Best of the Golden Outback Itinerary

Welcome to Perth, Australia’s sunniest capital. Settle into your accommodation and unwind in this remarkably isolated city, whose nearest neighbour, Adelaide, lies over 2,200 kilometres away. 

Discover soft sandy beaches, striking skyscrapers, expansive green parks and a vibrant street art scene, including Kings Park and Botanic Garden with sweeping river views. This afternoon, enjoy a Swan River cruise past iconic landmarks and elegant riverside suburbs, with insightful commentary, possible wildlife sightings, and a relaxed pace perfect for soaking in the scenery. Continue to Mosman Bay, explore beaches, swim at Cottesloe, and finish with wine, sunset views, and dessert overlooking the illuminated skyline.

Included Meals: Light Dinner

Accommodation: Perth - 3 Nights

Experience the Pinnacles Desert, renowned for its ancient landscapes and dark skies ideal for stargazing. 

Explore the cosmos with provided telescopes and learn about Aboriginal astronomy while hearing Dreamtime stories that reveal the cultural significance of the stars. The tour runs year-round, with autumn, winter, and spring offering spectacular views of the Milky Way and visible planets. Enjoy a traditional Australian barbecue paired with wine while watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean. The adventure also includes a stop at Lancelin for sandboarding and sightseeing at Lancelin Lookout, Nilgen Nature Reserve, or Hangover Bay before continuing to the Pinnacles for an unforgettable desert experience.

Included Meals: Dinner

Cruise from Perth to Rottnest Island, where bikes and snorkel gear await on the jetty for a full-day island adventure. 

Explore must-see sights including historic lighthouses, military forts, and charming heritage buildings while cycling along scenic paths. Stop to snorkel in crystal-clear bays, discovering vibrant coral reefs, schools of colorful fish, and diverse marine life, or relax on pristine beaches with a picnic. Keep an eye out for the island’s famous Quokkas. Enjoy stunning coastal views at every turn. After a day of exploration and relaxation, return your equipment and board the ferry back to Perth, reflecting on the unforgettable sights, wildlife, and natural beauty of this immersive Rottnest Island experience.

Collect your rental vehicle this morning and make your way to Hyden. Begin your day heading east into the Wheatbelt, where urban streets give way to open farmland and scattered eucalyptus. 

Passing small towns like Corrigin, the landscape grows quieter and more expansive. Hyden is a small rural town known for its unique natural attractions. Here you’ll find Wave Rock, a striking granite formation shaped like a breaking wave, along with nearby sights like Hippo's Yawn and Lake Magic, surrounded by peaceful bushland.

Approximate Distance: 335 km | 208 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Hyden - 2 Nights

Enjoy a free day among Hyden's stunning natural beauty and iconic landmarks.

At the heart of its appeal is the world-famous Wave Rock, a striking granite formation that resembles a massive, curling wave. Just nearby, explore the fascinating Hippo's Yawn, a rock formation shaped like a hippopotamus's mouth and Mulka's Cave, which features ancient Aboriginal rock art. Nature lovers will be captivated by the surrounding environment, including the tranquil Lake Magic, a salt lake near Wave Rock. The lake offers a peaceful walk along its shores, with its vibrant hues changing dramatically, especially at sunrise and sunset. The area is also known for its expansive wildflower fields during spring and its diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

The journey from Hyden to Esperance reveals changing landscapes, from inland bush to coastal beauty. 

Leaving Hyden, the road passes through quiet farming regions and stretches of native scrub, with towns like Ravensthorpe offering a brief stop. As you near Esperance, glimpses of the Southern Ocean appear, shifting the scenery dramatically. The journey ends at pristine white beaches and turquoise waters, with highlights like Cape Le Grand National Park, where coastal views and wildlife create a striking contrast to the inland start.

Approximate Distance: 385 km | 239 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Esperance - 3 Nights

This guided 1.5-hour experience explores one of Western Australia’s most flora- and fauna-rich conservation areas. 

The region is home to approximately 20% of the state’s described plant species, along with 22 mammal species, 41 reptile species and more than 200 bird species, including rare sightings such as the elusive ground parrot. Guests walking the trail may encounter kangaroos, emus, honey possums, lizards and frogs as they learn about the area’s unique ecosystems. The route is fully wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for all abilities. This nature-focused tour offers an immersive introduction to the remarkable biodiversity of the region.

Embark on the Le Grand 4×4 Beach Adventure Tour for a truly unforgettable coastal experience. 

Departing daily from Esperance, the guided journey takes you up to 50km along pristine beaches in a comfortable, fully equipped off-road vehicle, combining thrills with relaxation. Explore the rugged landscapes of Cape Le Grand National Park, climb Frenchman Peak for panoramic views, and traverse Mount Le Grand. Discover the breathtaking Hellfire Bay, Thistle Cove, and the iconic Lucky Bay, with its dazzling white sand and friendly kangaroos. Enjoy morning tea by the sea, swim in crystal-clear waters, capture stunning photos, and experience a fully immersive, adventurous, and unforgettable wilderness adventure along this spectacular coastline.

The journey from Hyden to Kalgoorlie takes you deeper into the state’s interior, where farmland gradually gives way to dry bush and expansive outback terrain. 

The route passes through small, isolated settlements and long, quiet stretches of road, highlighting the region’s remoteness. As you approach Kalgoorlie, signs of mining activity begin to appear, reflecting its gold rush heritage. Kalgoorlie is a historic mining city, known for landmarks like Super Pit, offering a striking contrast to the rural landscapes left behind.

Approximate Distance: 395 km | 245 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Kalgoorlie - 3 Nights

The Western Australian Museum - Kalgoorlie-Boulder showcases the rich history of the Eastern Goldfields and the city's mining heritage. 

Discover the unique role the town has played in WA's development, both as a centre of mining and its place at the edge of the Nullarbor Plain. Explore the largest display of the State's collection of gold bars and nuggets, step back in time to see how prospectors searched for this precious metal, and learn about the life and hardships faced by mining families during the early 1900s.

Make a return day trip to explore Coolgardie. Coolgardie, "the mother of the Western Australian Goldfields", was once the talk of the world and the destination of thousands of fortune-seekers. 

Today, Coolgardie offers visitors some very special insights into the life and times of the early goldfields and its pioneers. And its hinterland provides many natural attractions that represent the environment into which the thousands of 1890s gold-seekers first ventured. The town features attractions such as the museum, mining culture, camel farm, Victoria and Burra Rocks, Cave Hill and a speedway. It is one of the main stopovers for travelers on the Golden Quest Discovery Trail.

Approximate Distance: 40 km | 25 miles   Total Driving Time: 30 mins (each way)

A day journey from Kalgoorlie to Perth follows the long stretch of the Great Eastern Highway, beginning in historic goldfields before moving through vast outback plains. 

The road passes scattered settlements like Southern Cross and Merredin, where breaks reveal the quiet rhythm of regional life. Gradually, dry landscapes give way to cultivated farmland and denser vegetation. As Perth approaches, the skyline emerges, marking a shift from remote landscapes to the busy city life of Perth.

Approximate Distance: 595 km | 369 miles   Total Driving Time: 6 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Perth - 1 Night

Say farewell to Perth today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Western Australia experience. We know you will enjoy your Western Australia vacation and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.