Who are we?
John Boyle O'Reilly Tours is run and operated by Irishman Peter Murphy of Donnybrook, Western Australia.

Peter a Dubliner, has lived in the South West of Western Australia for over 25 years where he shares a piece of jarrah forest with his partner Sallie. Peter has a strong association with conservation and wilderness values, and puts it down to the many rambles (walks) spent with his father Paddy, in the Dublin Mountains as a child. Peter immigrated to Australia in the early 70's.

Eco and Heritage Tourism is our Passion

Peter Murphy

What tourism experience does the company have?
Peter has been involved with tourism for over 15 years, and has worked as a tour guide for several tour companies, including Cape-to-Cape Eco Tours, Friends of the Bibbulmun Track, Young at Heart Tours. He even had a short stint with National Geographic.

Peter was also employed at the South West Regional College of TAFE four 4 years, where he lectured in cultural and heritage tourism to indigenous and non-indigenous students.

As you can see, Peter has a strong passion for his work, conservation and heritage.

Peter with group on the wildflower trail in the jarrah forest		Purple tassel - Found in the Darling Scarp of Western Australia

Why John Boyle O'Reilly Tours? Irishmen and Irishwoman have played a major role in developing Western Australia's unique heritage and culture. Some well documented - like major contributions by engineer C. Y. O'Connor, and sister to the Aboriginal people, Daisy Bates. However there are many untold stories involving worthy contributions from other Irish people such as John Boyle O'Reilly that need to be explored.
		Catalpa Day re-enactment Fremantle Prison - Easter Monday

Our tours will follow O'Reilly's footsteps, including the 'Catalpa Escape'. Hopefully creating more public awareness of O'Reilly's influence and contributions to Australian, American, and Irish culture\literature.

What type of experience can I expect on the tours?
Tours are designed to take the visitor on a heritage and nature journey by first 'doing time' in the heritage icon Fremantle prison where O'Reilly and his Fenian companions were incarcerated in 1868 after arriving on the convict ship the Hougoumont.

Then we travel 200km south to historical Bunbury, where O'Reilly worked on road gangs and planned his escape to America. Here we take in the ambiance of the beautiful Leschenault Peninsula where O'Reilly hid out for several days.

As O'Reilly was a nature lover and a strong advocate for Indigenous people, there will be an element of conservation, including Indigenous connections to the tours. Wildflower, and wildlife spotting during the spring months will be included.

Tours are designed to be relaxing and stimulating, but at the same time - 'Craic' (fun) will be compulsory.

Do you cater for the disabled client?

John Boyle O'Reilly Tours will do it's utmost to accommodate the disabled client. Unfortunately our vehicles do not have wheel-chair facilities. It should also be noted - that facilities, including amenities are not always guaranteed by our suppliers i.e. accommodation, attractions etc.
Please talk to us!

Minimum group size

Will there be many other people on my tour?
Our tours are specifically designed to cater for the serious culture vulture. Having a maximum group of 11, gives the visitor space, better service, and value for money. However we are flexible and can cater for large groups on request.

What do I need to take with me?
For our one - day tours: bring your camera, walking shoes, binoculars, water bottle (sml), hat, sun screen, mosquito\fly repellent and a smile.
For our two - day tours: bring the above, including overnight bag (sml) and a change of clothes. Torch will be very useful.

One of our accommodation venues

What type of accommodation can I expect?
You have a choice: chalets, bush resort, cottage style, B&B, golf resort, farm stay.

What type of food can I expect?
Country style home cooking with fresh local produce.
If you have a special diet request, please don't hesitate to ask.

 

Award winning Winery

Will there be opportunities to buy local produce?
There will be lots of opportunities to purchase local wine, art\crafts, and culinary delights.

Am I insured if there is an accident?
John Boyle O 'Reilly tours is insured for accident liability

Where do we meet, and when and what time do we return?
Check out our Itineraries and Costs

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