Wildflowers & Wilderness

Departing Melbourne at 8.00 am, head to Wudinna, South Australia. Here you'll be met by Gawler Ranges Safaris for three days of outback adventure. Travel through diverse vegetation and landscapes, from farmland to a sandy track through the bush to Yandinga Valley. View staggering 1600-million-year- old cigar-shaped volcanic rock formations, the magnificent Organ Pipes Amphitheatre and lots of wildlife, including the yellow-footed rock wallaby, on your introduction to this incredible region. Visit Pildappa Wave Rock, then travel to your camp along the south side of Sturt's Lakes.

Accommodation at the remote Kangaluna Camp is in eco-friendly, ensuite glamping tents. Dinner in the camp dining room offers kangaroos and emus as a noticeable distraction as you dine. Your hosts, Geoff and Rene, will provide insights into the rich local flora and fauna.

2 nights: Kangaluna Camp, luxury safari tent

Visit an ochre pit on the morning drive to spectacular Lake Gairdner, with its glistening white salt pan set in the red landscape. The red dunes along the lake yield many animal tracks, flowers, interesting vegetation and birds. Photo opportunities abound; you may see emus, red, western grey and euro kangaroos on the drive through the ancient outback range to Kangaluna Camp.

Take a leisurely walk in the Corrobinnie Valley over the fascinating coloured rocks and take in the flowering shrubs on the fire track.

Returning to Wudinna and your aircraft, continue west across the vastness of the Nullabor to Esperance. 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 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, Ocean View

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. Taste the salt air on your lips.

In the afternoon, Noongar guides will take you on a leisurely walk on Corndaup (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, created to protect the endangered Noisy Scrub Bird and animals including the potoroo. Banksia, cowslip orchids, painted ladies and sticky tailflowers colour the landscape.

Having worked up an appetite, pop into Monty's Leap winery for a tasting and lunch.

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

Visit a local winery, learn a bit about the history and culture of the region, and experience 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 final stop at Southern Forests Chocolate offers coffee and some of the finest chocolate in the region.

Fly to Busselton on the coast in the Margaret River wine region. Barn Hive in Yallingup offers stunning eco-luxury pods focusing on sustainability and utmost care for the environment. Each pod boasts a two-story open-plan living space, a private deck with a view of the surroundings, sunrise and sunset skies.

On arrival, lunch at the onsite winery and restaurant, Barnyard 1978. Relax in your Hive or explore the property, then later 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 bushwalk to discover traditional medicine plants, then, extending into the cave, hear the spine-tingling sounds of the didgeridoo playing deep inside the earth.

Head back to your Hive for a BBQ dinner under the stars.

2 nights: Barn Hives

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

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.

Taste the latest season's wines at award-winning Cherubino.

Indulge in a five-course degustation menu at Rustico, with premium Hay Shed Hill wines.

Enjoy a final guided tasting at Leeuwin Estate, then head back to your Hive for the evening. A gourmet dinner basket will be delivered if you need more food!

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 a look around, it's time to head north.

Fly 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. A local expert will introduce you to this spectacular region.

2 nights: Kalbarri Edge Resort, Studio

Cruise on the River Murchison, a relaxing and informative nature-based tour where you'll spot a variety of birdlife and sometimes kangaroos, emus and even goats on the riverbanks. Venture to the river mouth where the Murchison River meets the Indian Ocean.

The Kalbarri Skywalk offers breathtaking views of the Murchison River gorge and its spectacular surrounding landscape. 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 lunchtime departure will have you in the central mining town of Kalgoorlie by late afternoon. 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.

2 nights: Quest Yelverton Kalgoorlie, studio deluxe apartments

First, a town tour, then head out 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
enormous!

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

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

Continue to Eucla, just before the South Australian border. Relax for a few hours, and take a dip in the Great Australian Bight before experiencing the total stillness at night.

Overnight: Eucla Motel

Ever eastwards, fly to Renmark in South Australia.

At Pike River, luxury, sustainable accommodation awaits you. Each individually decorated villa boasts gorgeous views. Visit the onsite Riverland Wine Centre, then spend a couple of hours relaxing before a BBQ dinner under the stars.

Overnight: Pike River, Villa

After breakfast in your villa, it's time to drag yourself away to explore this scenic region. First, a private cruise on the Murray River. Wildlife abounds with whistling kites and redgum forests, and the stunning Headings Cliff is one of the most photographed scenes in the region.

Stop at Woolshed Brewery for a hand-crafted beer with views over the river. Then on to Angoves Winery for a tasting and 23rd Street Distillery for lunch and a sample of their wares.

And then it's time to head back to your aircraft and fly back to Melbourne, arriving at 5:30pm.