MELBOURNE TO PERTH

Welcome to our 7 day tour to Perth and the Scenic South. 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 AND FREMANTLE

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. We farewell our guide and make our way to the historic port of Fremantle. Here we enjoy lunch at Cicerello’s, an iconic Fremantle destination since its founding in 1903. It’s 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. After a fantastic day of exploring, we then head back to our hotel to freshen up before dinner.

OVERNIGHT:  Pan Pacific Perth, PERTH

ROTTNEST ISLAND

Today we cruise over the warm waters of the Indian Ocean onto Rottnest Island. With its white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters, rich history and quokkas, we are in for a wonderful day of discovery. The day includes return ferry from Perth to the island and a guided coach tour – as well as some free time to relax and enjoy this tranquil place.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  Pan Pacific Perth, PERTH

PERTH TO BUSSELTON

Leaving Perth behind this morning, travelling via Rockingham for our morning break and on to Mandurah, where we experience the best of Western Australia’s incredible marine environment onboard Mandurah Cruises.  Gliding through the calm inland waters of the Mandurah Estuary and Peel Inlet we keep an eye out for the friendly local bottle nose dolphins. After our cruise there will be time to explore the Mandurah Esplanade and purchase lunch. Continuing our coastal route this afternoon, we arrive at The Busselton Jetty. Extending 1.841km out to sea, the heritage listed Jetty is the longest timber-piled Jetty in the Southern Hemisphere!! We’ll jump onboard the Busselton Jetty Train and take in the 360-degree views across the Indian Ocean as we journey across the calm, clear waters. At the end of the jetty is the Underwater Observatory, giving us the opportunity to experience one of Australia’s greatest artificial reefs. Descending eight metres below the surface, we’ll be led through the natural wonders that lie beneath. The reef is host to an awe-inspiring forest of vividly coloured tropical and subtropical corals, sponges and fish. Afterwards we head to our accommodation in Busselton and settle in for the next three nights.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: Abbey Beach Resort, BUSSELTON

EXPLORING BEYOND BUSSELTON

This morning, we begin to uncover what this region has to offer, starting with the stunning scenery at Canal Rocks just west of Yallingup.  Thousands of years of the Indian Ocean surging against this section of granite coastline has chiselled out a narrow channel between the granite rocks. A timber walkway allows us easy access and great views of the rushing ocean beneath. It is always impressive no matter what the weather. After some stunning photos taken, we head to Cape Lavender Teahouse for morning tea and chance to discover their handcrafted lavender essential oils and skin products. Afterwards we’ll visit Vasse Virgin, a natural soap factory. Here you’ll hear about how the soaps are made and feel the difference in products at the various testing stations. Lunch today will be special at Aravina Estate.  Nestled amongst the picturesque setting of expansive rolling hills, natural bushland and being one of the regions finest wine producers; we also enjoy a tasting!  Wander the gallery and marvel at the classic car collection while here too. After such a splendid lunch we return to our resort to relax or as the beach is basically our back yard, why not feel the sand between your toes and enjoy a stroll prior to dinner.

OVERNIGHT: Abbey Beach Resort, BUSSELTON

EXPLORING THE MARGARET RIVER REGION

The Margaret River area is a rich dairy cattle and timber region, with a reputation for fine wines and surfing. This morning, we tour through the region, stopping at the Margaret River Mouth Viewpoint. We continue along the stunning Caves Road to Mammoth Cave. The magical, gothic-like limestone cave is a natural time capsule, home to the ancient fossil remains of the long-extinct giant animals known as Australian Megafauna. After our guided tour, we head further south, stopping for a photo opportunity of the magnificent forest. Towering karri trees, some over 60m in height, undulate across the valley. With sunlight streaming smooth trunks, this is one of the best sights in the Margaret River region. We reach the rocky headland of Cape Leeuwin, which Matthew Flinders described as 'the southern and most projecting part of Leeuwin's Land,' to visit the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. The lighthouse is situated at the most south-westerly tip of Australia, standing at the point where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. We have time here to explore the precinct and interpretive centre. Lunchtime now, so we make our way to Hamelin Bay Wines. It is one of Margaret River's premier wineries. A magnificent granite entry will lead us to a contemporary space, where we can enjoy our lunch and a tasting. We will find ourselves wanting to linger here in this peaceful atmosphere, enjoying the stunning vista of the vines, valley, lake and forest. After our special lunch, we start making our way back to Busselton but not before a stop in the actual township of Margaret River where we’ll have some free time to wander and peruse the shops.

OVERNIGHT:  Abbey Beach Resort, BUSSELTON

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