Golden Outback Intinerary

(L, D, Chalet/ Motel) Perth to Margaret River. Leaving early, we follow the coast south to Lake Clifton. One of only 3 thrombolites accessible sites in Western Australia. After a short break we continue our journey on the Old Mandurah Road to Bunbury and onto The Margaret River Region, which will be our home for a couple of nights. On the way we’ll visit the Geographe Bay region, including the Busselton Jetty and part of the Margaret River Wine region. Built in the 1850’s, it is the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere, stretching almost 2 km out to sea from the Busselton shore. Nightscape photography session overlooking the spectacular Indian Ocean Coastline, followed by a welcome evening in one of the local pub. 270kms South of Perth.

(CB, PL, D, Chalet/ Motel) Margaret River. Today we spend the day enjoying the Margaret River Region, its wine and fresh local produce. Margaret River is famous for its top-class vines, spectacular surfing waves and host of the World Pro-Surfer Championship Tour, but it is also a photographers’ paradise and offers a smorgasbord of photography opportunities and locations to explore all year round; Sugarloaf, Canal Rock, Bunker Bay, Injidup Natural Spa, Peverley, are just some of the amazing locations we’ll visit. Wine and local food tasting are also on the menu as well as a sunrise session at the iconic old jetty in Busselton.

(CB, PL, D, Chalet/ Motel) Margaret River to Pemberton. We continue south to Cape Leeuwin through the town of Hamelin Bay, renown for stingrays frequently visiting the shore. Cape Leeuwin is the most south – westerly mainland points of the Australian Continent. After lunch it’s time to head inland to Pemberton, Mecca of the South West timber industry since the early 1860’s. The region was originally occupied by the Bibbulmun Australian Aborigines who knew the area as Wandergarup, which in their language meant ‘plenty of water’. In the evening we enjoy a well-deserved tradition pub meal. 200kms.

(CB, PL, D, Motel/ Chalet) Pemberton to Denmark. The scenic drive between Gloucester Tree and the Southern Ocean is a photographer’s dream taking us deep into the enchanted majestic Karri Forest of the Warren River National Park, Gloucester National Park, Karri Valley and the phenomenal Valley of the Giant National Park with a ‘Tree Top Walk’ for those not scared of heights. We reconnect with the coast in the afternoon to explore Green Pool & Elephant Rocks and its rocky coastline, but don’t be fooled by its natural beauty, the water along this rugged stretch of coast is dangerous – massive King Waves live here. 

Day Five

Early morning start to capture the sunrise over Green Pool. After breakfast we continue onto the charming coastal town of Denmark located on the Wilson Inlet, Western Australia's Great Southern region. As the day draws to a close, we set-up base in Albany for 2 nights. 150kms

(B, PL, D, Motel/ Chalet) Albany. Sleep-in or take an early morning walk to capture the sunrise. Today we make the short drive to the other side of King George Sound to explore Albany’s coastline, Frenchman Bay, Two People Bay, Little Beach and the old whaling station which played a big part in the economic development of the area (free time here to visit or enjoy the beach). Albany is the oldest permanently settled town in Western Australia, predating Perth and Fremantle. It was founded on 26 December 1826 as a military outpost of New South Wales as part of a plan to forestall French ambitions in the region.

(B, PL, BBQ, Camp) Albany to Stirling Range. A most fascinating place and another day of spectacular landscapes! We leave once again the coast to the amazing Stirling Range National Park where we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a day to shoot some breathtaking panoramic landscapes of the ranges, flora and fauna. Bluff Knoll is the tallest peak for a thousand kilometres or more in any direction (1095m) and the most popular tourist attraction alongside a silhouette called The Sleeping Princess, which is visible from the Porongurup Range.

(B, PL, D, Chalet/ Motel) Stirling Range to Hopetoun. Leaving Bluff Knoll region after breakfast, we exit the Stirling Range National Park via the eastern entrance to join Hwy 1 all the way down to Hopetoun. The A1 is skirting around the Fitzgerald River National Park, one of the largest and most botanically significant national parks in Australia. The Park also features a tantalising variety of landscapes from rolling plains, colourful breakaways, rugged peaks and headlands to stunning bays and inlets. During winter, southern right whales shelter close to the shore with their newborn calves. Spend the evening gazing at the night sky where the Southern Cross points its way across the Southern Ocean. 197kms

(CB, PL, BBQ, Camp) Hopetoun to Esperance/Lucky Bay. Early morning photography opportunities as we discover the westside of the Fitzgerald River National Park. This National Park is renowned for its bushwalking, the rugged inland and coastal scenery and the breathtaking 1,800 species of wildflowers that can be found between November and April. Back onto Hwy A1 after lunch, as we follow the coastline all the way to Esperance. 189kms.

European history of the region dates back to 1627 when the Dutch vessel Gulden Zeepaert passed through the blue waters off the Esperance coast, however French explorers are credited with making the first landfall near the present-day town, naming it and other local landmarks whilst sheltering from a storm in this area in 1792. The town itself was named after a French ship, the Esperance, commanded by Bruni d’Entrecasteaux. Esperance, is French for ‘hope’.

Day Eleven

Day Twelve

Day Twelve

(B, PL, D, Chalet) Esperance to Wave Rock. Sleep-in or take an early morning drive to capture the sunrise, nature and coastal cliffs before heading inland towards Hyden via Lake King. The first part of the journey will take us on a 250km red dirt road trip through some untamed parts of the Goldfield / Wheatbelt, a beautiful and dramatic canvas where Salt Lakes are kings! Late arrival at Lake Magic our Wave Rock – Hyden base camp and accommodations for the next 2 nights. Sunset shoot, BBQ dinner and weather permitting, our first of 2 Astrophotography workshop sessions. 382kms.

(B, PL, D, Chalet) Wave Rock. Sunrise photography session opportunity from the top of Wave Rock before going back to camp for breakfast and some free time. A last opportunity to download your files and go through some post processing workflow tips and Photoshop/ Lightroom processing techniques.

In the afternoon we’ll explore the region surrounding Hyden including a native rock formation shelter with visible hands painting prints on walls and ceiling, a perfect place to sit down and reflect on what life would have been in the Outback many years ago. Dinner at the local pub before heading out aging to capture the night sky. The Milky Way is something else in the Golden Outback in season.

(B, PL) Wave Rock to Perth. Sleep-in or take an early morning walk around Lake Magic before we start making our way back on the main roads through Williams to Perth. Following the Tin Hwy, we come across many iconic country towns, Old Wool Shed, Telegraph Station and an abundance of photography opportunities. As the day draws to a close, we arrive back into Perth where we make our final goodbye.

B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | PL = Picnic Lunch | D = Dinner

There is a STRICT luggage limit of 15kgs per person, in a backpack, suite case or soft bag (Camera equipment not included in the 15kgs).

Accommodations are subject to availability and may vary depending the seasons.

A PERFECT ADD-ON BEFORE YOUR SOUTHWEST/ GOLDEN OUTBACK PHOTO TOUR IS OUR PERTH HALF DAY TOUR OR FOLLOWING STRAIGHT AFTER OUR SOUTHWEST/ GOLDEN OUTBACK JOIN US ON OUR PINNACLES EXTENSION.