Is the west coast the best coast? On this tour, you'll follow the "Rainbow Coast" on the southwest and return on the Wheat Belt. Discover the contrasting landscapes of these regions, and explore the history of early European settlement, along with awe-inspiring natural wonders, world-renowned wineries, and plenty of great food.
Family touringWildlife & natureOn arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside customs exit and delivered to your Perth accommodation.
Perth sits on the west coast and is Australia’s sunniest capital city. Soak up the sunshine at one of the white sand beaches, take a walk in leafy Kings Park - one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, or visit nearby Rottnest Island to meet the resident quokkas. For a more cultural experience head to the museum and gallery precinct, or go a little further afield to Swan Valley to experience its vineyards, art, food and history.
See the whole of Rottnest in a day with a return ferry trip combined with a full-island bus tour. The 90-minute tour visits the island’s most spectacular locations, with insightful commentary shining a light on "Rotto’s" unique flora, fauna, history, and culture. The bus stops at two key vantage points – Wadjemup Lighthouse and the rugged West End, where passengers can hop off, take a short walk, and soak up the views. You might even meet a quokka or two along the way.
Our rental car range includes the latest vehicles from the top suppliers. We have a fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige sedans and SUVs. Insurance can often be included with a small excess or deductible.
The journey from Margaret River takes approximately three hours by car. Take the Kwinana Freeway out of Perth, this later becomes Forrest Highway. Head towards Bunbury, then onto Busselton.
Busselton's calm turquoise bay is the perfect place to stretch your legs. Take a walk or train ride over the Indian Ocean on the 1.8km (1.1 mile) long jetty - the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere. Visit the Busselton Museum, Old Courthouse or the beautiful St Mary's Church for a taste of what the area was like in the 1800s, and then treat yourself to lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants before continuing on your drive. Margaret River is just 50km (31 miles) south of Busselton and when you start to see vineyards – you’re almost there.
Margaret River is one of Western Australia's most famous wine regions. Over the last 50 years, it has reached internationally-acclaimed status specialising in cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, with nearly 100 cellar doors to experience.
The Underwater Observatory tour starts with a relaxing train ride on the Stocker Preston Express along the length of the Jetty with 360-degree views across Geographe Bay. Descending 8 metres below the ocean's surface, this tour then explores the natural wonders that lie beneath the Jetty where it’s piles create Australia’s greatest artificial reef host to 300 different marine species with an inspiring forest of vividly-coloured tropical and sub-tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates.
Busselton is one of Western Australia’s favourite seaside towns, nestled at the northern end of beautiful Geographe Bay. Gateway to the world famous Margaret River wine region and home to the iconic Busselton Jetty and its amazing waterfront precinct, Busselton is an ideal destination for whale watching.
The whale watching vessel is a single-hulled 18m Conquest, the ideal choice for an up close and personal interaction with the whales and other wildlife. The airy, spacious rear deck allows uninterrupted views, and perhaps the blessing of a cloud of whale breath if you are really lucky! With around 75% of the deck covered overhead, you can make the most of those days of welcome winter sunshine, and if it rains, you can still enjoy the ocean without a soaking. Relax and enjoy the view at the comfortable outdoor seating for 20 or escape the elements in the cosy cabin. For an incredible “crow’s nest” experience and uninterrupted 360-degree panorama, spot wildlife with the skipper on the flybridge.
Today's journey begins by heading inland to the old timber town of Nannup – famous for its gardens, spring wildflowers and craft shops. From here, head south to Pemberton, home to the Gloucester Tree - the world's tallest fire lookout tree. At 61m (200ft) the lookout platform is roughly the same height as the Sydney Opera House.
Continue on the Vasse and South Western Highway to Walpole and continue towards Denmark, stopping off at William Bay National Park, where the towering forest meets the Southern Ocean and you can take a short walk to see Greens Pool and the Elephant Rocks rock formations. Denmark has wineries and gourmet produce stores surrounding the town, so there's not shortage of great options in the cafes and restaurants to take a late lunch or grab a snack.
From Denmark, it is just 40 minutes to Albany, the place that the first European settlers set foot in Western Australia. Home to more than 50 heritage buildings and the Historic Whaling Station Museum at Discovery Bay, there is no shortage of history waiting to be discovered.
The Valley of the Giants is an iconic region on the south coast of Western Australia between Denmark and Walpole. The area is world famous for the Tree Top Walk suspended 40 metres high in the canopy of the ancient tingle forest. Designed to immerse you in the forest and leave the eco system untouched, the walk blends seamlessly into its surrounds, inspired by the sword grass and the tassel flower it serves to protect. Suspended effortlessly in the air, the walk moves gently just like the sway of the trees. In a busy world be inspired to stop, reflect, and connect with nature.
Eagles Heritage was established in 1987 and is one of the largest wildlife centres in Australia dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured and displaced birds of prey. This encounter will provide you with the opportunity to meet and interact with eagles, hawks, falcons and owls and marvel at their unique adaptations and natural behaviours. A gentle hike on one of the native forest trails will allow you to experience the native bushland sanctuary at your own pace and possibly even spot some of its resident birds of prey.
The drive from Albany to Perth is long, at around 420km (261 miles), but straightforward as you will stay on the Albany Highway through the Wheatbelt all the way to Perth.
About 2 hours into your journey is the town of Kojonup, where you can visit The Kodja Place. This Visitor and Interpretive Centre incorporates state of the art design and technologies with the simple directness of the traditional Noongar style of storytelling and also features the Australian Rose Maze. The town is also home to the Kojonup Military Barracks, built in 1845.
Continuing northwest for about an hour, you will come to Williams, one of the oldest settled towns in Western Australia. Stop in at the Williams Wool Shed where there is a cafe as well as a gift shop, art display, and sheep shearing demonstrations.
Continue through the Wheatbelt passing lush bushland as you continue to your destination, Perth.
Explore more of Perth before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.