave Rock; Lace Museum & Toy Soldier Museum; Lake Grace; Pioneer Womens
Mural; Australian Inland Mission Hospital; Pingrup Silo Art; Buff Knoll Cafe; Buff Knoll Lookout; Stirling Range
National Park; Albany Wind Farm; Torndirrup National Park; The Whaling Station Museum; Whaler’s Gallery Cafe;
York & Sheryo Silo Art; ANZAC Centre; Mount Clarence Memorial & Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum; Tree
Top Walk & Valley of the Giants; Gloucester Tree; Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse; Margaret River Chocolate Company;
Dolphin Discovery Centre, Dolphin Eco Cruise, Interpretive Centre & more!
Tour Price Includes:
• Luxury coach travel
• Perth return flights (Ex SYD/MEL/BNE)*
• 10 Nights quality accommodation
• Breakfast, lunch & dinner as per itinerary (25 Meals)
• All entry fees, cruise & guides as per itinerary
Tour Pricing - 11 Days / 10 Nights - Fly/Fly
$4299.00 per person Twin Share (Single Supplement $720.00)
DEPOSIT $500 per person due at the time of booking with completed booking form.
Final payment is due 15th June, 2021.
*Pricing for flights is indicative based on 2020 rates. Pricing will be adjusted if necessary when 2021 pricing is available.
For information, bookings & travel insurance contact:
Trade Travel 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
