6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour

OVERVIEW

The southwestern reaches of Western Australia are defined by rolling vineyards, lush countryside, rugged coastline and white-sand beaches. Traversing the coast from Margaret River to Esperance, experience the freedom of the open road on a six-day adventure from Perth. En route to each destination, sip some of Australia’s best wine, roam along bush-edged beaches in the company of kangaroos and stop at scores of natural wonders. Tame your inner wildling among vast, wide-open spaces, then fall asleep under star-filled skies. The colossal ancient forests of the Walpole Wilderness Region, white sandy beaches of Cape Le Grand National Park, Australia’s golden outback and the famed wineries of Margaret River are your playground on the ultimate Esperance tour.

UNTAMED MOMENTS

·       Traverse a section of the Cape-to-Cape Track

·       Memorable Indigenous experience at Koomal Dreaming

·       Taste your way around Margaret River

·       Wander through the ancient forests of the Walpole region

·       Experience the coastline and rock formations of Albany

·       Cape Le Grand National Park and its friendly kangaroos

·       Marvel at the weird and wonderful Wave Rock

·       Unearth Australia with your expert guide

INCLUSIONS

·       All National Park and entry fees

·       All activities

·       Meals – 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners

·       Accommodation – 5 nights of swag camping (with basic facilities)

·       Transport – Air-conditioned minibus (max 20 people)

·       Expert local guide

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Perth to Margaret River

Our adventure begins as we travel south from Perth to the popular tourist town of Busselton. It’s hard to miss the 19th-century jetty stretching 1.8km into the turquoise Geographe Bay. Here we’ll have a coffee on the waterfront, stroll along the white sandy beach and chat about what exciting things are to come on your Esperance tour.

A little way down the road, 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 we taste our way around the world-renowned Margaret River region. From wine and gin to coffee and beer, and chocolate and cheese. There’s also time to wander up the main street in the Margaret River township, home to an eclectic mix of shops and galleries. 

Finally, arrive at Big Valley Caravan Park, where you will enjoy dinner and spend your first night under the stars of the Milky Way.

Drive time today is about 3.5 hours.

Day 2: Margaret River to Walpole

This morning, embark on an inspiring 6km hike along one of the most scenic sections of the Cape to Cape Track from Conto’s to Redgate Beach.

After a morning of hiking we head to one of the world’s most gnarly surf breaks, Surfers Point, at the Margaret River mouth to surfers carve up the ocean for a swim and picnic lunch.

This afternoon, we’ll continue south into the pristine forests of the Walpole Wilderness Region, visiting the beautiful Gloucester Tree and the largest tingle tree in Western Australia. Set up camp at idyllic Peaceful Bay and watch the sunset over the ocean. Settle in for another night of campfire tales under the stars.

There are about 4 hours of drive time today. Stay at Peaceful Bay Caravan Park, which has shower and toilet facilities.

Day 3: Walpole and Albany Region

After breakfast, we’ll pack up camp and roam on to William Bay National Park. Here, turquoise water and snow-white sand are primed for swimming at Greens Pool.

Cruise along a scenic stretch of coastline to Albany, seeing how years of natural erosion have crafted incredible rock sculptures and granite bluffs. Natural Bridge and The Gap are two of our favourites. Travel to the Porongorups, which rise from the landscape like an island, then set out on a two-hour hike through the forest to Castle Rock. A bit of a climb but worth all the effort as you are rewarded with jaw-dropping views over the region. Drive through the picturesque Stirling Ranges and come late afternoon, set up camp at a private campsite at Mt Trio, which has shower and toilet facilities.

Drive time today is around 3.5 hours.

Day 4: Mt Trio to Cape Le Grand National Park

As we make our way towards Esperance, take a 40km drive along one of the most enchanting stretches of oceanside road you’ll ever see. Take a dip at Twilight Beach, one of many breathtaking beaches along the iconic Great Ocean Drive. Grab a coffee in Esperance before we travel a little further east to Cape Le Grand National Park. Set up camp at Lucky Bay, where you will find an ocean coloured all imaginable shades of blue and sand so white and fine it squeaks between your toes. The rest of the day is at your command. Bush walk through the untamed landscape or kick back on the beach and soak up the serenity. We will stay two nights in the well-equipped camping area.

Today drive around 6 hours with plenty of stops along the way.

Day 5: Cape Le Grand National Park

Sunrise is a sacred time here, and it’s also when the friendly western grey kangaroos are at their most active. Wander onto the beach to say hello before we spend a whole day unearthing this incredible park. Traverse through lush bushland, swim at fantastic bays and coves and learn about its abundant flora and fauna. Come late afternoon, embark on one of the best hikes of the tour, climbing Frenchman Peak to watch the sunset on our last night together.

Day 6: Esperance to Perth

We have a lot of distance to cover today, so it’s up early and on our way. Stopping for lunch at a quintessential outback town, we’ll continue until we reach the 2,700-million-year-old Wave Rock. Rising 15 metres above the ground, surfing this natural granite wonder is a must-have photo opportunity.

After, it’s back on the bus to see the historic township of York. Surrounded by pretty countryside, it’s easy to see why this location was the first inland settlement for Western Australia’s early colonists. Learn about the Rabbit-Proof Fence, built between 1901 and 1907 to keep rabbits and other agricultural pests from the east out of Western Australia.

Finally, roll into Perth around 6.30 pm after travelling around 9 hours with stops along the way.

KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK

• Please advise of any special dietary requirements when you book. We offer plenty of variety and do our best to provide fresh products. Snacks, soft drinks and alcohol are not included.
• This is a camping tour, and involvement from the passengers is required. To get the most from this experience, you will need to enjoy the outdoors, hiking, and cope with extreme weather conditions. Camping on this tour is at a mixture of national parks and campgrounds. 
• When camping, we use single swags. Swags are ‘Aussie Bed Rolls’ made from sturdy canvas with a mattress built into the swag. Passengers need to provide a sleeping bag and pillow to insert into the swag. Our wet weather option is a 3-person dome tent shared by two people.
• A good fitness level is required on our adventure tours, and you need to be prepared for walks of between 3-9 kilometres on some days. This may involve rough ground and perhaps getting wet.
• Bags are restricted to 1 × 15kg backpack/soft travel bag per person, plus one small piece of hand luggage.
• 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.
• This tour requires a minimum of six people to operate. In the unlikely event, your departure is cancelled because minimum numbers have not been met, we will transfer all monies paid onto another departure date in the future. If this is not suitable, we will refund your tour price in full.
• Please read our full Booking Terms & Conditions before booking.