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Experience the natural beauty of Western Australia's Esperance region

Discover the exquisite natural beauty and sublime solitude of Western Australia's Esperance area on this round-trip journey that begins and ends in Perth. Explore the hidden coves of Fitzgerald River National Park and bask on Cape Le Grand's white powder sands. Hit the hiking trails of the Stirling Ranges and take in breathtaking views from the summit of Frenchmans Peak and Castle Rock. Explore ancient forests and pristine coastline, and encounter Noongar culture from a Traditional Custodian. This 6-day adventure is just the trip for those wanting to experience a spectacular range of natural attractions found in Western Australia's south-west corner.

Start
Perth, Australia
Finish
Perth, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Basix
Theme
Overland
Code
PE6
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1, Max 20

Why you'll love this trip

  • Get up close to some of Mother Nature's finest creations while exploring WA's spectacular coast.

  • One of the world’s most remote wine regions, Margaret River’s wineries also produce some of the world’s best drops. Sample chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon on a tasting tour of the region.

  • Embark on a hike like no other in Porongurup National Park. Cross towering eucalyptus forests and the famous Balancing Rock on a hike to the unique granite outcrop, Castle Rock.

  • Learn about Noongar culture on an illuminating bushwalk with a Wadandi custodian. Learn to identify native bush foods and medicines; discover the art of fire-lighting and tool-making, and be treated to a live didgeridoo performance inside Ngilgi Cave.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is swag camping only, and whilst we think this adds to the experience, it might be an interesting style of accommodation for you

  • There are quite basic facilities on this trip, and one night with no shower available. National Parks are generally quite minimal with facilities offered

  • We will travel through some quite remote regions of the South West, most of the time we won't have phone reception or internet access

  • This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves a lot of walking, allowing you to really get among nature. The hike in Karijini National Park is challenging. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing. You will need two pairs of shoes, one that can get wet.

Map of Esperance & Southwest Adventure including Australia
Woman looking over Albany Beach, Western Australia
Sunset at a beach in Western Australia
Wine tasting in the Margaret River, Western Australia
Wave Rock, Western Australia
Cape le Grand Beach, Western Australia

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Apr 2018 to 31 Mar 2020.
 View the 2020 itinerary

Arrive in Western Australia’s state capital. Though Perth has the distinction of being one of the world’s most remote cities, it also boasts beautiful beaches, sprawling parks, a thriving craft beer scene and some pretty spectacular nearby scenery; as this tour doesn’t involve any time in Perth, it’s worth arriving a few days early to get to know this cosmopolitan city. Leave Perth bright and early on Day 1, as you head east for Fitzgerald River National Park via the Darling Ranges, also known as the Perth Hills. It’s a beautiful drive through a leafy region of forested hills, charming country villages, scenic swim spots and boutique wineries. It’s also a long drive – ten hours total – so the journey will be broken up with several stops. First stop: a coffee break in the morning in the historic township of York, WA’s first inland town. Next is a stop for lunch by the unusual granite formation, Wave Rock, which is arched like a 15-metre high breaking ocean wave. Tonight, you’ll camp Aussie-style in a swag beneath the WA sky at Fitzgerald River National Park.

Driving Time: about ten hours
Walking Time: about one hour
Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hippo's Yawn and Wave Rock
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Tonight’s campsite at Fitzgerald River National Park has a toilet but no shower facilities.

Welcome in the day with a brisk hike up East Mt Barren, one of the three peaks that make up the Barren Range, for incredible views across the rugged coastline and waters of The Bight, or don’t – it’s your call. Sleep in if you’d prefer. Afterwards, hit the road, taking the scenic coastal route to Cape Le Grand National Park. It’s a three-hour journey with stops along the way to properly take in the extraordinary surrounds – we’re talking nine national parks, chalky white beaches (the sand at Lucky Bay was ranked ‘Australia’s whitest’ twice), hidden bays and sunbathing kangaroos. You’ll also stop for a coffee and a stretch in the charming little town of Esperance. After setting up camp at Cape Le Grand, there’ll be a free afternoon for swimming, coastal bushwalks, lazing on the sand or whatever else your heart desires.

Driving Time: about three hours
Walking Time: about three hours
Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Tonight’s campsite at Cape Le Grand National Park has toilet and shower facilities.

Begin the day with a morning bush walk to the top of Frenchman’s Peak. It’s a bit of a trek, but your effort is rewarded with sweeping views over the park’s southern coastline and Recherche Archipelago. Following the walk, make tracks for the Stirling Ranges, a mountainous national park of rugged peaks, stark cliff faces, sheltered gullies and colourful wildflowers. The region is also renowned for its spectacular cloud formations, which are known to blanket the Range. Stop for lunch near Esperance along the way. Tonight, you’ll swag camp at a private campground in the Stirling Ranges.

Driving Time: about six hours
Walking Time: about four and a half hours
Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Tonight’s private campground in the Stirling Ranges has toilet and shower facilities.

Embrace an early start and head to the Porongurup National Park for a hike through its unique landscape. Cross spectacular marri and karri forests and the famous Balancing Rock on a hike to Castle Rock, a huge granite outcrop. It’s a bit of a climb to the summit, but the breathtaking views of the region make it worth the effort. Afterwards, set out on a scenic drive along WA’s answer to Victoria’s Great Ocean Road – Great Ocean Drive. Make sure to have your camera handy as you’re treated to incredible coastal scenes; think postcard-perfect turquoise seas, dramatic red-rock cliffs and pristine beaches replete with perfect sands and sun-bleached boulders. Stop along the way to take a closer look at some of the area’s natural attractions such as the Gap and Natural Bridge, Elephant Rocks and the largest tingle tree in the state.

Driving Time: about four hours
Walking Time: about one and a half hour
Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Tonight’s accommodation at Quinninup Caravan Park has toilet and shower facilities.

Begin the day with a visit to the famous Diamond Tree, a gigantic karri tree that was once used as a fire lookout. If you’re feeling brave and aren’t afraid of heights, climb the 50 metres to the lookout. Then you’re off to encounter local Margaret River flavours with a tasting tour that will take you to some of the region’s boutique wineries and breweries, chocolate factory and cheesery. See for yourself why Margaret River’s wineries have built a reputation on their cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay.

Driving Time: about five hours
Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • The Diamond Tree
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Tonight’s camp ground has toilet and shower facilities.

Enjoy one last morning waking to the warble of kookaburras and cockatoos; this is the last day of your tour of the south-west corner of South Australia, but a memorable last day it is. Head to Dunsborough where local Wadandi custodian, Josh ‘Koomal’ Whiteland will shed insight into the world’s oldest living culture. On a bushwalk led by Josh, learn to identify native bush foods and medicines; discover the art of fire-lighting and tool-making, and be treated to a live didgeridoo performance inside Ngilgi Cave. Continue to the tourist town of Busselton, which owes its popularity to beautiful Geographe Bay. Enjoy lunch and a swim in the turquoise waters of one of its excellent beaches before continuing to Perth, where the trip ends on arrival. There are no planned activities in Perth and you are free to depart at any time, though its usual for the group to get together and reflect on their journey over a few drinks and a meal.

Driving Time: about four hours
Included Activities
  • Ngilgi Cave Entrance
  • Koomal Dreaming Aboriginal Cultural Experience
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
No accommodation is provided for tonight. If you plan on spending the night in Perth, please make sure to book your own accommodation prior to departure.

Meals

5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Minibus

Accommodation

Swag Camping (5 nights)

Included activities

  • Hippo's Yawn and Wave Rock
  • The Diamond Tree
  • Ngilgi Cave Entrance
  • Koomal Dreaming Aboriginal Cultural Experience

Dates & availability

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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Important notes

1. This trip starts in Perth at approximately 7 am and finishes on Day 6 approximately 7 pm. Onward travel to be booked the following day.
2. This trip requires a sleeping bag, you will need to provide your own.
3. This trip is basix swag camping.
4. Please note there is no single supplement is available for this trip.
5. This trip is for FIT AND ACTIVE people and involves very basic camping and challenging hikes.

Essential trip information

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