OVERVIEW

The southwestern reaches of Western Australia are defined by rolling vineyards, green forests, rugged coastline and white-sand beaches. Traversing the coast from Margaret River to Esperance, experience the freedom of the open road on a six-day adventure tour from Perth. Roam along bush-edged beaches in the company of kangaroos and stop at scores of natural wonders. Tame your inner wildling among vast, wide-open spaces, then fall asleep under star-filled skies. Be rewarded on incredible hikes, engage in authentic Indigenous culture and participate in a meaningful wildlife conservation activity.

The colossal ancient forests of the Walpole Wilderness Region, the white sandy beaches of Cape Le Grand National Park, and Australia's golden outback are your playground on the ultimate Esperance tour.

UNTAMED MOMENTS

• Traverse a section of the iconic Cape-to-Cape Track
• Be mesmerised during the Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands experience
• Visit Margaret River and taste the region's wine and produce
• Particpiate in a meaningful wildlife volunteering experience
• Wander through the ancient forests of the Walpole region
• Experience the epic coastline and rock formations of Albany
• Connect to Country during the authentic Dabungool Cultural Experience
• Unearth Cape Le Grand National Park and meet its friendly kangaroos
• Marvel at the weird and wonderful Wave Rock

INCLUSIONS

• All National Park and entry fees
• All activities
• Meals – 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
• Accommodation – 5 nights of swag camping (with basic facilities)
• Transport – Air-conditioned minibus (max 20 people)
• Expert local guide

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Perth to Margaret River

A couple of hours south of Perth our adventure begins with a meaningful experience when we visit FAWNA to participate a couple of hours of volunteer work. This wonderful not-for-profit organisation, run solely by volunteers, was established in 1984 to support wildlife rehabilitators to provide the best care for orphaned, injured, or abandoned wildlife. Tasks vary depending on the day but include things like cleaning wildlife enclosures, gardening or planting trees. Meet and learn from the passionate people that protect the region’s wildlife, such as the critically endangered Western Ringtail Possums to kangaroos, birdlife and reptiles.

In the popular tourist town of Busselton, it's hard to miss the 19th-century jetty stretching 1.8km into the turquoise Geographe Bay. A little way down the road, arrive at the Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands, an immersive above and below-ground experience. Go beneath the earth's surface for a 45-minute semi-guided tour of the exquisitely decorated Ngilgi Cave. Above ground, discover 600 million years of stories associated with the land and its people. Then above ground, follow a pathway through the native bushland bringing to life the creation of the land, cave formations, cultural connection and native flora and fauna through a series of experiential nodes.

After a picnic lunch, it's time to taste the world-renowned Margaret River region. Visit a couple of cellar doors for tastings before arriving at our campsite to relax over dinner and spend your first night under the stars of the Milky Way.

Today's driving distance is around 320km.

Accommodation

Swag camping at Big Valley Caravan Park, which has toilet and shower facilities.

Meals Included

L | D

Day 2: Margaret River to Walpole

This morning, embark on an inspiring 7km hike along one of the most scenic sections of the Cape to Cape Track from Conto's to Redgate Beach. Then, cool down with a swim before travelling a short distance to the Margaret River township. Enjoy some free time to wander the main street, discover the eclectic mix of shops and galleries, and grab lunch.

Continue south into the pristine forests of the Walpole Wilderness Region. Within the old-growth karri forest of Warren National Park, you will find the Bicentennial Tree. At 65 metres high, this magnificent tree was once used as a fire lookout, but these days visitors brave enough to climb the 165 pegs to the top are rewarded with magical views.

This evening, set up camp at idyllic Peaceful Bay and watch the sunset over the ocean. Settle in for another night of campfire tales under the stars.

Today we drive around 350km.

Accommodation

Swag camping at Peaceful Bay Caravan Park, which has shower and toilet facilities.

Meals Included

B | D

Day 3: Walpole and Albany Region

After breakfast, we'll pack up and roam to William Bay National Park. Here, turquoise water and snow-white sand are primed for swimming at Greens Pool. Enjoy some free time and a bite to eat before cruising along a scenic stretch of coastline to Albany. See how years of natural erosion have crafted incredible rock sculptures and granite bluffs at the Natural Bridge and The Gap.

Travel onwards to the Porongorups, which rise from the landscape like an island. Over 1,100 million years in the making, the striking granite outcrop of Castle Rock invites you to walk its 670-metre peak through tall Karri and Marri tree forest and take in the jaw-dropping view from the suspended Granite Skywalk. Then, back on the bus, a drive through the picturesque Stirling Ranges will bring us to our campsite for the night.

The driving distance today is around 240km.

Accommodation

Swag camping at a private campsite at Mt Trio, which has shower and toilet facilities.

Meals Included

B |L | D

Day 4: Mt Trio to Cape Le Grand National Park

This morning we have some distance to cover but come lunchtime, turquoise water will replace red dirt as we head into Esperance. This part of Western Australia has no less than nine national parks and some of the best beaches in the world.

Grab a bite in Esperance before connecting to Country during a 90-minute Dabungool Cultural Experience. Join local Wudjari Nyungar mother and daughter as they guide you on a coastal walk to learn about the six seasons, bushfood and medicine plants that have sustained the Wudjari people for many thousands of years.

Next, drive along one of the most enchanting stretches of oceanside road you'll ever see. Take a dip at Twilight Beach, one of many breathtaking beaches along the iconic Great Ocean Drive. Travel a little further east to Cape Le Grand National Park, where we will set up camp at Lucky Bay. Here, you will find an ocean coloured all imaginable shades of blue and sand so white and fine it squeaks between your toes. The rest of the day is at your command. Bush walk through the untamed landscape or kick back on the beach and soak up the serenity.

Today, the driving distance is around 525km, with plenty of stops along the way.

Accommodation

Swag camping for two nights in the well-equipped camping area at Lucky Bay which has shower and toilet facilities.

Meals Included

B | D

Day 5: Cape Le Grand National Park

Sunrise is a sacred time here, and it's also when the friendly western grey kangaroos are at their most active. Wander onto the beach to say hello before we spend a whole day unearthing this incredible national park in one of Australia's most biodiverse regions. Traverse through lush bushland, swim at fantastic bays and coves and learn about its abundant flora and fauna. There are several hikes to choose from, or you can kick back and relax on the beach.

This afternoon, embark on one of the best hikes of the tour, climbing Frenchman Peak to watch the sunset on our last night together.

There are only 10km of driving today within the national park.

Accommodation

Swag camping again at Lucky Bay.

Meals Included

B | L | D

Day 6: Esperance to Perth

We have a lot of distance to cover today, so it's up early and on our way. Stopping for lunch at a quintessential outback town, we'll continue until we reach the 2,700-million-year-old Wave Rock. Rising 15 metres above the ground, surfing this natural granite wonder is a must-have photo opportunity.

After, it's back on the bus to see the historic township of York. Surrounded by pretty countryside, it's easy to see why this location was the first inland settlement for Western Australia's early colonists. Learn about the Rabbit-Proof Fence, built between 1901 and 1907 to keep rabbits and other agricultural pests from the east out of Western Australia.

Finally, roll into Perth around 6.30 pm after travelling around 780km with stops along the way.

Meals Included

B | L

KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK

GENERAL

• To get the most from our adventure tours, you need to enjoy the outdoors and hiking and be able to cope with a range of weather conditions. Our guides work hard and sometimes need a helping hand, so we kindly ask for involvement from our passengers, such as helping with meals and packing up camp.
• A moderate fitness level is required, with walks between 3-12 kilometres on some days. This may involve rough ground and perhaps getting wet.
• Please advise of any special dietary requirements when you book. We offer plenty of variety and do our best to provide fresh products. Snacks, soft drinks and alcohol are not included.
• Due to limited space in the trailer, bags are restricted to 1 × 15 kg backpack/soft travel bag per person, plus one small piece of hand luggage for on the bus.
• As part of our COVID-Safe protocols, all passengers must complete online check-in, including a 'Fit for Travel' self-declaration to confirm they are illness-free. This is mandatory and must be completed at the latest 24 hours before departure.
• This tour requires a minimum of six people to operate. In the unlikely event your departure is cancelled because minimum numbers have not been met, we will transfer all monies paid onto a future departure date. If this is not suitable, we will refund your tour price in full.
• Itinerary changes may occur to ensure we provide the best possible experience. Weather conditions in Australia can change quickly, and our experienced guides will always put the safety of our passengers first. Any itinerary changes will be communicated to the group in advance.
• Please read our full Booking Terms & Conditions before booking.

ACCOMMODATION & CAMPING

• Camping on this tour is at a mixture of national parks and campgrounds. All campgrounds do have basic toilet and shower facilities.
• When camping, we use single swags. Swags are 'Aussie Bed Rolls' made from sturdy canvas with a mattress built into the swag. Passengers must provide a sleeping bag and pillow to insert into the swag.
• Our wet weather option is tents shared by the group.
• In the unlikely event of an extreme weather event, alternative accommodation may be sourced. In this case, the accommodation costs incurred will be shared 50/50 between Untamed Escapes and each passenger.