Day 1 (L,D) HOME, PERTH

Following Melbourne metropolitan home/hotel pickup, we transfer to Melbourne Airport for our flight to Perth (lunch as we fly) arriving early afternoon. Our Young at Heart coach and coach captain awaits our arrival. Passengers from other home ports may fly via Melbourne or direct to Perth, depending on airline schedules. This afternoon enjoy a visit to Kings Park, a combination of native bushland and manicured parkland on the edge of the city. Enjoy the wildflowers, Federation Walkway, afternoon tea in the café and a visit to Kings Park Gallery and gift shop. Our home for two nights, the Intercontinental Perth Burswood. Enjoy a welcome drink tonight before dinner.

Day 2 (B,L,D) FREMANTLE, PERTH

Today we explore Fremantle, a fascinating city and a blend of the old and the new. We start by taking the ferry from Perth along the Swan River, viewing some of the magnificent homes along the riverbank as we cruise downstream to Fremantle. Then we catch the Fremantle Tram, visit the Maritime Museum and have a waterside lunch on Fisherman’s Wharf before driving back to Perth in the afternoon.

Day 3 (B,L,D) PERTH, MANDURAH, BUNBURY, PEMBERTON

Departing from Perth, we head south and visit Abingdon Miniature Village Barragup, for morning tea and a tour of the gardens. We continue along the scenic coast road via Mandurah and Australind to Bunbury for lunch. From Bunbury we travel through the giant Tuart Forests on route to the seaside resort of Busselton, with its jetty of over a kilometre in length, then continue along the Vasse Highway through Nannup prior to arriving in Pemberton and our overnight home, the Best Western Pemberton Hotel Motel.

Day 4 (B,L,D) PEMBERTON, WALPOLE, ALBANY

This morning we visit the Pemberton Museum and hand feed the brilliant Rosellas under the giant Gloucester Tree, prior to boarding the Pemberton Tram, which takes us on a forest journey winding through giant stands of Karri and Marri forests to Cascades. Picnic lunch today. Continuing south, we pass through Walpole and the Valley of the Giants. A highlight of our holiday is the spectacular Tree Top Walk, high above the forest. On to the coastal city of Albany and our home for three nights, Motel Le Grande.

Day 5 (B,L,D) ALBANY

A relaxing day in Albany as we explore this southern city. Enjoy a tour which includes Albany city sights, the Gap and Natural Bridge, and spectacular views and wildflowers at Stoney Ridge. Enjoy the absolute natural beauty of the area. Lunch today at Whale World, the last whaling station in Australia to cease operation, with time to browse through some of the many displays. We also visit Anzac Memorial on Mt. Clarence with magnificent views across King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour.

Day 6 (B,L,D) ROMANCE SANDLEWOOD & EMU OIL FACTORY, MT BARKER BANKSIA FARM, STIRLING RANGES

Another scenic day as we travel the short distance to Mt Romance Sandalwood & Emu Oil Factory, the only sandalwood factory in Australia. Sample Emu and Sandalwood Oil and body care products, purchase if you wish. Then on to Mt Barker and the Banksia Farm, with over 70 species of Banksias’ and wildflowers on display. Lunch here today. This afternoon we traverse the mighty Stirling Ranges along Red Gum Pass Road, an unforgettable drive through spectacular scenery.

Day 7 (B,L,D) ALBANY, JERRAMUNGUP, RAVENSTHORPE, ESPERANCE

Departing Albany we head east through Jerramungup and Ravensthorpe, pausing at various places as we travel to view more exotic wildflowers. During the afternoon we continue to Esperance. Home for two nights is the Hospitality Inn.

Day 8 (B,L,D) CAPE LE GRAND N.P.

A local wildflower expert travels with us as we visit Cape Le Grand National Park. In this area we will experience an abundance of wildflowers and breathtaking coastal scenery. In the afternoon we travel along the scenic coastal drive, pausing for afternoon tea, then returning home via Helms Arboretum.

Day 9 (B,L,D) ESPERANCE, NORSEMAN, KAMBALDA, KALGOORLIE

We travel north on the Coolgardie – Esperance highway to Norseman. From Beacon Hill Lookout enjoy 360 degree views across the town and surrounding area. View the bronze statue of the horse “Norseman” (after which the town is named) and the camel train. Enjoy lunch here today. During the afternoon we continue to Kambalda, a nickel mining town before arriving in Kalgoorlie and our home for two nights, Overland Motel.

Day 10 (B,L,D) KALGOORLIE

This morning we take a tour of Australia’s largest gold producing mine “The Super Pit”. Developed by Alan Bond and now owned by KCGM, the mine processes over 800,000 ounces of gold a year. You will be astounded by the sheer magnitude of this 24 hour, 365 day a year operation with its gigantic trucks and machinery. In the afternoon enjoy a tour of the city taking in the view from Mt Charlotte Reservoir, remember the first man to discover gold, Paddy Hannan, drink from his water bag and take a photo along side a life size replica.

Day 11 (B,L,D) KALGOORLIE, COOLGARDIE, SOUTHERN CROSS, HYDEN

An earlier start today as we leave the “Gold City” and head West along the Great Eastern Highway, passing through the historic mining towns of Coolgardie and Southern Cross before arriving in Merridin, our lunch stop. Continue south through Narembeen and Kondinin to Hyden. We visit the unique rock formation at Wave Rock, 2.7 million years old and up to 15 metres high. Enjoy the Wildflower Shoppe, Wildlife Park and Old Lace collection. There are also many species of wild orchids in the area. Home tonight is the Hyden Wave Rock Hotel Motel.

Day 12 (B,L,D) HYDEN, KONDININ, CORRIGIN, YORK, PERTH

We travel through the wheat belt towns of Kondinin and Corrigin to York. Visit the York Motor Museum (or if you prefer, browse in this quaint township) and the Mill Gallery, which exhibits local hardwood furniture and fine art. Enjoy lunch here today. A short drive to Perth completes our wildflower journey. Overnight at Intercontinental Perth Burswood.

Day 13 (B,L) PERTH, HOME

We transfer to Perth Airport for flights home. Lunch as we fly. Melbourne passengers will be transferred to metropolitan homes/hotels; interstate passengers may fly direct to their home state or via Melbourne, depending on airline schedules. Thus concludes a most relaxing and enjoyable Western Australian wildflowers holiday.