Southwest Australia Explorer Self Drive

Perth

Day 1: Spend a day exploring Perth, set on the banks of the sparkling Swan River, a few miles from the magnificent beaches of the Indian Ocean. The closest is City Beach, but Cottesloe, Floreat, Scarborough, and Sorrento are also popular. Nearby outdoor activities include Kings Park with its walking trails and a 12-hectare botanical garden, famous for its spring wildflower displays. Fremantle, 18 kilometres south-west of Perth is a colourful, busy port at the mouth of the Swan River, easily accessible by bus, train, ferry and taxi. Attractions include the Fremantle Arts Centre, the Maritime Museum, the Round House, the market and the lively town centre affectionately known as the cappuccino strip. 

Accommodation: Intercontinental Perth (King Premium Room) 

Shoalwater Islands Marine Park - Shared Tours

Day 2: Dolphin Swim.  Your journey begins in Rockingham aboard the luxury Apollo 3, where the crew will outfit you with a wetsuit, mask, and snorkel. After an introductory briefing, you'll cruise through Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, home to around 200 Bottlenose Dolphins that have developed trust with the Perth Wildlife Encounters team. It usually takes 20-60 minutes to locate the dolphins. 

Onboard snorkelling lessons will prepare you for the experience. Once dolphins are spotted, you'll head to the swim deck, don your gear, and enter the water in small groups of up to seven people, each led by a guide using an aqua scooter. The vessel features a large rear swimming platform with easy access. 

You'll be surrounded by playful dolphins, with their behaviour on their own terms, leading to an exceptional success rate. The experienced crew is adept at helping nervous swimmers, so no prior snorkelling experience is needed. For non-swimmers, a spectator option allows you to enjoy the dolphins from the boat, sharing the experience with friends and family.

Accommodation: Quest Rockingham (Apartment) | Meals: BL

Day 3: Shoalwater Islands Marine Park 3 Islands Snorkel. Embark on an unforgettable wildlife snorkelling expedition in the stunning Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, visiting top snorkelling spots around Penguin, Seal, and Bird Islands. Your adventure begins aboard the Sealion Express, a multi-level cruise vessel designed for comfort with room for up to 24 passengers. The eco-friendly boat features low engine noise and minimal vibration for a serene experience.

Equipped with wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins, and flotation devices, you'll explore the Marine Park's rugged limestone coastlines, reefs, and seagrass meadows, home to Smooth Stingrays, Southern Eagle Rays, Western Rock Octopuses, Pink Snapper, and Banded Sweep. The highlight of your trip is interacting with the world's rarest sea lions, known for their playful and curious nature. In addition to swimming with these marine mammals, you might also encounter wild Bottlenose Dolphins and seabirds like cormorants, Australian Pelicans, Terns, and Ospreys.

The adventure concludes with a VIP gourmet luncheon featuring a seafood grazing platter tailored to your preferences, served upon returning to Mersey Point.

Accommodation: Quest Rockingham (Apartment) | Meals: L

Margaret River

Day 4: Perth & Margaret River. Drive to the beautiful Margaret River region. The journey should take around three hours. Enjoy a morning walk along coastal trails keeping an eye out for migrating whales. In the afternoon, you might like to visit some of the region's famous wineries, take a walk on the scenic Cape to Cape coastal track, explore the wild karri forests or just relax on one of the many picture-perfect white sand beaches. 

Accommodation: Cape Lodge (Lodge Suite) | Meals: B

Day 5: Margaret River. Enjoy a day of leisure in the Margaret River. Originally a chilled-out surfie town, this region has evolved into the ultimate smorgasbord of good food, fine wine and spectacular scenery. There's a fine supply of world-class wineries, boutique breweries, and restaurants overlooking sweeping vineyards and surf breaks. The wine is top-notch - the region produces less than one per cent of Australian wine but over 15 per cent of the country's premium wine. And with 60 plus wineries to choose from, you won't be stuck for choice.

Accommodation: Cape Lodge (Lodge Suite) | Meals: B

Day 6: Margaret River to Pemberton. Today, drive from the Margaret River region to Pemberton. Start your morning with a stroll along coastal trails, explore the stunning Cape to Cape Track, wander through the majestic karri forests, or simply unwind on one of the pristine white-sand beaches.

Accommodation: RAC Karri Valley Resort (Lakeside Room Queen)

Pemberton & Albany

Day 7: Pemberton to Albany.  Journey near the Southern Ocean today as you take the scenic coastal road to Pemberton, where you can explore the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. This remarkable structure lets you stroll through the treetops of a tingle forest, soaring 40 meters above the ground. For those who prefer to stay closer to the earth, there's also a charming ground-level walk. In the afternoon, consider visiting one of Pemberton's delightful boutique wineries or venturing out for a walk among the region's majestic karri forests. 

Accommodation: Hilton Inn Albany (King Guest Room Harbour View) | Meals: B

Day 8: Albany to Bremer Bay. Stroll through the historic maritime town of Albany, discovering convict jails, old taverns, whaling ships, settlers' cottages, and grand National Trust homes. Later, unwind at one of the area's beautiful beaches like Middleton Beach or Salmon Beach. In the afternoon, drive onwards to the fishing hamlet of Bremer Bay

Accommodation: Bremer Bay Resort (Blossoms Spa Apartment) | Meals: B

Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition - Shared Tour

Day 9: Bremer Canyon. Today, you'll embark on a premier whale-watching expedition to the Bremer Canyon, renowned for its annual return of over 100 Killer Whales (Orcas) from December to April. This unique location is the only place in Australia where you can consistently encounter Killer Whales in the wild.

Following an early morning transfer from Albany, board the Naturaliste Charter's long-range vessel, designed for the Southern Ocean, for an 8:30 am departure. As you cruise from Bremer Bay, enjoy views of scenic bays, cliffs, and turquoise waters before reaching the deep blue Southern Ocean. Look out for dolphins, Australian Sea-lions, and seabirds along the way. 

The expert crew will present an engaging multimedia overview of Killer Whale biology and marine life. After a 1.5-hour journey, you'll arrive at Bremer Canyon to search for Orcas. The canyon is a seabird hotspot, with species such as Flesh-footed Shearwaters, Wilson's Storm-Petrels, and Wandering Albatrosses. If fortunate, you might see seabirds feeding on remains of Orca kills.

Please note a three-day pass that entitles you to take three Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expeditions is available for those wanting multiple days to observe this phenomenon.

Accommodation: Bremer Bay Resort (Blossoms Spa Apartment) | Meals: L

Esperence

Day 10: Bremer Bay to Esperence.  Today your drive will showcase breathtaking beauty of Western Australia's southern coast. Start your day by exploring the stunning Fitzgerald River National Park, renowned for its unique flora, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches. As you head east, stop at the small towns along the way, such as Jerramungup or Ravensthorpe, for a quick break or a bite to eat. Continue towards Esperance, where you'll be greeted by the captivating beauty of Cape Le Grand National Park.

Accommodation: RAC Esperence Holiday Park (One Bedroom Garden Studio) | Meals: B

Day 11: Lucky Bay and Cape le Grand. Famous for its white sand beaches, such as Lucky Bay, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this area is a must-visit for nature lovers. Enjoy a leisurely walk, swim, or even spot kangaroos lounging on the beach. As you arrive in Esperance, unwind by the bay or take in the town's charming vibe, a perfect conclusion to your scenic coastal adventure before taking your afternoon flight back to Perth.