Wildflowers & Wilderness

Departing Melbourne at 8.00am, head west to Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, known for magnificent seafood and wildlife.

After a short introduction to the region with local experts and lunch at renowned L’Anser, head to the Lincoln National Park to find coastal wildflowers, and on be on the lookout for dolphins and southern right whales passing through. Short walks offer beautiful native scrubland, beaches and granite headlands. Visit Mikkira Station Koala Sanctuary for afternoon tea with the
wild koalas. Wander through the bushland for some bird watching and wildflower spotting.

Dine on local delicacies at chef Kris Bunder’s famous Del Giornio’s Café, overlooking Boston Bay.

Overnight: Port Lincoln Hotel, ocean view balcony room

Embark on a quiet, eco-friendly cruise aboard the Tesla, exploring Port Lincoln’s tranquil waterways and Australia’s largest commercial fishing fleet.

Fly on to Esperance in Western Australia. You’ll have a couple of hours of free time to explore this quaint seaside town. Vibrantly blue water, Ramsar wetlands and multiple National Parks – Esperance is a wilderness wonderland.

Overnight: Comfort Inn Bay of Isles

Cape Le Grand National Park's ancient, rugged coastline has large granite outcrops and idyllic white beaches. Inland, rolling heathlands are home to pygmy possums, western grey kangaroos and a diversity of colourful wildflowers, including dense thickets of showy banksia.

On a visit to Australia's whitest beach, Lucky Bay, you may encounter inquisitive kangaroos roaming the shores. Hellfire Bay boasts incredible turquoise water, with the Recherche Archipelago providing a stunning backdrop.

After a picnic lunch, continue west to Albany, on the southern tip of WA, with spectacular views from the air along the way. Stretch your legs with a gentle walking tour of the town before dinner.

2 nights: Hilton Garden Inn, king partial harbour view room

Tour the native bushland of Torndirrup National Park, walking amongst peppermint trees, acacias and banksia in the rich coastal heathland. At the iconic Gap and Natural Bridge, feel the exhilarating force of crashing waves on rock and taste the salt air on your lips.

Later, Noongar guides will take you on a leisurely walk on Corndarup (Mt Clarence) to learn about the Manang heritage and cultural traditions.

On another easy walk, explore the majestic landscape of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve east of Albany. This reserve was created to protect the endangered Noisy Scrub Bird and other animals, including the potoroo. Banksia, cowslip orchids, painted ladies and sticky tailflowers colour the landscape.

After working up an appetite, enjoy a picnic lunch with Monty Bay Wines.

Fly to Pemberton, in the southwest corner of WA, the heart of the old-growth karri, tingle and jarrah forests.

Hear a little of the history and culture of the region, and enjoy a sundowner overlooking the stunning Yeagarup Dunes.

Then head to the historic and secluded Forest Lodge, surrounded by towering trees - the perfect place to unwind and relax.

Overnight: Forest Lodge

Learn about the plants and animals in the Gloucester and Beedelup national parks and discover the region's fascinating geology. Native wisteria and clematis drape over the forests, with the understory rioting purple, yellow and white. A stop at Southern Forests Chocolate offers coffee and some of the finest chocolate in the region.

Flying further west, at Augusta learn about abalone farming and taste the wares with local wines. Visit the famous Cape Leeuwin lighthouse, the tallest on the mainland, before rejoining your aircraft.

Fly to Busselton on the coast in the Margaret River wine region. There’s time to take in the serenity at the Pullman Bunker Bay Resort which sits alongside the crystal blue waters of Bunker Bay, relax in your villa or explore the property before dinner.

2 nights: Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, studio garden view villa

Spend today exploring what Margaret River is known for – glorious food and wine, magnificent coastlines, beaches and caves.

Injidup Beach is a favourite for local surfers, with a swell coming off the Indian Ocean. Marvel at the towering cliffs of Contos Beach. These exposed heathlands are home to tea trees, native wisteria, boronia, pea flower, candle hakea and shining fanflower.

Lift your gaze to the towering karri trees of the Boranup Forest and be filled with awe. The Boranup Lookout offers stunning views of the coastline and karri forest.

Indulge in a three-course menu of seasonal Western Australian produce and local wines at the picturesque Leeuwin Estate, one of the founding wineries of the region.

Late afternoon discover traditions and respect for the  land while exploring ancient Ngilgi Cave on a private tour guided by a cultural custodian of the Wadandi people. Take a short bush walk to discover traditional medicine plants, then, extending into the cave, hear the spine-tingling sounds of the didgeridoo playing deep inside the earth.

Your final stop in the Margaret River is at the historic 1.841km Busselton Jetty, the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere, reaching out into Geographe Bay. After a coffee and looking around, it's time to travel 600km north to Kalbarri, a wildflower hotspot.

Kalbarri's parks host about 800 species of native wildflowers, which erupt in a riot of colour in winter and spring, mainly when the rains have fallen. A local expert will introduce you to some dramatic coastal cliffs of this spectacular region.

2 nights: Kalbarri Edge Resort, One bedroom executive spa apartment

This morning visit the Kalbarri Skywalk, with breathtaking views of the Murchison River Gorge. Float on air as you take a thrilling walk out along two cantilevered viewing platforms that hang in mid-air 100m above the gorge.

A moderate walk takes you to the iconic Nature's Window. Look through a wind-eroded opening in the layered Tumblagooda sandstone that frames the spectacular river view below – more incredible photo opportunities.

Relax after lunch before a cruise along the unique coastline to see the dramatic cliffs meeting the deep blue Indian Ocean. Watch as the sun sets on the horizon, drinks and nibbles in hand. The perfect way to end a glorious day!

Today head to the central mining town of Kalgoorlie. Australia's largest outback town has a fascinating past and present - from the region's gold rush era to the modern-day Super Pit mine that produces 900,000 ounces of gold each year. The landscape is dotted with other natural riches – from soaring eucalyptus forests to spinifex fields and wildflower meadows. Visit Hannan’s North Tourist Mine, then enjoy some free time before dinner

2 nights: Quest Yelverton Kalgoorlie, one bedroom apartment

First, a town tour, then to the Super Pit for a private tour of this enormous operating mine site. Entertain your inner child with truck spotting and digger-watching. Everything about this place is huge!

The Museum of the Goldfields depicts the Eastern Goldfields history and the city's mining heritage. Explore the collection of gold bars and nuggets, step back in time, hear how the prospectors searched for this precious metal and the hardships faced by mining families during the early 1900s.

Flying east this morning, land at Forrest on the Nullarbor for a tour and lunch. Forrest is on the train line that services the Indian Pacific and freight trains; this tiny remote town is full of history.

Continue to Ceduna in South Australia, on the eastern side of the Great Australian Bight.

Overnight: Ceduna Foreshore Hotel

Ever eastwards, fly to Clare Valley, the stunning region north of Adelaide renowned for fabulous wines, exceptional food and gorgeous scenery.

First stop is the Clare Valley Wine, Food and Tourism Centre, for a welcome to the region.

Lunch at Pauletts, known for small batch Rieslings - five exquisitely matched wines with inspired canapes prepared in Pauletts Bush DeVine Winery Restaurant, enjoyed overlooking the rolling hills of the region.

Next is Sevenhills Cellars, the first winery in the Clare Valley, created by Jesuits in 1851, and St Aloysius’ Church, a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture.

On to Spring Gully Conservation Park, a nature lovers’ haven, home to a wide range of birds and wildflowers. Take a stroll along the 1.2km scenic Ridgetop Walk Trail.

And then to Clare Country Club, nestled amongst picturesque rolling hills.

2 nights: Clare Country Club, studio room

Travel to the Red Banks Conservation Park. Palaeontologists have called this area one of the richest megafauna sites in Australia. Walk the path of the diprotodons, who lived here until about 65,000 years ago.

Founded in the 1840s, Burra now offers 11 National Heritage-listed sights, each telling a story from Burra’s bustling mining history to its cultural evolution, including the Monster Mine Site, Morphett’s Engine House and Redruth Gaol. After a light lunch, there’s a couple of hours to relax at your hotel before a special treat.

Watervale Hotel is the venue for a final six-course degustation dinner. Tour the organic Penobscot Farm and learn how permaculture principles lead to enhanced taste and enriched nutrition as a prelude to the degustation. At the degustation, executive chef Nicola Palmer and her team will demonstrate how they augment and enhance the fresh local produce collected that day from the farm. Savour each course with matching wines.

Take it slow this morning with a late breakfast. Travel to Pikes winery, meet the chef, visit the cellar door, and then drive up to the unique hill-top venue, The Pruner’s Hut, for a private lunch. Soak up the sweeping views of the estate as you explore the range of estate grown wines alongside an incredible four course menu prepared by Head Chef, Louis Ritchie.

Delightfully fulfilled, it’s time to return to Clare Valley Airport and fly home to Moorabbin, arriving at 5.30pm — having savoured some of the finest wildflowers, wilderness, wineries, and cuisine that South and Western Australia have to offer.