Highlights
- Discover the best of Perth with a laneways and coffee culture tour
- Meet cute and fluffy quokkas as you bike around Rottnest Island
- Take a day trip to the Pinnacles Desert, home to surreal limestone formations
- Taste your way across the Margaret River wine region
- Swim with humpback whales and whale sharks in the Ningaloo Reef
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Perth, Arcades & Laneways Walking Tour | Perth |
| Day 2 | Full-Day Rottnest Island Experience with Bike, Snorkel & Lunch | Perth |
| Day 3 | Full-Day Pinnacles, Koalas & Sandboarding 4WD Adventure | Perth |
| Day 4 | Coffee Culture & Art Tour, Drive to Margaret River, Didgeridoo Cave Tour | Margaret River |
| Day 5 | Full-Day Margaret River Discovery Tour | Margaret River |
| Day 6 | Augusta Whale Watching, Voyager Estate Tour & Discovery Lunch | Margaret River |
| Day 7 | Drive to Perth, Fly to Exmouth, Free Time at Sal Salis | Exmouth |
| Day 8 | Swim with Humpback Whales, Yardie Creek Safari | Exmouth |
| Day 9 | Swim with Whale Sharks | Exmouth |
| Day 10 | Fly to Perth, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Perth, Arcades & Laneways Walking Tour
G'day, and welcome to Perth, Australia's sunniest capital city! Western Australia's capital is a laid-back destination that effortlessly blends urban cool with raw natural beauty. A private driver will transfer you from the airport to your 5-star boutique hotel, COMO The Treasury. The contemporary award-winning hotel is set within a Victorian-era building in Perth's revitalized historic heart. Drop your bags, then venture out to the famous Kings Park and Botanic Garden, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, to get your bearings with a panoramic view of the city skyline.
Downtown Perth is home to cool laneways and historic arcades, so this afternoon, you'll join a 2.5-hour private walking tour. Discover the pedestrian-friendly malls, ornate arcades, trendy laneways, back streets, and dirty alleys with an entertaining guide who will share the answer to pressing questions, such as why Perth is called Perth. End with a drink at a hip local bar, then enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. You could return to the hotel and dine at the renowned rooftop restaurant Wildflower, whose menu focuses on the six Indigenous seasons.
Day 2: Full-Day Rottnest Island Experience with Bike, Snorkel & Lunch
Begin your day with a ferry ride to Rottnest Island, a tranquil paradise located 11 miles (18 km) off the coast of Perth. With its 63 sandy beaches and 20 picturesque bays, this car-free island offers the perfect escape. Upon arrival, bikes will be waiting for you to set off on a scenic, self-guided 2.5-mile (4 km) ride through the island's heart to Oliver Hill, where you can explore underground tunnels and admire historic artillery. Take in the sweeping views, and make sure to visit the glittering salt lakes.
As you continue your cycling adventure, keep an eye out for diverse birdlife and the adorable quokkas, the island's beloved native marsupials that have gained fame on Instagram. Pedal north for 2 miles (3.3 km) to Little Parakeet Bay, where you can cool off in crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a relaxed Italian lunch at Frankie's on Rotto, then follow the snorkel trail at Parker Point or explore various shipwreck sites for an underwater adventure. Just don't miss your return ferry back to the mainland!
Day 3: Full-Day Pinnacles, Koalas & Sandboarding 4WD Adventure
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
The Pinnacles, thousands of limestone pillars scattered across Nambung National Park, are about a two-hour drive north of Perth. Formed about 30,000 years ago, each pillar stands as high as 16 feet (5 m), creating an otherworldly landscape from a science fiction movie. Today, a private guide will take you north of the city to Caversham Wildlife Park, where you'll meet kangaroos, koalas, and other native Australian wildlife. After, travel to the fishing town of Cervantes—the rock lobster capital—for a behind-the-scenes lobster processing factory tour.
Enjoy a picnic lunch of fish and chips, then head up the coast toward the Pinnacle Desert to view the mystical limestone rock formations. Experience the moon-like landscape come to life as you drive over the vast sand dunes in custom-built vehicles. After, you'll experience the thrills of downhill sandboarding as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean before heading back to Perth.
Day 4: Coffee Culture & Art Tour, Drive to Margaret River, Didgeridoo Cave Tour
Kickstart your day with a caffeine-fueled adventure that blends Perth's coffee culture with art and history. Wander down Wolf Lane to see the best street art and murals, then explore the city's art, sculpture, and architecture on a two-hour private tour. Your guide will share quirky tales from Perth's past as you pass by Cathedral Square, the old General Post Office, Land Titles Office, and Treasury Buildings. Uncover hidden gems in Hibernian Place, Stirling Gardens, and Government House, and traverse the old theater district, home to His Majesty's Theatre and the Cultural Centre.
After, collect a rental car and set the GPS for Margaret River, one of Western Australia's most famous wine regions with almost 100 cellar doors, pristine coastline, mysterious caves, and lush forests. After three hours, you'll reach the rolling vines of this area, best known for its chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. Check into the 5-star beachfront Smiths Beach Resort, an architectural award-winning retreat set within a wild national park and overlooking a pristine beach.
Later this evening, join a heart-opening 90-minute Aboriginal culture tour. Starting with a short guided bush walk, you'll identify traditional medicine plants before venturing into Ngilgi Cave to hear your private guide relate the Dreaming legends and give a mesmerizing didgeridoo performance.
Day 5: Full-Day Margaret River Discovery Tour
While famous for its world-class wines, the Margaret River region is more than vineyards, and today's private full-day adventure will reveal its secrets. A knowledgeable and friendly local will collect you in a luxury 4WD Jeep for a private exploration. Start with a canoe trip down a tranquil section of the Margaret River, then see how the winemakers like to relax when you visit a golden sandy beach to check out the surf while enjoying a coffee.
The next stop is an ancient waterhole to spot freshwater marron (crayfish) and to taste local honey while you reflect on the Aboriginal history of the area, which dates back more than 50,000 years. Pause for lunch at one of the region's most celebrated and emerging superstar wineries before going behind the scenes with exclusive access to the winery and vineyard. After exploring the cellar, savor some of the region's best wines with a guided tasting. Finally, finish the day with an off-road 4WD adventure and walk on a spectacular section of the Cape to Cape Track, up to the Wilyabrup Cliffs.
Day 6: Augusta Whale Watching, Voyager Estate Tour & Discovery Lunch
Rise early today and make a one-hour drive south to Augusta, a picturesque seaside town and one of the best locations in Australia to witness humpback whales as they make their epic migration north. Each year, from late May, you can see male humpbacks competing for the attention of females through various behaviors, including breaching and thunderous tail slaps. Board a luxurious catamaran for a two-hour cruise and set out to spy on these curious creatures. You might also see minke whales, blue whales, white-bellied sea eagles, osprey, long-nosed fur seals, dolphins, and albatross.
On the return trip to your luxe resort, pull in for a seven-course discovery lunch at Voyager Estate, one of Australia's most ambitious and innovative producers of chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. Go beyond the cellar door with this immersive exploration of craft and terroir. The gastronomic adventure begins with a guided vineyard walk, where you'll learn about organic farming and the estate. Then, taste wine straight from the barrel and learn more about winemaking philosophy. Finally, sit down to a signature seven-course wine-paired lunch that celebrates local produce.
Day 7: Drive to Perth, Fly to Exmouth, Free Time at Sal Salis
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Margaret River before making the return three-hour journey up the coast to Perth. Pause at the seaside town of Busselton to stretch your legs. Here, you'll find the 150-year-old Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Walk the 1.1-mile (1.7 km) stretch or take the miniature train to the end. Step into the Underwater Observatory, a circular room studded with windows 26 feet (8 m) beneath the ocean's surface. They reveal up to 300 species of colorful coral, fish, and other marine life fed by an unusually warm current.
Back in Perth, return the rental car and board a two-hour flight north to the small town of Exmouth on Western Australia's northwest cape. This charming coastal town is the gateway to some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes, including Ningaloo Marine Park, with its coral reefs, colorful fish, and migratory whale sharks. On arrival, take a private transfer to the luxurious and remote beachfront safari camp, Sal Salis. Nestled in the dunes of Western Australia's Cape Range National Park, this wild and luxurious campsite steps in tune with nature.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax and connect with your surroundings. Snorkel or kayak the crystal-clear waters of the Ningaloo Reef, home to an array of marine life, including 500 species of fish, turtles, dugongs, and harmless reef sharks, just a few strokes away from your private beach. Or stay on dry land and opt for a guided hike across the striking landscapes of the Australian bush in Cape Range National Park. Later, marvel at the Milky Way in the dark night sky, undisturbed by any city lights.
Day 8: Swim with Humpback Whales, Yardie Creek Safari
Some 30,000 humpback whales traverse this region each year to reach the breeding and birthing grounds in Exmouth Gulf. On the return journey, between July and October, it's possible to swim alongside these giant marine creatures, an interaction that is possible only in select locations worldwide. Take a private transfer to Tantabiddi Boat Ramp and set sail—soon, you'll spot the humpback whales breaching, lunging, water-slapping, and blowing. That's your cue to suit up, grab a snorkel, and prepare for the encounter of a lifetime with these curious and peaceful giants.
Later today, embark on a private Yardie Creek Safari and see the best of Cape Range National Park. Wonder at the grandeur of Yardie Creek Gorge as you navigate its tranquil waters through the sheer red limestone cliffs. Delight in the local wildlife, including giant osprey nesting high on the craggy cliff face and timid black-footed rock wallabies sunning themselves on the rocks. Soak up the blue waters of Turquoise Bay, and finish with a swim and snorkel on Ningaloo Reef. On the return to Exmouth, take in the panoramic vantage point of Lighthouse Hill.Day 9: Swim with Whale Sharks, Free Afternoon at Sal Salis
If you couldn't get enough of yesterday's humpback whale experience, you're in luck—today, you'll take to the waters again for an up-close encounter with whale sharks. These ocean giants can grow up to 59 feet (18 m) long and congregate around the Ningaloo Reef between April and July. Swim alongside these peaceful creatures and see more of the reef, a biodiversity hotspot rich in aquatic life. You never know what you'll find from one day to the next on this UNESCO-listed wonder.
Afterward, you'll return to Sal Salis, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. While away the hours in your tent-front hammock, book a guided walk through the neighboring Mandu Mangu Gorge or fit in an afternoon kayaking or snorkeling excursion. As evening falls, savor fresh seafood and Western Australian wines at the lantern-lit lodge restaurant, or opt for a private dinner hamper to experience a beachfront picnic while the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
Day 10: Fly to Perth, Depart
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