Walking with Wildflowers – Fitzgerald Biosphere & Stirling Ranges, Western Australia
Immerse yourself in the magical world of wildflowers in WA’s spectacular southwest region.
AT A GLANCE
| Dates | 2 – 8 October 2023 (If the dates listed are not suitable, please contact our team [email protected] or call 1300 241 141 to enquire about alternative dates if you prefer to travel with your own private party) |
| Activity Level | Moderate to good level of fitness. Some steep climbs. |
| Duration | 7 days, 6 nights |
| Prices | From $3280 per person twin share Single supplements are available for an extra cost |
| Group size | Minimum 6, maximum 10 participants |
| Featuring regions | Stirling Range & Fitzgerald River national parks |
WHAT TO EXPECT
Walking through the Stirling Range and the Fitzgerald River national parks gives our visitors unique opportunities to explore Western Australia’s only major mountain range with summits of more than 1000m and unequalled floral diversity against a backdrop of quartzite ranges, coastal lagoons, granite cliffs, limestone ridges, valleys, woodlands, remote pristine beaches and dramatic coastal scenes.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Perth to Stirling Ranges – Climb Bluff Knoll
390 km drive & 6.8km walk (4 hours)
Your tour starts with a pick-up at a designated tourist bus stop on Wellington Street in the city centre or at Fremantle Train Station. We’ll set off early from Perth and arrive in the Stirling Range National Park at around midday. After checking in at the Stirling Range Retreat and a bite to eat, we’ll hike iconic Bluff Knoll. At 1098m, this is WA’s tallest mountain with spectacular views of the eastern side of the national park.
On the trail, we are sure to come across numerous plant species endemic to this area including native orchids.
Accommodation: Stirling Range Retreat
Lunch and dinner provided.
DAY 2 – Mt Magog
7km hike – all day – 856m
This spectacular trail is less frequented by hikers so offers a true wilderness experience. Expect lots of wildflowers and breathtaking views, on this all day hike. We will have morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea on the trail.
We return to Stirling Range Retreat and enjoy dinner al fresco.
Accommodation: Stirling Range Retreat
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.
DAY 3 – Mt Trio
3.5km walk & 132km drive
Our morning walk up this 3.5km trail will give us access to views of the north side of the national park and different species of endemic plants. Alternatively, we can explore a 10km flat loop if we are too tired to hike another mountain.
After lunch we make our way to Quaalup Homestead on the west side of the Fitzgerald River National Park. Our three-course evening meal will be served in the old homestead.
Accommodation: Bremer Bay Resort
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.
DAY 4 – Mamang Trail
50km drive & 12km walk
We walk a 12km loop on the Mamang Trail along this unique coastal landscape with a walk back along the turquoise waters on a stunning beach.
Back in the Quaalup Homestead – inside the national park – we can explore wildflowers nearby and relax before another delicious evening meal.
Accommodation: Bremer Bay Resort
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.
DAY 5 – Ravensthorpe Range – Hopetoun
240km drive & 10km walk
We make our way over to the east side of Fitzgerald River National Park and stop at Ravensthorpe Range on the way, where we walk the ridge of this florally diverse region. It is stunning! A lot of endemic eucalyptus species and views of the surrounding farm lands.
Mid afternoon we make our way to Hopetoun and our accommodation and relax after a fulfilling day walking – if we feel like it we can explore a short section of the Heritage Trail.
Accommodation: Wavecrest Village in Hopetoun
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.
DAY 6 – Hakea Trail Quoin Head to Hamersley Inlet
16km walk or 12km walk
We will be driven westwards by 4WD to the start of the walk at Quoin Head* or Hamersley Inlet from where we will make our way east, back to Hamersley Inlet or Cave Point. We expect to take the whole day (5–6 hours) making our way back at a moderate pace with plenty of time to take photographs of flowers and coastal landscapes.
We will have lunch, morning & afternoon tea on the track.
*Access to Quoin Head is dependent on conditions
Accommodation: Wavecrest Village in Hopetoun
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.
DAY 7 – East Mt Barren
13km – 380km back to Perth
This hike takes us to the top of a steep, rugged and spectacular trail from where we can see Culham Inlet to the east, Barren Ranges to the west and Eyre Ranges to the north. On the trail, we will see plenty of plant species that are endemic to this specific area, such as Qualup bells, Royal hakea and Barrens regalia (in summer).
Drive back to Perth.
Breakfast and lunch provided.
ABOUT YOUR GUIDE ERIKA JACOBSON
Passionate adventurer / orchid hunter & researcher / environmentalist
Erika is a creativity specialist and a curious and passionate adventurer who loves walking. Part of the year she lectures at Murdoch University on creativity and innovation, runs workshops, retreats and walking tours, helping people connect with nature, their creativity and self-expression.
When you walk with Erika, you are walking with a philosopher, an artist, a writer, a passionate adventurer and someone who can offer you a unique perspective and understanding of the natural world.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 6 nights twin-share accommodation with shared bathrooms during tour
- All vegetarian meals & snacks while on tour
- Coffee, tea and water throughout
- 2 three-course dinners at Quaalup Homestead
- 8 guided walks in Fitzgerald River National Park and the Stirling Ranges, including Bluff Knoll, Mt Magog, Mt Trio, the Mamang Trail, the Hakea Trail, East Mt Barren, Bremer Bay Resort & Ravensthorpe Range
- Specialist guides
- Wilderness first aid trained guide
- All transfers to walks.
COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE
- Domestic or international airfares
- Pre-registration, late check-out or day use at hotels other than specified above
- Guide services other than specified
- Meals/beverages other than specified
- Tips & gratuities
- Optional tours/services.
COVID-19
Until further notice: from 1st October 2021 we will require that all participants on our tours must be fully vaccinated with a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved vaccine against Covid-19 with the final dose administered no later than two weeks prior to departure. See terms and conditions for more details.
- Accommodation and meals: Strict hygiene conditions apply to the way accommodation is prepared for your stay and in the serving of meals.
- Vehicles, hygiene & social distancing: all activities will involve careful adherence to cleanliness. Hand sanitiser will be available in many locations and in all land-based vehicles. Social distancing will always be an issue on board vehicles; it would be sensible for you to bring your own face masks and hand sanitiser. We may not fill all seats in a vehicle to allow for social distancing.
- The WA government approved COVID-19 Safety Plan is in place and all suppliers are Covid Clean accredited.
CONTACT US
Want to know more or register your interest?
Send us an email to [email protected] or call 1300 241 141.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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