The Gourmet South West
Duration: 7 days
Highlights: Self-drive through WA’s gourmet heart, sampling local produce and fine regional wines Indulge at Margaret River’s award-winning Cape Lodge Uncover secrets from master winemakers in a private barrel tasting Feast your eyes on the stalactites, stalagmites and helictites of the vast Ngilgi Cave Wander through the centuries-old Valley of the Giants on a canopy walk
Welcome to Australia’s South West, where mouth-watering produce, world-class wine and ancient forests hide around every corner. Gain an in-depth and unique insight into the renowned Margaret River wine region, on this self-drive gourmand’s adventure: uncover secrets from master winemakers, experience the art of fine food and wine matching, and explore the stunning Indian Ocean coastline. Then continue on to discover Albany’s incredible past and wander through the centuries-old Valley of the Giants. Western Australia has never been more enticing.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Perth – Margaret River
Self drive* south to the gourmand’s paradise, Margaret River. Meander through landscapes of sun-kissed vineyards, picture-perfect coastlines and towering karri forests. Bed down at Cape Lodge and dine on an innovative menu of local produce and the region’s best wines.
Overnight: Cape Lodge
Meal Plan: D
Day 2: Margaret River
Enjoy a full day immersed in the Margaret River Wine Region. Meander from winery to winery with your private guide, gaining an in-depth understanding of the vineyards and their grapes, and meeting the vintners who put Margaret River on the map.
Begin with a barrel room tasting at a pioneering family vineyard, learning first-hand about the history of the region. Continue to an immaculate estate for a premium wine tasting, and a vineyard and property tour. Lunch will be a three-course feast at an award-winning winery that dates back to 1967. Learn about the art of fine food and wine matching from your friendly sommeliers, and finish with a scenic drive around the breathtaking Indian Ocean coastline. A glass of bubbles as the sun sets tops it all off.
Overnight: Cape Lodge
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 3: Margaret River – Pemberton
Today, self-drive to the extraordinary Ngilgi Cave. Hear stories about the cave’s ancient evolution and the explorers who discovered it; traverse the extensive boardwalks, unearthing stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, and vibrantly coloured shawls.
Journey onwards to Pemberton along the Cape Leeuwin coastline. Along the way, pause at the towering Gloucester Tree, a dizzying 72-metre-high karri tree that was traditionally used as a fire lookout. Your accommodation tonight is Ampersand Estates, surrounded by sloping hillside vineyards, gardens and orchards.
Overnight: Ambersand Estate
Meal Plan: B
Day 4: Pemberton
Enjoy a day at leisure to discover the region’s fascinating culinary heritage and natural wonders. Choose to join truffle hunters, canoe through winding rivers or swim in pristine lakes. Later, why not sip wines at the boutique cellar door just moments from your private cottage.
Overnight: Ambersand Estate
Meal Plan: B
Day 5: Pemberton – Albany
Journey onwards to the Valley of the Giants, home to the last forest of red tingle trees in the world. Wander high in the canopy on the Treetop Walk before arriving in the historic port city of Albany.
Overnight: The Beachhouse at Bayside
Day 6: Albany
Uncover Albany’s fascinating whaling history at Australia’s last operating whaling station before an afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: The Beachhouse at Bayside
Meal Plan: B
Day 7: Albany – Perth
Return to Perth through the Stirling Ranges.
Meal Plan: B
