West to South Coast Family Adventures

Perth & Shoalwater Islands Marine Park

Day 1: Perth. On arrival in Perth, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your downtown accommodation. 

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Day 2: 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: Flexible Options Available*

Day 3: 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: Flexible Options Available*

Bremer Bay - (December - late April) - Children 10 years+

Day 4: Perth & Albany. Take your flight to the beautiful coastal city of Albany. 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, visit Torndirrup National Park to witness the Indian Ocean clashing with blowholes and rock formations, especially at 'The Gap.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Day 5: 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. After returning to the marina, drive to Albany. Please note a three-day pass that entitles you to take three Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expeditions, which is available for those wanting multiple days to observe this phenomenon.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Day 6: Perth. Take a flight back to Perth with a day at leisure.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Eyre Peninsula - Private Tour

Day 7: Adelaide. On arrival in Adelaide, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your downtown accommodation. 

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Day 8: Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay. After a morning flight to Port Lincoln, you will be greeted by your personal Australian Coastal Safaris guide for a short drive through scenic Sugar Gums and agricultural land to Big Swamp. This wetland, made up of three seasonal freshwater lakes, is the last true freshwater wetland on the Eyre Peninsula, surrounded by an ancient Red Gum forest. You can observe a variety of bird species from a dedicated bird hide.

Next, explore stunning Coffin Bay, known for its world-famous oysters and diverse flora and fauna. You join a local oyster farmer on a cruise to The Brothers islands, home to seabirds, seals, and dolphins. Learn about oyster farming, shuck your own oysters, and enjoy a tasting. After a gourmet seafood lunch, continue to Coffin Bay National Park, where you may spot some of the 150 bird species, 11 terrestrial mammals, and various marine life. The park is a crucial breeding refuge for species like the White-bellied Sea-eagle, Osprey, and Australian Sea-lion.

Accommodation: South Point Beach House

Eyre Peninsula - Private Tour

Day 9: Baird Bay. Depart Port Lincoln for the enchanting destination of Baird Bay, located in the northwest region of the Eyre Peninsula. Along the way, your guide will stop at secret spots offering stunning coastal views, including Elliston and Venus Bay. The day's highlight is a short boat ride aboard the 14-seater 'Neo-phocus' to Jones Island, where you will swim with Australian Sea-lions. The island hosts over 120 sea lions and various native birds, including White-faced Herons and Australian Pelicans. You'll experience the playful and agile sea lions up close, an encounter often rated among the top 10 things to do in Australia. Afterwards, the boat ventures into deeper waters for a swim with resident Bottlenose dolphins, where you can hear their high-pitched chatter. After lunch on the Baird Bay beach, you visit the Talia caves, with their etched limestone roof and stunning ocean views. Finally, you enjoy breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the rugged cliffs of the Great Australian Bight from Cummings Monument.

Accommodation: South Point Beach House

Day 10: Port Lincoln National Park. Your day begins with a morning visit to the coastal hamlet of Tulka, where you can observe waders, Black Swans, and seabirds from a Bird Hide. This area is also known for sightings of Southern Emu Wrens near a historic well dug by Captain Matthew Flinders in 1802. Next, explore the diverse Lincoln National Park, where rugged cliffs offer views of Ospreys, White-bellied Sea-Eagles, and other raptors. In beautiful Memory Cove, you'll encounter various bird species, including Honeyeaters and Blue-breasted Wrens. You can choose to walk along Surfleet Cove or hike to the Stamford Hill Lookout for breathtaking views of Boston Bay and Port Lincoln.

Wildlife sightings include Australian Sea-lions, Long-nosed Fur Seals, dolphins, kangaroos and Emus. In the afternoon, you visit Mikkira Station, home to wild Koalas and kangaroos. As the day ends, relax with a platter of local produce and wine, soaking in the sounds of nature.

Accommodation: South Point Beach House