Esperance & Southwest Adventure

Arrive in Western Australia’s state capital. Though Perth has the distinction of being one of the world’s most remote cities, it also boasts beautiful beaches, sprawling parks, a thriving craft beer scene and some pretty spectacular nearby scenery; as this tour doesn’t involve any time in Perth, it’s worth arriving a few days early to get to know this cosmopolitan city. Leave Perth bright and early on Day 1, as you head east for Fitzgerald River National Park via the Darling Ranges, also known as the Perth Hills. It’s a beautiful drive through a leafy region of forested hills, charming country villages, scenic swim spots and boutique wineries. It’s also a long drive – ten hours total – so the journey will be broken up with several stops. First stop: a coffee break in the morning in the historic township of York, WA’s first inland town. Next is a stop for lunch by the unusual granite formation, Wave Rock, which is arched like a 15-metre high breaking ocean wave. Tonight, you’ll camp Aussie-style in a swag beneath the WA sky at Fitzgerald River National Park.

Driving Time: about ten hours
Walking Time: about one hour

Welcome in the day with a brisk hike up East Mt Barren, one of the three peaks that make up the Barren Range, for incredible views across the rugged coastline and waters of The Bight, or don’t – it’s your call. Sleep in if you’d prefer. Afterwards, hit the road, taking the scenic coastal route to Cape Le Grand National Park. It’s a three-hour journey with stops along the way to properly take in the extraordinary surrounds – we’re talking nine national parks, chalky white beaches (the sand at Lucky Bay was ranked ‘Australia’s whitest’ twice), hidden bays and sunbathing kangaroos. You’ll also stop for a coffee and a stretch in the charming little town of Esperance. After setting up camp at Cape Le Grand, there’ll be a free afternoon for swimming, coastal bushwalks, lazing on the sand or whatever else your heart desires.

Driving Time: about three hours
Walking Time: about three hours

Begin the day with a morning bush walk to the top of Frenchman’s Peak. It’s a bit of a trek, but your effort is rewarded with sweeping views over the park’s southern coastline and Recherche Archipelago. Following the walk, make tracks for the Stirling Ranges, a mountainous national park of rugged peaks, stark cliff faces, sheltered gullies and colourful wildflowers. The region is also renowned for its spectacular cloud formations, which are known to blanket the Range. Stop for lunch near Esperance along the way. Tonight, you’ll swag camp at a private campground in the Stirling Ranges.

Driving Time: about six hours
Walking Time: about four and a half hours

Embrace an early start and head to the Porongurup National Park for a hike through its unique landscape. Cross spectacular marri and karri forests and the famous Balancing Rock on a hike to Castle Rock, a huge granite outcrop. It’s a bit of a climb to the summit, but the breathtaking views of the region make it worth the effort. Afterwards, set out on a scenic drive along WA’s answer to Victoria’s Great Ocean Road – Great Ocean Drive. Make sure to have your camera handy as you’re treated to incredible coastal scenes; think postcard-perfect turquoise seas, dramatic red-rock cliffs and pristine beaches replete with perfect sands and sun-bleached boulders. Stop along the way to take a closer look at some of the area’s natural attractions such as the Gap and Natural Bridge, Elephant Rocks and the largest tingle tree in the state.

Driving Time: about four hours
Walking Time: about one and a half hour

Begin the day with a visit to the famous Diamond Tree, a gigantic karri tree that was once used as a fire lookout. If you’re feeling brave and aren’t afraid of heights, climb the 50 metres to the lookout. Then you’re off to encounter local Margaret River flavours with a tasting tour that will take you to some of the region’s boutique wineries and breweries, chocolate factory and cheesery. See for yourself why Margaret River’s wineries have built a reputation on their cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay.

Driving Time: about five hours

Enjoy one last morning waking to the warble of kookaburras and cockatoos; this is the last day of your tour of the south-west corner of South Australia, but a memorable last day it is. Head to Dunsborough where local Wadandi custodian, Josh ‘Koomal’ Whiteland will shed insight into the world’s oldest living culture. On a bushwalk led by Josh, learn to identify native bush foods and medicines; discover the art of fire-lighting and tool-making, and be treated to a live didgeridoo performance inside Ngilgi Cave. Continue to the tourist town of Busselton, which owes its popularity to beautiful Geographe Bay. Enjoy lunch and a swim in the turquoise waters of one of its excellent beaches before continuing to Perth, where the trip ends on arrival. There are no planned activities in Perth and you are free to depart at any time, though its usual for the group to get together and reflect on their journey over a few drinks and a meal.

Driving Time: about four hours