WESTERN AUSTRALIA49Tall timber countryPeppermint Grove Retreat,PembertonPeppermint Grove is set amongst magnificent karriforests and vineyards 12 kilometres outsidePemberton, where you'll find restaurants specialisingin fresh local marron and trout, tiny wineries andgalleries. Each of the stylish spacious chalets is self-contained with your breakfast provisions provided.Large French doors open to a lovely deck with viewsof undulating pastures and forests dotted withkangaroo, and each chalet has its own barbequeallowing you to dine the Australian way. tailor-made travelAll our travel arrangements are on a private,individual basis to offer you complete freedom ofchoice. The itineraries and accommodation optionsthroughout the brochure are designed to give you aflavour of what is possible and can be tailor-made tosuit your preferences. Prices vary according toselected accommodation and season. Please callour Australia specialists on 01869 276 345 todiscuss your individual requirements.Tall Timber &Wine CountryLeaving Perth the drive south is relatively easy anddirect. Once out of the city you will pass through thetowns of Bunbury and Bussleton, past lush rollingfarmland and into some of Australia's best winecountry. Driving through beautiful landscape inlandfrom the pristine coast, you pass the limestone caveregion to reach the spectacular Cape Leeuwinlighthouse where the mighty Indian and SouthernOceans meet.Day 1:Arrive in Perth. Explore the city by footor on the complimentary CAT bussystem.Day 2:Full day in Perth to enjoy the heritagesights and attractions including shops,museums, galleries and markets. Day 3:Drive south to the Margaret River regionheading towards the thriving port ofBunbury, then on to Bussleton.Day 4:Full day in the Margaret River region toenjoy countless vineyards, beautifulbeaches, walking or caving. Day 5:Continue south towards Augusta forCape Leeuwin lighthouse where you canwitness the meeting of two great oceans.Head east into the tall timbers of thekarri forests to Pemberton.Day 6:Explore Pemberton's forests and take the'Valley of the Giants' treetop walk inWalpole before heading towards Albany. Day 7:Explore Albany's coast including lovelylittle beaches, coves, national parks, greatwalking and rich local heritage. Day 8:Drive back to Perth on the AlbanyHighway, stopping at Kojonup for a visitto the heritage centre.EXTENSIONSKeen walkers may wish to spend an extra day ortwo based in Mount Barker. Just a short drive fromAlbany, this is an ideal base for trekking across thePorongup and Stirling Ranges. To maximise your timein the south-west a fly-drive option is availablebetween Perth and Albany.Chimes Spa Retreat, Karri MiaThe winding route to Karri Mia treats you tomagnificent views across undulating hills, valleyspeppered with native bush and glimpses over theclear waters of the Southern Ocean. This smallretreat evokes a feeling of escape and peace, with ahandful of spacious rooms extending an atmosphereof casual sophistication and countless hospitabletouches that ensure your stay is memorable. Relaxin the comfort and privacy of your room, indulge inan organic spa treatment, stroll through thebeautiful tiered gardens or venture out to explorethe vineyards, forests and sandy coves. Memories of Albany, AlbanyBursting with charm this bed & breakfast isexclusive to Audley, a charming introduction to thedelightful town of Albany. Your warm and friendlyhosts ensure a home-from-home atmosphere thatextends from the delicious fresh breakfasts served inthe sunny dining room until the end of each day.There are just three delightful guest bedrooms setdirectly opposite a pretty park flanked by the ocean,and the town centre is a short walk away.Memories of AlbanyPeppermint Grove RetreatView from Karri Mia

Shark BayTHE HEARTLANDSNorth of Perth rolling wheat paddocks dottedwith historic settlements gradually give way todesert, seasonally brightened by carpets ofwildflowers, towards the eerie limestone spiresof the Pinnacles that jut out of the sand by theIndian Ocean in Nambung National Park. Fromhere driving or walking trails lead to lookoutswith a stunning view of these curious pillars.South east is Hyden and marvellous Wave Rock,where erosion has shaped its granite surface toresemble a massive wave rising from thelandscape. An unexpected sight is the Spanishsettlement of New Norcia, established byBenedictine monks, where the church, artgallery and monastery bring touches of Hispanicarchitecture to the region. This area is easilyaccessible by pretty country roads that linkheritage towns, each with their own vividglimpses into the past and Outback life. KALBARRINATIONAL PARKNestled at the mouth of the Murchison Riverand surrounded by a stunning coastline ofsoaring river gorges and bays, this park isknown for its rich marine life and landscapes,carved over millions of years into dramaticsandstone cliffs. In the winter wildflowers eruptinto incredible displays and there are severalscenic look-outs, the best being at the Loop andNature's Window, a natural rock arch thatframes the view upstream and is the start of awalking trail along the gorge. Kalbarri makes awonderful detour on the journey to Shark Bay. SHARK BAYThis UNESCO World Heritage site is famous forits blistering beaches, sparkling waters andvibrant red dunes, and is also home to anextraordinary range of aquatic life and boaststhe country's longest wildflower season. Oftenovershadowed by the rival attraction of thevisiting dolphins at Monkey Mia a few milesaway, the Shark Bay Marine Park provides a farless commercial experience. A host of walkingtrails link rugged sea cliffs to tranquil lagoonswhere unspoiled environments of coral,mangrove and huge seagrass meadows supporta prolific amount of sea life including nestingturtles, whales and dolphins. Scratch the surfaceand you will find graceful dugong and thecurious living fossils of stromatolites at HamelinPools. At Francois Peron National Park, the EdenInitiative is working to reintroduce animalsthreatened with extinction.Monkey Mia Dolphin ResortSet on lovely Dolphin Bay, itself part of Shark Bay,this is the only accommodation in the region. Theresort offers guestrooms to suit everyone, fromcomfortable beachfront units and garden villas tobackpacker rooms and camping spots. The beachhere is especially known for the wild dolphins thatvisit the shore daily.50Kalbarri National ParkThe PinnaclesStromatolites, Hamelin Pools