Pre-Conference Tour
(this is an exclusive tour and numbers are restricted)
A unique pre-conference tour that will cover diverse regions of Western Australia from camping under the outback skies on a sheep station to fine dining and fine wool at Western Australia’s world-famous wineries. There are 3 options available and they offer flexibility in terms of time-commitment, cost and stamina!
A: Full Pre-Conference Tour – Saturday 1st July to Tuesday, 11th July 2006 - registrations closed
B: Part Pre-Conference Tour – Friday, 7th July to Tuesday, 11th July 2006 - some seats still available
C: Mini Pre-Conference Tour – Monday 10th and Tuesday, 11th July 2006 - registrations closed
(Agents who are handling groups for the Pre-Conference Tour should contact the Secretariat, Congress West on +61 8 9322 6906 or merino@congresswest.com.au)
Read on to discover the interesting itineraries for each of the tours...
Full Pre-Conference Tour
1–11 July 2006
Arrival, Friday 30th June – Perth, Western Australia
On arrival you’ll make your way to Burswood International Resort for your first nights stay at either Burswood InterContinental Hotel (Tourist) or the Holiday Inn Burswood (Budget). An official ‘Welcome Function’ will be held at the Burswood Convention Centre. Dinner will be your own arrangement. Overnight accommodation includes breakfast.
Day 1, Saturday 1st July – The West Coast
Our first stop is the picturesque and historic‘ Kayanaba’ at Dandaragan a commercial wool, lamb and beef enterprise, now supporting the sixth generation of the Roberts family. On the tour through ‘Kayanaba’ we’ll inform you of the workings of the enterprises and the new technologies being trialled for progress into the new millennium. We will join the Roberts family for morning tea at their Federation homestead and inspect the sheep which are the backbone of two enterprises.
Back on the road, we’ll head towards Cervantes for lunch - a small coastal town and the gateway to one of Western Australia’s natural wonders, The Pinnacles in the Nambung National Park. There will be a tour of this extraordinary collection of limestone pillars, set in a windswept landscape over several hundred square kilometres.
From Cervantes we’ll journey along the coast road via Port Denison and Dongara to the city of Geraldton. Geraldton is the key cargo port of the region and best known for its white sand beaches, clear waters and legendary rock lobster which we’ll be sure to sample during our stay!
We will be officially welcomed to Geraldton at a City of Geraldton Mayoral Reception at Council Chambers. We’ll spend the night at the Ocean Centre Hotel in Geraldton.
Day 2, Sunday 2nd July – Maritime History & Links With the Sheep Industry
On Day 2 we’ll have the opportunity to fully explore Geraldton and the hinterland. Kicking off at 8.00am with a city tour, we’ll then visit ‘Irwin House’, a heritage site with shearing and milking sheds that were built in the 1850s. There will be commercial sheep on display and we’ll be given a talk about the site as well as the gas and oil resources in the locality. Late morning we leave for our visit to the historic settlement at Greenough and our lunch stop.
For an optional extra activity, take an exhilarating flight over the Abrolhos Islands and Kalbarri. See ‘Pre Conference Optional Activities’ for further details. Costs for these optional activities are extra and not included in the total Pre-conference tour price.
And then on to the afternoon and evening activities....First up, a comprehensive regional Merino sheep display down at the city’s waterfront, followed by cocktails at sunset, and then dinner at the nearby Conversations Restaurant on Geraldton Marina.
Day 3, Monday 3rd July – The Outback
Adventure This will be a day of unique outback experiences but we’ll start it off with some historical interest when we pass by Geraldton’s St Francis Xavier Cathedral. We’ll depart Geraldton and travel 100km inland to the bush town of Mullewa, at the heart of one of Western Australia’s most productive grain growing areas. The history of Mullewa is depicted in some amazing wall murals and we may have the opportunity to view the town’s unique architecture including the Church that was designed by Monsignor Hawes. The next stop of the day will be ‘Wagga Wagga’ Station at Yalgoo: morning tea, an inspection of the sheep yards and witness the spectacle of the annual station shearing. From here we’ll continue to Mount Magnet, a small township that thrives on gold mining and the servicing of the shire’s sheep stations. The Shire President will host a lunch for us at Anzac Hall. By early afternoon we’ll continue on to our final destination for the day – ‘Wogarno’ Station stopping en route at ‘Yoweragabbie’ Station with an explanation on Total Grazing Management yards and management practices. At the 152,000 acre ‘Wogarno’ Station our camp will be set up for us - this is sure to be an unforgettable night as we dine and sleep under the stars at this magical outback location. (Winter in The Outback is very chilly – make sure you bring warm ‘woolly jumpers’!)
Day 4 – Tuesday, 4th July – Gold Mining
We’ll take it easy this morning with a leisurely ‘campfire’ breakfast, followed by a chance to inspect the Rangeland Merinos and watch an aerial mustering display. Then it will be time to leave Wogarno Station and head for the Equigold Minesite on ‘Kirkalocka’ Station. We’ll find out how a working gold mine operates during our specially arranged tour of the site. Equigold will also provide lunch at the mine before we’re back on our trail – to the town of Dalwallinu. Dalwallinu is right in the middle of Western Australia’s wildflower country and the season runs from July through to October. The area is renowned for it’s thousands of rare and beautiful flowers that literally carpet the countryside. We’ll be welcomed at a Shire of Dalwallinu Reception in the evening and will spend the night at the local motel.
Day 5 – Wednesday, 5th July – Wheat-belt Farming
A morning tour of Dalwallinu will be our first activity of the day and then we’ll make our way to the wheat-belt town of Wongan Hills to ‘Glenvar’, a large scale cropping enterprise that was first established in 1911, with an informative tour of this grand-scale operation. You will be amazed at the scale of their broad acre farming practices and equipment!
By 10.30am we’ll be back on the road in the direction of New Norcia – Australia’s only monastic town. On the way there, we’ll stop at Mackies Export Hay operation and receive a short presentation about this unique business.
New Norcia is totally different to its neighbouring wheat-belt towns – it’s a little bit of the Mediterranean in the Australian bush. That’s due to the Spanish Benedictine Monks who founded the settlement in 1847. We’ll discover the fascinating history behind the town during our visits to the museum, art gallery and monastery. And we’ve been invited to observe afternoon prayer with the monks, hear the monastic choir as well as enjoy a leisurely lunch, taking the time to absorb our elaborate surroundings.
There will be an extensive Merino sheep display in the grounds of St. Gertrude’s College, both Stud Merinos and commercial Merinos from the Central Midlands and Wheat-belt regions of Western Australia.
From New Norcia we’ll travel southwards back to Fremantle via the European Space Agency Satellite and the site of the ‘New Norcia Dish’. It’s a state-of-the-art satellite dish, in stark visual contrast to the historic town, but an impressive sight amidst the wheat-belt countryside.
The evening of Day 5 will be activity-free so we’ll all have a well-earned opportunity to kick-back and explore Fremantle at our leisure. This buzzing city offers a wonderful range of restaurants - a list of recommended eateries has been drawn-up to help us all decide where to dine. Accommodation is at the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle.
Day 6 – Thursday, 6th July – Your Choice
Today, if you wish, you can take your pick from one of the optional tours, or spend a free day enjoying Fremantle. See ‘Pre Conference Optional Activities’ for further details. Costs for these optional activities are extra and not included in the total Pre-conference tour price.
In the evening there is a ‘Welcome Function’ to welcome those people who are doing the ‘part pre-conference tour’. For those on for the full pre-conference tour and joining for the part preconference tour, you’ll stay a second night at the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle.
Day 7 – Friday, 7th July – Long Wool Day
We’ll begin our tour of Western Australia’s South West in Fremantle, departing early from the Esplanade Hotel for the historic town of Williams, an important staging post and service centre in bygone days. Before reaching our destination we’ll take in a drive-by tour of the Co-operative Bulk Handling grain silos and then on to meet the Long Wool Day Committee in Williams for morning tea and sheep display. We will have the opportunity to thoroughly inspect Merinos that will then be up for sale on 10th July at the Rabobank Katanning Ram Sale. This inspection day is traditionally known as the ‘Narrogin Long Wool Day’, one of the main events in the Western Australia Merino calendar. This year it has been relocated to Williams, giving participants in the pre-conference tour an extra opportunity to see top Merino rams.
The traditional ‘Long Wool Day’ lunch will be served along with some wine tasting and there will be time to stroll around Williams and visit the Wool Station before we head-off to our final destination of the day – Busselton.
On the way to Busselton we’ll take the opportunity to visit the town of Collie, set in the midst of dense Jarrah forest and at the heart of the only coalfields in Western Australia.
Busselton sits 228km south of Perth at the centre of the deep indentation that is Geographe Bay and the Vasse River. It’s a haven for surfers and fishermen alike. We’ll check in to the Abbey Beach Resort before enjoying a leisurely dinner at the award winning restaurant ‘The Goose’.
Day 8 – Saturday, 8th July – Fine Wine, Fine Food with fine fashion, wool & pearls
A fun-packed 8th day has been confirmed! After a beach walk at dawn, we’ll eat a hearty breakfast and then it’s back on to our coach for a scenic drive along the stunning coastline between Yallingup and the mouth of the Margaret River.
This is of course Western Australia’s main wine region and our first winery-stop will be Voyager Estate for a cellar-door tasting and morning tea. There will be time to explore the Estate’s gardens and visit their excellent gift shop.
The restaurant at the world-class Leeuwin Estate Winery, best known for its Arts Series of wines, has been reserved for lunch. Here we’ll enjoy a tour of the winery, a talk about the wine making process and a tasting session. Plus, Leeuwin has its own art gallery to explore.
The WA Superfine Woolgrowers Association will have a display of their sheep and wool at Leeuwin and we will remain for the rest of the afternoon to enjoy ...Fine Wine, Fine Food with Fine Wool, Fine Fashion and Fine Pearls.
When we return to our hotel, a basket of regional gourmet specialities will be delivered to each of our rooms.
Day 9 – Sunday, 9th July – The Big, Big Trees
Continuing further south we’ll make our way towards Albany, taking time to experience a true taste of this beautiful, rugged region through magnificent forests of Karri, Jarrah and Marri trees, via the timber-milling town of Pemberton to the Valley of the Giants & Ancient Empire.
The Valley of the Giants, in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park, gets its name from the giant red tingle trees that are found here. Some of the trees are up to 16 metres in circumference at the base. We’ll walk the renowned Tree Top Walk – a secure steel ramp built up amongst the tree canopy. This will be an unforgettable experience!
Back on the road we’ll pass through the arty town of Denmark, a popular tourist destination in the Albany hinterland; The Gap – an amazing natural feature carved from masses of granite over thousands of years with a sheer drop to the waves below; the Natural Bridge; Albany Wind Farm – the largest wind turbines in Australia; the Replica of the Amity Brig that brought Albany’s first settlers from Sydney in 1826; The Old Gaol, built in 1851 as a convict hiring depot; The Old Post Office – an Albany treasure that has been immaculately restored and now houses The University of Western Australia’s Albany Centre.
By sundown we’ll arrive at the Anzac Memorial, Mt Clarence - a perfect vantage-point for King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour.
And then in to the evening....dinner will be held at the Princess Royal Sailing Club and we’ll tuck into the very best local seafood.
Our overnight accommodation will be down by the ocean at Middleton Beach (Albany) – The Esplanade Hotel.
Day 10 – Monday, 10th July – Katanning Sheep Show
We’ll set ourselves up for the day with an early morning walk by Middleton Beach and, with any luck, we’ll spot a whale or two! Then straight on to breakfast overlooking King Georges Sound.
By 9.00am we’ll be travelling towards Katanning and the Great Southern Agricultural Research Institute. This will be a fascinating visit - with presentations and information on the very latest research being undertaken at this institute.
After lunch at the Institute, we will move onto the Rabobank Katanning Show, Sale and Merino Expo.
This is the most comprehensive sheep show of the tour; there will be Stud Merino Sheep on display, a National Sheep Competition and Show, commercial sheep competition, the Elders National Fleece Competition, and the sale sheep for inspection. This day is hosted by the Great Southern Merino Sheepbreeders Association.
Optional activities are also available this afternoon. See ‘Pre-Conference Tour Optional Activities’ for further details. Costs for these optional activities are extra and not included in the total Pre-conference tour price.
To round off the day, we’ll attend the Rabobank Cocktail Hour and Gala Merino Dinner (this will be the grand finale of the Pre-Conference Tour), and then meet your hosts for your exclusive opportunity to enjoy and share country hospitality at your ‘farm-stay’ accommodation and your personal ‘farm tour’.
Day 11 – Tuesday, 11th July – Rabobank Katanning Ram Sale
This is the final day of the tour. In the morning we’ll see the judging of the Landmark ProRam and ProEwe competition, the World Shearing Championship and have another opportunity to inspect the Merino Expo sheep and Sale Rams.
The local community of Christmas Islanders will provide a traditional lunch for delegates on the Full or Part Pre-Conference Tour.
Rabobank Katanning Ram Sale – 12:00
Merino rams from throughout Australia will be offered for sale – this is a designated Export Sale.
After the sale, we’ll travel by coach to the Burswood International Resort, Perth. With a good night’s rest we’ll be more than ready for Merino Innovation Day and the official opening of the AWI 7th World Merino Conference on Wednesday, 12th July in the spectacular setting of ‘The Grange – Upper Swan’ on the outskirts of Perth. Dinner own arrangements.
Accommodation, including breakfast, will be at either Burswood InterContinental Hotel (Tourist) or the Holiday Inn Burswood (Budget).
Mini Pre-Conference Tour | |
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This tour is designed to accommodate people who don’t have a lot of time. It is a budget tour with budget accommodation in and near Narrogin, 70 kms from Katanning. (All accommodation in Katanning is fully booked from one year to the next for the Rabobank Show & Ram Sale). Accommodation in Perth, before and after the Mini Pre-Conference Tour is not included – this can be booked separately with Congress West. Day 1 – Monday 10th July – Perth to Katanning After lunch at GSARI, we will move on to the Rabobank Katanning Show, Sale and Merino Expo. This is the most comprehensive sheep show of the tour, there will be Stud Merino Sheep on display, a National Sheep |
Competition and Show, commercial sheep competition, the Elders National Fleece Competition, and the sale sheep for inspection. This day is hosted by the Great Southern Merino Sheepbreeders Association. Day 2 – Tuesday 11th July – Katanning to Perth Rabobank Katanning Ram Sale – 12:00 |
Pre-Conference Tour Optional ActivitiesCosts for these optional activities are extra and not included in the total Pre-conference tour price. Day 2 – Sunday 2nd July The Abrolhos Islands, with their rich flora and fauna and surrounding coral reef communities, form one of Western Australia’s unique marine areas. The Abrolhos Islands lie about 60 kilometres west of Geraldton and consist of 122 islands clustered into three main groups: the Wallabi Group, Easter Group and Pelsaert Group, which extend from north to south across 100 kilometres of ocean. The area is home to an abundance of wildlife including sea lions, dolphins, migratory whales and sea birds. The extensive coral reef system stretches for a hundred kilometres and is home to many species, some as yet to be named. Day 6 – Thursday 6th July Visit to the Australian Wool Testing Authority and to Wellard Rural Exports Pty Ltd, for a guided tour and inspection of their live sheep export facilities. Finishing up with lunch at the famous Norfolk Hotel in Fremantle – just a short walk from our hotel. Port & Pearls Tour Take a leisurely walk through Fremantle and learn more about the history, heritage and culture of the city. Relive the romance and nostalgia of yesteryear on a Tram tour that takes you on a discovery tour of the historic port city of Fremantle. On your way to lunch, you’ll stop at ‘Artisans of the Sea’, Kailis Broome Pearls retail showroom, with time to view their stunning handcrafted pearl jewellery, or watch a video on modern pearlfarming techniques. Enjoy lunch at Char Char Bull overlooking Fremantle’s Fishing Boat Harbour, before a leisurely stroll back to your hotel. Fremantle Prison Adventure Tour* Get into your hardhat, slip into your overalls, pull on your boots, charge your headlamps and lock into the ladder system for a 20 metre descent into the depths below. Trek through sections of the labyrinth of tunnels by foot, then board the replica convict punts to explore the submerged passageways accessible only by boat. Discover original blast holes, bores, oil lamp recesses and artifacts from the days when working in the tunnels was hard labour for prisoners. Dodge tree roots and find the plaque as you journey through this underground maze of tunnels on your extreme heritage adventure. *Requirements: Must be over 12 y.o and physically able. An alcohol breath test applies. All equipment is supplied. BYO socks! Day 10 – Monday 10th July One Story – Many Voices. Future Vision Farm Tour – Guided tour and demonstration on a way forward, addressing land and water degradation in a sustainable manner. Landscape farming based on managing water where it falls, habitat planting, and maximising production rates. |
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Pre-Conference Tour PricingClick here for Pre-Conference Tour Pricing.
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