Southwest Australia - Discovering the Golden Outback

The southern part of the west coast of Australia has a temperate climate. The best time to travel here is from September to April. It gets really hot in the Australian summer, which takes place from November to March, when temperatures rise up to 30 degrees Celsius.

Once you arrive at the airport, you will pick up the rental car you will be using for the next 17 days. Perth, the city where the Swan River estuary flows, is all about a relaxed lifestyle, lots of culture and a lively nightlife.

Learn about the traditional way of life of the Nyoongar, the aboriginal people of the Swan River, and their relationship to time, creation and nature as well as the spiritual bond with their ancestors on a tour of Perth's Kings Park. Did you know that Kings Park is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world? Another place worth visiting is Rottnest Island, home to the famous short-tailed kangaroos known as quokkas. You can easily access the island by ferry. Alternatively, you can relax on one of the city's 19 wonderful beaches.

Our tip: You can visit the region like almost the entire continent all year round, but we recommend the months from September to March, when you have an almost one hundred percent chance of nice weather.

From the airport to your hotel in Perth: 20 minutes / 12 km

2 nights with breakfast included in Perth, Australia

Your outback adventure start in the early morning.

If Wave Rock were made of water, it would certainly be a magnet for surfers. Although it may seem that way, this unusual rock formation that looks like a tall breaking ocean wave was not created by humans. Wave Rock is a true natural wonder, sculpted by Mother Earth over millions of years through erosion and the weather. Formed deep underground, the granite formation is about 15 meters high and 110 meters long.

Photo tip: if you stretch your arms horizontally and squat down a bit, it will look like you are surfing on the stone wave.

Besides Wave Rock, there is also Mulka's Cave, where you can find numerous aboriginal drawings.

For golfers, the region offers an 18-hole golf course, open between June and October.

Between September and December, you can experience a colorful attraction: The golden plains around Hyden and Wave Rock bloom into a colorful sea of flowers.

Perth to Wave Rock drive: approx. 4 hours / approx. 335 km

1 night at Wave Rock, Australia

Known in Australia as a gold mining town, Kalgoorlie is the largest town in Western Australia's outback. The city is most famous for the Super Pit, one of the largest open pit gold mines in Australia (and in the world).

The city came into being at the end of the 19th century, when the gold rush began in Australia. The gold rush was triggered by now legendary gold prospector Patrick Hannan after he struck gold in Kalgoorlie. Today, houses restored in detail are a reminder of the Victorian era starting in 1893. After the gold was mined on the surface, the Super Pit was built in 1989 to mine the gold located ub deeper layers. Meanwhile, the Super Pit Lookout offers a wonderful panoramic view of the gold mine.

Pro tip: Make sure to include in your itinerary a visit to the extraordinary Lake Ballard 130 kilometers north of Kalgoorlie, Fifty-one steel sculptures make for a dramatic setting for Australia's largest outdoor art gallery. The sculptures were created by British artist Sir Antony Gormley, whose most famous sculpture, the Angel of the North, is located in northern England. The white salt flat of Lake Ballard is a 2.5 hour drive from Kalgoorlie.

From Wave Rock to Kalgoorlie: approx. 4.5 hours / approx. 387 km

Lucky Bay, east of Esperance, has the whitest sand in Australia and yet remains untouched by mass tourism. At the same time, the beach differs from the others on the continent in another respect: at Lucky Bay, you can find kangaroos roaming freely! Lucky Bay is set against the impressive landscape of 110 islands of the Recherche Archipelago.

Kalgoorlie - Esperance: about 4 hours / about 391 km

Today you will depart the snow-white beaches of Esperance to discover the snow-white beaches of Albany. The city and its surroundings boast lakes, green forests and national parks. Albany’s history is particularly interesting, since Albany is the oldest and most southern city in Australia. The town has about 16,000 inhabitants and presents a strong English influence - in the heart of the city, you can find many buildings erected by the first settlers. The Tondirrup National Park can be easily accessed from Albany. It is the perfect getaway with fantastic views. The coastal strip, made of granite, was once part of the Antarctic. The region, also known as the Great Southern, is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the southwest of the continent. Between July and October, you can also look for whales along the coast.

From Esperance to Albany: approx. 5 hours / approx. 483 km

1 overnight stay in Albany, Australia

Pemberton is located right next to the D'Entrecasteaux National Park in the center of the so-called Southern Forests, where one dense eucalyptus forest follows another. The Southern Forests are interspersed with deep valleys as well as crystal clear streams and stretch from Nannup to the town of Denmark. Large karri trees, a type of eucalyptus found only in Australia's rainy southwest, are also ubiquitous here, which is why the region is also known as karri country. It's not surprising, then, that the timber industry is big in the city.

The Pemberton Tramway is an attraction worth visiting. You will go into the woods at a leisurely pace, stopping at the idyllic Warren River Bridge and getting a tour of a nearly hollowed-out karri tree.

About three kilometers away from town is the well-known Gloucester National Park, with the twelve-kilometer-long Glouchester Tree to Cascades Walk. In addition to many birds and a waterfall, there is a highlight here: the Gloucester Tree. This tree is probably the most famous in Australia, rising about 60 meters into the air. At the treetop, there is a platform from which you have a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. How about climbing the tree? In the Australian spring, wildflower bloom between September and December turns the ground of the forest into a colorful carpet of flowers and the karri trees bear white flowers at that time.

From Albany to Pemberton: approx. 2.5 hours / approx. 232 km

1 overnight stay in Pemberton, Australia

Welcome to wine paradise - Margaret River! The region has progressed from a sleepy little village to one of the top spots for wine connoisseurs. About 15 percent of the Australian premium wines are produced here - we can only recommend that you experience the wine excellence of this place at tastings. Wineries abound, and alongside them restaurants, boutique breweries, art galleries and local producers whose products range from cheese to chocolate. At the annual Food & Wine Festival, you can go all out, wandering from booth to booth and indulging in culinary delights. Those who want to burn off any calories after so many tasty treats will also get their money's worth. The region around the river boasts quite the reputation among surfers: over 40 spots with a wide variety of conditions guarantee the perfect wave. Whether it’s reef breaks or surf waves - fans of the sport will find what they are looking for here.

Pemberton to Margaret River: 1.5 hours / approx. 133 km

1 overnight stay in Margaret River, Australia

Today you will travel from Margaret River back to Perth. On the way there, we have another tip for you. Stop in the small village of Busselton, where you'll find something very special: the nearly two-kilometer-long Busselton jetty. A spiral staircase at the pier leads you down to the Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory. Once there, you'll find yourself eight meters underwater, observing underwater life through windows.

From Margaret River to Perth: approx. 3 hours / 273 km

Today marks the end of your trip. Please remember that all our trips can be rearranged and tailored according to your wishes and needs. So if you would like an extension on the west coast or, if the east coast is still on your bucket list, let us know and we will take care of the organization.

itravel - for that moment.

Alex Hotel****, Perth, Australia

Open since 2015, this boutique hotel offers an iconic and modern design with great views of the city. Open-plan living areas, a European-style restaurant and the Shadown Winde Bar are the property's flagship features. Rooms feature modern smart TVs with screen-sharing technology, Sodashi bathrooms, Italian Beltrami-brand bedding, and some even have private balconies. A Lekker Bikes bike park is available to guests free of charge.

Wave Rock Motel***, Hyden, Australia

The hotel is a stone's throw from Wave Rock. The Hayden town center is one kilometer from the hotel. Each comfortable room is equipped with a minibar, air conditioning and other amenities. The three restaurants offer a chance to sample a range of local dishes. The bar offers refreshing drinks, and you can relax in front of the fireplace in the lounge.

Hospitality Kalgoorlie SureStay Collection by Best Western***+, Kalgoorlie, Australia

The Hospitality Kalgoorlie SureStay Collection by Best Western is located in the heart of this historic mining town. Enjoy spacious and comfortable accommodations and an outdoor pool. You can also expect free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and a bar. Each room at Hospitality Kalgoorlie features air conditioning, free movies and cable TV with a sports channel. All rooms also offer complimentary cookies. Champagne is available for an additional charge.

Comfort Inn Bay of Isles***+, Esperance, Australia Comfort Inn Bay of Isles is close to the center of Esperance and just a five-minute drive from Twilight Beach. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, tea and coffeemaking equipment, en suite bathrooms with showers and other amenities.

Best Western The Clarence on Melville***+, Albany, Australia

The hotel is just a three-minute-long walk from downtown Albany. Modern rooms offer cable TV, air-conditioning, en suite bathrooms, tea and coffee making equipment and minibars, among other amenities. At Miss Jaqueline's Restaurant, you'll enjoy freshly prepared regional products. To match, there is a wide selection of wines from the region.

RAC Karri Valley Resort***+, Pemberton, Australia

The resort awaits you right on the shores of Lake Beedelup. Each accommodation is self-catering and offers a private balcony with lake or forest views. There are plenty of recreational opportunities on site, such as mini golf, archery, tennis, mountain biking or sailing. Lakefront rooms feature an outdoor dining area. The small town of Pemberton is 22 kilometers away.

Stay Margaret River***, Margaret River, Australia

This property is the ideal accommodation for relaxing and exploring the region's popular wineries and treasures. All accommodation units are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a DVD player and a radio. They also have an iron/ironing board, a hairdryer and free internet. The in-house Willow Grill restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner and serves Chinese cuisine dishes. You will also find a 9-hole mini golf course, a giant chess set and a children's playground at your hotel.

Closest city: Perth

Closest airport: Perth International Airport

Duration of the trip: 17 days / 16 nights

Included

• 16 nights in the above hotels

  • 1 night at Alex Hotel**** with breakfast in a standard room in Perth, Australia

  • 1 night at Wave Rock Motel*** with breakfast in a standard room in Hyden, Australia

  • 2 nights at Hospitality Kalgoorlie SureStay Collection by Best Western***+ with breakfast in a standard room in Kalgoorlie, Australia

  • 3 nights at Comfort Inn Bay of Isles***+ with breakfast in a standard room in Esperance, Australia

  • 2 nights at Best Western The Clarence on Melville***+ with breakfast in a standard room in Albany, Australia

  • 2 nights at RAC Karri Valley Resort***+ with breakfast in a standard room in Pemberton, Australia

  • 3 nights at Stay Margaret River***+ with breakfast in a standard room in Margaret River, Australia

  • 1 night at Alex Hotel**** with breakfast in a standard room in Perth, Australia

• Meals according to the program
• 17 days of rental car (AVIS Australia Toyota Corolla Sedan or similar) including unlimited mileage, property damage coverage, vehicle registration fee, handling fee, 24-hour roadside assistance, taxes, location fee, MAX coverage, GPS
• The initial price is valid from 01.05.21 to 31.08.21.

Not included

• International flights
• Entrance fees to the national parks
• Park fees
• Meals and beverages not mentioned in the scope of services
• Rental cars: gasoline, young driver surcharge, one-way fees, off-hours drop-off/pick-up surcharges, deposit, other extras (WIFI, child seats, etc.), etc.
• Any government fees/taxes
• Visa, if required
• Personal expenses, such as tips, etc.

Notes

• For certain seasons, minimum stays and seasonal surcharges may apply.
• Rental cars: The terms and conditions of Avis apply.