6 Day Secrets of Esperance Camping Adventure - WA

OVERVIEW
Be connected with nature and adventure on this all-inclusive camping tour from Perth. Spend a whole day exploring one of Western Australia’s most pristine and iconic national parks, Cape Le Grand. Hit the hiking trails of the Stirling Ranges, marvel at the weird and wonderful Wave Rock and spend a day tasting your way around Margaret River.

Engage in one of Australia’s best Indigenous experiences and camp under the stars of the southern skies each night with your new friends. Your incredible local guide will take you off the beaten track to places you’d never find otherwise. This tour truly showcases the amazing diversity of the South West of Western Australia, which we promise will be a highlight of your Australian adventure!

HIGHLIGHTS
– Wave Rock and Fitzgerald River World Biosphere Region
– Cape Le Grand National Park and its friendly kangaroos
– Relax and swim at some of Australia’s best beaches
– Feel inspired after hikes that will leave you speechless
– Explore the ancient forests of the Walpole region
– Taste your way around the Margaret River region
– Experience the rugged coastline and rock formations of Albany
– Engage with Indigenous culture at Koomal Dreaming

WHAT’S INCLUDED
– All National Park and entry fees
– All activities
– Meals – 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
– Accommodation – Swag camping (with basic facilities) 5 nights
– Transport – Air-conditioned minibus (max 20 people)
– Expert local guide

FULL ITINERARY
Day 1 – Perth to Fitzgerald River National Park
Our adventure begins as we travel east from Perth over the Darling Ranges with our first coffee break in the historic township of York, WA’s oldest inland town. A bit more driving and you’ll be eating lunch in the shadow of Wave Rock. By late afternoon, we’ll have arrived in Fitzgerald River National Park, an internationally recognised World Biosphere.

This is our biggest day of driving travelling around 10 hours with stops along the way. Walking time is about an hour. Tonight, we swag camp at Fitzgerald River National Park which has toilet but no shower facilities.

Day 2 – Esperance & Cape Le Grand National Park
Begin the morning with a brisk hike up East Mt Baron. Legs stretched, take the coastal route into Esperance for a coffee and mosey around. Then get ready for some of Australia’s most breathtaking scenery as we make our way towards Esperance. Set up camp in one of Western Australia most spectacular National Parks, Cape Le Grand iconic for its sunbathing kangaroos. Enjoy a free afternoon here to set out on a hike, get your kangaroo selfie, or just kick back with your new buds on the beach.

Today travel 2.5 hours with stops along the way. Walking time is about 3 hours and you’ll be swag camping with toilet and shower facilities at Cape Le Grand.

Day 3 – Cape Le Grand National Park & Stirling Ranges
The views from the top of Frenchman Peak are pretty impressive, so this morning the top of Frenchman Peak is where we go. Following the hike, it’s back in the bus for the drive into the Stirling Ranges, with a lunch stop near Esperance along the way. Depending on the time of the year, in spring we might seek out the beautiful wildflowers, or in the heat of summer, some secret swimming spots.

Today driving time is about 6 hours and walking time is about 2 hours. Tonight, we swag camp at a private campground in the Stirling Ranges with shower and toilet facilities.

Day 4 – Stirling Ranges & South West Coast
Today visit the oldest mountain range in the world, the Porongurups. They rise from the landscape like an island. Set out on a two-hour hike through some spectacular forests to Castle Rock. A bit of a climb but worth every bit of effort as you are rewarded with breathtaking views over the region. Jump back on the bus for a magnificent coastal drive towards Albany. Be wowed at The Gap and Natural Bridge before stopping for a dip at magical Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool in William Bay National Park near Denmark.

From the coast to the forest, discover the pristine wilderness and old growth forests of the Walpole region. The last stop of the day is at the largest Tingle Tree in Western Australia.

We do about 4.5 hours of driving today, with stops along the way. Tonight, we camp at a Quinnup Caravan Park which has shower and toilet facilities.

Day 5 – Margaret River
After breakfast, those feeling brave can climb the 50 metre Diamond Tree. This native karri tree was once used as a fire lookout and is the only wooden tree top tower in the world. But today is all about tantalising your taste buds as we spend the rest of the day tasting our way around Margaret River. Visit boutique wineries, craft breweries, a chocolate factory and a cheese factory, sampling as we go. Cheers to that.

Today we drive around 4 hours making stops along the way. Tonight, we camp at Big Valley Caravan Park in Margaret River which has shower and toilet facilities.

Day 6 – Margaret River to Perth
On the last day of the tour you’ll wake to the now-familiar laugh of kookaburras. Roll up your swag one last time before jumping on the bus to Dunsborough. There, you’ll meet Wardandi custodian Josh, who will introduce you to the world’s oldest living culture with his authentic and personal interpretation. Go deep down into the Ngilgi Cave for a memorable underground didgeridoo performance. Taste native foods, and experience traditional fire-lighting on this unique Indigenous cultural experience.

As your tour draws to an end, we’ll have a last dip at the popular tourist town of Busselton, where it’s hard to miss the 19th-century Jetty stretching 1.8km into Geographe Bay. One last stint on the road has us arriving into Perth around 6pm.

Today we drive 4 hours and please make sure you have booked your Perth accommodation prior to departure.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Meals: Please advise of any special dietary requirements at time of booking. We offer plenty of variety and do our best to provide fresh products. Snacks, soft drinks and alcohol are not included.

Camping: Our tours are camping adventures, and participation and involvement is required from our passengers. People do need to enjoy the outdoors, hiking, and be able to cope with extreme weather conditions if travelling in the peak of summer. Camping on this tour is a mixture of national parks, campgrounds and bush camps (no facilities).

Swags: When camping, we use individual swags. Swags are ‘Aussie Bed Rolls’ made from sturdy canvas with a mattress built into the swag. Passengers need to provide their own sleeping bag and pillow to insert into the swag.

Our wet weather option is a 3-person dome tent which are shared by 2 people, but these are only provided in the case of heavy rain.

Fitness: A good level of fitness is required, and you need to be prepared for walks of between 3-9 kilometres on some days. This may involve rough ground and perhaps getting wet.

Changes to Itinerary: Our experienced guides will tailor activities on seasonal conditions throughout the year to maximise your experience and enjoyment. Any deviation from this itinerary will be made with serious consideration and passengers’ best interest and safety as our number one priority.

What to bring: Personal belongings, sleeping bag, travel pillow, torch or head torch, rainproof jacket, walking shoes, swimmers and towel, water bottle, insect repellent, hat, and sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to bring snacks for the bus in your day bag.

Luggage Restrictions: Bags are restricted to 1 × 15kg backpack/soft travel bag per person, plus one small piece of hand luggage.