Western Australia & Tasmania self-drive
Combine two of Australia's least visited but most rewarding states.
Discover the delights of Western Australia’s historic south end and the best of Tasmania’s spectacular scenery with this tailor-made self-drive tour.
From Perth and Fremantle, drive south to award-winning vineyards, giant karri forests, historical townships and biodiversity hotspots. Then fly to Tasmania, where Seven Mile Beach, the Tamar Valley, a thriving arts and cafe culture and unspoilt wilderness await.
Hiring a car gives you absolute freedom and our Australia specialists can tailor any part of the below itinerary to suit your own needs.
2 nights Perth • 3 nights Margaret River • 1 night Pemberton • 2 nights Denmark • 1 night Albany • 1 night Perth • 2 nights Hobart • 1 night Strahan • 2 nights Cradle Mountain • 1 night Launceston • 2 nights Freycinet Peninsula • 1 night Tasman Peninsula & Port Arthur
Days 1–2: Perth
On arrival in Perth, Australia’s sunniest state capital, transfer to The Richardson Hotel & Spa, a 5-star boutique hotel not far from the Botanical Gardens and Kings Park, for two nights. With a full day at leisure you’ll have plenty of time to explore Perth and Fremantle, Perth’s creative, vibrant neighbour, where buskers and artists captivate the crowds and popular craft markets pop up at weekends.
Stay: The Richardson Hotel & Spa (RO)
Day 3: Margaret River
Collect your hire car and head down the coast to Margaret River, still a popular spot for surfers but now just as favoured by wine lovers. The region produces less than 1% of all Australian wine but 15% of its premium wine, with more than 220 vineyards and 80 wineries to choose from. Your accommodation for the next three nights, the luxurious Cape Lodge, sits surrounded by one of these vineyards, part of 40 acres of native forest, landscaped gardens and peaceful lakes.
Stay: Cape Lodge (RO)
Day 4: Margaret River
Get away from the masses and the minivans with Margaret River Discovery Co., the small-group tour company for people who don’t do tours. The company is the vision of Sean Blocksidge, formerly the manager of 5-star hotels and a Margaret River winery, and the well-researched tours give a unique insight into the wonderful food, great wine and spectacular scenery of the region. Today you’ll sample its 'Best of the Best Wine Tour'.
Stay: Cape Lodge (RO)
Day 5: Margaret River
A day at leisure will allow you to explore at will. Perhaps head off to the beautiful beaches of Busselton and take a stroll along its 2km jetty, still the longest wooden structure in the southern hemisphere.
Stay: Cape Lodge (RO)
Day 6: Pemberton
Continue down the coast to the rural retreat of Pemberton. Surrounded by towering karri, jarrah and marri trees, the area offers fine bush walking, kayaking and fishing.
Stay: Karri Valley Resort (RO)
Days 7–8: Denmark
Travelling south once more, you’ll reach Karma Chalets near Denmark and William Bay National Park, home to Elephant Rocks and Green Pool – both perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Spend the next day with Dr Dave, the Adventure Doctor, on the breathtaking West Cape Howe Walk.
Dave is a great personality and there’s little he doesn’t know about the flora, fauna, history and geology of the area, which is internationally recognised as one of only 34 biodiversity hotspots in the world.
Stay: Karma Chalets (RO)
Day 9: Albany
Your last stop in this small yet spectacular corner of Australia is Albany, the first European settlement in Western Australia. It’s also a great base for whale-watching tours between June and October.
Stay: The Beach House at Bayside (B)
Day 10: Perth
Wind your way leisurely back to Perth, stopping as you please at wineries, breweries and all manner of local producers: cheeses, jams, condiments, olives, chocolate, fudge, toffee and ice cream are all readily available. Spend a final night in Perth.
Stay: The Sebel Residence (RO)
Days 11–12: Hobart
Return your hire car to Perth airport and fly to Hobart via Melbourne. On arrival at Hobart airport collect your hire car and drive to the Henry Jones Art Hotel, where you will stay for two nights. Explore picturesque Hobart’s fabulous waterfront, fine Georgian buildings and great restaurants at your leisure.
Stay: Henry Jones Art Hotel (RO)
Day 13: Strahan
Drive to the cheery fishing village of Strahan, a bustling eco-tourism hub in Tasmania’s wild west, for an overnight at Strahan Village. Enjoy the region's spectacular landscape of craggy peaks, forests and empty beaches – you may even see a Tasmanian devil.
Stay: Strahan Village (RO)
Days 14–15: Cradle Mountain
Enjoy a morning Gordon River cruise before driving to Cradle Mountain where you will stay for two nights at the iconic Cradle Mountain Lodge. From your base at the lodge you can enjoy a wide range of walks and other activities, as well as close encounters with the resident wombats and wallabies.
Stay: Cradle Mountain Lodge (B)
Day 16: Launceston
Drive to Launceston for one night, staying at Peppers Seaport Hotel. This compact city has a charming setting on the Tamar River, boasting delightful Victorian buildings and vibrant cafes.
Stay: Peppers Seaport Hotel (RO)
Days 17–18: Freycinet Peninsula
Continue on to the Freycinet Peninsula where white sands, clear seas and dramatic mountain peaks make the region one of Tasmania’s leading attractions. Enjoy a two-night stay at the sophisticated and luxurious Saffire, where fabulous views and fine seafood can be savoured.
Stay: Saffire (BL)
Days 19–20: Tasman Peninsula & Port Arthur
Drive to the stunning Tasman Peninsula for an overnight stay at Stewart’s Bay Lodge. Be sure to visit the Port Arthur and Coal Mines World Heritage sites. The next morning enjoy the scenic drive back to Hobart airport and return your hire car before your flight home.
Stay: Stewart’s Bay Lodge (RO)
Pricing information
Tailor-made self-drive itinerary Western Australia and Tasmania
Prices from: £5,082 to £6,454 per person
Valid for travel: 01 April 2012 to 31 March 2013
Package includes: Return international flights, car hire, tours, 19 nights accommodation and meals as indicated.
RO = room only • B = breakfast • L = lunch
Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on two people sharing & twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply
To book, call 0845 643 6548
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX102614.
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