12 Day Glamping & Wildlife Safari

Welcome to Western Australia, where you’ll kick-start your adventure in the state capital of Perth. You’ll spend three nights in the vibrant waterfront neighbourhood, Fremantle, where you’ll be perfectly placed for exploring the city. Fremantle has fantastic beaches, great bars and restaurants, buzzing markets and a fascinating colonial past. Don’t miss a tour of Fremantle Prison, the largest convict built structure in the state. And be sure to make time for a drink (or two) at the bustling Little Creatures Brewery – home to one of Australia’s most famous beers.

If you can tear yourself away from “Freo”, take a 25-minute train into the city centre. You can wander around Kings Park, one of the largest inner city parks in the world, complete with its own Botanical Gardens and mesmerising views. Spend some time at Elizabeth Quay, jump on a river cruise, or dine at one of the many restaurants. For a sunset to remember, make tracks for the pretty beachside suburb of Cottesloe. Boasting a kilometre stretch of soft white sand, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sun set sink into the Indian Ocean with a glass of wine in hand.

Just a 30-minute ferry from Fremantle lies Rottnest Island – a car-free isle home to 63 stunning beaches and abundant wildlife, including the adorable quokka. The best way to explore the island is by bike, and it certainly won’t be long before you spot a cute creature or a beautiful beach. If you’re a keen walker, be sure to pack your hiking boots and walk some of the Wadjemup Bidi trails that cross the island. It’s a great way to explore the coastal headlands, inland lakes and natural landmarks, while keeping your eyes peeled for local wildlife.

While this place is best known for its cute quokkas, Rottnest Island’s surrounding waters have their fair share of wildlife, too. You might be lucky enough to spot New Zealand fur seals, bottlenose dolphins and even humpback whales.

On Rottnest, you’ll spend the night in a deluxe eco-tent on the shores of Pinky’s Beach. Each tent comes with its own private en-suite and outdoor deck, perfect for watching the sunset after a busy day of exploring.

Take the short ferry from Rottnest Island back to Perth, transfer to the airport, and jump on a two-hour flight to Learmonth Airport in Exmouth. You’ll spend the next three nights at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef – an exclusive beach camp in a prime location, nestled in the dunes of the Cape Range National Park. You’ll be staying in one of just 15 luxury eco-tents surrounded by native bush and overlooking the Indian Ocean. And all your meals are included, so you can look forward to a contemporary and delicious daily menu featuring seasonal, local produce and fresh seafood. 

The location of Sal Salis couldn’t be better. The UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Reef lies just off shore, and is home to an array of colourful fish, rays, turtles and corals. And, in the other direction, there’s the rugged landscape of Cape Range National Park, where you’ll find red kangaroos, rock wallabies and over 100 bird species. Spend your days kayaking and snorkelling in the sea, and bird-spotting on guided walks through Cape Range National Park, or simply relaxing on your private deck. If you travel between mid-March and early-August, don’t miss the opportunity to swim with the world’s biggest fish, the whale shark. Swimming alongside these gentle giants is an experience you’ll never forget.

Following the short flight back to Perth, your next stop is South Australia’s vibrant capital, Adelaide.

You’ll spend a night in the heart of the city, so you can make the most of the activities, bars and restaurants on offer.

Sports fans should make tracks for the Adelaide Oval, where you can do a behind-the-scenes stadium tour. Foodies, meanwhile, will love Adelaide Central Market. With over 70 traders under one roof, this lively market buzzes with life all year round. Alternatively, discover an oasis in the heart of the city in the form of Adelaide Botanic Garden. And, if you’re missing the beach, take a short tram ride from Adelaide city centre to the seaside suburb of Glenelg, a fantastic spot to sip cocktails as you watch the sun go down.

Pick up your hire car and hit the road for Kangaroo Island. On the way, why not make a stop in one of Australia’s premier wine regions, McLaren Vale? Take your pick from over 80 vineyards and cellar doors. Or, for an extra special lunch stop, head to d’Arenburg – a quirky five-storey structure which resembles a Rubiks Cube. From McLaren Vale, you’ll travel on to Cape Jervis, where you’ll find the ferry terminal for Kangaroo Island. The ferry ride is only 45 minutes, and you’ll dock in Penneshaw on the island’s north coast.

Kangaroo Island is one of the best places in Australia for wildlife viewing, so keep your eyes peeled – you might see koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, platypus and even penguins. The island’s waters are just as diverse, and there’s a host of whale and dolphin cruises you can join. Kangaroo Island’s also a food and drink haven, especially around Kingscote and Penneshaw. You can try regional wines, taste local honey, visit gin distilleries, and nibble on gourmet cheeses.

Leave Kangaroo Island and make your way back to Adelaide. If you don’t want your journey to end, speak to one of our Travel Experts about extending your holiday in Australia and beyond.