Geraldton

Covering 186,000 hectares, Kalbarri National Park provides visitors with an array of things to see and do. Marvel at nature's ability to carve the landscape, explore the depths and heights of the river gorges and sea cliffs and admire the floral beauty of the vast, rolling sandy plains.

Leaving the Marina you will travel north from Geraldton through the town of Northampton, built in the 1870’s mainly to support the lead mine industry which started in the area in 1848. Drive past Hutt River Province; the principality of Prince Leonard and Princess Shirley, who seceded from Australia in 1970.

A morning tea stop is included at ‘Hawkshead’ a beautiful lookout overlooking the Murchison River. Known for magnificent rocky landscapes, Hawkshead has one of the area’s most spectacular red river gorges in the Kalbarri National Park.

Reaching the town of Kalbarri, lunch will be served at The Black Rock Café, where you will enjoy a fantastic ‘Ploughman’s Lunch’ overlooking the mouth of the Murchison River.

After lunch, head along the coastline to the areas of Pot Alley, Natural Bridge and Island Rock, icons of Kalbarri, before heading back to Geraldton pass Lynton Convict hiring station which was built by the convicts in 1853.

Your tour starts with a city drive along the waterfront and passes by some of the city's major landmarks, such as The Bill Sewell Complex and Queen’s Park Theatre.

The Western Australian Museum exhibits the region's history from the Aboriginal past to the present. The Gallery on the Abrolhos Islands’ maritime history tells the notorious tale of the 1629 wreck of the Dutch East Indiaman Batavia, a tale of disaster followed by mutiny and murder. The Museum gift shop offers a unique range of regional souvenirs as well as an excellent selection of books featuring local history, photographs and natural wonders.

Your next stop will be St Francis Xavier Cathedral, an ornate Cathedral which was designed by architect and priest, Monsignor John Cyril Hawes, in 1915. The Basilica took 23 years to complete and the interior is decorated in an elaborate Art Deco style.

Finally you will reach the HMAS Sydney Memorial. In November 1941 HMAS Sydney sank with the loss of all hands during an engagement with the German raider, Kormoran. The monument features a dome in the shape of a ship's prow with 645 metal seagulls representing each lost life.

Board your coach for a 20-minute drive to Greenough. The landscape is dotted with picturesque ruins of old homes, churches and schools.

Upon reaching Greenough, you will see that 11 stone buildings are all that remains of a pioneer community that flourished at the turn of the 19th century. Explore the 9 buildings open to the public including Clinch's Mill, Gray's Store, Convict Bridge and Wesley Church.

Greenough Pioneer Museum is housed in a beautifully restored home next to Maley's Mill and features an amazing collection of everyday artefacts from the 19th century including lace, books, toys, clothing and furnishings.

There will be a photo stop at Ellendale Pool, where giant eucalyptus trees surround the rock gorge and pool. On your return to the ship, enjoy a brief stop at the Point Moore Lighthouse, a bold red and white striped landmark in Geraldton overlooking the blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

After a brief drive through Geraldton, travel to Oakabella Homestead, 18 miles north of the city. Oakabella Homestead is set on 1,000 acres and was founded in 1860. Tour the beautifully restored 13-room main house, cookhouse, stables, shearing shed and blacksmiths. The Museum features a fascinating collection, ranging from a mid-19th century bottle collection to farm machinery. Also on display at Oakabella is a beautiful selection of quilts crafted by highly skilled local quilters as well as unique artwork created by local sculptor, Stinger Ray.

Continue to the Chapman Valley, an agricultural region renowned for its fertile soils. You will pass through a landscape of rolling green hills and vineyards, before reaching Chapman Valley Winery, founded in 1995. Chapman’s is the northernmost wine Estate in Western Australia. The prize-winning Estate produces red and white wines including a Zinfandel, which you will have the chance to sample and will be accompanied by local cheeses.