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

Whale sharkNINGALOO MARINE PARKThis astonishing marine park is famed for itsmassive fringing barrier reef that stretches for200 miles. Long white sandy beaches typify thecoast and the reef almost brushes the shore,making the warm turquoise waters perfect forswimming and snorkeling. Amongst theabundance of marine life, perhaps the mostdistinctive is the huge, gentle whale shark, aseasonal visitor between March and June.Through carefully monitored trips it is possibleto swim with these gentle giants and, as theyswim near the surface, you don't even need tobe a diver to join in. Humpback whales appearbetween June and November, whilst manta rayssashay through the waters year-round. Turtlesnest on the beaches between December andMarch and night walks offer the chance to seethese sombre creatures make their arduousjourney up the beach to nest. Ningaloo Reef RetreatSet between the dunes of Ningaloo Marine Park andgorges of Cape Range National Park this delightfulretreat offers an environmentally friendly experience.Spacious safari-style tents have raised floors, doublebeds and ensuite bathrooms. Dining is different: youchoose your evening meal from a creative menu -think kangaroo curry with a banana and yoghurtsauce - yet the ingredients only are delivered ascooking is communal, with dining a sociable occasionunder the countless stars of the southern skies. 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.WESTERN AUSTRALIA51KARIJINI NATIONAL PARKNorth of Perth in the Pilbara region, Karijini isconsidered to be one of the state's mostspectacular parks. Millions of years of erosionhave created jagged mountain ranges with deepdramatic gorges carved by waterfalls thatplunge into pools beside scenic walkways. At ajunction of four gorges a lookout provides astriking view, best seen in the morning or lateafternoon as the low light brings out the richcolours of ochre soils and shimmering spinifexplains, backed by the seemingly endless horizon.Karijini National ParkGorges,Pinnacles & ReefExplore the wonderful coast of the Indian Oceanand three of Western Australia's best national parks:the eerie pinnacles of Numbung National Park, thenatural aquarium of the UNESCO World HeritageSite of Shark Bay Marine Park, and the beautifulgorges of Kalbarri National Park.Day 1:Leave Perth and travel north towardsNumbung National Park and thelimestone pillars of the Pinnacles desert.Day 2:Continue with your journey, arrive atShark Bay UNESCO World Heritage Site.Day 3:Meet the dolphins at Monkey Mia,discover the stromatolites at HamelinPools and stroll through Francois PeronNational Park. Day 4:Head toward Ningaloo Marine Park. Day 5:Spend the next couple of days relaxing onthe beach, perhaps swim with whalesharks or snorkel on Ningaloo Reef. Day 6:Explore Cape Range National Park orcomb the lovely beach. Day 7:Start to retrace your steps south and stopat Carnavon.Day 8:Continue south and stop at KalbarriNational Park to explore one of thespectacular deep red river gorges. Day 9:A day to discover more of this park,taking one of the walking trails tonumerous lookout points.Day 10:Arrive back in Perth.EmuCAPE RANGE NATIONAL PARK This low furrowed mountain range ofspectacular gorges and rocky outcrops is madeup of elevated limestone. Originally part of theseabed, the rocks are littered with marine fossilsand tunnelled by countless caves. Two lovelywilderness trails thread through homes ofkangaroos, emus and large lizards, while atYardie Creek the trail along the gorge cliffstakes you to a deep canyon inhabited by rockwallabies. Nearby Exmouth is an ideal base fromwhich to explore the area, with relativelyunsophisticated but sufficiently comfortableaccommodation available.Ningaloo Reef