Air Adventure Australia

Western Wedge Safari - 14 days

Melbourne - Ceduna - Border Village - Forrest - Kalgoorlie - Meekatharra - Exmouth - Monkey Mia - Kalbarri - Geraldton - Perth - Busselton - Margaret River - Pemberton - Walpole - Albany - Esperance - Kangaroo Island - Melbourne

 
Day One: Essendon, Melbourne - Parafield - Ceduna - Border Village

AAA guests depart Essendon Airport, Melbourne, 0800 commencing with a scenic flight over the Grampians and the Western Wimmera region stopping for morning tea at Adelaide. Air cruising once more, we continue directly over St Vincents Gulf and the Eyre Peninsula wheat country to Ceduna. Lunch is reserved and waiting your arrival. Departing Ceduna your AAA pilot's flight path will allow guests a perspective of the Nullarbor Plain and Great Australian Bight that most rarely ever see. An exhilarating low level scenic flight inclusive of the enormous cliff faces in excess of 500 feet, spot several species of migrating whale parents calving, mothers selecting the Great Australian Bight as their maternity ward. Touch down at Border Village. It is rare to be so very isolated offering AAA guests an opportunity to enjoy a night stroll under the star-studded sky, listening to the sounds of silence. Time to rest; accommodation is at the Border Village Motel.

Day Two: Border Village - Kalgoorlie
Photo: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia

Leaving tiny Border Village your AAA pilots track north west to the centre of Western Australia's gold country. Soar over the absolutely enormous in size 'super pit' open cut man-made mine. Once on the ground you will be escorted on a tour of Kalgoorlie and the Hannan Miners Hall of Fame and Museum. Time to rest; accommodation is at the All Seasons Kalgoorlie or similar.

Day Three: Kalgoorlie - Meekatharra - Exmouth
Photo: Peace Gorge, 3kms north of Meekatharra

Departing Kalgoorlie, with dusty gold fingers, AAA guests fly over pastoral country arriving into Meekatharra for fuel. Arrive in Exmouth after a scenic flight across the tail of the Ningaloo Reef. After lunch you are welcomed aboard a glass bottomed boat. Local experts display their talents and knowledge guiding AAA guests to snorkel on the reef or enjoy from onboard. Time to rest; accommodation is at the Potshot Motel or similar.

Day Four: Exmouth - Monkey Mia - Kalbarri

AAA guests fly southwards along the coast landing at Monkey Mia. On arrival, AAA guests are welcomed at the airfield. Cruise to a floating black pearl farm for a tour. Lunch is followed by an overland tour inclusive of visits to Eagle Bluff, Project Eden and Shell Beach. AAA pilots complete this day with a truly spectacular flight along the Zuytdorpf Cliffs arriving in Kalbarri on sunset. Time to rest; accommodation is at the Kalbarri Beach Resort.

Day Five: Kalbarri
Photo: Canoeing at Kalbarri

Picturesque and small, Kalbarri is a beachside town rapidly gaining interest both nationally and internationally as a tourist destination. AAA guests are treated to a private tour of the coastal country to visually feast on the colours at Murchison Gorge and Nature's Window. Afternoon includes a visit to a remarkable Australian's Broad acre farm, Bob Porter. AAA guests are welcomed for lunch in Bob's woolshed that has been converted into a museum and information centre. Time to rest; accommodation is at the Kalbarri Beach Resort or similar.

Day Six: Kalbarri - Abrolhos Group - Geraldton - Perth

This morning AAA guests bid farewell to Kalbarri and are airborne tracking south to make a spectacular orbit of the remote Abrolhos Islands en route to Geraldton. An escorted and informative ground tour includes a visit to the HMAS Sydney memorial. Lunch is served before returning to the aircraft for the scenic flight into Perth. Time to rest; accommodation is at the Novotel Langley Perth or similar.

Day Seven: Perth
Photo: Perth, viewed from Kings Park

Perth is thriving. Interestingly, Perth is still known as the most remote city in the world. Surrounded by parks complemented by the Swan River and the Indian Ocean Perth city and her surrounds are simply beautiful. AAA guests are able to arrange with friends or relatives in the area to catch up and welcome them into the hotel for dinner. AAA guests can also take on a tour of Kings Park, renowned for the wildflowers then onto historic, albeit trendy Freemantle to visit the maritime museums. Time to rest; accommodation at Novotel Langley Perth or similar.

Day Eight: Perth - Busselton - Margaret River
Photo: Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden pier in the southern hemisphere

Departing Perth International Airport for a morning flight to Busselton, guests are welcomed aboard a comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle. After coffee in Dunsborough visit Cape Naturaliste and another AAA secret beauty spot. Once you arrive in the wine region of Margaret River lunch in a gourmet setting awaits at Vasse Felix. Wineries visited may include Vasse Felix, Sandalford and Cape Mentelle. Returning to the Margaret River town it's time to rest; accommodation is at Emerald Lodge or similar.

Day Nine: Margaret River - Pemberton - Walpole
Photo: Margaret River, wine country

Depart Margaret River after breakfast in preparation for your overland adventure into Tall Timber country. Driving through the giant Karri and Tingle trees is humbling while climbing the Gloucester tree is exhilarating. Visiting Pemberton includes a welcomed visit to a very special wood gallery featuring exquisite works of art. Returning to overland travel, AAA guests venture into the Valley of the Giants including the multi-award winning Treetop Walk. Time to rest; accommodation is at Walpole Treetop Motel. Tonight welcome local friends Kev and Hess Anderson from Che Sara Sara property for a meal and an insight to local life.

Day Ten: Walpole - Albany - Esperance

Today the tour heads south to Albany, the first town in Western Australia preceding the Swan River Colony by two and a half years. Once a whaling town, Albany has many points of interest including a replica of the brig which brought Major Lockyer and convicts to the settlement. The view from Mt Clarence is a highlight; equally views over Albany, Princess Royal Harbour, King George Sound and Middleton Bay are simply superb from this vantage point. After a comfortable lunch you will reacquaint with your AAA pilot and aircraft destination Esperance, offering spectacular scenic opportunities. Overnight at the Hospitality Inn, Esperance or similar.

Day Eleven: Esperance
Photo: Esperance

Esperance was once the port for the goldfields of Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie, now after the addition of trace elements the area is now rich pastoral land. AAA guests soon discover the natural beauty of Esperance, while touring Cape le Grand where turquoise seas beat to a rhythm onto the granite coastline. AAA guides will share with guests another favourite place known as Lucky Bay, protected from the open ocean and the ideal location for a revitalising swim. Adventurous guests will enjoy the climb to the Frenchman's Peak, offering a terrific panoramic view over the entire park. This afternoon is spent relaxing, or if you desire tour and view the aquarium and learn more of the local marine ecology. Time to rest; accommodation is at Hospitality Inn or similar.

Day Twelve: Esperance - Kangaroo Island
Photo: Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island

Mornings at dawn in Esperance are revitalising. Over the course of the day AAA guests travel through a changing time zone, 1.5 hours, as your AAA pilot navigates aircraft and guests eastward, scenic flying from Esperance to Border Village for refreshments. Soon after AAA pilots continue with the spectacular low level scenic flight along the Great Australian Bight's towering cliff faces before crossing the Investigator Strait landing on South Australia's Kangaroo Island. Time to rest; accommodation is at Wisteria Lodge, Kingscote or similar.

Day Thirteen: Kangaroo Island

After an easy start to the morning, your two-day exploration is extensive and includes a private navigation of Kangaroo Island's wildlife, flora and historic light houses. Venture to Seal Bay to view sea lions which inhabit the beach, AAA guests are provided the best vantage points for this incredible up-close experience. Vivonne Bay and Flinders Chase National Park offer guests the opportunity to spy upon koalas. Lunch is served within the wonderful Flinders Chase Interpretive Centre. AAA guests will then be guided to the site of the Remarkable Rocks, Cape de Couedic Lighthouse and Admiral's Arch as the sun begins to set. Celebrations begin as all guests return to Kingscote to enjoy a farewell dinner. Time to rest; accommodation is at Wisteria Lodge or similar.

Day Fourteen: Kangaroo Island - Essendon, Melbourne
Photo: Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, Kangaroo Island

Today AAA guests continue their exploration of Kangaroo Island escorted by private vehicle to the eastern end of the island. Visit Cape Willoughby lighthouse, learn of the harsh existence of the light house keepers, finishing with lunch served at Dudley Partners tasting room overlooking the wild Backstairs Passage. Following the wine tasting experience and a flavoursome lunch guests return to the airport departing for Mt. Gambier. AAA pilots navigate homeward bound for Melbourne choosing to either fly along the Great Ocean Road or over the Grampians to Melbourne, all pending best available visibility, both equally rewarding. AAA guests are welcomed home at Essendon, Melbourne arriving 1730.

AAA Welcome Home Gift

On behalf of all at Rod Dyer's Air Adventure Australia we would like to say welcome home and thank you. Please accept a complimentary collection of images of your adventure. Also, for those guests receiving AAA Club membership an exclusively designed and AAA branded authentic Akubra hat. We look forward to seeing you again on yet another Australian Adventure or Global Expedition itinerary, or start planning the design of your own Tailored Experience.

Wishing all of our AAA guests very happy travels and regards from all at AAA. See you again soon!

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Photo: Western Australia's wildflowersPhoto: Western Wedge fine wine and dining
Photo: Bussleton JettyPhoto: Balgas (grass trees) surrounded by Cats Paws
Photo: Panning for gold in KalgoorliePhoto: Esperance

Thank you for a wonderful educational and enjoyable fortnight. -Enid Bennett, Kew