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Bandicoot: Complete itinerary

Sand boarding at Lancelin Beach · Sea Kayaking on Penguin Island · Snorkeling and Scuba Diving · Learn to Surf at Yallingup · Hiking at Cape Naturaliste · Mountain Biking · Hike the Bibbilum Track

Tuesday - Arrive in Perth & sand boarding at Lancelin Beach

The Bandicoot starts in Perth, which is Australia's biggest western city. Things are a bit different out west - life is conducted at a more relaxed pace, and there is a much lower population. We start today by heading north to the rolling sand dunes of Lancelin Beach, and going "sand boarding". This activity may sound a little odd, but people love it - basically, you climb to the top of the enormous sand dunes, and slide down on your chest, on a boogie board. It's great exercise, and - like all the best exercise - exhilarating as well. We set up a beach volleyball court, and have a relaxing day at the beach to start your trip, and make it easier on those with jetlag. After a beach barbecue, we return to our hotel in Perth, for one night in the big smoke before we leave civilisation far behind.

ACCOMMODATION: Central Perth Hotel (L,D)

Wednesday - Sea kayaking and snorkeling at Penguin Island

From Perth, it's short trip to the aptly-named Penguin Island. Here we'll spend the day sea kayaking and snorkeling. There are all sorts of interesting marine organisms to see here - penguins, dolphins, octopi, and many different species of fish. The sea kayaking is quite suitable for beginners, and we look after all your gear - so all you need to worry about is how much sunscreen to wear! After an interesting day on Penguin Island, we return to the mainland to stay the night in a comfortable lodge.

ACCOMMODATION: Coastal lodgings (B,L,D)

Thursday & Friday - Learn to surf and coastal hiking near Dunsborough

There's so much to do around Dunsborough that we figure it's worth staying a couple of days. We highly recommend learning to surf, which you can do at Yallingup. No problem if you've never stood on a surfboard - 99% of our people are in the same boat! This just means you'll find your first surf ride even more amazing! We also go snorkeling while we're here, and certified scuba divers can dive on an old Australian Navy warship, as well as more conventional diving reef diving. While here, we will head out to Cape Naturaliste and spend a half day hiking one of the spectacular coastal hiking trails found in this region. Dunsborough is also in the midst of Western Australia's most famous wine region, Margaret River, and if you like, we'll drop into a local winery to sample the latest vintage. Finally, if you feel like stretching your legs a little further, you can do some mountain biking here too!

ACCOMMODATION: Dunsborough (B,L,D)

Saturday - Hiking the Bibbulmun Track & Outback Pub

We head off early today, to walk a section of the legendary 600-mile Bibbulmun Track - Australia's version of the Appalachian Trail. We start the track about halfway along its length, and hike to the tiny Outback town of Pemberton, where we spend the night at a classic Outback pub. The area is characterised by beautiful karri trees, and when you're walking along the trail, you know you're a very long way from home! At the end of the day, we'll spend a little time with an aboriginal guide, taking in the native perspective on the area.

ACCOMMODATION: Classic Outback Pub, Pemberton (B,L,D)

Sunday - Bibbulmun Track

After a hearty breakfast, we take to the trail to walk another ten miles or so. This is "big sky" country - we probably won't see anyone else on the trail, so we're likely to have this part of Australia all to ourselves! After walking all morning, we'll have a picnic lunch, and hike to the nearest trailhead for air conditioning and cold beers! (And yes, cold orange juice too.) We then drive for a couple of hours through the Outback to our accommodations for the night.

ACCOMMODATION: Outback lodgings (B,L,D)

Monday - Cycling the coastal roads & return to Perth

Last day of your Western Australian adventure! Today we take to our bikes, and cycle the coastal road back towards Perth. Like all ACTIVE cycling, you can do as much - or as little - as you like. Keen riders can cycle 60 miles or so, while the more 'relaxed' rider can alternate between a little pedalling, and one or two side hikes - or just hanging out on the beach! We can arrange some more surfing if cycling's not your thing - and otherwise, we'll arrive at the outskirts of Perth in the late afternoon. You can then stay on in Perth, or catch late afternoon or evening flights back to the East coast. (B,L)

IMPORTANT DETAILS

ACCOMMODATIONS: The Bandicoot is an activity-oriented trip along the southern tip of Western Australia. We've chosen interesting and comfortable accommodation throughout. In some places it's quite luxurious. Many of the other places we stay are off-the-beaten-track, and don't have many accommodation options - but are really, really spectacular. Some accommodations have separate bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, and others have two bedroom apartments with shared bathrooms. Our clients often say a real highlight of the trip is meeting their Aussie hosts and you'll love the places we stay!

FITNESS : You must have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy yourself on the Bandicoot. You don't have to be young and extremely fit (although if you are, you won't be bored) but you should be in the habit of doing at least some exercise. Age and experience are not important. We would rather have a person in her 50s who hikes every couple of weeks than a 22-year-old couch potato! If you're concerned about your fitness level, have a chat with us so we can help you choose between the Bandicoot and our other trips.

EXPERIENCE : You don't have to have any outdoor experience at all to take our trips because we help you make the most of Australia's amazing outdoor environment. Our staff are highly trained and very experienced outdoor guides, and we will look after you! You don't need to have ever done any sand boarding, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, or cycling to enjoy these activities with us. All we ask is that you are energetic, enthusiastic, and in reasonable shape, and we guarantee you'll have an incredible time. We manage the level of commitment to suit your experience, and we have an impeccable safety record. We hold all relevant government licenses.

FLEXIBILITY : Because of the off-the-beaten-path and non-commercial nature of the places we stay, we may need to change a night stop. We try to make as few changes as possible, but retain the flexibility to make sure your trip is as good as it can be. Some of our activities are weather dependent and if it's a choice between safety and an activity, your safety will always come first. In these cases we'll have a suitable alternate activity.

INCLUDED : The trip fare is US$2499 + applicable taxes and fees. We quote all prices in US dollars, so our guests from all over the world can more easily relate prices to their own currencies. You can also join for shorter periods of time, at a pro-rated price. The trip fare includes just about everything, specifically:

•  All guiding services. We generally have two guides per trip, a lead guide/driver, and a co-guide who is responsible for meals and accommodations. This means we can really make sure you have a great time! We operate with small groups, and we don't hesitate to offer a second departure when our trips start getting full. (Click here to read what our previous clients have said about their guides)

•  Comfortable accommodations for the entire period you are with us (see "Accommodations" above). We can organize extra accommodation for you, if you want to arrive earlier or leave later.

•  All your meals (as indicated), except where we've found people prefer to check out the wide range of local restaurants. (B,L,D) means breakfast, lunch & dinner included. Alcohol is not generally included, although we do spring for a few drinks here and there!

•  All hiking, surfing, sand boarding, cycling, kayaking and snorkeling activities as described in the itinerary, except optional extra activities, such as the whale watching tour on Fraser Island. We have estimated the rates for optional extra activities run by local operators in US dollars, but these rates may vary according to the USD/AUD exchange rate of the day. There are many optional activities available at extra cost along the way - just ask your guide. None of these activities are compulsory, and nor will your trip seem less awesome if you do the more budget options. Although some people enjoy sampling the optional extras , others prefer to focus more on the hiking, surfing, sand boarding, cycling, kayaking and snorkeling which is of course the reason you've chosen the Bandicoot in the first place!

•  All specialized equipment required for all activities - please refer to our gear list for further details.

We'll see you soon!

Itinerary valid though April 2007