Perth and the Margaret River Explorer

Your Private Driver meets you at Perth airport and transfers you to your hotel. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers at 11:00 and travel to the Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine region. The combination of soil quality, warm Mediterranean climate and the cooling breeze of the Fremantle Doctor result in excellent conditions for viticulture. Visit 180 year old Sandalford and meet the talented and passionate winemakers for an in-depth tour of the working winery followed by an exclusive hands on wine blending experience. Enjoy a delicious lunch and sample a selection of the award-winning wines. Return to Perth and enjoy some time at leisure before coming together for a Welcome Reception with local Western Australian wines and beers with local produce canapes.

Leave cosmopolitan Perth behind as you head south and journey to Busselton. Explore vibrant waterside cafes and restaurants, then visit the town’s iconic Jetty. Measuring at over a mile, it is the longest in the Southern Hemisphere and a local icon. Take time to go for a stroll and enjoy the ocean vistas or take the train all the way to the end and visit the underwater aquarium. Wadandi people had been living in the area thousands of years before the first European settlers arrived. This afternoon return to nature and Make Travel Matter as you connect with the indigenous spirits at Cape Naturaliste. Experience a traditional Welcome to Country before heading on a scenic walk, listening to the humming sound of the didgeridoo. Hear from a local Indigenous guide as they explain how they interpret the land and their own personal stories. Return to your resort and enjoy a dinner of locally sourced, seasonal produce.

Today is dedicated to the gastronomical delights of the Margaret River wine region. First up is the prestigious Leeuwin Estate, one of the five founding wineries of the now famous district. On your winery tour learn about its history and the unique features found only in this region. Hear about their world-renowned, award-winning wines and on-site art gallery. Finish your time here with a wine tasting perfectly matched with a selection of seasonal canapes. For lunch, visit neighbouring Voyager Estate and indulge in a four-course long lunch dining experience. In the afternoon, relax at your resort and enjoy its facilities before dinner.

After a Relaxed Start this morning, travel north to meet some of the fantastic wildlife found along the shores of Penguin Island. Named after the colony of about 1,200 little penguins that live there, you might also spot sea birds, sea lions and wild dolphins swimming along your boat as you take a cruise in the Shoalwater Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Arrive in Fremantle, housing Western Australia’s biggest port and a city with rich history. Founded as the Swan River Colony in 1829, the city saw exponential growth during the late 19th Century gold rushes. Town highlights include the Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage convict site, the listed Victorian and early Edwardian architecture of the West End and the landmark Esplanade Hotel, a historic lodging dating back to 1850 and your home for the next two nights. Take in the laid-back atmosphere as you enjoy an evening strolling among local eateries and bars, and perhaps take a close look at local legend Bon Scott’s statue.

Take the day to discover Fremantle as you wish with Insight Choice. Take a short ferry ride to Rottnest Island, get on two wheels and discover this slice of outdoor paradise. There are dedicated bike paths for you to follow: cycle to the historic Wadjemup Lighthouse, the smaller Bathurst Lighthouse for spectacular views of ‘The Basin’ and surrounding reef, or venture to the West End to spot some of the resident fur seals. Keep an eye out for the quokkas, the only mammal native to the island, referred to as the happiest animal on earth. Perhaps snap a selfie with these friendly marsupials, who often pose for the shot. Alternatively, stay on mainland and join your Local Expert for a fun food focused walking tour visiting the best cafes, pubs, markets and restaurants. Hear entertaining stories whilst sampling some of the best artisan foods, ethnic flavours and refreshing drinks. Tonight, come together with your fellow travellers and indulge in a Celebration Dinner in one of the local restaurants, toasting your adventures taken and memories made.

This morning your trip concludes after breakfast. Take your complimentary transfer to Perth Airport for your onward journey.