No shortage of South West options

DO you have colleagues, clients or customers coming to Western Australia from interstate or overseas? How are you going to keep them amused with the minimum amount of fuss while showing them our beautiful South West at the same time? Sure, you’ve got the accommodation booked and there are plenty of good restaurants, but what will you do during the day?

Why not engage the services of one of the many excellent tour operators to take the hassle out of planning an interesting itinerary for your guests? They know the area really well and can take you on a predetermined adventure, or let you choose your own schedule.

If your guests are the adventurous types and you know they would enjoy some ‘soft adventure’ opportunities, then there are several one-day itineraries that would suit perfectly.

For those into deep sea diving, Bay Dive and Adventures offers some of the best diving experiences in the South West. With their custom built dive boats and friendly experienced staff, they can take you and your visitors to the HMAS Swan wreck site. Situated at a depth of 30 metres in the tranquil protected waters of Geographe Bay near Dunsborough, the 113-metre-long dive wreck has become home to hundreds of species of fish and is accessible to divers with all levels of experience.

Alternatively, the outer reaches of the Busselton jetty provide the perfect site for a first-time diving experience. Only eight metres deep, it is home to many different varieties of fish, and Bay Dive and Adventures will supply the equipment and know-how. Phone 9756 8577.

For groups of up to 10 people, Seafari Tours can take you on a seagoing adventure to fish or sightsee along the coastal area, swim and snorkel aboard their luxury nine-metre catamaran. Provided the weather is conducive, you could try deep sea fishing where dhufish, snapper, groper and harlequin fish are regularly caught using the quality fishing equipment supplied.

Alternatively, the coastal scenic Kilcarnup Eco Tour may be more suitable. Here, guests are taken to a beautiful protected bay with crystal clear shallow water where the snorkelling is safe and rewarding. You might see crayfish, colourful local fish species, dolphins and occasionally even a seal. The excursion takes three to four hours and includes all gear and a light lunch. Phone 9757 1050. 

Staying with the ocean theme, Naturaliste Charters runs exciting whale watching cruises from Augusta and Dunsborough. With any luck, you and your guests may witness migrating humpback, southern right and blue whales frolicking in the pristine bays in these areas. Tours last for three hours aboard 15-metre and 17-metre catamarans and are run between the months of July and November, weather permitting. Phone 9755 2276.

Outdoor Discoveries is a top-quality tour operator for nature lovers and adventurers. The Margaret River-based company can organise a variety of hard-core activities, such as abseiling and rock climbing, as well as some less challenging pursuits. One of the most popular is canoeing on the Blackwood River. Following an introductory lesson on paddling skills and safety aspects, you will be guided along the beautiful Blackwood River, stopping for a gourmet brunch on the riverbank. Although serene and relaxing in summer, there are a few rapids during winter, so you and your guests may well get wet – but you’ll have lots of fun doing so. Phone 0407 084 945. 

What better way to appreciate the lovely South West than on a scenic bushwalk? Leeuwin Naturaliste Treks offers minimum impact walks along this spectacular coastline. Depending on which part of the trail you explore, you may see giant karri forests, dramatic limestone cliffs, secret places where freshwater creeks meet remote pristine beaches, incredible shifting dune systems and rugged granite outcrops. Treks range from moderate to challenging half-day and full-day walks where meals and transfers are included. Phone 9757 1021. 

Multi-award winning Bushtucker Tours takes groups of people on nature and adventure tours along the Margaret River. Guests can sample bush food, wild scenery, bush and cave walking and practise their paddling skills in canoes with the reward of a barbecue lunch on the riverbank halfway through. The tours take place between 10am and 2pm daily.

For those more into fine food and wines, Bushtucker Tours also runs winery tours which take in the best of the local wineries and food outlets, where guests can sample the gourmet delights of the region and be escorted in style. These can include tours for large groups or more custom-designed excursions for just a few and pick-up from local hotels can be arranged. Boutique breweries and chocolate, cheese, coffee and ice cream outlets are also on the agenda and the outing includes a delicious lunch. Phone 9757 9084.

If you would prefer to leave the planning to someone else, Margaret River Confluence can put together a complete package, which includes a number of the elements of adventure/sightseeing and winery/gourmet experiences. One favourite tour itinerary for up to seven people is the Whales, Wines and Wilderness Tour, which lasts the whole day, from 9am until 4.30pm. Guests travel in a luxury four-wheel drive vehicle and sample whale watching, lighthouse exploring, art gallery browsing, cave touring and wine tasting. Phone 0427 548 212.

Cape Indulgence is another top-class tour organiser that puts together personalised half- or full-day tailor-made itineraries. They can give you suggestions of what to do and put together the perfect package for your guests. Samples of the endless possibilities include winery touring, gourmet food tours, scenic driving, visits to local health/beauty spas or sports-focused excursions. They even offer airport transfers between Perth airport and the Margaret River region. Phone 9755 2491.

For the ultimate in opulence, your guests may appreciate one of the chauffeur-driven touring options. Cape Classic Touring Company offers a choice of a Daimler, Rolls-Royce or Jaguar and can take you in style for half-day or full-day excursions wherever you nominate, whether it’s the wineries, sightseeing or art galleries that appeal the most. Phone 9759 1611.

Lifestyle Margaret River also provides chauffeur-driven tours in a luxury 1950s-style limo. They pride themselves on arranging tours with a difference, giving guests a uniquely genuine insight into the Margaret River lifestyle. Although tours can be custom-designed, you might find one of their pre-organised tour suggestions just right for your guests. There is the Five Senses Tour, the Experience Margaret River Tour, the Taste Margaret River Tour and the Wine Lovers’ Tour.  Phone 9757 9111. 

If your guests are more into finding out about the process of making wines and prefer an informal approach, then Wine for Dudes would be a good choice. These young energetic entrepreneurs have recognised the need to de-mystify wine and make it accessible to everyone.

They have put together an energetic fun look at behind the scenes of the region’s prominent industry. Your guests can even participate in making their own wine.  Phone 9758 8699.

Perhaps your guests do not have the time to spend driving down to the South West region. Air Australia International can arrange an air taxi or private charter service to Margaret River or Busselton in the morning arriving just in time for their tour or activity schedule and then fly back afterwards. Phone 9332 5011.