Journey Beyond is taking travellers on the trip of a lifetime, with Western Australia-focused itineraries that are available right now, writes Adam Bishop.
Some may argue that Western Australia is a spoilt state. After all, it is home to an endlessly unique coastline, a myriad of golden islands, ancient mountain ranges, stunning ocean reefs, and grandiose outback areas, to list just a few. But look, you can choose to fritter your time away mired in envy and merely dream about this western paradise, or you can make tracks and book a trip to see it for yourself at your next opportunity.
One brand making sure travellers can enjoy the Wildflower State from all angles is Journey Beyond, which quite literally has you covered by air, land, and sea. The operator, perhaps most renowned for its cross-continent rail services such as The Ghan and the Indian Pacific, has several WA-focused itineraries that are guaranteed to bust those lockdown blues and train your thoughts firmly on that next domestic holiday.
The seven-day Rottnest Discovery tour, set to depart Sydney for Perth between March and November next year, is an itinerary ideal for travellers looking to combine the wonder of Australia’s regional gems and rugged centre with WA’s aquatic appeal. Hopping aboard Journey Beyond’s Indian Pacific rail expedition, guests are treated to a luxurious onboard experience that includes premium food, wine, and a convivial social atmosphere. The journey takes guests through the stunning bushland of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains in NSW, before a stop to indulge in the emerging artistic scene of the Silver City of Broken Hill. After that it’s onward through the inspiring Flinders Ranges to Australia’s wine capital of Adelaide to sample some of the best produce the region has to offer. Chugging across the awe-inspiring Nullarbor Plain while sipping on a cool cocktail (or two), travellers cap off the day of outback sightseeing with a rare opportunity to dine under the outback sky on the edge of the country’s largest sheep station in Rawlinna. Before long, guests arrive in the WA capital of Perth where a three-night stay at the premium DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront begins. Day five of this transcontinental journey is punctuated by the beauty of the Indian Ocean at every interval, and includes a spot aboard the Rottnest Express ferry to see the one-and-only Rottnest Island, located 22km off the state’s shores. Jumping aboard a 90-minute, air-conditioned coach tour around the biodiverse island the locals call “Rotto” takes travellers to some truly spectacular locations, including the Wadjemup Lighthouse and the boardwalk lookout at the rugged West End. However, viewing the majesty of nature in this area of the world can be hungry work, but never fear because a delicious lunch at the Karma Rottnest Lodge is served up to guests before they venture off to explore Rottnest at their own pace in search of that perfect quokka selfie.
Another great option for travellers is Journey Beyond’s eight-day Spectacular Land and Sea tour, an adventure of contrasts from Adelaide to Perth that explores the best of South Australia and Western Australia from every vantage point. Boarding the Indian Pacific from Adelaide, guests have the chance to stretch their legs in the ghost town of Cook in South Australia’s outback before tucking into a gourmet dinner under the stars later that evening. Western Australia’s Rawlinna sheep station is the next Off Train Experience before guests make tracks through the quaint Avon Valley and onwards to Perth. Once there, guests are whisked away to enjoy the pleasures of Rotto before jumping on a flight up north to the multicultural resort town of Broome to wander the golden sand along its famous 22km-long Cable Beach. This will be the base for the next four stunning nights at the luxurious Cable Beach Club Resort, where nature adventures abound via rugged 4WD road trips, picturesque seaplane flights and an adrenaline-inducing jet boat experience. Further highlights on this leg of the journey are a trip to the incredible Horizontal Falls and hidden islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, as well as explorations of the region’s overland frontiers. Guests will also enjoy a rare opportunity to visit the wilderness camp of Kooljaman at Cape Leveque. Owned and run by the Aboriginal Bardi Jawi communities, the area is world-renowned for its astonishing diversity, pristine wilderness and unique landscapes.
For another change of pace, check out the 10-day Great Western Wonders adventure which provides travellers with the rare chance to swim with gentle giants of the sea like Whale sharks and Humpback whales from an exclusive eco resort in WA’s World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef. Spending an epic three nights at the Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef resort, visitors can take advantage of a host of guided wilderness activities which includes a one-day Whale Shark Swim (March to July) or Humpback Whale Swim (August to October), all taking place on board a luxury vessel. The tour includes all the gear you will need for an amazing day meeting the local marine life, such as wetsuits and snorkel gear, and to unwind afterwards, a tasty lunch is served up with a couple of cheeky beverages. Other highlights include beachside safari camping in eco-luxe wilderness tents nestled in the dunes of Cape Range National Park, as well as a full day of quokka-spotting at Rotto, a rail journey across the Nullarbor, and accommodation at the Ritz-Carlton Perth.
All of Journey Beyond’s unique holiday packages include premium accommodation and most meals. So, it’s time to take the opportunity to plan your next trip west for a holiday of epic proportion that travellers will no doubt remember for a lifetime.
