Immerse yourself in a First Nations tour like no other, go tasting wines, cheese and chocolate in the epicurean Margaret River region, spend a unique night surrounded by some of Australia’s animal treasures at Donnelly River Village and get to know the southern coast with wildlife and wilderness experiences in and around Albany. This five-day adventure from Perth (Boorloo in the language of the local Whadjuk Nyoongar people, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Perth is now located) to the best that Western Australia’s south has to offer is action-packed, scenic and full of time for you to soak in the views. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Perth / Busselton / Margaret River
Welcome to the west coast of the Australian mainland. Your adventure begins in Perth (Boorloo in the language of the local Whadjuk Nyoongar people, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Perth is now located). This morning, meet your leader and fellow travel crew at 8.30am – find out exact details in the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ of your Essential Trip Information – then begin your coastal journey south towards the laidback locale of Busselton. Home to the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere at 1.841 kilometres, take the chance to stretch your legs and explore along the lovely foreshore. Continue to your accommodation in Margaret River, then head out again, this time inland to an immersive and powerful First Nations cultural experience, giving you a snapshot into the history of the land and its peoples. Take a short bushwalk identifying traditional medicines in plants and learning local Noongar knowledge from your guide. Venture into Ngilgi Cave, home to significant Dreaming stories for local communities, and experience a mesmerising didgeridoo performance inside the cave. Tonight, perhaps keep the introductions going over dinner and a drink with your newfound travel pals.

Accommodation

  • (1 Night)
Included Activities
  • Yallingup - Noongar First Nations Experience
  • Busselton - Busselton Jetty
  • Yallingup - Ngilgi Cave Visit & Didgeridoo Performance
Optional Activities
    Day 2: Margaret River
    Today is all about tasting what the Margaret River region has to offer. This section of Australia is home to some of the best artisanal flavours around, particularly their wines, cheeses and chocolate. So, luckily for you, the group will hit all three today! Take to the less travelled regional roads bound for a boutique winery, a local chocolate factory and cheesery, tasting some of the best going around. Margaret River’s wineries have built a reputation on their cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, and you’ll soon know why. After a day of indulging, the evening is yours to enjoy how you’d like. Perhaps it’s time to explore the township’s restaurant and bar scene – be sure to ask your group leader for their recommendations.

    Accommodation
    • (1 Night)
    Included Activities
    • Margaret River - Cheesery Visit
    • Margaret River - Chocolate Factory Visit
    • Margaret River - Winery Visit & Tastings
    Optional Activities
      Meals
      • Breakfast
      Day 3: Cape Leeuwin / Donnelly River Village
      Strap in for a day of sightseeing – first stop, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. Here, learn of the fascinating maritime history of the Cape region full of shipwrecks and lighthouse keeper tales. There will also be time for a short coastal walk along the Cape to Cape Track, so be sure to have your camera handy for some cool coastal shots. Pass by Winjee Sam (Canal Rocks) and The Bridge, keeping an eye out for a passing Southern Right or Humpback Whale, which you might just be lucky enough to spot. Next drive to Hamelin Bay and search for some local stingrays floating around in the shallow waters. Finish up with an easy one-hour drive to the former timber town of Donnelly River, where you’ll spend the night in heritage buildings with shared communal facilities, surrounded by kangaroos, emus and possums. This is true blue.

      Accommodation
      • (1 Night)
      Included Activities
      • Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park - Canal Rocks & The Bridge
      • Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park - Boranup Forest (Caves Road) & Conto Beach Lookout
      • Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park - Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse & Coastal Walk
      • Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park - Hamelin Bay
      Optional Activities
        Meals
        • Breakfast
        Day 4: Walpole / Albany
        Depart Donnelly River Village bound for Walpole-Nornalup National Park. Spend the morning in nature on board a wilderness eco cruise in Walpole. Keep your eyes peeled for pods of dolphins and other marine life in this secluded cove. Afterwards, stop by the impressive Valley of the Giants, embarking on a Tree Top Walk on boardwalks and bridges suspended upwards of 40 metres in the canopy above. This ancient tingle forest is the largest in the state, and the biodiversity of trees in this region are very special. Explore the forests of southern WA, and on your way to Albany, stop by the coast at natural attractions such as Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks, discovering some postcard-perfect views. Think sun-bleached boulders, crisp white sands, turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs – they’re all on the cards today. Following an action-packed day end up in Albany tonight.

        Accommodation
        • (1 Night)
        Included Activities
        • Walpole-Nornalup National Park - Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk
        • William Bay National Park - Greens Pool & Elephant Rocks
        • Walpole-Nornalup National Park - Wilderness Eco Cruise
        Optional Activities
          Meals
          • Breakfast
          Day 5: Torndirrup National Park / Perth
          After breakfast head out to explore the sights in and around Albany. See The Gap, Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park and Frenchmans Bay, stopping to stretch your legs and take some coastal photos. Then, in the afternoon, it’s time to head back to Perth. Depending on the time of year, fields of wildflowers will be in full bloom roadside, making for some scenic roadside views. You will arrive back to Perth in the late afternoon or early evening. Once there, you are free to continue your own adventure or begin your homeward journey, as your tour ends on arrival.

          Included Activities
          • Albany - Frenchmans Bay
          • Torndirrup National Park - The Gap & Natural Bridge
          Optional Activities
            Meals
            • Breakfast

            Photo Gallery

            Location

            15 Bannister St, Fremantle

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            Terms and Conditions

            -- JOINING POINT -- Quality Hotel Ambassador Perth 196 Adelaide Terrace Perth AUSTRALIA Phone: +61 8 9325 1455 -- PROBLEMS AND EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION -- While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Intrepid's Local Operator: +61 2 7229 1083 -- ITINERARY DISCLAIMER -- ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. -- FEEDBACK -- Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/ -- FOOD AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS -- While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. -- ACCOMMODATION -- Motel (3 nights) Village accommodation (with shared facilities) (1 night) -- TRANSPORT -- Private vehicle Boat -- PACKING -- https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination and if it is you can simply refill with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you. What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg. Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps). If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day. Below we have listed the essentials for this trip: -- CLIMATE AND SEASONAL INFORMATION -- Perth is the sunniest capital city in Australia. The average maximum summer temperature is 29°C, and February is generally the hottest month. Temperatures hover around 12°C in winter (June to August). Margaret River and the south west region of WA boasts a Mediterranean climate. Summer see’s temperatures sit between 25 and 35°C, with the cooler winter months between 8 to 16°C Its always a good idea to check the local weather temperature in the days prior to travel. -- GROUP LEADER -- All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip. -- SAFETY -- Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines -- A COUPLE OF RULES -- We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader or local representative, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders or local representatives and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local representative immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section. -- TRAVELLING IN A GROUP -- As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling. -- TRAVEL INSURANCE -- Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:

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