The Gold Coast Bulletin

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- Naturalist­echarters.com.au TIP: margaretri­ver.com shelterbre­wing.com.au; eaglebaybr­ewing.com.au shoreleave­festival.com.au TIP: thegerald.com.au mounthart.com.au

Track whales at Bremer Bay

On the south coast of WA, this sleepy little town is the only place in Australia you can regularly spot orcas, or killer whales, in the wild. Join an all-day whale watching tour, hosted by a marine biologist, to the Bremer Canyon, which is teeming with sea life.

Tours operate December to April. Pack seasicknes­s tablets.

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Based between Perth and Dunsboroug­h, Katrina says a diverse landscape and the opportunit­y to experience nature makes WA the dream state for a good roadtrip.

22 Blaze a beer trail

The Margaret River region has craft beer lovers frothing with the highest concentrat­ion of microbrewe­ries in the state – 13. Discover award-winning ales as you wind your way past ocean and forest. You’ll find family-friendly venues with sprawling lawns, together with delicious regional food on the menu.

For ocean vibes, Shelter Brewing Co is beachside and Eagle Bay Brewing Co has ocean views across farm and bushland. Don’t forget to designate a driver.

23 Dine on a semidesert­ed island

Glide over glittering turquoise waters, by air or sea charter, to the Abrolhos Islands. Dig your toes in the sand at a long-table lunch and feast on chef-prepared local seafood and sip on WA wine. This ticketed culinary adventure is part of Geraldton’s Shore Leave Festival, a seafood gala celebratin­g the Mid-West region.

There is no accommodat­ion at the Abrolhos. Stay at The Gerald Apartment Hotel, a stone’s throw from the Geraldton foreshore.

24 Go ‘wow’ at Wharton Beach

This isolated, eye-squinting-white beach curves in a gentle arc for 4.5km and is touted as one of the best beaches in the world. The water is as transparen­t as glass and the sand is so fine it squeaks. Huge granite formations at one end offer a great climb and views.

Just under an hour’s drive from Esperance, Wharton Beach makes a great day trip, and you can four-wheel-drive onto the beach.

25 Head for Mount Hart

Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge delivers a true outback adventure. It’s heralded as the Kimberley’s best kept secret and is the ideal base to explore the region’s deep gorges, waterfalls and rugged terrain. Board the new helicopter tour to remote areas not accessible by 4WD. Take your pick of camping, glamping or the homestead retreat to rest your head.

Dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit for less humidity.

 ?? ?? Clockwise from above: Sea Raes in Sydney Harbour; Shelter Brewing Co, Busselton; Beltana Farm, Canberra; The Cabin at Arcadia Nimbin, NSW; Bremer Bay, WA.
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Clockwise from above: Sea Raes in Sydney Harbour; Shelter Brewing Co, Busselton; Beltana Farm, Canberra; The Cabin at Arcadia Nimbin, NSW; Bremer Bay, WA. TIP:
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