INDIAN PACIFIC
EXPLORE THE SOUTH WEST
2008 HOSTED GROUP TOUR
Departs: 26 October 2008

10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS

If you’ve always wanted to discover the highlights of Western
Australia’s acclaimed south west and forge new friendships along the way, then this hosted group tour is for you.
Our experienced tour leader not only shares their knowledge with you but also takes care of all your travel arrangements to ensure a hassle free and enjoyable holiday.

Experience Perth, Kings Park, Fremantle, the Margaret River wine region, towering Karri forests, Pemberton, Albany, Esperance, Kalgoorlie and the Indian Pacific.

Day 1: Sunday, 26 October 2008
Perth
On arrival in Perth, you will be met and transferred to the Crowne Plaza Perth, your overnight accommodation, with sufficient time to unwind and enjoy a well appointed dinner before a short night
tour of Perth. Enjoy the lights from Kings Park and see the Northbridge nightlife.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza Perth (D)

Day 2: Monday, 27 October 2008
Perth & Fremantle
Today see the major points of both Perth and Fremantle. We view the beautiful botanical gardens of Kings Park, Burswood Resort Casino, historic Fremantle and the white sandy beaches of Cottesloe before returning to the Crowne Plaza Perth mid afternoon.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza Perth (B,L,D)

Day 3: Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Perth to Pemberton
Leaving Perth behind we travel to Western Australia’s fastest growing city, Mandurah. A sleepy town a few years ago now boasts some 90,000 people. Following the coastline we arrive in
Busselton to view the largest hardwood jetty in the southern hemisphere. Moving into the Margaret River region we enjoy
lunch and wine tasting at Lamonts Winery. Margaret River town is our next stop for a little retail therapy. We then marvel at the majestic Karri trees as we head to our final stop for the day
at Pemberton.
Overnight: Gloucester Motel (B,L,D)

Day 4: Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Pemberton to Albany
First stop today is the Gloucester Tree. This Karri tree was once used as the tallest fire lookout in the world. A short drive brings us to the Finecraft Wood Gallery displaying the artistic flare of over
300 artisans. We stop in the timber town of Walpole for lunch before enjoying the amazing Tree Top Walk. This specially
designed 600 metre walk allows you to view the Tingle trees through its canopy as only a bird would see. Our last stop
today is the Sandalwood Factory, here we learn about the sandalwood industry and the products that it manufactures.
Overnight: Ace Motor Inn (B,L,D)

Day 5: Thursday, 30 October 2008
Albany
Today we view the rugged coastline of the area known as the Natural Bridge and the Gap. Frenchman’s Bay is the home of Whaleworld. Here we learn about the last whaling station to be
closed in Australia in 1974. The Princess Royal Forts is next, originally built to protect the port; the cannons ironically
never fired a shot in anger. We move up to the Desert Corps Memorial in remembrance to the mounted soldiers.
Today concluded we return to our accommodation.
Overnight: Ace Motor Inn (B,L,D)

Day 6: Friday, 31 October 2008
Albany to Esperance
We depart Albany to view our only true mountain system, the Stirling Ranges. Here the view of Bluff Knoll is truly breathtaking. Lunch at Wave Rock and Hippo’s Yawn are next. We see the
amazing wave-like granite rock that has been created over time and the Aboriginal rock art in the Hippo’s Yawn. We have afternoon tea at Ravensthorpe, before arriving in Esperance late
afternoon.
Overnight: Hospitality Inn Esperance (B,L,D)

Day 7: Saturday, 01 November 2008
Esperance
Today we experience a wonderful day of eco tourism. We board the Southern Spirit to learn the history of Esperance and visit some of the islands that make up the archipelago. Lunch is enjoyed on board tucked away behind one of the beautiful islands before heading back to shore. Our next adventure is with
Kepa Kurl. This is a special look into the Esperance area through the eyes of “Doc”, an Aboriginal resident that will show us how to obtain fresh water directly from the ocean, Aboriginal rock
art, how to collect bush tucker, bush medicine, local wildlife and much more.
Overnight: Hospitality Inn Esperance (B,L,D)

Day 8: Sunday, 02 November 2008
Kalgoorlie, Join the Indian Pacific
Today we drive through the semi-arid desert to Norseman for morning tea and then onto Kalgoorlie. Arriving in time for
lunch at the Mining Hall of Fame, we then head underground to experience life as a miner. On returning to the surface
you are able to view a gold pour or freelance the many exhibits (including the Mining Hall of Fame) that make up the
tourist mine. We then view the city sights returning to the Railway Motel to freshen up before being transferred this evening
to the Kalgoorlie Rail Terminal to join the Indian Pacific. Settle in to your Gold Service cabin as you travel east across this vast continent.
Overnight: Indian Pacific (B,L,D)

Day 9: Monday, 03 November 2008
Indian Pacific, Cook, The Nullarbor
Continue across the desolate Nullarbor Plain and stop at one of the most isolated outposts, Cook. Stretch your legs, get some fresh air and maybe even meet the locals – all four of them!
Overnight: Indian Pacific (B,L,D)

Day 10: Tuesd ay, 04 November 2008
Arrive Adelaide
Enjoy breakfast this morning before arriving in Adelaide – The Festival City. (B) Alternatively, you may wish to
continue your journey aboard the Indian Pacific to Sydney.

To book your Hosted Group Tour call
Great Southern Rail Holidays
1300 769 222 or 8213 4535

Rail Only Bookings: Call 13 21 47 or book online click here

Click here for the itinerary