10-Day Adelaide to Perth Small Group Tour

OVERVIEW

From the red dirt and dusty plains of the outback to turquoise waters lapping on snow-white sand, Australia’s southern and western reaches are home to some of the most diverse landscapes and indelible experiences in the country. Traverse almost 4,000km through some of Australia’s most untamed and inspiring countries on this 10-day, soul-stirring Adelaide to Perth private tour. Taste world-famous seafood straight from the source and swim with abundant marine life in the Eyre Peninsula. Stand at the edge of Australia at the Head of Bight before making the pilgrimage across the vast expanse of the Nullarbor Plain into Western Australia. Here, sprawl out on deserted beaches without another soul in sight, walk through ancient forests and awaken your senses as you taste your way around the famous Margaret River wine region.

INCLUSIONS

• Flight – Adelaide to Port Lincoln
• Accommodation – 9 nights (3.5 to 4.5 star)
• All activities and fee’s unless stated as an optional experience (OE)
• Meals as per itinerary
• Transport – air-conditioned Rosa
• Local guide and expert knowledge

HIGHLIGHTS

• Taste the world-famous seafood of the Eyre Peninsula, including Coffin Bay oysters
• Swim with wild sea lions and dolphins (OE)
• Experience the otherworldly scenery of the Great Australian Bight
• Traverse the vast expanses of the Nullarbor Plain
• Unearth Esperance and Cape Le Grand National Park with its friendly kangaroos
• Walk among ancient forests in Western Australia
• Taste your way around the Margaret River wine region

ITINERARY

Day 1: Adelaide to Port Lincoln

Make your own way to Adelaide Airport by 7:20 am in preparation for an 8:20 am flight to Port Lincoln. After a short 45-minute flight, meet your expert local guide. Enjoy the entertaining commentary as we venture to Sleaford Bay lookout, where you will enjoy sweeping views across the Southern Ocean. Witness the oldest living organisms on Earth; Stromatolites! Marvel at these macrofossils that date back over 3 billion years and are thought to be primarily responsible for the oxygenation of the atmosphere.

This coastal wilderness is a haven for some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. Here, emus stroll the shoreline, and the dense bush beyond is alive with native birds. You will also visit picturesque Fisheries Beach and get up close to abundant koalas at historic Mikkira Station. Afterwards, we head back to Port Lincoln, Australia’s seafood capital, to enjoy lunch at the popular Fresh Fish Place with the fresh catch of the day – brought off the boats that morning.

After a stop to admire the local craftsmanship at Rhapsody in Wood, visit Boston Bay Wines for a wine tasting overlooking beautiful Boston Bay. The rest of your day is yours to explore and dine out at one of the many venues in picturesque Port Lincoln.

Travel distance (approximately) 100 km

Overnight: Port Lincoln Hotel

Meals included: L | 

Day 2: Coffin Bay to Elliston 

This morning after breakfast, join your guide for a drive to the beautiful sandy beaches of Coffin Bay National Park. Experience nature in its purest state as you unearth the untamed bush, beach and wildlife that define this iconic wilderness. Awakened by the wild, continue down the coast to taste world-famous Coffin Bay oysters. Glide through crystal-clear waters to a working oyster farm and pluck, shuck and sample plump Pacific oysters straight from the source.

Back on land, enjoy some free time for lunch (own expense) before visiting Yarnbala for a grounding and immersive experience in nature with the property owner, Kane. On this 1.5-hour guided tour through South Australia’s last grassy she-oak woodlands, Kane will share his wisdom and passion for the native fauna and flora of the area. Taste native bush foods and learn about the ancient art of water divining. Feel a deep connection to Country during a mesmerising didgeridoo performance and soak up the serenity of the Australian bush.

Come late afternoon, arrive at our accommodation on the beach in Elliston, where you can relax or stroll the beach in front of your cabin while your guide prepares a barbecue dinner to enjoy overlooking Waterloo Bay. Elliston is famed for beautiful sunsets, breathtaking scenery, surfing, fishing and frequent sightings of sea lions, dolphins and southern right whales during winter.

Travel distance (approximately) 200 km

Overnight: Waterloo Bay Tourist Park

Meals included: B | D

Day 3: Elliston to Ceduna 

After an early breakfast, visit the Instagrammable oceanside Talia Cave, then head north to Baird Bay, where you can choose to swim with wild Australian sea lions and dolphins on an optional three-hour eco-cruise (see optional activities). The interaction with the sea lions and dolphins together at Baird Bay is genuinely life-enhancing. The rare and endangered Australian Sea Lions are the puppy dogs of the sea, splashing, jumping, twisting, and twirling all around you. The magical bottlenose dolphins won’t disappoint, either. For those who’d rather stay on dry land, you’ll enjoy sightseeing along the spectacular and rugged coastline of Sceale Bay.

Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a trip to the amazing rock formation known as Murphy’s Haystacks, which dates back 100,00 years ago. With some free time for lunch, try a pastry at the local bakery, then enjoy the scenery as you take the coastal drive to Ceduna. Once arrived, check into your rooms at the Ceduna Foreshore Hotel before joining your guide for dinner.

Travel distance (approximately) 280 km.

Overnight: Ceduna Foreshore Hotel

Meals included: B | D

Day 4: Head of Bight and the Nullarbor 

Today we begin the epic pilgrimage across the Nullarbor Plain. Keep your cameras ready for iconic photo opportunities at the famous camels, kangaroos and wombats crossing road sign before we make our way to the edge of Australia, where the outback drops dramatically into the Southern Ocean 90 metres below. Stretching approximately 200 kilometres along the Great Australian Bight, Bunda Cliffs are the world’s longest continuous sea cliffs. Breathe deep and take it all in as your guide prepares lunch.

By early evening, check into the iconic Outback Roadhouse Motel in Border Village, just a few kilometres from Western Australia, where the restaurant offers a great selection for hungry travellers.

Travel distance (approximately) 550 km.

Overnight: Outback Roadhouse Motel, Border Village

Meals included: B | L

Day 5: The Nullarbor and Esperance 

We’ll be up before the sun today with an early breakfast as we continue across the mighty Nullarbor, taking in Australia’s longest straight road, 90 Mile Straight. Watch the ever-changing landscapes from your window as your guide regales the history and stories that make this land unique. Today we travel through three time zones, gaining 1 hour 30 minutes or 2 hours 30 minutes (during daylight saving) when we cross the border in Western Australia.

Come late afternoon, arrive in Esperance, the town where outback goldfields meet snow-white beaches. With bay after bay and cove after cove of pristine white sand and turquoise waters, Esperance really is a beach and nature lover’s paradise. Check in to your accommodation for the next 2 nights and enjoy a welcome dinner while you unwind from your drive.

Travel distance (approximately) 900 km.

Overnight: Jetty Resort, Esperance

Meals included: B | D

Day 6: Cape Le Grand National Park 

Located approximately 50 kilometres east of Esperance, Cape Le Grand National Park is the jewel in Esperance’s crown. Pristine and perfect are two words that reflect the absolute beauty of this park. The descent into Cape Le Grand is breathtaking as the expansive Lucky Bay materialises in front of you. Wildlife is in abundance, including the iconic sunbathing kangaroos at Lucky Bay. If you are feeling energetic, set out on one of many inspiring coastal walks. Otherwise, enjoy soaking up the serenity at Hellfire Bay, swim or relax while your guide prepares a tasty BBQ lunch.

Tonight, you will enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Travel distance (approximately) 160 km.

Overnight: Jetty Resort, Esperance

Meals included: B | L

Day 7: South West Coast and Albany 

Today we set our coordinates for Albany, taking in more spectacular natural landscapes along the way. First, cruise through the world biosphere region Fitzgerald River National Park. A botanical wonderland renowned for its rugged and spectacular scenery and rich conservation areas. Visit Barrons Lookout, East Mylies and Cave Point.

After a lunch stop, we’ll continue to Albany. Perched on the edge of the Southern Ocean, Albany is a place of staggering coastal beauty and historical significance. Around town, the legacy of the first European settlement in WA can be witnessed in the colonial buildings now museums, galleries and restaurants. Visit a unique art outdoor art exhibition on Chainsaw Sculpture Drive, where a local chainsaw artist has sculpted many beautiful pieces in a bush setting.

Next, take in the stunning views over Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound from Mt Clarence. Here you can also visit the ANZAC Desert Corps Memorial (optional, and time permitting) Come late afternoon check-in to our accommodation and enjoy a free evening to explore Albany.

Travel distance (approximately) 540km.

Overnight: Dog Rock Motel, Albany

Meals included: B |

Day 8: Albany, South West Edge to Margaret River

After breakfast, we’ll head to Torndirrup National Park to see coastal highlights, The Gap and Natural Bridge. The accessible pathway and viewing area of the Natural Bridge provide a window to one of Australia’s most exposed coasts. Stand 40 metres directly above the surging seas and feel the true power of mother nature.

Hit the road again, stretching your legs at Denmark, a gorgeous town nestled on the banks of the Denmark River. Head into the old-growth forests in the Walpole Wilderness region and traverse the Valley of the Giants. Walk 40 metres high into the canopy of Western Australia’s majestic tingle trees, found nowhere else on Earth. Lunch is available to purchase here (own expense).

By late afternoon, you’ll check into Margaret River Beach Resort and enjoy the evening at leisure. Relax amongst the locals, while enjoying good vibes and a quality selection of food and beverages that celebrate the best that Margaret River has to offer.

Travel distance (approximately) 400 km

Overnight: Margaret River Beach Resort

Meals included: B |

Day 9: Margaret River 

After breakfast, meet Wardandi custodian Josh, who will introduce you to the world’s oldest living culture with his authentic and personal interpretation. Go deep down into the Ngilgi Cave for a memorable underground didgeridoo performance.

This afternoon is dedicated to your tastebuds as you visit the region’s abundant cellar doors. Highlight stops are Cheeky 11 Monkey Brewing Co., Vasse Felix Wines and then later in the afternoon visit the Margaret River Distilling Co. for a ‘Tour and Taste’ experience at Giniversity. Enjoy free time to explore Margaret River’s eclectic main street and choose one of the many local restaurants or iconic pubs to have dinner. Your guide will transfer you back to your accommodation tonight.

Travel distance (approximately) 80 km

Overnight: Margaret River Beach Resort

Meals included: B |

Day 10: Margaret River to Perth

On the last day of your journey, enjoy an inspiring coastal walk with incredible vistas that will have you in awe at every turn, visiting Meelup Beach and Cape Naturaliste. On the drive towards Perth, you’ll stop at the popular holiday town of Busselton around midday. Here, you will see the second-longest jetty in the world, stretching 1.8 km out into turquoise Geographe Bay. The last stop on your adventure is at Origins Market, a vibrant community hub showcasing Western Australian creatives, makers and growers. It’s a great spot to purchase lunch, some last-minute local produce, or gifts to take home with you.

Our last stint on the road will have you arriving in Perth around 5 pm, where we will drop you at your inner-city accommodation.

Travel distance (approximately) 350km

Meals included: B |

KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK

• Rex operates the flight, which departs Adelaide at 7 am – arriving at Port Lincoln at 7.50 am. Flights are subject to change and will be confirmed a month before departure.
• Rex has a 15kg luggage restriction per person plus one 7kg carry-on; however, upon presenting a valid itinerary or ticket, passengers with international connections are permitted 20kg. For more details on Rex Baggage Allowance, please visit their website.
• Accommodation is at a variety of quality resorts, hotels and motels. Rates are based on Twin/Double Share. If you are travelling solo, you need to pay the Single Traveller rate for your own room. Dietary requirements can be catered for; please advise when booking.
• The sea lion and dolphin tour does not operate from June to August, and an alternative itinerary will apply in the morning during these months.
• As part of our COVID-Safe protocols, all passengers must complete online check-in, including a ‘Fit for Travel’ self-declaration to confirm they are free from illness. This is mandatory and must be completed at the latest 24 hours before departure.
• Please read our full Booking Terms & Conditions before booking your tour