| DAY 1: WILDFLOWER FARM, KALBARRI Departing Perth, travel to New Norcia, established in 1846 by Spanish Benedictine monks. Travel northwest through sheep-farming country. Visit a wildflower farm in Coomberdale. In spring, the grounds come alive with colorful everlastings, statice and banksias. Continue north through the Irwin Valley to the popular coastal town of Kalbarri. Overnight: Kalbarri, Palm Resort (D)
DAY 2: SHARK BAY, FREEDOM OF CHOICE TOURING, MONKEY MIA
This morning journey to the Peron Peninsula and Shark Bay. Listed as a World Heritage area in 1991 for its universal natural value, Shark Bay is one of only 11 places in the world that satisfies all four natural criteria. We stop at Monkey Mia, famous for the wild bottlenose dolphins that frolic in the bay’s waters. Here, join a bay cruise to discover the wonders of this uniquely beautiful region. In this restricted-access zone, see the dugong, one of the world’s rarest animals that inspired the myth of the mermaid (subject to appearance), or learn about local Aboriginal tribes on a guided cultural walking experience. This evening, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner. Overnight: Monkey Mia, Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, overlooking the beach where the dolphins come in to shore (B,D)
DAY 3: MONKEY MIA, DOLPHINS, HAMELIN POOL, STROMATOLITES, GERALDTON
Feel the magic of interacting with the dolphins of Monkey Mia—a unique experience (dolphin sighting not guaranteed). Visit the nearby town of Denham, where many buildings are made from limestone shell blocks carved from Shell Quarry. Stop at Hamelin Pool to see the fascinating stromatolites, the world’s oldest known living organism. Visit the historic Telegraph Station before your luxury coach returns to Geraldton. This evening, enjoy our Dine Around Dinner. You can choose from a selection of restaurants that suit your taste and mood at no extra cost to you. Overnight: Geraldton, Ocean Centre Hotel (B,D)
DAY 4: NAMBUNG NATIONAL PARK, THE PINNACLES, PERTH
Depart Geraldton and drive through some of the most wildflower-rich country in Australia, with more than 2000 species of flowering plants. Travel via Leeman and the fishing village of Cervantes, through this spectacular wildflower wonderland (seasonal) to Nambung National Park. Wander among unusual limestone pillars and colored quartz outcrops of the mystical Pinnacles. Formed by the erosion of a thick bed of limestone, these ancient formations create an eerie atmosphere as they rise out of the shifting desert sands. Continue south to Perth where the tour concludes around 5:30pm. (B)
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