MELBOURNE TO PERTH

Welcome to our 7 day tour to Perth. With chauffeured pickup from home, we travel to Melbourne Airport. Here we’ll be greeted by an O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours representative who will assist us with check in, and see us onto the plane for our direct flight to Perth. Arriving at Perth Airport, we will be welcomed by our coach crew who will assist us with our luggage before we board the coach for the transfer into the city. We have time to relax in our lovely accommodation before our first dinner together.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight

OVERNIGHT:  Pan Pacific, PERTH

PERTH CITY SIGHTS

Today we spend the morning discovering the unique charm of Perth City. With a local guide leading the way, we explore the main city block with its unusual combination of skyscrapers and colonial architecture, including St Mary's Cathedral, Government House, Barrack Arch and Parliament House.  We’ll finish our morning tour with Kings Park. One of the biggest city parks in the world, Kings Park gives epic views of the Swan and Canning rivers, and the skyscrapers perched on their banks, this is a vision not to be missed. After lunch, we make our way to The Bell Tower, given to the people of Western Australia as part of the national Bicentennial celebrations in 1988. Via a lift we can access the bell ringing room, the bells themselves and an observation deck. Next, we visit the Perth Mint, originally opened in 1899 as a branch of the Royal Mint in London. Today it only produces collector’s coins and other “one off” things like the 2000 Olympic Medals. The building was constructed with limestone from Cottesloe Beach and features the original Melt House where gold was melted and made into coins. A gold pour will be conducted for us in the same way it was when the building was first constructed. The rest of the afternoon is free, perhaps to have a look through the shops or just to relax back at the hotel.

OVERNIGHT:  Pan Pacific Perth, PERTH

THE SWAN VALLEY

There’s no better way to see the magnificence of Perth’s Swan Valley than by water! Relax and enjoy the iconic city skyline and beautiful picturesque landscape as we escape the city and cruise leisurely into the upper regions of the Swan Valley. We'll be treated to a delicious share platter lunch on board with wine, followed by a wine and macaron pairing experience at Mandoon Estate! All of this is capped off with live entertainment and tantalizing desserts on board your return cruise.

OVERNIGHT:  Pan Pacific Perth, PERTH

EXPLORING FREMANTLE

This morning, we drive to the historic port of Fremantle where we meet a local expert who will show us the well-preserved colonial era buildings, the old jetty and the prison and museums. We now have some free time to explore the Fremantle Markets followed by lunch at Cicerello’s, an iconic Fremantle destination since its founding in 1903. It not only famous for its traditional fish ‘n’ chips but also home to WA's largest private aquariums. After lunch we visit the Western Australian Maritime Museum and take a tour through other unique galleries that symbolise WA’s maritime past, present and future.  Next, we visit the Fremantle Prison where we join the “Behind Bars” tour to explore the prison and learn of its convict origins in the 1850’s until its closure as a maximum-security gaol in 1991. We discover how time was passed in the yards while taking in original prisoner works of art.  After a fantastic day of exploring, we then head back to our hotel to freshen up before dinner.

OVERNIGHT: Pan Pacific, PERTH

NAMBUNG NATIONAL PARK - THE PINNACLES

This morning we make our way to Cervantes taking the newly opened scenic drive - Indian Ocean Road. We arrive in time for a lunch break before our arrival at the Lesueur National Park. A sealed loop road drive circles the park and the main car park adjacent to Mount Lesueur offers a magnificent panoramic view across the park and the pretty coastlines of Jurien Bay and Green Head. Next, we visit to the Nambung National Park – home to the Pinnacles. This unique landscape of limestone pillars is like a moon scene, strange looking formations rising eerily out of the sand, some several metres tall. It is believed the Pinnacles were created millions of years ago as seashells were broken down into sand and then eroded by water and wind. We return to Perth where we enjoy dinner in our hotel.

OVERNIGHT: Pan Pacific, PERTH

ROTTNEST ISLAND

Located just off the coast in the warm clear waters of the Indian Ocean, Rottnest Island is a spectacular world of white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters, abundant marine life, rare marsupials and rich history. The island was named “Rottnest” by Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh which meant “rats nest” - he mistook the island’s unique marsupials - the Quokkas, for giant rats! These curious and cheerful marsupials are recognised around the world and it’s worth the journey across from Perth just to see them! The day includes return ferry to the island, lunch and a guided coach tour - as well as some free time to relax and enjoy this tranquil place.

OVERNIGHT:  Pan Pacific, PERTH

HOMEWARD BOUND

Sadly, our holiday is coming to an end. After breakfast we make our way back to Perth Airport for our flight to Melbourne, completing a sensational 7-day tour. As always, our chauffeurs will be there to greet us and transfer us safely home - all part of the O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours superior service!

Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight