



Heidi Martin started her horticultural career in the family nursery when she was 16 and has now enjoyed over 30 years in the industry. She is the owner of multi-award winning garden centre Van Loons Nursery in Victoria and is a regular co-host on 3AW’s Weekend Breakfast gardening show. Heidi is a regular identity at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show hosting demonstrations and garden talks as well as being involved in three display gardens, winning a prestigious Gold Medal. She is a passionate plants person and loves speaking at garden clubs and hosting workshops at her nursery. Heidi is looking forward to sharing her love of gardening with you.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Wednesday 22 September, 2021 Perth
We depart early morning on our flight to Perth. On arrival we will be met
by our private coach for a guided panoramic tour of the sights of Perth,
including the Governor's Residence, Parliament House and Perth University.
This evening enjoy a welcome dinner to meet the tour members and get to
know Heidi and your Tour Manager.
DAY 2 Thursday 23 September, 2021 Geraldton
Today we travel north to Geraldton, our base for three nights. On the way
we'll visit Nambung National Park, home of the Pinnacles, with thousands of
limestone pillars rising up metres high. These peculiar geological formations
were formed by calcified limestone thousands of years ago. From Cervantes
we drive through Lesueur National Park with over 2000 species of flowering
plants. It is the most wildflower-rich belt in the mid-west and offers flora
as spectacular as it is varied. We'll be on the lookout for smoke bush, black
kangaroo paw, scarlet feather flower, Scholtzia, cowslip orchids, banksias,
blue and red leschenaultia and many more. This evening, those wishing to
dine with the group can meet Heidi and the Tour Manager in the lobby.
DAY 3 Friday 24 September, 2021 Geraldton
We will travel to Mullewa, famous for its spectacular wildflowers including
the colourful wreath flower (Leschenaultia macrantha), which grows only in
this area. Carpets of everlastings are also a feature of the area along with
orange bush pomegranate, bright pink native foxgloves, blue dampiera,
fringe lilies, and many species of orchids, grevilleas, wattles and banksias.
We will take a walk around the area. We will also travel across the Coalstream
Range, the site of Western Australia's first coal mine. It comes alive with
everlasting wildflowers after good winter rains. Seams of coal and ancient
marine fossils are exposed where the Irwin River has cut through the layers
of rock.
DAY 4 Saturday 25 September, 2021 Geraldton
Today we take a day trip to the pretty fishing village of Kalbarri, travelling
through the Kalbarri National Park, which boasts some 800 species of
wildflowers. This area displays red river gorges and vast coastal sea cliffs.
The Murchison River has cut a magnificent red and white gorge for eighty
kilometres to the Indian Ocean, including the Z Bend, The Loop and Nature's
Window. At the Red Bluff Lookout, layers of sandstone form dramatic
100m-high cliffs, which loom over the crashing Indian Ocean.
DAY 5 Sunday 26 September, 2021 Perth
We travel south to Perth today, stopping to visit New Norcia, which was
established as a mission over 150 years ago to assist Aboriginal people. Today
it is a charming town and Benedictine community, reflecting the influence
of early Spanish monks. We will have a tour of the monastery and church,
and see the olive grove, established in the 1850s, still producing their famous
olive oil. Continuing on to Perth, we travel through Yanchep National Park,
where many varieties of wildflowers flourish. We will stay in Perth for three
nights. Heidi and the Tour Manager will meet those wishing to dine with the
group in the lobby.
DAY 6 Monday 27 September, 2021 Perth
We travel to King's Park, where we are able to admire the spectacular views
over the city and the Swan River. Kings Park showcases an outstanding
collection of Western Australian flora. Nearly two-thirds is natural bushland,
with the balance superbly cultivated gardens and parkland. We will continue
with a visit to Zanthorrea Nursery in Maida Vale. This nursery is often regarded
as the best native plant nursery in Perth. It employs very knowledgeable
staff. The afternoon is free for individual exploration.
DAY 7 Tuesday 28 September, 2021 Perth
This morning we travel to visit Araluen Botanic Park. Developed as a bush
camp by J J Simons in 1929. It has been restored and developed as a gorgeous
natural bush botanic park since 1990. It also incorporates 14 hectares of
developed gardens with thousands of stunning tulips. We continue with a
visit to Krannynook, established on an old orchard in 1997. Gill has developed
a backdrop of shrubs and deciduous trees with herbaceous borders, rock
ponds and creeks. She loves unusual plants and is always looking for treasures
to enhance her garden. We enjoy a Devonshire Tea in this beautiful garden.
DAY 8 Wednesday 29 September, 2021 Albany
Our journey today is to Albany on the shore of the Southern Ocean. We'll
travel the Albany Highway, stopping along the way to examine wildflowers,
en route to Stirling Range National Park, where we will enjoy stunning scenery
and magnificent views. The Park is a remarkable botanical reserve noted
for its distinctive rugged beauty and wildflowers. Grass trees, pea flowers,
leschenaultias, blue smoke bush, scarlet banksia and many orchid varieties
are just a few of the wildflowers to be found in this area. We continue to
visit the farm garden of Cathy Wright. Cathy organised and created the Rose
Maze which is our next visit and her garden is excellent. We continue to
the Rose Maze with time to enjoy the roses, have some lunch or buy locally
produced handcrafts. The maze uses more than 100 species of Australianbred
roses and weaves together the stories of three women to illustrate the
hardship of rural life in the early 20th century. In Albany, those wishing to
dine together can meet with Heidi and the tour manager in the lobby.
DAY 9 Thursday 30 September, 2021 Albany
This morning we will have a tour of historic Albany, the site of the first
European settlement in Western Australia, with magnificent views of King
George Sound. We'll also view the impressive granite formations of The
Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park. In the afternoon we'll
visit The Old Farm, Strawberry Hill, which was once the home of WA's first
Government Resident in Albany. We will wander through the beautifully
furnished 1836 cottage to gain a real insight into the way of life in early
colonial times. The cottage was one of the earliest buildings in the state and
site of the first cultivated farm. A highlight to your visit is a walk through the
properties stunning gardens, which contain some of the original fruit trees.
DAY 10 Friday 1 October, 2021 Pemberton
At Bow Bridge we'll visit the garden of Tree Elle Retreat, where we'll enjoy
morning tea hosted by the owner. Privately owned, it has different garden
rooms in a formal style, including a vegetable potager. Then we will
travel through the Valley of the Giants, where karri and jarrah trees tower
majestically over the countryside and red tingle trees can have a base
circumference of 16m. We'll take the tree-top walk through the canopy of the
trees, 40m above the forest floor. Around the area we hope to see orchids,
kangaroo paws, bottlebrush, flowering gums, dryandras and cone flowers.
We will see the enormous Gloucester Tree towering 72m above the ground.
Used as a fire lookout tree, it has a cabin built 58m up the tree, accessed by
153 spikes that spiral the trunk. We continue to our hotel in Pemberton. Heidi
and the Tour Manager will meet those wishing to dine together.
DAY 11 Saturday 2 October, 2021 Margaret River
Today we travel to Augusta and then Cape Leeuwin, where the Southern
and Indian Oceans meet. We then visit Boranup Forest with its views of the
prettiest karri forest in Western Australia. On the journey we'll be on the
lookout for wildflowers such as orchids, wild clematis, brilliant red coral vine,
the karri hazel and wattle, before arriving at Margaret River, where we will
stay for two nights.
DAY 12 Sunday 3 October, 2021 Margaret River
This morning Heidi will show us around the beautifully designed Secret
Garden. This is a very special, privately owned garden that is meticulously
kept. In spring it features wisteria, clematis, iris and crab-apples. Our special
Travelrite International Farewell Lunch will be at Cullen Wines. The restaurant
enjoys a stellar reputation and much of the food comes from the biodynamic
vegetable gardens at Cullen Estate. After lunch you may wish to stroll through
the garden and follow the fascinating biodynamic process that is employed
throughout the winery and the gardens at Cullen.
DAY 13 Monday 4 October, 2021 Home
Heading back to Perth, we first stop at Busselton to see the largest wooden
jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, then continue to Bunbury, Western
Australia's second largest city. If we're lucky we will get a glimpse of the
dolphins along the coastline. On arrival at Perth airport we'll catch our return
flights home.
TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE |
---|---|
$5,950 | $6,945 |
Tour deposit fully refundable up to 45 days prior to departure
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this tour without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd, License number 30858 (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour operator.
Tour Costs: The tour costs are based on airfare, general transport, accommodation costs and foreign exchange rate at 1/11/19. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 60 days of departure from Australia.
Deposit and Payment: A deposit of $500 per passenger is required at the time of booking. Full payment will be required 60 days before departure for the Western Australian Garden Tour. A 1.5% administration fee will be charged on payments made by credit card.
Cancellation Charges: * Cancellation conditions don’t apply for clients with future cruise/tour credits. Cruise/tour credits are non-refundable. Cancellations within 60 days of departure will result in the loss of all monies paid. Cancellation outside 60 days from departure will result in a cancellation fee of the deposit.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is recommended to cover
the costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
Minimum Tour Numbers and Conditions:
The tour has been priced on the basis of a minimum number of passengers having
booked 60 days prior to departure. Travelrite reserves the right
to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer
arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified cost.
Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances if
necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
Refunds:
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow
for any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation,
meals, airfare or other services not utilized after the tour has
commenced.
Tour Participation:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibilities: Travelrite International Pty Ltd. (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organizer. Travelrite acts only as an agent in the making of arrangements for hotels, transportation, restaurants or any other service and does not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in the tour, or by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of this tour and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any tour and/or make such changes in the tour as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the tour. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be taken in the State of Victoria.
Delays and Unforeseen Events:
You engage Travelrite
International to book this tour on your behalf and you
acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as your agent
for the purpose of making contracts between you and
the various providers of accommodation, transportation
and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite may
without reference to you provide or make available to you,
or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or
make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite
reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain
the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate,
transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour
itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint
Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You
agree to pay Travelrite any cost thereof and you indemnify
Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard.
Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally
including in respect of the risk that any such good or service
may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by sending full names and addresses of intending tour members with a deposit of $500 for the Garden Tour. Please send to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information or a booking form can be obtained by telephoning Travelrite International on the following numbers:
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Fax (03) 9836 8068
Email balwyn@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established family-owned business that’s been operating in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs for more than 35 years. Travelrite International is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), is fully Accredited with ATAS (A10538) and IATA. As such they directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators.
“The whole tour was wonderful and the group was a good mix of personality. The gardens visited were interesting and varied.”
“Very enjoyable. Good mix of people in the group.”