Explore New Norcia: an amazing  township of magnificent, Spanish-influenced, heritage-listed buildings, olive trees and church bells nestled in a picturesque valley in the heart of the Western Australian bush 

A delightfully relaxing, full-day tour which takes in some of the historical and natural attractions plus the local craft of the Peel Region, south of Perth. The morning is spent at the historic Edenvale Homestead Precinct in Pinjarra: an activity hub for local community craft groups (potters, quilters, artists and machine enthusiasts). Late morning continue south and stroll along a raised boardwalk on the banks of pristine Lake Clifton to view the thrombolites: amazing living organisms which have existed over 2000 years. Dine at a local restaurant overlooking the Dawesville Cut and the Peel
Inlet. Conclude the day cruising the Mandurah waterways: home to many species of migratory water birds, bottle-nosed dolphins as well as luxury, waterside homes. 

On this tour we give you the keys to Perth, the 7th most liveable city in the world for 2017, as we unlock and introduce you to the history, heritage and lifestyle of Western Australia’s capital. By the end of the tour you will indeed know all about Perth plus receive a handy City map and key information on transport, dining, shopping and entertainment  to make your stay all the more enjoyable. Come and discover and get to know Perth with us!!

 

Although both Perth and Fremantle were established in 1829 they are quite different to each other. Perth is WA’s capital city: a bustling business and commercial hub located on the banks of  Swan River with the backdrop of Kings Park and a distinctive high-rise skyline.  Fremantle, located at the mouth of the Swan River, is a much smaller city: a fishing and commercial port and a market city where successive waves of settlers have left their imprint in the architecture of the early colonial, Victorian and Edwardian buildings and their cuisine in the many restaurants serving pizza, fresh pasta and gelatos along the “Cappuccino Strip”. So it is time to discover what each city has to offer and then decide which is your favourite.

You really do not have travel far from Perth to experience the diversity, incredible beauty and vibrant colours of hundreds of native, spring wildflower species as over 2200 different species are known to occur in natural bushland on the Swan Coastal Plain and the Darling Escarpment. Great Western Coach Tours has been conducting wildflower tours in this region for over fifteen years and know some very special locations. Each and every tour is accompanied by a Coach Captain and a botanical guide who will provides you with fascinating facts and information on the different
flower species found on leisurely bush walks throughout the day.

Each passenger receives their own, personal, full-colour,wildflower booklet as a reference so, when you are reviewing all the incredible flower pictures you have taken, you will be able to check the species’ names   and details.  A lasting momento of a wonderful day spent in WA.

The SwanValley may be well-known for its wineries but it is also home to a wonderful
array of outlets which showcase delicious chocolate, honey, nougat, and nut and
coffee products. This afternoon we indulge your senses of smell, sight and
taste as we take you on a marvellous tour which visits six uniquely different
outlets with opportunity to smell the tantilising aromas of coffee and
chocolate see informative demonstrations and incredible chocolate displays,
sample and taste the products and purchase your favourites.  

To protect your chocolate purchases from the Australian summertime heat, we provide you with a special foldable, pre-chilled cooler bag (one FREE per two adults booked on the tour); a great reusable keepsake of your Swan Valley afternoon after the contents have been enjoyed

1600 - 1630:  Welcome Aboard

                         Pick ups from Perth City hotels

 

1630:               Drive to Fremantle

                         We take a scenic drive alongside the  Swan River to the port

                         city of  Fremantle; home, on Friday nights,  to the historic

                         Fremantle Markets.  Time to browse the stalls of fresh

                         produce and interesting , locally-produced  souvenirs and

                         gifts before travelling a very short  distance to Bathers

                        Beach, near the Fishing Boat Harbour. The ocean breeze

                        (nicknamed the Fremantle Doctor) can be quite cool and the

                        temperature usually drops with setting sun so come

                        prepared.  Place your meal order with your friendly tour

                       driver

 

 1845:              Fish & Chip Dinner

                         Collect your freshly-cooked fish and chip dinner.  You can

                        either dine at a table in the cafe or take your packet across

                        to a spot along the beach front (trays supplied) and watch

                        the sun as it dips lower and lower towards the horizon.

                        Note: Tour price includes either fried (battered) OR grilled

                        fish options.  Additional menu items and sauces are at own

                        expense.

 

1945:              Ice Cream Treat

                        After the sun has set and evening falls, we take a short stroll

                        to the Baskin Robbins shop for a delicious ice cream.

                        Note: Tour price includes a single scoop in a standard cone.

 

2000:              Return drive to Perth – City Lights

                        We return to Perth and enjoy the City Lights from Kings Park

                        and the South  Perth foreshore before returning you to your

                        City accommodation

                       

Note:  Times  given are approximate and may differ due to time of sunset and/or weather conditions. 

 

DAY 1 – PERTH - WILLIAMS - KATANNING - PINGRUP - STIRLING RANGES - BLUFF KNOLL – ALBANY

                The country adventure begins

DAY 1  - TUESDAY - PERTH - WILLIAMS - KOJONUP- ALBANY
Depart Perth at 08:00 and head south via Williams (morning tea stop) and Kojonup (lunch stop) and time for a  brief visit to Kodja Place (indigenous and migrant history) and the  Rose Maze.

Arrive Albany central accommodation late afternoon.  

DAY 2 – WEDNESDAY -ALBANY – BREMER BAY – ORCA EXPEDITION – ALBANY

Depart Albany at 05:15 and drive along the South Coast Highway to the Bremer Bay Boat Harbour, the departure point for the Bremer Canyon Killer Whale (Orca) Expedition: an awesome experience for the adventurous spirit highlighted by sightings of pods of several species of whale, dolphins and pelagic seabirds present in the Canyon at this time of year. Full information and safety briefing, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided. 

Early evening return to Albany.

Note: Orcas are sighted over 96% of the time during the season

 

DAY 3 - THURSDAY - FREE MORNING - ORANJE TRACTOR - ANZAC CENTRE - MT CLARENCE

A relaxing morning to explore some of Albany’s historic sites including the Brig Amity replica and the fascinating Museum of the Great Southern: both easy walking distance from your accommodation.  Time to stroll up and down York Street, browse the boutiques and gift shops and find a café for coffee and/or a light lunch. Early afternoon take a short drive to Oranje Tractor for an exclusive tour of the property’s organic gardens and winery followed by a special Wine Flights tasting; where wines are paired with tasty morsels of fresh garden produce. Later in the afternoon immerse yourself in an interactive and insightful tour of the world-class National Anzac Centre where you will assume the identity of an actual service man or woman and follow their experiences during the Great War. The afternoon concludes with a drive to the summit of Mount Clarence to enjoy panoramic views over King George Sound and visit the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial. Return to your accommodation.

DAY 4 – FRIDAY - KALGAN CRUISE- MIDDLETON BEACH - FREE TIME - GAP & NATURAL BRIDGE - TWILIGHT TOUR

This morning head to nearby Emu Point to board the Kalgan Queen for a 4-hour an informative and entertaining cruise of the sheltered waters of Oyster Harbour and the ancient Kalgan River. Make a stop at the stunning Middleton Beach; six kilometers of pristine white sand – time for a stroll and café lunch (own expense) before returning to your accommodation.  Head off late afternoon to the Torndirrup National Park for a visit to the awe-inspiring Gap & Natural Bridge where the relentless wave force of the Great Southern Ocean crashing against the ancient granite coastline over the millenia has carved a spectacular sheer drop of almost twenty five metres and a giant rock bridge. Continue on to Discovery Bay to enjoy the beauty of the sun’s last light over King George Sound as you hear interesting stories about the whaling company and the characters that worked here. The views of the various factory spaces lit up at night are unique and you will have the opportunity to explore the upper deck of the Cheynes IV whale chaser before relaxing at Whalers Galley Café  with a fish and chip dinner (included). Return to your accommodation.

DAY 5 – SATURDAY – ALBANY FARMERS' MARKET - PLANTAGENET WINES - WILLIAMS WOOLSHED –
PERTH

A wonderful opportunity to join the locals this morning at the weekly Albany Farmers Market: held in a car park in the heart of Albany (easy walking distance from your accommodation) which is miraculously transformed into a busy, thriving market place and local producers from all over the Great Southern Region bring their fresh, seasonal product to sell direct. Depart Albany late morning and drive to Plantagenet Wines in nearby Mount Barker. Enjoy a wine tasting (included) and lunch (own expense) and maybe purchase a few bottles of your favourite wine to savour on your return home. After lunch rejoin the Albany Highway and drive back to Perth with a brief comfort stop at the Williams Woolshed. Return time will be 18:00 (approx.)

ENJOY:

• Sunsets over King George Sound from Mt Clarence and the Torndirrup Peninsula
• Free time to visit the nearby Brig Amity and WA Museum Albany
• Time to browse the colourful Albany Farmers Markets
• Photo opportunities at Middleton Beach, the Gap and the Natural Bridge and Discovery Bay

INCLUDED:

• 4 nights’ twin accommodation at the 4 star Best Western Motel, Albany
• 8-hour Bremer Canyon Orca Expedition with morning tea + lunch + afternoon tea
• Entry to National Anzac Centre
• Exclusive garden tour + Wine Flights tasting at Oranje Tractor
• 4 –hour Kalgan Queen River Cruise
• Discovery Bay Twilight Tour with Fish & Chip Dinner
• Plantagenet Wines tasting

NOT INCLUDED:

• Meals and entry and activity fees other than those listed above
• Items of a personal nature

A most wonderful 5-day botanical adventure showcasing the extraordinary and biodiverse
flora of the pristine wilderness of the Stirling Range and Fitzgerald River National Parks and featuring the amazing annual Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show

YOU’LL ENJOY:

• The wonderful camaraderie of a small group adventure (10 people)

• The rugged beauty of the Stirling Range and Fitzgerald River National Parks

• Sunset drinks in the Stirling Ranges and at Hopetoun

• See incredible species of wildflowers in pristine Great Southern wilderness

• Immerse yourself in the world’s biggest wildflower show + other events

• Experience the knowledge and passion of your local guides and your tour hosts

• Travel in comfort and space aboard a luxury 12-seat coach

INCLUDED:

• 1 night’s  twin-share accommodation in a rammed-earth chalet in the Stirling Ranges

• 3 nights’ twin-share  motel accommodation in Hopetoun
• 4 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 2 afternoon teas, 2 pre-dinner “bubbles +
  nibbles”, 1 dinner
• Exclusive Stirling Range Wildflower tour with local guide
• 2  Wildflower Hot Spot Tours of the Fitzgerald River National Park with local guide
• Djilarup Honey Farm tour (13 Sep departure)
• Herbarium Tour (20 Sep departure)
• Walk Among the Wildflowers Sundowner with local guide

NOT INCLUDED:

• Meals and entry/activity fees other than those specified above
• Items of a personal nature

DEPARTS:  Monday 13 September 2021 AND Monday 20 September 2021

TOUR ITINERARY:

DAY 1 - MONDAY - PERTH - WILLIAMS – BROOMEHILL– STIRLING RANGES

            Welcome aboard!

07:45:  Join your tour and meet the group and your tour hosts at the Public Transport Centre, Summers Street, East Perth. Buckle up and settle in for the drive south via the Tonkin and Albany Highways to Williams.

10:00:  Stop for a morning cuppa (own expense) and a browse at the Williams Woolshed; a retail outlet for wool products, regional wines and gifts.

12:15:  You’ll learn the fascinating history of the Henry Jones Building over lunch (own expense) at Broomehill (lunch stop – own expense). A chance to get to know your fellow adventurers and your tour hosts 

15:00:  By mid-afternoon, you’ll be enjoying spectacular views of the Stirling Ranges from the look- out at the base of Bluff Knoll (at 1099 m – the highest peak in South Western Australia.

16:15:  Late afternoon check into your rammed-earth cabin at the nearby Stirling Range Retreat.  

17:45:  Enjoy some bubbles and nibbles together with the group as the sun sets over the Stirlings before dinner (included)

DAY 2 – TUESDAY – STIRLING RANGE WILDFLOWER
TOUR – RAVENSTHORPE – HOPETOUN

08:00:  Prepare a self-cooked breakfast in you rammed-earth cabin before checking out and being ready to join your exclusive Stirling Range Wildflower tour.

 09:00:  Accompanied by a local guide, this wonderful, 3-hour Wildflower tour (with morning tea included) will show you orchids (many growing within the grounds of the Retreat) and other species currently in bloom within the National Park.

12:15:  Before leaving the National Park have lunch at the Bluff Knoll Café (own expense).

13:30:   After lunch, your journey continues north then east along the South Coast Highway to Ravensthorpe where a brief stop is made to view the Ravensthorpe Silo murals before continuing on a short distance to the seaside community of Hopetoun. 

16:15:  Check in to your accommodation at the Hopetoun Motel & Chalet Village. Dinner tonight(own expense) is at the Port Hotel; a short stroll from the motel

 

DAY 3 -WEDNESDAY – HOPETOUN – RAVENSTHORPE – HOT SPOT TOUR – WILDFLOWER SHOW –HOPETOUN

07:30:  Stroll to breakfast (included) at the nearby Port Hotel.

08: 50:  Depart for Ravensthorpe and to spend your first day at the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show

09:30:  Arrive at the Raventhorpe Town Hall and prepare to head off, accompanied  by a local guide, on a Wildflower Hot Spot Tour into the neighbouring Fitzgerald River National Park: a vast, 330,000 hectare, botanical wonderland which is home to 2000+ plant species.  Make sure to have your camera fully charged and ready to capture some memorable shots of the rugged scenery and the beautiful flowers!!  (Picnic lunch included)

12:00:  Return to Raventhorpe to immerse yourself in the world’s biggest Wildflower Show: browse the purpose-built Herbarium Exhibition Hall where over an amazing 700+ plant species are on display, take a look at the Community Art Exhibition, enjoy a Devonshire Tea in the Red Room (included) and be tempted at the Wildflower Show Gift Shop. 

Click to see Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show preview:           

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEB83qU6ARk

16:00:  Depart Ravensthorpe and return to your accommodation in Hopetoun.  Time to relax, download your pictures and recharge your batteries before dinner at the Port Hotel (own expense)

 

 DAY 4 – THURSDAY - HOPETOUN – DJILARUP HONEY FARM - WILDFLOWER
SHOW HOPETOUN

08:00: Depart for your breakfast (included) at the nearby Port Hotel.

09:00:   After breakfast, visit the Immersed Photography Exhibition at Hopetoun or go for a stroll along Two Mile Beach

09:50:   Head up to the Djilarup Honey Farm at Kundip. Your host this morning is local apiarist, Tony Turner who will take you on a guided tour of the property.

10:15:  Learn the fascinating story of how this local honey farm has been regenerated by planting             thousands of Leptospermum (tea-tree) species which have successfully restored bee activity, bee health and soil quality plus enabled the production of Manuka honey

11:40: It’s time to head back to spend some more time at the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show, enjoy a Devonshire Tea in the Red Room (included) or visit the Essence of the Bush Exhibition at the Community Centre and the amazing Crazy Granny’s Quilts, Arts & Crafts.

14:30:  Return to Hopetoun to relax and freshen up before heading out for Walk Among the Wildflowers Sundowner

16:15:  Join local horticulturalist, Donna Higgins, on a leisurely walk among Hopetoun's wildflowers, Sunset bubbles & nibbles included

20:15: Supper at the Port Hotel (own expense)

 DAY 5 – FRIDAY –HOPETOUN – RAVENSTHORPE – HOT SPOT TOUR – LUNCH - PERTH

07:30:  Stroll to breakfast at the nearby Port Hotel.

08: 50:  Depart for Ravensthorpe to spend your final morning amongst the wildflowers of the Fitzgerald River Biosphere on a Hot Spot Tour (a different location from the Wednesday tour).

12:00:  Return to Raventhorpe for lunch (picnic lunch provided) and any last-minute purchases

13:00:   Board your coach and settle in for your return drive to Perth. A comfort stop will be made along the way.

18:00:  Arrive Public Transport Centre, Summers Street, East Perth

Note: Times given are approximate and may differ due to weather conditions and/or unforeseen delays

08:00: Depart bus bay opposite Mantra on Murray (305 Murray Street)

10:30:  Arrive Potters Gorge for a delicious morning tea (included) beside the dam reservoir.

11:15:  Head to nearby Wellington Dam to view the incredible 8000 m2 mural designed and painted                 by Canberra-born Guido van Helten

12:00:  Re-join the coach for a short drive through the jarrah, marri and yarri forest to Collie.

12:30:   Arrive in downtown Collie

             Time to grab a cuppa and some lunch(own expense)  check out some of the amazing                           artwork along the Collie Mural Trail.

14:00  :  Board the coach for a special, behind-closed-doors view of an unusual mural,                                        painted in 1922. From a passionate local guide, learn the amazing story of the                                      mural and the building in which it is located.        

14:45  :   Depart Collie for the return drive to Perth

17:30:    Estimated return time in Perth

Note: Times given are approximate and may differ due to weather conditions and/or
unforeseen delays