HIGHLIGHTS
Qantas flight to Karratha. Travel to Port Hedland and inspect the massive BHP port loading facilities. Inspection of the BHP Mt Newman Iron Ore Mine. Explore Karajini NP, Dales Gorge and the Circular pools. Explore Millstream-Chichester NP. Travel to Karratha and Dampier and tour the North West Shelf gas project. Explore Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef National Park. Coral viewing cruise, snorkelling with whale sharks, giant Manta Rays. Visit Carnarvon, stay at the Monkey Mia Resort and feed the dolphins at dawn, walk on Shell Beach at Nanga and investigate the Shark Bay stromatilites. Two night stay at Palms Resort to experience beautiful Kalbarri NP and Murchison Gorge. Explore Geraldton and investigate the Pinnacles at Cervantes in the Nambung NP. Travel through wheat country to Moora and New Norcia to inspect the Benedictine Mission. Two nights in Perth, local tours and cruise down the Swan River to Fremantle. Optional cruise to Rottnest Island or explore the museums and heritage buildings of Fremantle.

DAY 1 | Thurs 15 July 2010 | Karratha ... iron ore, salt and shipping!
You will be met at Sydney or Melbourne Airport by your Tour Directors, who will accompany you on your Qantas flight to Perth and on to Karratha. Travel to Port Hedland for an inspection of the BHP Billiton port loading facilities. The sheer scale of the project will amaze you; as will the length of the ore trains that continuously move the ore to the coast for loading and export. Overnight at the Hospitality Inn. (L,D)

DAY 2 | Fri 16 July 2010 | Newman ... a mountain of iron ore!
This morning we head further into the Pilbara with its rich maroon rock colours that contrast with the green spinifex. Then it’s on to Newman for our special afternoon inspection of the giant BHP Billiton Mount Whaleback Iron Ore mine before settling in for our overnight stay at the Seasons Hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 | Sat 17 July 2010 | Karratha ... pure Pilbara Magic!
We rise to set off for Karijini NP with its rich colours and unique landforms to Dales Gorge, Hancock Gorge and the intriguing Circular Pools; your camera will be working flat out, as this unique part of Australia will absolutely amaze you. We spend time at the new Karijini Centre where the history of the Hammersley Range will unfold. Then it’s off to Karratha and Dampier travelling on the private Rio Tinto roads to Millstream-Chichester NP. In Dampier we investigate the salt mining and the North West Shelf gas project. Tonight we enjoy the hospitality of the Karratha International Hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 | Sun 18 July 2010 | Exmouth ... coral and turquoise waters!
Today we travel to the unique Ningaloo Marine Park and stay at the new Novotel Ningaloo Resort in Exmouth. We check in and then travel past the Harold E. Holt Communications base to Tantabiddi Beach. Here the incredible beauty of the Coral Reef will unfold. It is truly a remarkable place. Then, it’s back to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse for champagne and a magnificent sunset. Overnight at the new luxury Novotel Ningaloo Reef Resort on the waterfront. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 | Mon 19 July 2010 | Ningaloo Reef ... coral and turquoise waters!
We travel to Coral Bay for a quick walk along the Beach in the magnificent Ningaloo Marine Park to see the fish up close (or possibly a dugong, a Whale Shark or even dolphins and giant Humpback Whales that visit these waters). This is the spot for a coral cruise on a special deep V boat. The coral and the fish will amaze you; there will even be time for some snorkelling in the calm waters. Then it’s back to our luxurious resort for a second night. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 | Tues 20 July 2010 | Monkey Mia ... dolphins, dolphins everywhere!
It’s off to Carnarvon situated at the mouth of the Gascoyne River. Carnarvon has a fascinating array of products from fresh seafood to tomatoes, bananas, mangoes and salt. We quickly tour the town before making our way to Monkey Mia, with time to investigate the stromatolites in the Shark Bay World Heritage Region and the fascinating shell beaches near Nanga Bay, before arriving at the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort. We have time to swim and explore the miles of white beaches adjoining the resort before dinner overlooking Shark Bay. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 | Wed 21 July 2010 | Kalbarri ... beautiful Kalbarri!
After a great breakfast, we have the opportunity to hand feed the dolphins that make the resort world famous. What an experience! You’ll just love it. Then it’s on to beautiful Kalbarri NP where we explore the Murchison Gorge and all the beautiful sights and sounds of Kalbarri. Our overnight accommodation will be at the new Kalbarri Edge Resort. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 | Thurs 22 July 2010 | Kalbarri ... wildflowers & rock lobster!
We relax and explore this enchanting place. The wildflowers will be beginning their spectacular show. There are walks to be undertaken to the Hole in the Rock overlooking the spectacular Murchison Gorge. Then for lunch - why not a rock lobster salad on the waterfront – Wow! During the afternoon either take a cruise up the Murchison, or captain your own vessel and explore. (B,D)

DAY 9 | Fri 23 July 2010 | Pinnacles ... the mysterious Pinnacles!
Today, we travel to Geraldton. Geraldton is one of WA’s largest towns servicing the coast and the rich farming areas of the Midwest. It is referred to as “Sun City” due to its attractive climate. We visit the Francis Xavier Cathedral and trace the history of the Batavia at the Geraldton Museum. Then, south to Cervantes in the Nambung NP and our exploration of the fascinating Pinnacles formations. Later, we book into the Cervantes Motor Inn and can relax or further explore this beautiful coast. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 | Sat 24 July 2010 | Perth ... New Norcia magic!
We make our way inland through broad acre wheat farming enterprises and wildflower sanctuaries to Moora for an early lunch. This afternoon we tour the Benedictine Mission at New Norcia, before making our way to Perth and our stay at the Mercure Hotel right in the centre of Perth. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 | Sun 25 July 2010 | Perth ... beautiful Perth!
We explore aspects of this beautiful city during the morning, visiting beautiful Kings Park. There is time to shop and explore the wonderful malls before we make our way to the airport for our flight home to Sydney or Melbourne. (B,D)

DAY 12 | Mon 26 July 2010 | Perth ... wonderful Fremantle!
Perth is a city of phenomenal natural beauty and historic architecture, we explore aspects of this
beautiful city during the morning, before our cruise down the Swan River to Fremantle. Fremantle is an historic city that was transformed by the America’s Cup. The choice of activity is yours, use the time to visit many of the museums (the Maritime Museum, the Historic Boats Museum, the Energy Museum or the Shell Museum), take a tram tour down the Cappuccino Strip for an alfresco snack or a full lunch from the many restaurants available. Return to Perth. (B,D)

DAY 13 | Tues 27 July 2010 ... heading home!
There is time to shop and explore the wonderful malls before we make our way to the airport for our flight home to Sydney or Melbourne. (B,D))