The luxe west coast
Swim above the city, spot whales from your private deck and sip local drops under the stars. These Western Australian stays take escapism to new heights.
Outback oasis
The Kimberley
In the far reaches of north Western Australia, you’ll find El Questro Homestead (elquestro. com.au), an exclusive hideaway perched atop a craggy cliff on the Chamberlain River. Some of the 10 double rooms feature a private deck and outdoor bath – the perfect spot to unwind and watch the blazing sun set over the Kimberley. “You’re really being pampered and looked after,” says El Questro’s Matt Lang. “The exclusivity is fantastic.” Whether you choose to laze by the pool, gaze up at the pandanus palms while soaking in Zebedee Springs or cruise along the Chamberlain’s towering escarpment, El Questro tailors itineraries for its guests. Finish your day with a private candlelight dinner under the stars or join fellow travellers in the “Big Room” to trade stories over local wines.
Coastal paradise
Ningaloo Reef
You’ve never glamped anywhere quite like
Sal Salis (hotel.qantas.com.au/salsalis). Nestled among the sand dunes on the fringe of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, the 16 safari-style tents offer the ultimate nature experience. “You can hear the waves crash as you fall asleep,” says camp manager Nick Day. Each tent comes with a king-sized bed, ensuite and a private outdoor shower. “It’s essentially like a hotel room but with a breeze coming through and a deck out front for enjoying the sunset and sunrise.”
From August until the end of October, guests can book a bucket-list experience to swim alongside humpback whales. Or grab a snorkel year-round to explore the turquoise waters. “On a high tide, it’s just coral, coral, coral; you’ll see turtles out front, just an abundance of wildlife.”
City extravagance Perth CBD
Wake up to uninterrupted views of Perth and Kings Park and Botanic Garden thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows at The Ritz-Carlton
Perth (hotel.qantas.com.au/ritzcarltonperth). Located on the banks of the Swan River, each hotel room features a freestanding tub for total relaxation. Take a dip in the outdoor heated infinity pool overlooking Elizabeth Quay and visit the award-winning on-site Songbird Bar. The cocktail menu has been crafted with native ingredients, with the drinks named after birds that soar across Western Australia’s skies. Lounge by the open fireplace and sample the bar’s namesake signature cocktail with Belvedere vodka, infused with Davidson plum and lemon myrtle tea.
Beachfront beauty Margaret River Region
With more than 100 cellar doors to explore in the Margaret River Region, securing a vineyard-hopping base like Smiths
Beach Resort (hotel.qantas.com.au/smiths beachresort) is imperative. Sink into a designer couch at your ocean-view villa for a front-row seat to what locals call “the Humpback Highway”. “It’s the best place to be in winter, watching the storm clouds roll in with a glass of local cabernet in hand,” says the resort’s Lisa Fletcher. Enjoy a private in-room dining experience or visit WA chef Kate Lamont’s on-site restaurant to order the Abrolhos Island scallops with jamon bits and kaffir lime.
To plan your trip to Western Australia, visit wanderoutyonder.com.au