Australian Wildlife Adventures Talia Tours

OVERVIEW

Take your tastebuds on a culinary adventure as you experience the flavours of Margaret River and the South West region of Western Australia. This exclusive private luxury tour from Perth offers the perfect balance of tantalising food and wine experiences and astonishingly beautiful scenery.

Celebrate Western Australia's most delectable local produce from the land to the sea, as we connect you with the best artisanal food producers, charming chefs and passionate locals. Wine connoisseurs will be in their element as they enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour and seven-course degustation at iconic Leeuwin Estate. Seafood lovers are in for a treat on a lunch cruise to catch giant crayfish straight from the sea and indulge in a 3-hour feast. Be entertained by renowned Chef Silas during a cooking masterclass on spice, in the privacy of your 5-star retreat.

In between all of the world-class culinary experiences and private wine tastings, you'll be mesmerised by the spectacular scenery of the South West region. From pristine beaches to rugged coastlines and ancient forests to abundant wildlife, you're guaranteed to be reconnected to nature. Enjoy bushwalking, swimming or sit back and soak up the serenity. And after a full day of sightseeing, wine tasting and grazing, you'll walk into luxury relaxing in your 5-star accommodation.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a four-hour 'Ultimate Leeuwin Degustation Experience' including a seven-course meal
• Visit an array of cellar doors for tastings including honey, chocolate, wine, beer and gin
• Catch crayfish and feast on fresh seafood during a three-hour lunch 
• Spice up your cooking during an in-room masterclass and meal with renowned Chef Silas
• Take a stroll along the Cape to Cape Track to some magical rock pools
• Enjoy day after day of exquisite dining experiences in critically acclaimed restaurants  
• Head underground to explore the ancient wonders of Ngilgi Cave 
• Be wowed by breathtaking beaches and dramatic coastal scenery 
• Immerse yourself in the local culture, meeting the makers and characters of the region
• Be reconnected to nature walking among the treetops at the Valley of the Giants

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Day 1 – Perth to Yallingup  

Your culinary adventure of the South West begins at your Perth accommodation at 7.30 am, where your experienced guide will greet you. Over a coffee, discuss the journey ahead and then travel south to Mandurah for your first taste of the region on the unique Wild Seafood Experience. Board the Reel Affair II, a purpose-built cray fishing vessel where you can pull baited crayfish pots and learn about Western Australia's crayfish conservation efforts. 

Cruise Mandurah's picturesque canals and waterways, keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins, and indulge during an exquisite barbecue seafood buffet lunch featuring ocean delicacies such as blue swimmer crabs, salmon and marinated octopus. And of course, your freshly-caught crayfish. Washed down with local wine and beer, this is guaranteed to be the perfect start to your exclusive food and wine tour. 

Travel to Busselton to take a stroll along the world's second-longest jetty which stretches 1.8 km out into stunning Geographe Bay. A little further down the road, visit one of the region's most popular attractions, Ngilgi Cave. Head underground for a magical experience before being wowed by one of the region's most picture-perfect spots – Meelup Beach. Take your shoes off for a walk along the white sand and swim if you so desire. 

At around 6 pm, we will arrive at Smith's Beach Resort in Yallingup, where you’ll settle into your ocean view room for two nights. Tonight's fine dining experience is a superb à la carte selection of mouth-watering Australian cuisine at Lamont's restaurant in the resort. Kate Lamont is one of Western Australia's most successful chefs with a career spanning over three decades. Sit back and relax with views over the ocean, the perfect way to end any day.

 Today you will travel approximately 300 km.

Day 2 – Margaret River 

You're on holiday after all so this morning relax with breakfast in bed. Enjoy a range of fresh local produce from your gourmet breakfast hamper, courtesy of Lamont's. We'll head out for the day reasonably early with the first stop at Barnyard 1978. Here you can taste seven varieties of pure, unprocessed and deliciously sweet honey straight from the beehive. Travel into the quaint township of Margaret River to explore its eclectic mix of boutique stores and galleries.

Come 10.30 am you'll be having morning tea in the gorgeous alfresco veranda setting at the world-class Leeuwin Estate. Accompany your host on a private behind-the-scenes tour, learning about its history, the winemaking process and their contribution to the Arts. And of course, a tutored wine tasting of a selection of Leeuwin Estate wines. Awaiting you in the restaurant following the tour is a delectable seven-course degustation menu, carefully matched with the current release and museum-selected Leeuwin Estate wines. This truly is the most luxurious way to be introduced to the three pillars of fine wine, food and the arts that define the Estate.

Spend the rest of the afternoon, tasting your way around the Margaret River region, which we will tailor to your liking. Options include cellar door visits to premium establishments such as Gabriel's Chocolate, the Grove Distillery and Wills Domain. Come late afternoon we'll return to the resort. If you feel inclined, take a walk along the iconic Cape to Cape Track to The Aquarium, a stunning rock pool that was a local secret until it became an Instagram hit.

Satisfied from a day of indulgence, retreat to your balcony to watch the sunset over the ocean. Enjoy a platter of local produce that your guide collected throughout the day. 

Today travel approximately 150 km.

Day 3 – Yallingup to Denmark 

It's up early today to enjoy breakfast at one of the locals' favourites, The White Elephant Beach Café. Take a look at the beautiful Margaret River Mouth and a world-famous surf break. It’s time to leave Margaret River and head south to see the giant stingrays at stunning Hamelin Bay. From the beach to the forest, next, you’ll enjoy an exceptional dining experience at Silkwood Estate in Pemberton. This vineyard has panoramic views of the lush Karri forest. Be wowed by award-winning wines and sumptuous gourmet delights from their lakeside restaurant.

This afternoon connect with nature at the internationally recognised Valley of the Giants as you do the iconic Tree Top Walk. This tranquil and uplifting experience places you 40 metres high in the canopy of Western Australia's majestic tingle trees. These beauties are found nowhere else on Earth, and some are over 400 years old.

Just an hour down the road is the idyllic town of Denmark. The township of Denmark is part of the Great Southern Region and loved for its pristine beaches, world-class walking trails, abundant wildlife, towering trees and pretty wildflowers. Come 5 pm you will be checking into your luxurious spa villa at Aiyana Retreat, nestled among the bush.  

Tonight, you are in for a treat as renowned Chef Silas from Pepper & Salt restaurant joins you in your villa for a private cooking masterclass. He will prepare a three-course meal while giving you tips on how to use spice to enhance your cooking.   

Today travel approximately 450 km.

Day 4 – Denmark to Albany 

Breakfast this morning is in Denmark at the charming Bibbulmun Café, followed by a walk along the Mokare Heritage Trail which follows the Denmark River. Onwards to William Bay National Park where you will be left speechless as you descend into Greens Pool. A white sandy beach with huge granite boulders meets you, and in the warmer months, this is an ideal place for a swim. From one paradise to another, visit Elephant Rocks which as its name suggests, looks like a herd of elephants paddling out to sea. Another 'Woah' moment awaits you here as you take in the pristine surrounds and turquoise and calm waters.

It’s time for the final exquisite culinary experience of your food and wine tour. You will savour every moment of the warm hospitality, fine wines and wholesome food at the multi-award-winning, The Lake House Winery. With a stunning setting, you'll enjoy their signature tasting menu with accompanying beverages, fit for a king and queen. 

Take the scenic coastal drive towards Albany, visiting Torndirrup National Park to be amazed by the dramatic coastal rock formations of The Gap and Natural Bridge. Come late afternoon you'll be taking in spectacular views over Albany from Mount Clarence. Have one last toast of West Australian wine with your guide, before they take you to the airport for your 5.25 pm flight back to Perth. You will be greeted at the airport by a driver and transferred back to you Perth accommodation, arriving at your hotel at approximately 7.30 pm.  

Cheers to that.  

Today travel approximately 200 km. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• The flight is operated by Rex and departs Albany at 5.25 pm and arrives Perth at 6.35 pm.  
• Rex has a 15 kg luggage restriction per person plus one 7 kg carry on; however, upon presenting a valid itinerary or ticket, passengers with international connections are permitted 20 kg. For more details on Rex Baggage Allowance, please visit their website. 
• Accommodation is at a variety of quality five-star resorts and retreats. Rates are based on Twin/Double Share. If you are travelling solo, you need to pay the Single Traveller rate for your own room. 
• Dietary requirements can be catered for but must be advised at time of booking. 
• Changes to Itinerary: Our experienced guides will tailor activities on seasonal conditions throughout the year to maximise your experience and enjoyment. Any deviation from this itinerary will be made with serious consideration and passengers' best interest and safety as our number one priority.