Western Australia

Donna Waddington on 22 April 2024
Western Australia Cygnet Bay - Pearl Farm

05:30 start with a flight from Perth to Broome before picking up the Air Kimberley flight to Cygnet Bay. Safely landing at Cygnet Bay airstrip, it was off the the Pearl Farm. This Australian owned an operated farm spans four generations of the Brown family. Only until recently have they invited travellers to share in this very special place, recently described as one of the most unique destinations in Australia. After lunch it was off to Waterfall Reef Sea Safari. Witnessing a tidal phenomenon that had to be seen to be believed. The tides are only found in Kimberley. The experience offered an abundance of islands which formed the Buccaneer. Archipelago, combined with the world’s largest tropical tides exposing the unique natural phenomenon of the waterfall reef. Our accommodation was Pearlers Safari tents, these deluxe glamping Eco tents bring a new level of luxury with private ensuite air-conditioning and king-size beds. Built be eco-friendly with minimal impact on the environment they are solar panelled and use grey water treatment. They have used 100% of local businesses for the entire production. Cygnet Bay & Broome #anzacday2024

After a respectful start to the day, it was time for a coast to coast tour to explore Borrgoron (Cygnet Bay) learning about those traditional hunting techniques. I actually found a pearl which I was able to purchase.. Leaving Cygnet Bay mid morning with Air Kimberley back to Broome, to head to Matso’s for Lunch & Matso's Beer tasting the home of the original alcoholic Ginger Beer. Home for the evening was Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa. Cable Beach club resort and spa is Broomes little piece of Heaven and the only resort directly overlooking the world renowned Cable Beach. This indulgent oasis features four accommodation styles, including luxury villas, elegant suites and deluxe rooms set amongst tropical gardens and captivates you with its kaleidoscope of colours radiating from Australia’s wondrous outback . The afternoon offered the opportunity to take in all the resort had to offer, including a scrumptious sunset dinner in the Sunset bar and Grill restaurant. Tomorrow is a special day & the STAIRCASE TO THE MOON, has to be seen to be believed. An amazing natural phenomenon takes place along the Pilbara and Kimberley Coastline, when the full moon rising across the exposed tidal flats creates the impression of a staircase leading to the moon.

Broome before heading back to Perth.

8am - Walked through the park, avoiding the Crocodiles and joined Broome Whale Watching to offer an unforgettable morning with Snub nose dolphins, flat back turtles & sea snakes (kept out of the water at this point ) It was great to hang your legs over the edge of the boat and simply be entertained, a truly special experience I won’t forget. Concluding the tour it was back to the airport, picking up the flight to Perth. Our hotel for the evening- QT Perth.A luxurious, designer, urban hotel in the centre of Perth City, ideal if you love to shop, dine and indulge. Heading into Perth for Dinner at the Santini Bar & Grill. A restaurant Inspired by the sun and always embracing the seasons, it celebrates classic Italian dining, paired with everything Western Australian. The Black ink squid risotto was amazing, before heading to the roof top bar at QT.

Perth

A magical day, with special thanks to Perth Wildlife Encounters Arriving at 8am we picked up our wetsuits for this four hour snorkel. Located under the shore of beautiful Shoal water Bay - Perth Wildlife Encounters are a multi award winning company acclaimed for its ‘swim with dolphins’ tour as well as a range of tours to Penguin Island and Seal Island. This wildlife encounter took us to the islands top snorkelling spots in the ruggedly spectacular Shoal water Islands Marine Park, showcasing the best of the local marine life above and below the water. Thanks to Perth Wildlife Encounters It was then back to Perth to meet Peddle Perth to discover Perth's hidden gems with Perth’s Rickshaw tour. The tours are great fun interactive and engaging and good for all ages. They offer a fun outing to take in the best places the city has to offer. Not to mention passing by the biggest instrument in the world (bell tower) Dinner was at the fabulous Post Restaurant at the COMO The Treasury. Post was once the franking room of Perths original general post office, beautiful Italian food

Rottnest

The day started catching the SeaLink Rottnest Island to Rottnest Island. Sealink offer multiple daily departures from Fremantle and Perth with a complimentary bus transfer to their barrack Street jetty terminal from Perth hotels. Rottnest Island is located 19km off the coast of Fremantle, its Western Australia’s very own island getaway. Meeting The Hike Collective for a 2-hour Eco friendly walking tour, it offered a safe space to explore the islands rugged beauty. The Eco tour combined the beauty of nature with a deep dive into the island sustainable practices, whilst learning about its commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability. A chance to meet the Quokkas, who whilst friendly are still wild & very cute, it was certainly great to meet them up close. Lunch at Pinky’s offered views of the Beech and Bathurst Lighthouse. Pinky’s is one of the most celebrated down in experiences on the island. Pinky Beech also offers holiday accommodation with a difference, with low impact glamping experience featuring 83 Eco tents the resort appeals to experience-seekers who appreciate being close to nature. Catching the Ferry back to Fremantle and before flying out of Perth; there was time for one last fantastic Dinner at Italian Street Kitchen offering the best Italian food combined with modern culinary techniques and authentic recipes passed down through the generations.