Best of the West
Best Of The West - 14 or 17 days
This Best Of The West itinerary, is exactly that - celebrating Western Australia’s breathtaking contrasts and memorable Australian experiences. Uncover the hidden treasures of the Margaret River wine region, including award-winning wineries, spectacular beaches, tall-timber forests and world-class surf breaks. Discover the wild remote Kimberley coast on the adventure cruise of a lifetime encompassing spectacular gorges, waterfalls and islands. Venture deep into the Kimberley wilderness, encountering an astonishing variety of wildlife along the way. If time permits, discover into the underwater beauty and biodiversity of The Ningaloo Reef just meters away from pristine beaches.
**THIS ITINERARY CAN BE REVERSED DEPENDING ON WHETHER EMBARKATION FOR TRUE NORTH IS BROOME OR KUNUNURRA.
Days 1-4: MARGARET RIVER, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (3 NIGHTS)
Described as one of Australia’s finest gourmet establishments, Cape Lodge private estate and boutique hotel sits within 40 acres on its own vineyard in the heart of the Margaret River wine region. This premium wine region has a strong reputation for fine gastronomic flavours and spectacular scenery, where rolling vineyards sit against a backdrop of ocean and forest.
A selection of must do’s:
* Best of the Best Wine Tour – A sophisticated behind the scenes wine tour often referred to as “The wine tour for people who don’t do tours”. No minivans, no crowds; the Best of the Best Wine Tour represents personalised touring at its best.
* Sunset Kangaroo Safari – Have your camera ready as you get up close and personal to the Western Grey Kangaroo’s in their natural surroundings. Savour delicious home baked orange cake with a steaming cup of Billy tea or coffee.
* Twilight Didgeridoo Tour at Ngilgi Cave, Harvest Farmgate Tour and new Cooking Class and Long Table Lunch Calendar including Truffle Hunt Tour and Cooking Class (July and August).
Days 4-11: THE KIMBERLEY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (7 NIGHTS)
Long revered as one of Australia’s outstanding adventures – the True North has been designed with a draft of just 2.3 meters enabling this sleek adventure-yacht to go where others ship cannot and, with exceptional levels of comfort and style. All itineraries are activity based with an expert crew of 22, on-board helicopter and 6 adventure boats that provide 36 guests with intimate access to remote and wild coastal regions.
A selection of must do’s:
• The Horizontal Falls – experience the awesome power of the region’s huge tidal range in an exhilarating adventure boat ride and then climb aboard your air-conditioned helicopter for a view of the falls that very few experience.
• The Eagle Falls heli-picnic – enjoy a breathtaking helicopter flight and indulge in the True North’s mouth-watering fare alongside a picture-perfect waterfall in remote far-north Western Australia. Only accessible by helicopter.
• Catching a barramundi – visit Mitchell River for opportunity to ‘land a barra’.
Days 11-14: EL QUESTRO HOMESTEAD - THE KIMBERLEY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (3 NIGHTS)
In the middle of almost 1 million acres of Wilderness Park and 100km from the nearest town, the luxury of the El Questro Homestead sits in stark contrast to Western Australia’s rugged Kimberley landscape. Perched on a cliff top, with vistas across the Chamberlain River, the Homestead is a relaxed retreat catering for a maximum of 18 guests.
A selection of must do’s:
* Take off on a Helicopter Tour to The Lost City and Miri Miri Falls. Explore the Lost City with an El Questro ranger, followed by a cool dip in the pristine Miri Miri Falls while you enjoy a refreshing morning tea featuring local produce.
* Spend an afternoon at the Zebedee Thermal Springs – A magical place to relax and rejuvenate after a busy day.
* The Homestead is renowned for serving gourmet cuisine in dramatic locations. Request an intimate dinner beneath the stars, or a table set on the cliff side.
Days 14-17: SAL SALIS - NINGALOO REEF, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (3 NIGHTS) - optional add-on
Where the outback meets the reef….Sixteen luxe wilderness tents hidden among the dunes overlook Ningaloo Reef. This wild bush luxury camp provides a unique place from which to explore Western Australia’s coral coast and one of Australia’s best-kept natural secrets. Sal Salis’s ecological principles also ensure that your stay generates a minimal environmental footprint.
A selection of must do’s:
* Swim with Whale Sharks (April to July) – Ningaloo Reef is known as one of the best places on earth to see and swim with Whale Sharks and Manta Rays.
* Wildlife Viewing – Red Kangaroos, wallaroos, rock wallabies and Gould’s Goannas are resident in the park while the birdlife includes Pied Butcherbirds, Fairy Wrens, Kestrels, Zebra Finches, Reef Herons, waders, seabirds and the occasional Emu that strolls through camp. Ningaloo is also a major breeding area for Hawksbill, Green and Loggerhead Turtles, which are seen daily in front of the camp.
* Sea Kayaking – Kayaks are the perfect vessel for exploring the reef with minimal interference to the ecosystem. Travel by kayak to spots further off shore where an anchor is dropped in the sand while guests enjoy a snorkel.
