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Experience the sheer 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. Check out Wave Rock's immense rock face, 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, walk among colossal eucalypts in the Valley of the Giants and encounter ancient Aboriginal culture in Ngilgi Cave. This 6-day adventure is just the trip for those wanting to experience the stupendous natural attractions of Western Australia's southern gulf.

Start
Perth, Australia
Finish
Perth, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Basix
Theme
Overland
Code
PE6
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1, Max 21

Why you'll love this trip

  • The South West of Australia is one of the most pristine, untouched regions of Australia

  • See some of the most beautiful things nature can create, such as Wave Rock and towering forests

  • Be at one with nature, camp outdoors in stunning National Parks

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

Map of Esperance and 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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Boasting beautiful beaches, sprawling parks and a thriving craft beer scene, Perth is well worth arriving in a few days pre-tour to get to know. Day 1 of our tour we set out early east across the city and over the Darling Ranges, stopping off for lunch at the unusual granite formations Hippo’s Yawn and Wave Rock. Millennia in the making and colossally spectacular, these epic natural sculptures are one very photogenic pit stop. Further south to Fitzgerald River National Park, there’ll be time for an afternoon beach stroll before pitching camp for the night.

Note: driving time today is approximately 9 hours, walking is approx 1.5 hours.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hippo's Yawn and Wave Rock
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Welcome in the day with a hike up East Mt Barren 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. Once on the road, we’ll stop in for a coffee and stretch in the charming little town of Esperance, then pass through some extraordinary landscapes to Cape Le Grand (we’re talking clear blue seas, chalky white beaches, hidden bays and sunbathing kangaroos). After setting up camp, there’ll be a free afternoon for swimming, bushwalking, stretching out on the sand, or whatever else your heart desires.

Note: driving time today is approximately 3 hours. Walking time is approximately 3 hours.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

The views from the top of Frenchman’s Peak are pretty impressive, so this morning the top of Frenchman’s Peak is where we go. Following the walk, it’s back in the van for the drive into the Stirling Ranges (with a lunch stop near Esperance along the way).

Note: driving time is about 6 hours, walking time is about 4.5 hours
Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Cruise along WA’s glorious stretch of coastline, seeing how years of natural erosion have crafted incredible rock sculptures and granite bluffs – the Natural Bridge and The Gap are two of our favourites. Heading inland, we then get to the Valley of the Giants, a giant forest of towering Red Tingle trees, many of which are over 400 years old. Walk amongst these tall tingle trees on the ancient empire walk. Climb the Diamond tree, towering 50 metres above the ground, a native karri tree once used as a fire lookout. It is 1 of 3 wooden top towers in this area and in the world. The day’s last lot of driving brings us to Quinninup camp.

Note: driving time is about 4 hours, walking time is about 1.5 hours.
Accommodation
  • camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ancient Empire Walk - Valley of the Giants
  • The Diamond Tree
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Try the delicious local fare of Margaret River. Now’s the time to eat, drink and be merry.
Boutique breweries, chocolate, cheese and even a fudge factory. Today you will have time to browse and explore.

Driving time is about 2 hours.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Today it’s time to see some other sides of this remarkable region. Venturing underground at Ngilgi caves, we’ll discover crystalline stalagmites and stalactites that have formed over thousands of years, then hear how the region has traditionally been regarded by its indigenous people during a meet and greet with local residents. Our Overland adventure finishes up back in Perth.

Driving time is about 3.5 hours
Included Activities
  • Ngilgi Cave Entrance
  • Koomal Dreaming Aboriginal Cultural Experience
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Meals

5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Swag Camping (5 nights)

Included activities

  • Hippo's Yawn and Wave Rock
  • Ancient Empire Walk - Valley of the Giants
  • 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 7am and finishes on day 6 approximately 7pm. 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

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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Reviews

Our Esperance and Southwest Adventure trips score an average of 4.5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews in the last year.

Esperance and Southwest Adventure, December 2016

Lauren McCormick

Review submitted 22 Dec 2016

Esperance and Southwest Adventure, December 2016

Joaquim Cerveira

Review submitted 21 Dec 2016

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