MOUNTAIN COUNTRY TRAILS - STIRLING AND PORONGURUP RANGE AND SOUTH COASTAL HIGHLIGHTS

Direct bookings save 15% on the website prices for tours 

Costs above include 15% commission and for a group of 20 guests - need at least 18 guests to make it worthwhile

Price shown is twin share only

Rates do not include accommodation at Ongerup for 1 night along with Stirling Range Retreat for 4 nights as there are numerous accommodation styles from camping (with your own tent) to 2 bedroom chalets - guests have a choice so a bulk booking is made and individuals can select their accommodation style and we can confirm the bookings direct with the accommodation providers.

THEME: Experience the Great Southern Mountain Country in style with our escorted walking tours to a variety of locations including the Stirling Range and climbing Bluff Knoll, Mt Trio and Mt Hassell along with a 20+km walk through the amazing ranges followed by a walk up Castle Rock Skywalk along with enjoying the sights of the Port City of Albany with its amazing history!

Discover the remarkable shared vision of private land owners, working to re-establish the ecology of degraded farming country as part of an overall vision to link the forests of the South West with the woodlands of the Goldfields.

Enjoy a pilates and meditation session seeking solace and quietness with a tour of a rural property with sustainable practices within a very relaxing and restful country setting overlooking the Kalgan River Valley.

Discover the Wheatbelt and Great Southern with its history of European settlement and colonisation, the stories about the original custodians of the land the first nation’s peoples, visit Albany and multi-cultural Katanning against the backdrop of the incredible painted murals in local towns as part of the “Public Silo Art Trail” along with some stunning wildflowers. 

 A full day includes travelling to the National Anzac Centre, the Fort and the Historic Whaling Station Learn to view other treasures and also includes staying at the Premier Mill Hotel in Katanning - all complimented with wine tastings at several locations.

Guests also learn about Oyster Harbour and the indigenous fish traps where you will experience a cultural site over 6,000 years.

 We travel through the Stirling Range and beyond to view beautiful artwork, incredible landscapes, learning about the early pioneers and gold prospectors who trekked along the Holland Track to the Goldfields from Broomehill along with the Mallefowl recovery program in Ongerup.

 Day 1     Welcome to Country, Woolsheds, Kokoda Track, Indigenous Cultural Experience and Colonial History

·       After a quick pick up from various Perth City locations (starting from 7.30 am) we drive a short distance to Kings Park for morning tea to enjoy the landscaped wildflower gardens, the magnificent views over the Swan River and City, the Anzac Memorial and the Darling Ranges before heading south

·       Departing Perth through the “General Darling Ranges”, named by Captain James Stirling’s Government Botanist, Charles Fraser, and known locally as ‘Darling Range or the scarp’, we travel along Albany Highway to Williams Woolshed for lunch

·       After lunch we head off to Kojonup for afternoon tea at Kodja Place along with viewing the old barracks, the spring and the historic water trough and learning more about Brigadier Potts and the Kokoda Track of WW11

·       At Kodja Place we view the Indigenous and settler handcrafted tools before enjoying billy tea and damper and chatting to the local Indigenous person “Billy” along with enjoying local wine and cheese tastings and other platters before departing toward the Port City of Albany on the South Coast

·       We arrive in Albany and take a quick journey around the coastline of Mt Clarence and past Middleton Beach, to view spectacular beaches and coastline, which offers locals and tourists alike, aquatic beauty and tranquillity before the first night of the tour with a dinner at Lime 303 restaurant at the Dock Rock Motel right in the centre of town

Day 2     Whales and Anzacs

·       In the morning we start the day afresh at 8.30am and travel in the footsteps of people living at the first colonial settlement in Western Australia in late 1826. The settlement was originally a military outpost and part of the Colony of NSW and called Frederick Town (this changed in 1831 when it was formally proclaimed part of the Swan River Colony) and renamed Albany in 1832

·       We travel out to the “Natural Bridge,” the “Gap” and Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, where you can step aboard the former Cheynes IV Whalechaser ship. We enjoy the region’s wildflower garden and the wildlife park. Lunch is planned in Whaler’s Cafe
that flanks the picturesque views across the islands to the mainland

·       The afternoon activities include a visit to the National Anzac Centre and the Convoy Lookout which offers a truly unique opportunity to absorb the reality of Australia’s and New Zealand’s first contingent of 30,000 troops to WWI who were anchored in a large convoy in King George Sound (October 1914)

·       We take a journey around the coast line to Middleton Beach, to view spectacular beaches and coastline, which offers locals and tourists alike, aquatic beauty and tranquillity before enjoying this session - Pilates Mat class suited to all levels followed by a meditation and breathwork session to enhance flexibility, strengthen the core, and promote mental clarity and relaxation - and tour of a  sustainable property within a very relaxing and restful country setting overlooking the Kalgan River Valley

·       The final night of the stay in Albany is a dinner at Lime 303 restaurant

Day 3     “Gondwana Link” and Indigenous Cultural Sites

·       Next day with a departure at 8.00am we travel past the artwork on the wheat silo at the Port before driving to Middleton Beach and then stop to view the ocean at Emu Point where guests learn about Oyster Harbour. There is much to discover, the recovery programs for the sea grasses, the commercial farming and re-establishment of local oysters using an artificial reef system. Enjoy the estuarine birdlife as you learn about the history of the Kalgan River, the early French and British navigators, and finally as the meeting place for the Kalgan and King Rivers

·       Morning tea is then taken at Emu point Cafe before travelling via Lower King and Nanarup Road to view the Indigenous fish traps at Oyster Harbour. The local Indigenous Menang peoples of the Noongar nation trapped different fish species as a major food source. You will see cultural sites over 6,000 years old

·       We resume our journey stopping at Wellstead to visit the Museum and lunch at the cafe before travelling along the Boxwood Hill-Ongerup Road where we make several stop to view ‘Gondwana Link’ properties that are important for reintroducing flora and fauna into degraded farmland that was not productive. Guests will experience local Indigenous Noongar culture in a ‘meeting’ place (subject to availability)

·       We then travel on to Ongerup for an overnight stay and enjoy dinner at the friendly local Hotel 

Day 4     Malleefowl, Rivers, Wheatbelt and Mountain Country

·       The following day we visit the Ongerup Museum and Wildflower Centre for a morning cuppa and tour of the buildings prior to visiting the Yongergnow Malleefowl Centre in Ongerup

·       As lunch is being scheduled guests can take a guided tour of the Malleefowl sanctuary. The sanctuary is part of the National Malleefowl Recovery Program to protect endangered Malleefowl and their habitat. This country is known for the massive deforestation or clearing of vast ecologically rich and diverse Eucalyptus Mallee country. The Education Centre has some wonderful displays of the history of the region

·       After lunch we continue onto the picturesque Stirling Range and home to over 100,000 species of colourful wildflowers and spectacular bush walks

·       We travel to Stirling Range Retreat for 4 nights as the local “hub” for our walking trails and preparation for climbing Mt Trio, Bluff Knoll and Mt Hassell etc over the next 2 days

 Day 5     “Place of Many Eyes”   

·       Next day we prepare to take the route to the carpark lookout at Bluff Knoll, the highest peak being 1099 metres above sea level. It is known as the ‘place of many eyes’ or Pualaar Miial, by Indigenous Noongar people. We enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding plains and see if we can spot black cockatoos, birds of prey, purple-crowned lorikeets, scrub wrens and other birds in their natural habitat

·       We meet our local Indigenous guide who will tell the local Goreng story of the mountains before we climb to the peak and enjoy the stunning views and rugged terrain taking a lunch break before we head back down the mountain

·       Once back in camp at the Stirling Range Retreat we take a coffee break at the local Bluff Knoll Cafe before taking a walk around the local area seeking some birdlife and other fauna and flora

·       That night we settle in for a night around the campfire with some cultural yarns and experiences

 Day 6     Ranges, Mt Trio and Trails in Mountain Country

·       Next day we prepare to climb Mt Trio to take in the mountain vista from another perspective

·       We climb to the peak and enjoy the stunning views and rugged terrain taking a lunch break before we head back down the mountain

·       We are picked up and taken to another trail and Mt Hassell to climb for some afternoon fun

·       Later that afternoon once back in camp at the Stirling Range Retreat we take a coffee break (time permitting) at the local Bluff Knoll Cafe before settling into another evening around the campfire with some cultural yarns and experiences

 Day 7     Day of Trails and Fun!

·       Start the day at 8.30am with another self serve cooked breakfast at the local Bluff Knoll Cafe

·       Then we assemble for a big day of trekking taking our packed lunch and all the extras to see us through a big day out in nature – experiencing the enchanted beauty of the Stirling Range with a long walk along one of the tracks

·       So we take a lift and are dropped off at White Gum Flats Picnic Area where we commence a walk along the Nth Henton track past Mt Magog and then take a lunch break

·       After a refreshing break we commence to walk along the Yetemerup Track between Twin Hills and The Abbey back to Stirling Range Drive

·       Here we are picked up for a pick up to return to our base – so a trek of around 22kms

·       Once back at the Stirling Range Retreat we take in some wellness light exercises

·       That evening we have a farewell camp fire and listen to storytelling

 Day 8     Range Links, Rivers, Trails, Pioneers and Prospectors and Multi-Cultural “Capital” of WA

·       We pack up camp with a farewell to the local hosts before driving down to Castle Rock Skywalk for a walk to the top for a stunning panorama of the Porongurup and Stirling Range

·       Lunch is taken at Ironwood Winery where tastings and a glass of wine provides an experience of a local vigneron with the intense varietal fruit flavours of the mineral-rich wines of the local Porongurup Range wine producer

·       On the return trip over the Kalgan River back through the Stirling Range we take a detour drive heading along the Horsepower Highway to Gnowangerup to view all the old tractors and other artwork that reflects the country regions of WA

·       Time permitting we also visit the Indigenous Art and Cultural Centre (if possible) in Gnowangerup for afternoon tea with the local community

·       Then we depart to another famous icon in Western Australia, Broomehill - famous for the remarkable ingenuity of John Holland and his team, who in April 1893, carried their meagre supplies on horseback through harsh terrain to cut a shorter route for gold seekers to the new gold discoveries in the outback. In Broomehill we can enjoy a glass of local wine at the historic Henry Jones Café and listen to several enthralling stories (time permitting) about Holland and the gold seekers who trekked over 533kms to the newly discovered goldfields in Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie in the 1890’s. Guests walk the town looking at remnants of the early prospectors (time permitting)

·       Our final night stay is in Katanning where guests stay at the Premier Mill Hotel which is a converted roller flour mill, refurbished into modern accommodation, with an accompanying restaurant and cafe. End the day by partaking in a traditional Australian pastime, a ‘Sundowner’, at the downstairs Cordial Bar at the Premier Mill Hotel, before tucking into a delicious meal at the nearby Royal Exchange Hotel. This is a tour favourite experience!

 Day 9     Mosques, Artwork and “Bart” the Sheep

·       Start the day at 8.30am by finding out about the history of Katanning with a special guest historian who will impart the secrets of this famous town. Learn about the unique personalities that developed the railway line and opened up the hinterland for sheep and cropping

·       Then we take morning tea and meet the local community leader Alep at the “The Daily Grind” before heading off to find out how modern multi-cultural Australia is reflected in the celebration of Islamic culture and the opening of a local Mosque in Katanning along with viewing the painted wildlife artwork and other local features around this incredible town

·       Then we depart for Dumbleyung to learn about the “ace” Donald Campbell’s world speed lake exploits, visit Wuddi Tours Indigenous shop and take a short tour if time permits to visit local cultural sites and their bush garden

·      Then we  travel through real wheat and sheep country as we make our way to Narrogin and Williams via Wagin to visit “Bart” the massive sheep - this land in the Wheatbelt region has seen millions of sheep grazing and crops stretching skyward from the early settlement days of the 1800’s where wool raised on this land fetched record prices in Britain during the Industrial Revolution feeding the growth of the weaving industry and then followed by the “wool boom” in the 1950’s

·      At Williams Woolshed we have a late lunch before we head out of the Wheatbelt back toward Perth with a quick trip along the coast as the tour ends at the Hotel Rendezvous in Scarborough on the beachfront