Western Australian Wonder and the Indian Pacific

Day 1 - Wednesday 28 September 2022

Melbourne - Kalgoorlie (D)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel!  Meet your Tour Hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport and prepare yourself for a fabulous adventure.  

We arrive in Kalgoorlie, Australia's largest outback city and are met by our local coach captain. We are then transferred to our hotel for check in and enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Dinner tonight at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight Kalgoorlie: Plaza Hotel

Day 2 - Thursday 29 September 2022

Kalgoorlie - Norseman - Esperance (B,L,D)

Today after breakfast and check out we board the coach for our short town tour of Kalgoorlie.  This will include the CBD, Heart walk Murals, sights of this nostalgic town and also make a stop at Mt Charlotte Reservoir & lookout.  Walk up to the top of the Mount Charlotte Reservoir for fantastic views of the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder. This site is the terminus of water which is piped 563kms from Mundaring Weir in Perth, to the Goldfields. An amazing engineering feat completed in 1903, that gave Kalgoorlie Boulder it’s most precious resource of all – water!  Visit Kalgoorlie Boulder Visitors Centre and also the stunning Boulder Town Hall, see the Goatcher Curtain, local history archives and the Goldfields War Museum. We now make our way south to Norseman, which got its name as a result of Laurie Sinclair’s horse, Norseman, uncovering a piece of gold bearing quartz in 1894 and who’s bronze statue stands proudly on the corner of Roberts and Ramsay Streets.  We sit down to lunch here at the Full Moon Café next to the Visitors Information Centre before continuing our journey south. Arriving into Esperance our home for the next two nights. 

Dinner this evening will be at our accommodation.

Overnight Esperance: Hospitality Inn Esperance

Day 3- Friday 30 September 2022

Esperance - Great Ocean Drive (B,L)

This morning Cape Le Grand National Park awaits, within 45 minutes’ drive of Esperance, this grand park features sweeping heathlands, rugged coastal peaks and white sandy beaches voted the best in Australia. The park’s rolling heathlands are home to pygmy possums, western grey kangaroos and a diversity of colourful wildflowers including dense thickets of showy banksia. Next we make our way to Esperance Stonehenge, which is the only full size replica of the original Stonehenge in the UK. It appears as the original would have looked around 1950BC and consists of 137 stones of Esperance Pink Granite that were all quarried locally less than 1km from the Stonehenge’s final resting place. After our wonderful morning we travel the short distance to the Yirri Grove Olive Farm for a delicious lunch made from local produce in true Paddock to Plate style. The restaurant here overlooks the lovingly tended olive groves and the spectacular Recherché Archipelago. The Great Ocean Drive is next and if the weather is looking good make sure to pack your bathing suit.  Starting our drive at the towns Whale Tail Sculpture we take in the sites of Lovers Cove, West Beach, Chapman’s point, Salmon Beach Windfarm, Blue Haven, Fourth Beach, Twilight Cove, Dolphin Cove, Observatory Point and Beach, Nine Mile Beach, Ten Mile Lagoon, Eleven Mile Beach and the Pink Lake.  Our driver will make stops along the way for holiday snapshots and those that wish to dip their toes in the water before we finish the drive at Cindy Poole’s Glass Gallery. Cindy, along with Jason Wooldridge, created the magnificent Whale Tail Sculpture we had seen earlier this morning and we have a chance to peruse other pieces completed by this talented artist. We return to our accommodation and dinner tonight will be at own expense and there are many options within walking distance of our hotel.

Overnight Esperance: Hospitality Inn Esperance

Day 4 - Saturday 1 October 2022

Esperance - Raventhorpe - Albany (B,L,D)

This morning after breakfast we depart for Ravensthorpe. Ravensthorpe is a small sheep and wheat town on the South Coast Highway and for the latter half of the nineteenth century the district was rural and the town didn't really exist. At the end of the century gold and copper were discovered, the town grew, and for a brief moment it was a prosperous mining town. Here we take a look through the Ravensthorpe Historical Society Museum which houses a comprehensive historical collection including photographs, mining and farming machinery, natural history, the old gaol, railway carriages, and the beautifully restored Dance Cottage built-in 1900 by the gold miner, George Dance. After our visit we enjoy lunch next door at Ravy’s Country Kitchen before stopping to view the town’s silo’ art, the artwork was created by Fremantle based and Dutch born artist, Amok Island.  His largest mural to date shows the flowering cycle of this Western Australian native Banksia with the help of the Honey Possum and New Holland Honey Eater. 

Continuing on today to the Stirling Ranges National Park to stretch our legs and enjoy an afternoon cuppa from the coach.  Our last leg of today’s journey brings us to Albany, which served as a gateway to the Eastern Goldfields for many years and was the last port of call for troopships departing Australia in the First World War. Tonight’s dinner will be enjoyed in our accommodations' restaurant.

Overnight Albany: Ace Accommodation

Day 5 - Sunday 2 October 2022

Albany (B,L,D)

This morning after a bright start we view the impressive Albany Wind Farm as we drive past on route to the Torndirrup National Park and The Whaling Station Museum. The Albany Wind Farm is one of the most spectacular and largest wind farms in Australia. Next, we take a drive along the Torndirrup National Park, where the Southern Ocean has sculpted a Natural Bridge in the coastal granites and formed The Gap, where the waves rush in and out with tremendous ferocity. We arrive at Albany’s historic Whaling Station where our private guide will take us through the stories of the workers, the whales and their place in the economic and social history of Albany. It is not always a pleasant story, but believe it is an important story to share. Following our guided tour we are free to roam the deck of the Cheynes IV ship, tour the whale oil tank theatres and fascinating photo and artefact galleries plus take a walk through the Wildflower Garden or Wildlife Park. After a light lunch at Whaler’s Galley Café this afternoon we visit the National Anzac Centre. Opened on the 1st of November 2014 by the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand, The National ANZAC Centre is an award-winning facility that uses multimedia, interactive technology and historical artefacts to create a deeply personal connection with the past, as well as pay tribute to those who served. The experience delivered at the NAC is known for commemorating the war through the stories of the ANZACs as opposed to telling its own story via pro-war or anti-war sentiments. The symbolic location of the centre, selected for its strong sense of place as it looks out across King George Sound, the location from where the convoys gathered and then left. We also have time to explore the Mount Clarence Parkland’s containing the Mount Clarence Memorial and Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum. We return to our motel and after a short rest will meet up again for dinner in house.

Overnight Albany: Ace Accommodation

Day 6 - Monday 3 October 2022

Albany - Pemberton- Manjimup (B,Lunch packs,D)

Before leaving Albany, we take a drive through Darrel Radcliffe’s Sculpture Drive, where we can view this local chainsaw artist’s large timber sculptures from the comfort of our coach.  We then travel through the Tingle State Forest where we visit the “Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk”. This area contains the “Giants” for which the forest was named and features some trees five metres in diameter at the base. To appreciate the beauty of the forest, we can stroll along the Canopy Walk, or for land lovers we can follow the Ancient Empire ground level boardwalk.  After working up an appetite we drop by the Tingles Bakehouse for lunch and then onto the capital of Karri Tree territory, Pemberton; this town thrives as a result of logging the surrounding forest. In spring the forest floor is a mat of colourful wildflowers. It’s near here that we pay a visit to the impressive Gloucester Tree, a towering karri that was once used as a watchtower for bushfires. Our next stop is Manjimup at Kingsley Motel which will be tonight’s accommodation.  It is then time to meet up for tonight’s dining experience before turning in for the night.

Overnight Kingsley Motel Manjimup

Day 7- Tuesday 4 October 2022

Manjimup- Cape Leeuwin - Margaret River (B,L,D)

We start today with breakfast before checking out and making our way to Cape Leeuwin, the most southern west tip of Australia. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is one of only two places in the world that has guided vessels where two great oceans meet and today we are treated to a tour of this historical landmark (and yes, there will be lots of stairs).  After our tour we make our way to Vasse Felix  Winery for a 3 course lunch – enjoy this Margaret River Winery, one of the most famous in the region.  Afterwards we travel back to Margaret River followed by free time at your own leisure. 

Later we meet up for dinner in the motel’s restaurant.

Overnight Margaret River: Stay Margaret River

Day 8 - Wednesday 5 October 2022

Margaret River - Busselton - Bunbury - Perth (B,L,D)

Our first stop today is the Margaret River Chocolate Company, providing a fascinating insight into the world of chocolate, with free chocolate tastings, interactive displays, viewing windows to watch the chocolate products being made and a family friendly atmosphere. Information and merchandise are available on all aspects of chocolate, plus a mouth-watering range of chocolate bars, chocolate-coated delights, hand-made truffles, novelty chocolates, ice creams, chocolate milk and a variety of chocolate cakes and desserts. After our chocolate overload we will visit the Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the world stretching almost 2km out to sea. It is here we partake in the Under Water Experience, starting with catching the jetty train before being guided 8 metres below the ocean’s surface to the Underwater Observatory - one of only 6 in the world. Following our underwater adventure a light lunch awaits us at the Equinox Restaurant and Bar before continuing up to Fremantle for check in at our accommodation. This evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner in-house.

Overnight Fremantle: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges

Day 9 - Thursday 6 October 2022

Perth (B,L,D)

Today it’s into Perth to take in some of the city’s major sights and attractions. Our first stop is at The Bell Tower, home of the Swan Bells, and experience a fascinating live demonstration and explanation of full circle ringing by one of the experienced guides before a visit to The Perth Mint.  Set off on a guided heritage walk which takes us through the grand heritage building, the heavily secured vault and the original melting house providing the cues for many extraordinary stories about Western Australia’s golden history and the Mint’s prolific output of priceless gold bars and coins. The Gold Exhibition is a world-class attraction which uses the latest innovations in exhibition concept design and audio visual technology, to bring the story of Western Australian gold, and The Perth Mint, to life.  Following our tour there will be time to stroll along Elizabeth Quay, the exciting new waterfront precinct on the banks of the Swan River.  Time to purchase lunch at your own expense before we return to Fremantle.  Tonight we dine at the fabulous C Restaurant, Western Australia’s only revolving restaurant and located on the 33rd floor of the St. Martins Tower.  After soaking in Perth from all angles today, we head back to our hotel for the evening.

Overnight Fremantle: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges

Day 10 - Friday 7 October 2022

Rottnest Island (B,D)

Today takes us across to Rottnest Island WA’s most beautiful island believed to have been separated from the mainland approximately 7,000 years ago. Our ferry departs B Shed Fremantle at 9.45am and arrives on Rottnest at 10.20am. On Rottnest Island our Oliver Hill Train and Tunnel Tour takes us on an historical journey passing some iconic and historical landmarks on the island. Upon arriving at Oliver Hill, we are taken on a guided tour through the stunning tunnel system that once played a crucial role in Australia’s military defence in World War II. The area is still preserved with Rottnest’s WWII guns and tunnels, which commemorate its military history and our soldiers who fought to defend the shores of Western Australia. Rottnest Island was a key part of the Western Australian defence during WWII. The island was home to intricate secret tunnels and housed 9.2″ guns to protect against invading Axis forces. Post-war, the 9.2-inch battery on the island was saved from disposal due to the high cost of removal and shipping of the guns to the mainland. This led to the preservation of the military artefacts. Now, this equipment provides a look at the rich history of the Western Australian defence force and attracts many visitors to the area every year. Look out for the cute little quokkas during lunch which can be purchased from the bakery, cafés or restaurants before a leisurely afternoon that may include at own cost a bike ride, a visit to the Rottnest Island Museum, Salt Store Gallery and Exhibition Centre, Lomas Cottage, Pilot Boathouse or go sailing. Our 3.45pm ferry arrives back at B-Shed Fremantle at 4.20pm before transferring back to our hotel for a rest and time to refresh before dinner.

Overnight Fremantle: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges

Day 11 - Saturday 8 October 2022

Kings Park - Fremantle (B,L,D)

This morning it is all about Fremantle and however we want to enjoy it, as there is so much within walking distance of our hotel’s doorstep. The Fremantle Markets are open from 8am to 6pm today, The Fremantle Roundhouse , there’s the WA Maritime or Shipwreck Museums, Bon Scott’s statue for those AC/DC fans, Little Creatures Brewery or Bathers Beach House for those that want to enjoy a coffee, The E Shed Markets and the Fremantle Harbour being just the tip of the iceberg. Our coach will then collect us and we will transfer to Fremantle Ferry Terminal to Board Captain Cook Cruises for our Scenic Lunch Cruise. After our cruise up to Kings Park and the Botanical Gardens for a self-guided tour. Kings Park is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner city parks. It is rich in Aboriginal and European history, contemporary culture and offers innovative design, displays and services. Kings Park has an international reputation for scientific research, leading horticulture, conservation and public education. Kings Park is home to the spectacular Western Australian Botanical Garden, which displays over 3,000 species of the State’s unique flora. Two thirds of the 400 hectare park is protected as bushland and provides a haven for native biological diversity. Visitors enjoy the sweeping views of the Swan and Canning Rivers, the city skyline and the Darling Ranges to the east. We then return to our Hotel and meet in the hotel restaurant for a farewell to WA dinner and to swap our stories of the day and our WA experience.

Overnight Fremantle: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges

Day 12 - Sunday 9 October 2022

Indian Pacific - Kalgoorlie-Boulder (B,L,D)

Today we bid farewell to Western Australia as we check in at the East Perth Railway Station to board Australia’s own iconic train, the legendary Indian Pacific, for our rail journey through to Adelaide. We depart Perth at 10.00am for our journey across the “Mighty Nullarbor Plain”. We enjoy a delicious lunch in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant carriage as we watch the world roll by. Our first off train excursion is in the Wild West town of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. We visit Hannan’s North Tourist Mine where we can view the minerals exhibition, visit the Chinese Gardens and climb up on to a dump truck for a great photo opportunity before heading to the oversized ‘Super Pit’.

Overnight Indian Pacific – Gold Service

Day 13 - Monday 10 October 2022

Kalgoorlie-Boulder - Cook (B,L,D)

We wake up this morning with the Nullarbor Plain passing by our cabin windows, if lucky enough we may even see some kangaroos or the occasional circling bird of prey. We enjoy a leisurely breakfast before stepping off the train for a short stop in Cook. We have the opportunity to wander through the once bustling railway community, now effectively a ghost town, Cook gives new meaning to the expression “middle of nowhere”. Once back on board we enjoy the rest of the day, sit back and relax as the train continues its trek across the longest single stretch of railway in the world.

Overnight Indian Pacific – Gold Service

Day 14 - Tuesday 11 October 2022

Adelaide (B,D)

This morning our desert views have made way for the rolling South Australian countryside. After an early arrival in Adelaide, we pop by the Adelaide Central Market with over 80 artisan food stalls, cafés, and wine stores. Take some time to wonder the stalls on our own and purchase anything that has caught our eye or just grab a seat and enjoy a cuppa amidst the buzz of the markets.  We then head down to the River Torrens to board a South Australian legend - The Popeye, and enjoy the sights. The Popeye boats have been an iconic sight on the River Torrens since the launching of Popeye 1 in the 1930’s and have been a favourite childhood memory of many South Aussies.  Once we are back on land we make our way to Glenelg for some free time along Jetty Road and Glenelg Beach.  Stop in at one of the cafes for lunch (own expense) and then some other suggestions for this time include walking the beach and Jetty, drinks at the The Grand Bar with ocean views, shopping along Jetty Road, chocolate tasting at Haigh’s or just kicking back in a cafe or ice cream bar.  We then return to our accommodation to freshen up before enjoying dinner at The Mayflower Restaurant.  It is then back to our accommodation for the night.

Overnight Adelaide: Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide

Day 15 - Wednesday 12 October 2022

Hahndorf (B)

We are leaving the city again today after breakfast, making our way to Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement.  Our first stop here is the Beerenberg Farm, meaning “Berry Hill” in German, where we are treated to a tasting of some of their famous products as well as a little history of this 200 year old property. Still completely owned, farmed and operated by the descendants of founders George and Anna Paech, they stake their family reputation on every product they make. Next we visit Hans Heysen known as The Cedars. Enjoy a guided tour of the studio, home & grounds of famed 20th-century landscape painter Hans Heysen. After our visit we can enjoy free time to meander through this German-style village and purchase lunch at own expense. Some suggestions for this time include visiting the German Bakery, popping in to the Antique and Vintage shops to find a special piece, trying a beer in one of the inn’s or restaurants or even tasting some blood sausage for that “only on holiday” experience. It is then time to depart Hahndorf and make our way back to Adelaide to our hotel. Dinner tonight is at own choice and cost before turning in for the evening.

Overnight Adelaide: Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide

Day 16 - Thursday 13 October 2022

Barossa Valley (B,L,D)

Today after breakfast we travel to a legend of the Barossa, Maggie Beer. Maggie’s Farm Shop provides us with the perfect opportunity to see and sample just about every product she produces.

Our next stop is Barossa Chateau, here we enjoy a light lunch followed by an Art and Antique Tour. We have time to sample their wine and enjoy a browse in their large gift shop before we head to the historic Seppeltsfield which was established in the Barossa Valley by Joseph and Johanna Seppelt just 15 years after the European settlement of South Australia. Steeped in rich Barossa heritage, the estate is considered a true national treasure which helped shape the history of the Australian wine industry. The Seppeltsfield Cellar Door is located in the redeveloped 1900 Seppelt Bottling Hall, showcased in a world-class blend of historical and contemporary architecture.  Our experience includes premium wines and a vintage port and the story of the Seppelt family followed by the Barossa taste tempting platters.  Time can be spent on the estate visiting Vasse Virgin, set in one of the stunning historical buildings, discover the magic of olive oil and their skincare range.  Also see the Jam Factory, Art Gallery and the beautiful gardens surrounding this area.  We travel to the Hotel via Williamstown to visit the Whispering Wall, the retaining wall of the Barossa Reservoir, which draws in visitors with its unique acoustic effects. Words whispered at one side of the wall can be clearly heard at the other side which is more than 100 metres away.  

Tonight it is our farewell dinner at the hotel’s Bistro Sixty5, celebrating our time away together.

Overnight Adelaide: Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide

Day 17 - Friday 14 October 2022

Adelaide - Melbourne (B)

After breakfast and this morning at leisure, it is time to pack our bags and farewell South Australia as we head to the airport for our flight back to Melbourne.  Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure.