Western Australia in Spring with Peter Weston

Western Australia in Australasia Spring with Peter Weston

Trip Highlights Visit King’s Park ‑ one of Australia’s largest and most fascinating inner city parks Walk amongst giant tingle and karri trees Enjoy stunning coastal vistas Torndirrup National Park with its stunning granite outcrops and crashing waves Explore the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park Looking for orchids in the Stirling Ranges Ravensthorpe Wildflower Festival Amazing wildflowers in the Fitzgerald National Park Trip escorted by Dr Peter Weston

Trip Duration 15 days Trip Code: FFS Grade Introductory Activities Day Walks, Botanical exploration, Adventure Touring Summary 15 day trip, 14 nights hotel/motel/lodge, Day walking, touring, wildflowers Welcome to Why travel with World Expeditions? World Expeditions Australian Treks have been in continuous operation World Expeditions for more than 30 years, offering economical, reliable, environmentally Thank you for your interest in our Western Australia in Spring with friendly small group fully inclusive adventure holidays to some of the Peter Weston trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about most beautiful pristine parts of Australia. Our trips cater to people from our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers many walks of life, age groups and motivations. World Expeditions with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well offers more than 30 tailored Australian itineraries that incorporate as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to trekking, walking, rafting, cycling and climbing throughout Australia. ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals ‑ philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!!

trip dates The Trip On this exclusive tour with the Foundation & Friends of the Botanical Gardens, we take you 2019 04 Sep - 18 Sep on a tour of south west Western Australia in the Springtime. Known for its amazing array of wildflowers, in the company of Peter Weston we will travel south from Perth along the coast and as far East as the stunning Fitzgerald National Park. With the flexibility of our own vehicle, trip cost guides and well appointed accommodation, this well paced itinerary allows time for plenty of Joining Perth from: $6490 unique exploration. In the company of Peter Weston, this trip is not to be missed. All prices are per person About your Leader Your tour will be accompanied by Dr Peter Weston, former Senior Principal Research options & supplements Scientist with the National Herbarium of NSW. Peter’s special interests are the Proteaceae Single Supplement: $1460 and Orchidaceae families, both of which are spectacularly diverse in the area we will be visiting. Peter’s botanical expertise and enthusiasm will only serve to enhance this unique For competitive airfares and stopover ideas to join this adventure, contact our expert staff adventure. Peter has taken trips to Madagascar (twice) and South Africa with Foundation and today to receive a detailed quote. Friends as well as New Caledonia and most recently, Vietnam & Cambodia. At a Glance DAY 1 WEDNESDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER 2019 - ARRIVE PERTH DAY 2 THURSDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER - KING’S PARK & BOTANIC GARDEN DAY 3 FRIDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER - HEADING SOUTH/MARGARET RIVER DAY 4 SATURDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER - MARGARET RIVER AREA DAY 5 SUNDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER - TO THE KARRI FOREST DAY 6 MONDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER - TINGLE FOREST DAY 7 TUESDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER - ALBANY AREA DAY 8 WEDNESDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER - THE STIRLING RANGES VIA THE PORONGURUPS DAY 9 THURSDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER - THE STIRLINGS DAY 10 FRIDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER - HEADING TO HOPETOUN DAY 11 SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER - THE “FITZ” DAY 12 SUNDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER - HEADING NORTH DAY 13 MONDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER - WAVE ROCK AND THEN HEADING WEST DAY 14 TUESDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER - JARRAH/MARRI FOREST DAY 15 WEDNESDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER - TRIP CONCLUDES IN PERTH What’s included 14 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinners. 14 nights comfortable accommodation (as outlined in the itinerary) all National Park entry fees and visits as outlined in the notes professional wilderness guide and support staff all transport as listed by private coach emergency communications and group first aid kit trip escorted by Dr Peter Weston, Foundation & Friends What’s not Included Airfares Accommodation in Perth before or after the trip Items of a personal nature such as laundry or postage Daypacks Alcoholic beverages

Travel insurance Meals not mentioned in the itinerary Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have chosen a policy not to ask for such payments. Detailed Itinerary DAY 1 Wednesday 4th September 2019 - Arrive Perth Fly into Perth and get settled in for the evening, ahead of our grand botanical adventure! There will be one (1) airport transfer arranged for the day (time TBC) or take a taxi to our accommodation in the CBD. Accommodation: Ibis Hotel Meals: NIL DAY 2 Thursday 5th September - King’s Park & Botanic Garden One of the best places to see WA’s amazing wildflowers is right on your doorstep. It is a short bus ride to one of Australia’s largest and most fascinating inner city botanic gardens. With expansive views of the city and the Swan coastal plain, King’s Park has both curated and natural wildflower displays for us to explore. We will have lunch at Frasers Restaurant (own expense) with the stunning views out to the hills. Approximate time in bus: 30 mins Accommodation: Ibis Hotel Meals: B,D DAY 3 Friday 6th September - Heading south/Margaret River After breakfast, we will make our way south into the heart of wildflower country. There are a number of reserves that we can stop at along the way, before we get to the famed Margaret River coastline. Whilst primarily known for her wines, the Margaret River coastline is a botanical paradise. The Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park hosts more than 1,500 species of flora for us to explore. Today is just a taste ahead of a full day tomorrow. Approximate time in bus: 4.5 hours Accommodation: Margaret’s Beach Resort Meals: B,L,D DAY 4 Saturday 7th September - Margaret River Area There will be a bit of walking involved today, so tuck into a big breakfast! We have the full day to see the Jarrah forests, coastal heath and karri forests of this wonderful region. There are some great orchid spotting opportunities today as this is the home of Caladenia excelsa, Australia’s largest flowered spider orchid. We also have a good chance to see Western Australia’s spectacular floral emblem, the red and green Kangaroo Paw in its natural environment. Approximate time in bus: 1.5 hours Accommodation: Margaret’s Beach Resort Meals: B,L,D

Fast Facts DAY 5 Sunday 8th September - To the Karri forest It is about a 1.5 hr drive from Margaret River to Pemberton where we will enter the old growth karri Singles: forest. These tall timbers are imposing with their long straight trunks and a plethora of wildflowers A single supplement is available for this trip* below. Leader: We will take our time to explore this area, keeping an eye out for the intensely coloured flowers of Expert local leader several pea species in the genera Chorizema, Kennedia and Hovea, before heading further south to the quaint coastal town of Walpole where more botanical delights await. Approximate time in bus: 3 hours Responsible Travel Accommodation: Tree Top Motel, Walpole Meals: B,L,D The natural environments that you’ll travel through are fragile; the cultures DAY 6 Monday 9th September - Tingle Forest and traditions precious and often the If you have never seen or heard of a Tingle tree, you are in for a treat today. These giants are only communities we pass through are reliant on found in this tiny patch around Walpole, and have to be one of Australia’s most impressive tree tourism. It is our responsibility as visitors species. to minimise the impact of our presence, With a mix of damp lands, karri forest, tingle forest and coast, we have lots of opportunities today protect what is precious and where we can to see a whole host of species in their natural environment, including the fascinating, carnivorous leave a positive impact. Learn how you Albany Pitcher Plant, Cephalotus follicularis. can do this by downloading the Thoughtful In the afternoon, we will transfer through to Albany, Western Australia’s oldest settlement. Traveller booklet from our website. Approximate time in bus: 1.5 hours Trip grading Accommodation: Best Western Albany Introductory Meals: B,L,D We recommend that you are in good DAY 7 Tuesday 10th September - Albany Area health with a good level of fitness to join The coastline around Albany is just spectacular, and incredibly floristically diverse. We will head just this trip. While there is no commitment out of town and do a short walk to an area with intense concentrations of colour, that only locals to extended walking, you will be walking know about. most days on a variety of terrain. Weather We can also explore Torndirrup National Park with its stunning granite outcrops and crashing waves conditions can be variable with wind, rain and some of the war monuments around Albany. and cooler temperatures at times. You Approximate time in bus: 2 hours need to make sure you have adequate Accommodation: Best Western Albany clothing and good walking shoes or boots. Meals: B,L,D Adventure Travel DAY 8 Wednesday 11th September - The Stirling Ranges via the Porongurups By its very nature adventure travel involves After breakfast we will head north to the Porongorups and do the Granite Sky walk. For those with a healthy fear of heights, you may wish to stay closer to terra firma! an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect In the afternoon, we will head into the Stirling Range National Park to acquaint ourselves with one of standards you are used to at home. Remote WA’s most spectacular parks boasting an exceptionally high proportion of endemic plant species. areas are sometimes unpredictable and Mountains and wildflowers! Need we say more. itineraries may be altered. To get the Approximate time in bus: 1.5 hours most out of your adventure it is important Accommodation: Kendenup Lodge that you are flexible, positive and eager Meals: B,L,D to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant or travel agent.

Important Note DAY 9 Thursday 12th September - The Stirlings We have a full day in the park today to explore. These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and If you are an orchid lover, you have come to the right place. It is not uncommon for our groups to spot 20-30 orchid species in the first hour of being in the Stirling Ranges. It is also a centre may supersede any information in the of diversity for the families Proteaceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae, Rutaceae and Ericaceae, which current brochure, including but not limited dominate the heathlands of this park. to the itinerary and price. The itinerary We will visit a few locations within the park, hopefully seeing some of the rare Darwinia and Banksia should be seen as a guide only. This species. We can also head up to the base of Bluff Knoll to view this impressive peak. itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and Approximate time in bus: 1.5 hours other circumstances beyond our control. Accommodation: Kendenup Lodge Meals: B,L,D DAY 10 Friday 13th September - Heading to Hopetoun Whilst we need to cover about 300kms today, we will still have time in the afternoon to dip our toes into the famed Fitzgerald National Park. The “Fitz” is one of the best places in Western Australia to see wildflowers, with nearly 20% of the state’s species found there. We can head up East Mt Barren in the afternoon, or stay on the flat depending on how people feel. The spectacular, multicoloured leaves of Hakea victoria are common here and the area is rich in Banksia species, including the elegantly beautiful Banksia speciosa. Approximate time in bus: 4 hours Accommodation: Hopetoun Motel/Chalets Meals: B,L,D DAY 11 Saturday 14th September - The “Fitz” We have the whole day to explore today. There are quite a few options for botanising, so we will see where the wind takes us. This park is Proteaceae heaven so be prepared to be on your feet the whole day today, but be prepared to be blown away (not by the wind!). Approximate time in bus: 1 hour Accommodation: Hopetoun Motel/Chalets Meals: B,L,D DAY 12 Sunday 15th September - Heading North Watch the landscape change dramatically today, as it is time to head inland. There are a number of reserves we can explore on our way to Wave Rock and we will also call in on the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show & Spring Festival. We have just over 250km to travel in total, and all day to do it, so we can take our time to stretch the legs and camera batteries as much as we want! We will arrive in mid afternoon and get settled in. Approximate time in bus: 4 hour Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Accommodation: Wave Rock Motel Meals: B,L,D

DAY 13 Monday 16th September - Wave Rock and then heading west We have a full morning to explore Wave Rock and the surrounding semi arid heathland. This will be a complete departure from the previous days and a pleasant surprise, especially if we are lucky enough to come across the vivid scarlet flowers of Anthotium rubriflorum. In the afternoon, we will take the 300km drive up to York, just outside of Perth. Approximate time in bus: 4 hour Accommodation: York Country Motel Meals: B,L,D DAY 14 Tuesday 17th September - Jarrah/Marri forest Again, today is completely different again, and you will wonder how we have seen so many environments in such as short time. The jarrah/marri forests are ablaze with wildflowers at this time of year, so it is a wonderful way to finish off our time in the South West. If we have not already seen the intense blue flowers of Lechenaultia biloba, this will be our best chance. With camera cards full, and heavy hearts we will head back into the city limits in the mid afternoon, for one last night on the town before heading back to reality. Approximate time in bus: 2 hours Accommodation: Ibis Hotel Perth Meals: B,L,D DAY 15 Wednesday 18th September - Trip concludes in Perth All good things must come to an end. There will be one airport shuttle run today (time tbc) See you in 2020 as we head north of Perth, for more botanising in this wonderful state! Meals: B

This Itinerary Is Subject To Change With Any Change In Community Regulations As Well As Governmental Changes And Natural Circumstances Beyond Our Control.

Climate The South West of WA is greatly influenced by the cold Southern Ocean. From September ‑ November temperatures can range between 10 degrees at night and 25 degrees during the day. We recommend bringing good layers (warm layer, wind breaker etc), to prepare for all conditions. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.

What you Carry You will only need to carry a day‑pack with your water bottles, jacket, camera and other personal items each day. You should plan on carrying at least 1‑2 litres of water each day. Equipment Required A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‑departure information supplied on booking. Vehicles & Safety During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all of which are fit for purpose and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and whilst wherever possible, vehicles with seatbelts are provided, on occasion some vehicles may not have seat belts fitted. Subscribe to our e-newsletter Never miss an amazing deal, inspirational speaker tour or exciting new trips and cutting edge adventure news! Head to our website to subscribe to our regular e‑newsletter. Social Networking Connect with us on social FACEBOOK: @worldexpeditions Like our page at facebook.com/worldexpeditions INSTAGRAM: @worldexpeditions Follow us at instagram.com/worldexpeditions YOUTUBE: World Expeditions Subscribe to our channel at youtube.com/worldexpeditions Share the love Use the hashtag #WorldExpeditions on your best travel photos and videos to be featured. Trip Availability If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our team at your earliest convenience. How to Book Please fill out the booking form and return with a $500 deposit to Foundation & Friends of the Botanic Gardens to reserve your place on the tour. Please note that all reservations are subject to availability at the time of booking. The deposit is payable by cash, credit card or cheque (made payable to World Expeditions) and is non‑refundable. Please direct your completed booking form and send to the following address: Foundation & Friends of the Botanic Gardens Cottage 6 Mrs Macquaries Road Sydney NSW 2000

Ph: 9231 8182 Fax: 9241 3064