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The Southwest - Audley Travel

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<strong>The</strong> <strong>Southwest</strong><br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Southwest</strong> of Australia has a sedate<br />

pace of life, a pleasant, temperate<br />

climate and remarkable natural beauty.<br />

Across this vast region national parks can be<br />

found filled with carpets of wildflowers and<br />

forests of giant karri trees. Miles of beautiful<br />

beaches are washed by the warm waters of<br />

the Indian Ocean and numerous lush valleys<br />

are dotted with wineries. While nature is the<br />

main allure, the sunny city of Perth, the<br />

capital of Western Australia, and the colonial<br />

port of Fremantle, offer a multitude of<br />

attractions. <strong>The</strong> Ningaloo Reef fringes the<br />

western coast and is the home of colourful<br />

coral and diverse species of fish, making it a<br />

great place for snorkelling, whilst to the south<br />

the coastal towns of Albany and Denmark<br />

provide an excellent base for hiking or whale<br />

watching, and Margaret River is home to<br />

award-winning local produce. Despite these<br />

pockets of civilisation, this is a sparsely<br />

populated region that gives you the chance<br />

to discover nature at its most serene and<br />

untouched. It is the region’s sense of isolation<br />

that gives the <strong>Southwest</strong> a feeling of<br />

independence and a unique identity that<br />

locals are all too happy to boast about.<br />

70


0 100 miles<br />

0 161 kilometres<br />

Exmouth<br />

8<br />

Ningaloo<br />

Marine<br />

Park<br />

Coral Bay<br />

Carnarvon<br />

Shark<br />

Bay<br />

Cape Range<br />

National Park<br />

Monkey Mia<br />

Denham<br />

7<br />

Kalbarri<br />

Kalbarri National Park<br />

Geraldton<br />

Indian Ocean<br />

Millstream<br />

Chichester<br />

National Park<br />

Collier Range<br />

National Park<br />

Kennedy<br />

Range<br />

National Park<br />

I<br />

I<br />

I<br />

I<br />

I<br />

Port Hedland<br />

I<br />

Karijini<br />

National Park<br />

Lake<br />

Moore<br />

I<br />

I I<br />

I I<br />

I<br />

WESTERN<br />

AUSTRALIA<br />

I<br />

I<br />

I<br />

I I I<br />

I<br />

I<br />

Lake<br />

Dora<br />

Lake<br />

Disappointment<br />

I<br />

Kalgoorlie<br />

I<br />

I<br />

Lake<br />

Carnegie<br />

I<br />

Lake<br />

Wells<br />

I I I I I I I I I I I I I<br />

Indian Pacific<br />

Cervantes Nambung<br />

National Park<br />

Lake<br />

Johnston<br />

1 Perth<br />

Lake Lake<br />

Rottnest 3<br />

Hope<br />

2<br />

Dundas<br />

Island Fremantle Lake<br />

Rockingham<br />

Sharpe<br />

Bunbury<br />

Yallingup 4<br />

Esperance<br />

Margaret River<br />

Augusta<br />

6<br />

5<br />

Pemberton<br />

Albany<br />

Denmark<br />

Southern Ocean<br />

I<br />

<strong>Audley</strong> in the <strong>Southwest</strong><br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Southwest</strong> has long been one of our<br />

favourite parts of Australia and we know the<br />

area extremely well. While the region is often<br />

overlooked by visitors, it is well worth<br />

including on an itinerary and the lack of other<br />

visitors allows you to explore at leisure and<br />

enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and sense of<br />

isolation for which it is famous. Due to its vast<br />

scale, the logistics of travelling around need<br />

careful consideration. Unquestionably, the<br />

region is best explored by car allowing you<br />

the freedom to take leisurely stops when you<br />

want. We can recommend a route that<br />

allows you to travel at a pace that suits you.<br />

Accommodation<br />

Perth has a good selection of international<br />

hotels to suit most tastes and budgets but<br />

demand frequently exceeds supply. <strong>The</strong>re<br />

are also a number of small, characterful<br />

guesthouses here and in the other urban<br />

centres, where accommodating hosts and a<br />

more personal experience bring a real taste<br />

of the <strong>Southwest</strong> to your stay. Beyond the<br />

main towns there is limited choice of<br />

accommodation, but there are a few gems<br />

that we can recommend.<br />

4 Margaret River<br />

<strong>The</strong> charming small town of<br />

Margaret River is known for its<br />

lush forests, lovely coastal scenery,<br />

fine wines and excellent food.<br />

5 Tree Top Walk<br />

A leisurely stroll along the<br />

40-metre-high Tree Top Walk at<br />

Walpole provides amazing views<br />

of the Valley of the Giants.<br />

Whale shark, Ningaloo Reef<br />

Vineyard, Margaret River<br />

1 Perth<br />

Stroll through leafy Kings Park<br />

for a splendid view across the<br />

Swan River to the city skyline.<br />

2 Rottnest Island<br />

Take the ferry over to Rottnest<br />

Island for a relaxing day touring<br />

the glittering bays and sheltered<br />

coves by bicycle.<br />

3 Fremantle<br />

Explore the port town of<br />

Fremantle, learn about its<br />

historic buildings and take in<br />

the bustling city market.<br />

6 Albany<br />

<strong>The</strong> seaside town of Albany<br />

rewards visitors with a collection<br />

of pretty colonial buildings, a<br />

dramatic coastal scenery and a<br />

series of wonderful beaches.<br />

7 Kalbarri National Park<br />

An area of stunning coastline<br />

and rugged gorges.<br />

Perth<br />

8 Ningaloo Reef<br />

<strong>The</strong> clear turquoise waters of<br />

the Indian Ocean shelter the<br />

colourful Ningaloo Reef, an<br />

exotic underwater world filled<br />

with vibrant coral, brightly<br />

coloured fish, friendly dolphins<br />

and the world’s biggest fish, the<br />

whale shark.<br />

Rottnest Island<br />

Find out more<br />

For suggested itineraries and practical<br />

information about travel in the <strong>Southwest</strong>,<br />

please see page 79.<br />

%<br />

www.audleytravel.com<br />

Interactive maps and features,<br />

further suggested itineraries,<br />

accommodation, climate information<br />

and articles written by our specialists.<br />

Discuss your plans with our Australia<br />

specialists 01993 838 810<br />

<strong>Southwest</strong> 71


Perth from across the Swan River<br />

Perth<br />

<strong>The</strong> modern city of Perth is a compact and<br />

welcoming place that acts as the main arrival point<br />

into the region. Located on the sweeping Swan<br />

River and a short distance from the coast, the city<br />

is blessed with a stunning natural setting and<br />

consistently blue skies. <strong>The</strong> city centre boasts an<br />

attractive blend of architecture and at its heart is<br />

Kings Park. Set on a high escarpment on the edge<br />

of the central business district, this 1.6 square<br />

kilometres of bushland and botanical gardens<br />

provides sensational views back across the<br />

gleaming skyline and river.<br />

A short drive to the west and you arrive at the<br />

seaside suburbs of Cottesloe, Scarborough and<br />

Sorrento. Sharing a glorious stretch of Indian<br />

Ocean coastline, affectionately known as the<br />

Sunset Coast, there are a number of lovely<br />

sheltered swimming beaches and plenty of walking<br />

and cycling paths here. A succession of mining<br />

booms in Western Australia has seen Perth<br />

develop in recent years with a rapidly growing<br />

population and the arrival of a number of high-rise<br />

office buildings, new restaurants, bars and galleries.<br />

Despite this growth, it retains a laid-back feel<br />

and provides a great base from which to explore<br />

the region.<br />

72<br />

<strong>The</strong> Richardson, Perth<br />

Sophisticated yet understated, the Richardson is<br />

the leading boutique hotel in Perth. Situated in<br />

leafy West Perth overlooking vast Kings Park, the<br />

hotel is perfectly positioned between the central<br />

business district and the stylish shopping area of<br />

Subiaco. Its 74 spacious and elegant rooms and<br />

suites feature uncluttered, contemporary décor.<br />

This, coupled with the personalised service and<br />

superb facilities, makes for a truly luxurious stay.<br />

<strong>The</strong> hotel has a lovely spa as well as the Opus<br />

Restaurant, one of Perth’s hottest dining spots,<br />

which features fresh, inventive cuisine and its<br />

own wine annex.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Richardson, Perth<br />

<strong>The</strong> Terrace Hotel, Perth<br />

<strong>The</strong> Terrace Hotel, Perth<br />

Opened in November 2012, the five star Terrace<br />

Hotel is located in West Perth within walking<br />

distance of the city centre and Kings Park. <strong>The</strong><br />

property was originally built in 1892 by the<br />

Anglican Church. It is rich in history and cultural<br />

significance and is a reminder of a former way of<br />

life in the City of Perth.<br />

Hotel Ibis, Perth<br />

<strong>The</strong> Hotel Ibis is ideally situated in the centre of<br />

the city close to the restaurants and shops of<br />

Murray Street and Hay Street. Featuring 192<br />

comfortable rooms, the Ibis is a welcoming,<br />

moderately-priced hotel perfect as a base for a<br />

few nights. <strong>The</strong> hotel bistro serves tasty cuisine<br />

and guests can relax after a busy day of<br />

sightseeing at the Rubix bar which offers light<br />

meals and drinks.


Cycling around Rottnest Island Quokka, Rottnest Island Pancake stall, Fremantle<br />

<strong>The</strong> Pinnacles, Nambung National Park<br />

Rottnest Island<br />

An easy day trip from Perth, Rottnest Island is<br />

home to a variety of bird and animal life<br />

including the quokka, a small kangaroo-like<br />

marsupial. <strong>The</strong>re are several quiet beaches,<br />

gorgeous bays and an accessible coral reef for<br />

those keen on snorkelling or diving. With no<br />

private motor vehicles permitted, visitors are<br />

encouraged to rent bicycles and cycle around<br />

the island and this lack of traffic creates a<br />

wonderfully mellow atmosphere. Regular ferries<br />

make the short journey back and forth from the<br />

mainland each day.<br />

Swimming off Rottnest Island<br />

Café in Freemantle<br />

Perth surrounds<br />

Venture out of Perth and there are some fabulous<br />

landscapes to explore. <strong>The</strong> obvious starting point<br />

is the coastline. <strong>Travel</strong> south and the Indian Ocean<br />

sparkles invitingly, lapping against beautiful beaches<br />

and providing a wonderful playground for locals<br />

and visitors alike. <strong>The</strong> coast is dotted with marinas,<br />

parks and small seaside suburbs worth stopping at<br />

to enjoy the sunset. <strong>The</strong>re are sheltered waters<br />

for swimming and windswept beaches ideal for<br />

walking. North of Perth the coastline is less<br />

developed and more rugged with sand dunes,<br />

wild beaches, rocky bays and coves. Inland there<br />

are olive groves and small farming towns and a<br />

number of beautiful national parks. Among them<br />

is the Nambung National Park, home to the<br />

Pinnacles Desert, a series of eerie limestone<br />

formations sporadically scattered over vast yellow,<br />

sand dunes.<br />

Fremantle<br />

Located 20 kilometres to the south of Perth, the<br />

port of Fremantle retains a colonial charm thanks<br />

to a wonderful collection of restored 19th-century<br />

buildings found throughout the small city centre.<br />

Browsing the many crafts stores and galleries, or<br />

pausing for a coffee at a pavement café makes for<br />

a wonderfully relaxing morning. From Friday to<br />

Sunday the thriving Fremantle market, a local<br />

institution, is well worth a visit for its bustling<br />

atmosphere and vast array of interesting stalls.<br />

Rockingham<br />

Renowned for an offshore marine park home to<br />

pods of dolphins, Rockingham is a small coastal<br />

town 45 minute’s drive south of Perth. <strong>The</strong> marine<br />

park provides a great opportunity to see the<br />

dolphins in their natural environment and we can<br />

arrange trips out to swim and snorkel with these<br />

graceful creatures.<br />

Dolphin, Rockingham<br />

www.audleytravel.com/australia l 01993 838 810 l <strong>Southwest</strong> 73


Driving south<br />

Empty road near Busselton<br />

Driving south from Perth we would<br />

recommend following the picturesque coastline<br />

that extends along the edge of the Indian<br />

Ocean down to Cape Leeuwin, the most<br />

southwesterly point of mainland Australia.<br />

Pass through the pretty towns of Busselton and<br />

Bunbury in Geographe Bay before arriving in<br />

the Margaret River Region which is famed for<br />

fertile agricultural land and wonderful wines.<br />

This area is ideally suited to travelling by<br />

motorhome, or self-driving with overnight<br />

stops in characterful accommodation.<br />

Geographe Bay<br />

Kangaroo paw wildflowers<br />

Local food and wine<br />

Flora and fauna<br />

<strong>The</strong> southwest of Australia is home to a wealth<br />

of flora and fauna including some of the most<br />

spectacular wildflower displays in the world.<br />

<strong>The</strong> rugged landscape of the region comes alive<br />

with a blaze of brilliant colours and lush scents<br />

from June to November. For six picturesque<br />

months, approximately 12,000 plant species<br />

including pink boronias, red and green<br />

kangaroo paw, magenta paperbark blossom<br />

and orange-flowering banksias carpet a wide<br />

area and it is estimated that over 60% of these<br />

species are found nowhere else in the world.<br />

Some of the most majestic of Australian forests<br />

are also found here. <strong>The</strong> karri and marri forests<br />

of the Beedelup and Warren National Parks in<br />

the <strong>Southwest</strong> region are home to trees up to<br />

300 years old and shelter a wide variety of<br />

native animals and plants.<br />

Food and wine<br />

<strong>The</strong> region’s clear, crisp air and temperate<br />

climate provide ideal conditions for farming<br />

and much of the land south of Perth is<br />

dedicated to the production of fine foods<br />

and wines. Vine-clad hillsides and fertile<br />

orchards can be found alongside dairy farms<br />

and olive groves, while the rivers and nearby<br />

ocean are a great source of fresh fish and<br />

seafood. A bounty of fresh produce is available<br />

locally and one of the region’s great pleasures is<br />

buying freshly picked fruit, vegetables or berries<br />

direct from the farm. Other local delicacies<br />

include fresh olive oil, chocolates, delicious<br />

cheeses, boutique beers and ciders.<br />

A variety of wine styles and blends are<br />

produced in the <strong>Southwest</strong>, from complex<br />

cool-climate cabernets to elegant, dry<br />

chardonnays, making a tasting at one of the<br />

wineries in the region a particularly enjoyable<br />

experience.<br />

<strong>The</strong> region’s rich harvest has lured a number<br />

of award-winning chefs to Australia’s<br />

<strong>Southwest</strong>. Dine in intimate restaurants or<br />

cosy cafés, enjoy relaxed and tranquil outdoor<br />

settings, or stop at one of the many wineries.<br />

74


Grape harvest, Margaret River Region<br />

Vineyard at dawn, Margaret River Region<br />

Wine tasting at a vineyard<br />

Vineyard, Margaret River<br />

<strong>The</strong> Margaret River Region<br />

Stretching from the tip of Cape Naturaliste down<br />

to Cape Leeuwin on the edge of the Southern<br />

Ocean, the Margaret River Region is known for its<br />

remarkable natural beauty and relaxed pace of life.<br />

<strong>The</strong> area lends itself to recharging the batteries<br />

and simply taking in the scenery. Perhaps the best<br />

way to explore is on foot. Walk through ancient<br />

forest and woodland or take a delightful coastal<br />

route along well-marked trails that thread their<br />

way along the clifftops and surfing beaches of the<br />

sparkling Indian Ocean. Alternatively, you may<br />

wish to sample the local wines. <strong>The</strong> area has a<br />

reputation for some of the country’s highest<br />

quality wines and many of the wineries open<br />

their doors to visitors and offer tastings, al fresco<br />

lunches and wine sales. <strong>The</strong> small town of<br />

Margaret River is three hours south of Perth.<br />

Located in an idyllic spot surrounded by forests<br />

and lakes and a short distance from the coast,<br />

it is a popular base for a few days.<br />

Yallingup Beach, Margaret River Region<br />

Cape Lodge, Margaret River<br />

Sitting on the edge of a lake, a short distance from<br />

the town of Margaret River, this charming lodge is<br />

set amongst fields of vines, manicured gardens<br />

and native forest. <strong>The</strong> 22 rooms and suites are<br />

extremely comfortable, beautifully furnished and<br />

have either a courtyard or balcony. <strong>The</strong> lodge has<br />

a lovely swimming pool, a tennis court and can<br />

organise a range of relaxing spa treatments. <strong>The</strong><br />

exceptional restaurant, with an al fresco deck<br />

overlooking the lake, serves fresh local cuisine and<br />

some of the region’s finest wines.<br />

Rosewood Guesthouse,<br />

Margaret River<br />

Set in lovingly tended gardens in the heart of<br />

Margaret River, Rosewood Guesthouse is ideally<br />

located to explore and enjoy all that the region<br />

has to offer. <strong>The</strong> restaurants, shops and galleries<br />

of the small town are all within easy walking<br />

distance and the beautiful coastline is just a short<br />

drive away. All six guest rooms are individually<br />

decorated and designed with comfort and<br />

convenience in mind. Your hosts provide warm<br />

hospitality, friendly service and great home-cooked<br />

food. As long term residents they will be<br />

delighted to introduce you to the many highlights<br />

of the region.<br />

Cape Lodge, Margaret River<br />

Pullman Resort Bunker Bay,<br />

near Margaret River<br />

This stylish, contemporary beachside resort is<br />

perched on Bunker Bay, a short distance north of<br />

Margaret River. Set among landscaped grounds<br />

and native bush, overlooking the sparkling Indian<br />

Ocean, it is a wonderfully relaxing place to stay.<br />

Unwind by the infinity pool or follow a meandering<br />

wooden walkway down to the private white-sand<br />

beach. <strong>The</strong> hotel’s excellent facilities and high<br />

standards of personal service are reflected in the<br />

bright and spacious villas and studios.<br />

Rosewood Guesthouse, Margaret River<br />

Pullman Resort Bunker Bay, near Margaret River<br />

www.audleytravel.com/australia l 01993 838 810 l <strong>Southwest</strong> 75


Torndirrup National Park<br />

Albany<br />

One of Australia’s most picturesque and wellpreserved<br />

seaside towns, Albany has a spectacular<br />

location and a collection of colonial buildings<br />

including old convict jails, churches and cottages<br />

dating back to the 19th century. <strong>The</strong> major<br />

attraction of the town is whale watching, with<br />

southern right, blue and humpback whales<br />

regularly spotted close to the coast between May<br />

and November. Nearby, there are a number of<br />

attractive beaches popular for swimming, whilst<br />

the rugged coastline of the Torndirrup National<br />

Park provides some scenic hiking trails.<br />

Cape Howe Cottages,<br />

near Albany<br />

Set in a private nature reserve, a short distance<br />

from Albany, the Cape Howe Cottages are<br />

spacious and fully self-contained. Each cottage is<br />

secluded and has been built to blend in with the<br />

surrounding native forest. With walking trails and<br />

a quiet beach close by, the cottages make an ideal<br />

place to relax for a few days. Whilst positioned<br />

in a lovely peaceful setting they have plenty of<br />

mod-cons including CD/DVD players, barbecues<br />

and a fully equipped kitchen.<br />

76<br />

Beach House at Bayside,<br />

Albany<br />

Just a short walk from the beach, this charming<br />

guesthouse combines a refreshing Tuscan villa<br />

style with a beautiful location. <strong>The</strong> Beach House<br />

at Bayside has seven comfortable rooms and is<br />

managed by a friendly and enthusiastic couple<br />

who have lived in Albany for many years and are<br />

passionate about its beauty and heritage. After a<br />

good night’s sleep and a breakfast of fresh local<br />

produce in the sunny courtyard, take a stroll<br />

along the boardwalk to enjoy the breeze and<br />

ocean views.<br />

Pemberton<br />

Located in a picturesque valley surrounded by<br />

karri forests, green pastures and rolling vineyards,<br />

Pemberton is a popular little town. Nearby, truly<br />

magnificent tall karri trees stretch skywards to<br />

heights of over 50 metres. Some of these<br />

gargantuan trees, the world’s tallest hardwoods,<br />

once acted as fire lookouts and the adventurous<br />

can scale some of the designated climbing trees<br />

for spectacular views. As well as the trees there is<br />

a wealth of activities available including canoeing<br />

on Pemberton’s river, mountain biking and several<br />

walking trails in the nearby Gloucester National<br />

Park. <strong>The</strong> town has a good selection of restaurants<br />

and cafés and the timber heritage is maintained<br />

through a working timber mill and several galleries<br />

that showcase local products.<br />

Valley of the Giants<br />

Tree Top Walk<br />

<strong>Travel</strong>ling east from Pemberton towards<br />

Albany, the award-winning Valley of the<br />

Giants Tree Top Walk can be found<br />

close to the town of Walpole. This<br />

much-visited 600 metre walk across a<br />

series of raised bridges and elevated<br />

walkways provides panoramic views of<br />

the giant karri and red timbered jarrah<br />

tree canopies. <strong>The</strong> walk has been<br />

designed as a fun, interpretive experience<br />

and leads visitors past these monoliths<br />

of the forest.


Nature’s Window, Kalbarri National Park<br />

<strong>The</strong> coast at Kalbarri National Park<br />

Wildflowers in Kalbarri National Park<br />

Kalbarri National Park<br />

Perth to Exmouth drive<br />

Australia’s west coast is truly stunning and this<br />

exciting self-drive option between the<br />

cosmopolitan city of Perth and the coastal town<br />

of Exmouth is perfect for those who crave wide<br />

open spaces and unadulterated natural attractions.<br />

En route you will encounter stretches of rolling<br />

countryside and farmland punctuated with pockets<br />

of desert and eerie limestone formations, empty<br />

national parks pitted with deep gorges and<br />

blood-red escarpments, and an endless string of<br />

deserted beaches fringed with calm, turquoise<br />

waters. Closer to Exmouth the colourful reefs of<br />

the Ningaloo Marine Park provide a grand finale<br />

to the journey. Monkey Mia and the Pinnacles are<br />

the most popular attractions along this route but<br />

elsewhere this coastline remains largely unvisited,<br />

resulting in a warm and friendly welcome from<br />

locals wherever you choose to stop.<br />

Tropic of Capricorn, en route to Exmouth<br />

Shark Bay<br />

Kalbarri National Park<br />

Nestled at the mouth of the Murchison River and<br />

surrounded by a stunning coastline of soaring river<br />

gorges and bays, this park is known for its craggy<br />

landscapes, carved over millions of years into<br />

towering sandstone cliffs and curious rock<br />

formations. This is a particularly popular place<br />

during the winter as wildflowers erupt and cover<br />

the park with a riot of colour. <strong>The</strong> nearby town<br />

of Kalbarri is a welcoming place and a good base<br />

to explore the area. Walking trails of various<br />

lengths wind their way through the park with a<br />

number featuring excellent scenic lookouts. We<br />

recommend taking the popular Loop Walk, which<br />

takes walkers to various viewpoints including the<br />

park’s most famous site, Nature’s Window, a<br />

natural rock arch that superbly frames the<br />

upstream view of the Murchison Gorge.<br />

Dolphin, Monkey Mia<br />

Shark Bay<br />

Often overshadowed by the rival attraction of<br />

Monkey Mia located only a few miles away, the<br />

UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shark Bay<br />

provides a far less commercial experience and an<br />

array of beautiful natural attractions. <strong>The</strong> park is<br />

home to an extraordinary range of marine life<br />

and its landscapes are both colourful and diverse.<br />

A host of walking trails link sea cliffs, vibrant red<br />

dunes and tranquil lagoons where coral,<br />

mangrove and seagrass meadows support a<br />

prolific amount of sea life including nesting turtles,<br />

whales and dolphins.<br />

Monkey Mia<br />

This popular resort is set on the edge of the<br />

Shark Bay World Heritage Site and famed not<br />

only for its clear turquoise waters and white sandy<br />

bays, but for its resident bottlenose dolphins,<br />

which have been coming to feed from its shores<br />

since the 1960s. Although it is a popular attraction,<br />

the interaction between humans and dolphins is<br />

very carefully monitored with local rangers<br />

supervising the process. Whilst the dolphins are<br />

undoubtedly the highlight of any visit, this area is<br />

also rich in Aboriginal history and indigenous<br />

guides offer a range of walking and kayaking tours<br />

to help visitors understand the cultural significance<br />

of the region.<br />

www.audleytravel.com/australia l 01993 838 810 l <strong>Southwest</strong> 77


Ningaloo Marine Park<br />

This astonishing marine park is home to one<br />

of the region’s most precious natural<br />

resources, the UNESCO World Heritage<br />

listed Ningaloo Reef. This is one of the<br />

world’s longest fringing reefs as well as one<br />

of the few where you are able to swim from<br />

the beach straight to the coral, making its<br />

warm and clear waters perfect for snorkelling.<br />

<strong>The</strong> reef is home to a huge variety of marine<br />

life, with over 500 species of fish and 220<br />

species of tropical coral, though perhaps the<br />

most distinctive is the enormous whale shark,<br />

which is a seasonal favourite.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Ningaloo Marine Park<br />

Turtle, Ningaloo Marine Park<br />

Whale sharks<br />

Whilst playing home to a plethora of marine<br />

life year round, including a myriad of fish and<br />

kaleidoscopic coral, it is from April to July that<br />

the park really springs to life. <strong>The</strong> annual<br />

pilgrimage of the Rhincodon typus or whale shark<br />

to these waters attracts marine biologists and<br />

divers from around the world. <strong>The</strong> Ningaloo<br />

Marine Park is the only place in the world where<br />

whale sharks reliably appear each year, and<br />

despite being the biggest fish in the sea,<br />

snorkellers are able to swim close to these<br />

gentle giants.<br />

Diving and snorkelling on the reef<br />

<strong>The</strong> Ningaloo Marine Park has some of the<br />

purest and clearest waters in the world and its<br />

shallow lagoons and deeper offshore waters<br />

are home to a dazzling and diverse array of<br />

sea life of all sizes, from graceful manta rays<br />

to rare sea turtles, dugongs and dolphins.<br />

With the reef starting so close to the shore,<br />

experiencing all this could not be easier.<br />

While we can organise a boat trip for you, it is<br />

simple to just don a mask, walk off the beach<br />

and drift-snorkel to experience the colourful<br />

attractions beneath the surface.<br />

Cape Range National Park<br />

Blessed with a stunning array of mountain and<br />

coastal scenery, this rugged national park sits<br />

proudly on the tip of the Northwest Cape<br />

Peninsula. Riddled with caves, canyons and<br />

limestone gorges and fringed with over 50<br />

kilometres of pristine beaches and the turquoise<br />

waters of the Ningaloo Marine Park, it is a<br />

fascinating place to explore. Two lovely wilderness<br />

trails weave through the park showcasing its<br />

diversity of flora and fauna, which includes<br />

kangaroos, emus, echidnas and large lizards, while<br />

at Yardie Creek the trail along the gorge cliffs<br />

takes you to a deep canyon inhabited by rock<br />

wallabies. <strong>The</strong> small towns of Exmouth and Coral<br />

Bay are close by and provide an ideal base from<br />

Cape Range National Park<br />

which to explore the area. Sal Salis, Cape Range<br />

Sal Salis, Cape Range National Park<br />

78<br />

National Park<br />

Set just metres away from the Ningaloo Reef in<br />

the white sand dunes of the Cape Range National<br />

Park, this exclusive camp combines nature with<br />

luxury. Nine spacious wilderness tents have been<br />

designed to blend into the surrounding landscape.<br />

To preserve the fragile environment, all power is<br />

solar generated and water usage is very carefully<br />

monitored. While the emphasis remains on<br />

eco-luxury there are few compromises. Each tent<br />

is equipped with a comfortable bed and stunning<br />

views; the food is excellent and the attentive staff<br />

are on hand to help co-ordinate excursions<br />

around the local area.<br />

Cape Range National Park


Suggested itineraries<br />

Tailoring your trip<br />

<strong>The</strong> itineraries shown are designed to give you a<br />

flavour of what is possible, and are routes that<br />

work particularly well. We can use these as a basis<br />

to plan your trip or can design a completely<br />

different itinerary to suit your tastes and interests.<br />

Rottnest Island<br />

Fremantle<br />

Perth<br />

western<br />

australia<br />

Cape Range<br />

National Park<br />

Coral Bay<br />

Monkey Mia<br />

Exmouth<br />

western<br />

australia<br />

Please call one of our Australia specialists to start<br />

planning your itinerary.<br />

Telephone: 01993 838 810<br />

Getting around<br />

Most visitors to the <strong>Southwest</strong> fly into Perth or<br />

Exmouth and then collect a hire car and self-drive<br />

around the region. <strong>The</strong> roads are well maintained<br />

and largely empty with very little traffic away from<br />

the main urban centres. Domestic flights operate<br />

regularly between Exmouth, Perth and Albany and<br />

on to other regions of Australia. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Southwest</strong><br />

can easily be combined with other parts of<br />

Australia and forms a natural extension to a trip<br />

to the Northwest.<br />

Multi-region itineraries<br />

Many travellers combine several regions in one<br />

trip to Australia, and the excellent flight network<br />

makes this very easy. Please see pages 92-93 for<br />

further details.<br />

When to go<br />

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />

33 33 33 33 3 3 3 3 33 3333 33<br />

33 <strong>The</strong> best time to travel.<br />

3 A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.<br />

~ <strong>Travel</strong> is possible, but this is not the best time of year.<br />

5 <strong>Travel</strong> is not recommended.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Southwest</strong> experiences a largely pleasant<br />

climate with temperatures never proving too cold<br />

even in the middle of winter. <strong>The</strong> summer months<br />

from December to March can be hot and the<br />

further north you travel the greater the humidity.<br />

<strong>The</strong> spring (October and November) and autumn<br />

(April and May) are perhaps the nicest seasons<br />

to travel with fewer visitors and an abundance<br />

of wildflowers.<br />

Time difference: GMT+8 hours<br />

Flight time from UK: 20 hours<br />

Prices<br />

We offer trips to cater for a wide range of<br />

budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices<br />

for your trip to Australia on our website,<br />

alternatively please call our specialists to discuss<br />

your plans.<br />

Margaret River<br />

<strong>Southwest</strong> Uncovered<br />

This well-paced itinerary reveals the natural beauty<br />

of the <strong>Southwest</strong>. Starting in Perth you will visit<br />

beautiful national parks, idyllic small towns and<br />

discover the glorious coastline of both the Indian<br />

and Southern Oceans.<br />

Day 1<br />

Day 2<br />

Day 3<br />

Day 4<br />

Day 5<br />

Day 6<br />

Day 7<br />

Day 8<br />

Day 9<br />

Day 10<br />

Day 11<br />

Day 12<br />

Day 13<br />

Day 14<br />

Fly to Perth.<br />

Day in flight.<br />

Arrive in Perth in the morning.<br />

Spend the afternoon strolling through<br />

Kings Park and the botanical gardens.<br />

Take a ferry trip across to Rottnest<br />

Island before hiring a bicycle to<br />

explore.<br />

Hop on the train to Fremantle and<br />

spend your day exploring the markets<br />

and historic centre.<br />

Drive to Albany.<br />

Walk the streets of this historic<br />

maritime town and explore convict<br />

jails, old taverns, whaling ships,<br />

settlers’ cottages and grand National<br />

Trust homes.<br />

Enjoy a morning whale-watching<br />

excursion. In the afternoon visit the<br />

Torndirrup National Park.<br />

<strong>Travel</strong> close to the Southern Ocean<br />

along the coastal road to Walpole<br />

and take the Tree Top Walk.<br />

Drive towards Margaret River and<br />

Busselton stopping at Bunker Bay for<br />

a relaxing day on the beach.<br />

Enjoy a morning walk along coastal<br />

trails keeping an eye out for migrating<br />

whales. Spend the rest of your day<br />

sampling wine in a boutique winery.<br />

Return to Perth. Spend your evening<br />

watching a beautiful Indian Ocean<br />

sunset at a restaurant in Cottesloe.<br />

Fly overnight from Perth to the UK.<br />

Arrive in the UK.<br />

Tree Top<br />

Walk<br />

Albany<br />

Kalbarri National Park<br />

Western Australia<br />

Less <strong>Travel</strong>led<br />

<strong>Travel</strong> the empty roads north of Perth on this epic<br />

itinerary that includes a rich diversity of attractions<br />

and scenery. Experience spectacular national parks,<br />

wild coastlines, historic towns and the amazing<br />

marine life of the area, including whale sharks,<br />

manta rays and turtles.<br />

Day 1<br />

Day 2<br />

Day 3<br />

Day 4<br />

Day 5<br />

Day 6<br />

Day 7<br />

Day 8<br />

Day 9<br />

Day 10<br />

Day 11<br />

Day 12<br />

Day 13<br />

Day 14<br />

Day 15<br />

Nambung National Park<br />

Rottnest Island<br />

Fly to Perth.<br />

Day in flight.<br />

Arrive in Perth in the morning.<br />

Spend the afternoon strolling through<br />

Kings Park and the botanical gardens.<br />

Take a ferry trip across to Rottnest<br />

Island before hiring a bicycle to<br />

explore.<br />

Hop on the train to Fremantle and<br />

spend your day wandering around the<br />

markets and historic centre.<br />

Drive north to Nambung National<br />

Park and explore the remarkable<br />

Pinnacles Desert.<br />

Continue to Kalbarri National Park<br />

and take one of the walking trails<br />

past canyons and dramatic rock<br />

formations.<br />

<strong>Travel</strong> to Monkey Mia.<br />

Enjoy a relaxing day at Monkey Mia<br />

feeding the dolphins and unwinding<br />

on the beautiful beach.<br />

Drive along the coast to Coral Bay.<br />

Arrive in Exmouth and head out to<br />

the Ningaloo Reef. Walk off the<br />

beach, snorkel over bright coral and<br />

marvel at the marine life.<br />

Spend the day exploring the amazing<br />

Cape Range National Park.<br />

Fly from Exmouth to Perth and spend<br />

a night back in Perth. <strong>Travel</strong> out to<br />

Cottesloe Beach to watch the sun set<br />

over the Indian Ocean and reflect on<br />

your trip.<br />

Spend the day in Perth. Fly overnight<br />

to the UK.<br />

Arrive in the UK.<br />

Perth<br />

Fremantle<br />

www.audleytravel.com/australia l 01993 838 810 l <strong>Southwest</strong> 79

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