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Margaret River & Albany Adventure

Margaret River & Albany Adventure

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Description

Immerse yourself in a First Nations tour like no other, go tasting wines, cheese and chocolate in the epicurean Margaret River region, spend a unique night surrounded by some of Australia’s animal treasures at Donnelly River Village and get to know the southern coast with wildlife and wilderness experiences in and around Albany. This five-day adventure from Perth (Boorloo in the language of the local Whadjuk Nyoongar people, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Perth is now located) to the best that Western Australia’s south has to offer is action-packed, scenic and full of time for you to soak in the views. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Trip Name
Margaret River & Albany Adventure
Last Updated
2024-02-14
Days
5
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Taste the gastronomic wonder of southern WA with a day eating and drinking your way through the Margaret River. Experience the best wineries, cheese and chocolate factories the region has to offer.
  • The coastline of southern WA is a sight to behold. Admire the vast Busselton Jetty, learn of maritime secrets at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and discover Albany’s shores from multiple angles.
  • Embark on an unforgettable First Nations experience on the lands of the local Noongar communities. You will be treated to a didgeridoo performance inside the sacred Ngilgi Cave.
  • Enjoy lovely accommodations, including the memorable timber buildings at Donnelly River Village, surrounded by resident kangaroos, emus and possums. It’s not the usual nights’ stay!
  • It’s no wonder that Western Australia is renowned for its verdant forests and sweeping vistas. Climb high above the treetops at the Valley of the Giants, so have your camera ready.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Perth / Busselton / Margaret River
Welcome to the west coast of the Australian mainland. Your adventure begins in Perth (Boorloo in the language of the local Whadjuk Nyoongar people, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Perth is now located). This morning, meet your leader and fellow travel crew at 8.30am – find out exact details in the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ of your Essential Trip Information – then begin your coastal journey south towards the laidback locale of Busselton. Home to the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere at 1.841 kilometres, take the chance to stretch your legs and explore along the lovely foreshore. Continue to your accommodation in Margaret River, then head out again, this time inland to an immersive and powerful First Nations cultural experience, giving you a snapshot into the history of the land and its peoples. Take a short bushwalk identifying traditional medicines in plants and learning local Noongar knowledge from your guide. Venture into Ngilgi Cave, home to significant Dreaming stories for local communities, and experience a mesmerising didgeridoo performance inside the cave. Tonight, perhaps keep the introductions going over dinner and a drink with your newfound travel pals.
Day 2 - Margaret River
Today is all about tasting what the Margaret River region has to offer. This section of Australia is home to some of the best artisanal flavours around, particularly their wines, cheeses and chocolate. So, luckily for you, the group will hit all three today! Take to the less travelled regional roads bound for a boutique winery, a local chocolate factory and cheesery, tasting some of the best going around. Margaret River’s wineries have built a reputation on their cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, and you’ll soon know why. After a day of indulging, the evening is yours to enjoy how you’d like. Perhaps it’s time to explore the township’s restaurant and bar scene – be sure to ask your group leader for their recommendations.
Day 3 - Cape Leeuwin / Donnelly River Village
Strap in for a day of sightseeing – first stop, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. Here, learn of the fascinating maritime history of the Cape region full of shipwrecks and lighthouse keeper tales. There will also be time for a short coastal walk along the Cape to Cape Track, so be sure to have your camera handy for some cool coastal shots. Pass by Winjee Sam (Canal Rocks) and The Bridge, keeping an eye out for a passing Southern Right or Humpback Whale, which you might just be lucky enough to spot. Next drive to Hamelin Bay and search for some local stingrays floating around in the shallow waters. Finish up with an easy one-hour drive to the former timber town of Donnelly River, where you’ll spend the night in heritage buildings with shared communal facilities, surrounded by kangaroos, emus and possums. This is true blue.
Day 4 - Walpole / Albany
Depart Donnelly River Village bound for Walpole-Nornalup National Park. Spend the morning in nature on board a wilderness eco cruise in Walpole. Keep your eyes peeled for pods of dolphins and other marine life in this secluded cove. Afterwards, stop by the impressive Valley of the Giants, embarking on a Tree Top Walk on boardwalks and bridges suspended upwards of 40 metres in the canopy above. This ancient tingle forest is the largest in the state, and the biodiversity of trees in this region are very special. Explore the forests of southern WA, and on your way to Albany, stop by the coast at natural attractions such as Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks, discovering some postcard-perfect views. Think sun-bleached boulders, crisp white sands, turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs – they’re all on the cards today. Following an action-packed day end up in Albany tonight.
Day 5 - Torndirrup National Park / Perth
After breakfast head out to explore the sights in and around Albany. See The Gap, Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park and Frenchmans Bay, stopping to stretch your legs and take some coastal photos. Then, in the afternoon, it’s time to head back to Perth. Depending on the time of year, fields of wildflowers will be in full bloom roadside, making for some scenic roadside views. You will arrive back to Perth in the late afternoon or early evening. Once there, you are free to continue your own adventure or begin your homeward journey, as your tour ends on arrival.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Accommodation

Motel (3 nights),Village accommodation (with shared facilities) (1 night)

Transport

Private vehicle,Boat

Map