Western Australia luxury self drive holiday

Planet

Our ground agent is an active member of Ecotourism Australia (EA), which was established in 1991. It is a not for profit, membership-based organisation inspiring environmentally sustainable and culturally responsible tourism. Internationally recognised through the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, EA designs and delivers certification programs for tourism products and destinations, assuring travellers that these are backed by a strong commitment to sustainability and quality. Currently representing more than 500 responsible ecotourism operators, 1,700 products and a growing number of destinations, Ecotourism Australia also represents the interests of ecotourism operators and destinations through membership on advisory boards, reference groups and industry bodies, working with diverse industry stakeholders to implement and reward sustainable tourism practices. These include operators, protected area managers, state/federal government agencies, local/regional tourism associations, consultants, planners, academics, students and travellers.

The Ningaloo Reef is recognised as one of the most biologically diverse marine environments and the largest fringing coral reef in the world, the Ningaloo Reef is a protected marine park and has held UNESCO World Heritage status since 2011.

Lying at the heart of the Ningaloo Reef is Coral Bay - the southern gateway to the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park and Cape Range National Park. Over 250 species of coral and 500 species of fish inhabit these waters, as do whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays, dolphins, dugongs and turtles at different times during the year. The waters immediately around Coral Bay are known as the Maud Sanctuary Zone. Snorkelling here, you come face to face with countless varieties of tropical fish as they glide through stunning coral formations. The management, the Brogan family is passionate about the Ningaloo Reef and Coral Bay. They do everything possible to ensure both the reef and surrounding areas remain in their pristine condition for the enjoyment of this and future generations.

Some of their initiatives include:
- Planting over 3,000 trees to provide shade and attract birds and butterflies
- Desalinating all drinking water and maintaining Coral Bay’s bore water supply
- Establishing salt-resistant strains of grass within the grounds of our park
Regularly replanting grassed areas following peak holiday times.
- Supporting and assisting scientists in their collection of data and research of the Ningaloo Marine Park.
- Usage of biodegradable cleaning products
- Powering their tour and charter boats with environmentally-friendly motors, which are specially designed to prevent damage to the coral reef.

RAC Monkey Mia Resort
The resort is famous for how close you can get to the wildlife and sealife, however please note we don't support feeding and interacting with dolphins. We kindly ask you to reconsider attending the daily feeding and encourage you to take a morning walk on the beach, where you are very likely to see wild dolphins as well.

Quenda Guest House grow a lot their own food on the property - at the right time of the year incorporating this food into your breakfast and guests are able to enjoy things like nashi pears, lemons, mulberries, or cherry plums you are to help yourself!

People

Throughout the itinerary you will find local recommendations for eating out, supporting independent businesses as well as a selection of accommodation and operators we use are Aboriginal owned and as such we and our guests contribute to the communities that these organisations and their team members are part of.

Foodie Freemantle
Fremantle Markets (Friday to Sunday) where you can shop for Aboriginal artworks and local produce, then browse the bookshops and boutiques along nearby South Terrace where local artists and musicians create a carnival atmosphere on weekends. Go on a pub crawl to check out Fremantle’s craft brewers such as The Monk Brewery and Kitchen and the heritage-listed Sail & Anchor Hotel. If you get hungry, we recommend that you check out Bread in Common (an inspired bakery, restaurant, and bar in a converted warehouse), grab fish and chips at Kailis' Fish Market Café, Little Creatures Brewery on Fishing Boat Harbour or enjoy the view at the Bathers Beach House.

When exploring Rottnest Island enjoy a seafood lunch at Geordie’s Café and Art Gallery. Not only do offer delicious cuisine but they display and sell beautiful artwork created by local artists from WA.

Geraldton Fishermen's Co-Op - Lunch stop option in Geraldton
Established in 1950, Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative (GFC) was formed by a small group of Western Australian rock lobster fishermen who sought to take control of their own future. Over the past 70 years, GFC has grown to become the largest rock lobster exporter in the world and one of Australia’s largest and most successful co-operatives. GFC is good for its members: it is 100 per cent owned by fishermen and license holders supplying the Co-operative and is operated for the benefit of members. Each year, GFC plays a lead role in setting Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) to ensure the fishery remains protected for future generations. Voluntary restrictions in TACC by the commercial sector demonstrate the strong commitment of industry to the protection of this valuable resource.


Didgeridoo Dreaming Night Tour Denman
Owned and operated by Darren “Capes” Capewell, a descendant of the Nhanda and Malgana people, the tours aim to foster an understanding of the natural land, wildlife, stories and traditions of the region.