Feature by Felicity Palmateer

As a proud West Australian, sporting and television personality Felicity Palmateer speaks passionately about her love for her home state.

Eager to explore every part of WA, Flick recently visited the Kimberley with her father, Warrick – an incredibly memorable trip for both of them, touring El Questro and Purnululu National Park, watching the sunrise each morning and finishing with a luxury staycation in Perth.

_{Felicity Palmateer, Turquoise Pool, El Questro by @flickpalmateer}

What does your dream holiday in Western Australia look like? 

My dream holiday in Western Australia would start off with throwing some surfboards in the back of my car, checking the swell forecast and heading to whatever surf spot looks the best. The WA coastline stretches for thousands of kilometres, offering so much choice and a diverse range of surf spots. That could be anywhere from Albany, Margaret River, Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), Quobba Station to Exmouth. 

What do you think makes Western Australia such a unique holiday destination?

Western Australia is truly a unique holiday destination for several reasons.  I think the biggest draw card though is its untouched natural beauty which is starkly different from the south to the north. There’s so much to explore in WA from the rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, National Parks, hiking trails and sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Definitely no shortage of adventure!

_{Purnululu National Park by @flickpalmateer}

What made you want to visit the Kimberley?

The Kimberley has always been on my bucket list but it’s been on the back burner because of my professional surfing career commitments all year round, and me mostly travelling to places and countries that have surf. The remoteness of Western Australia has always intrigued me and the Kimberley would be the furthest north that I had always dreamt of experiencing. 

_{Miri Miri Falls, El Questro by @flickpalmateer}

What was the highlight from your visit and why?

The highlight of my trip to the Kimberley was simply I got to take my Dad with me to experience everything. My Dad taught me to surf. He’s been there every step of the way and poured endless hours into shaping my surfing career. From early mornings at the beach to countless waves caught together, his support has been a driving force in my journey. 

Taking Dad with me was a great reminder of the bond we share, and it was amazing to spend quality time together like how we use to back in the day. I think we’d both say the whole trip was incredible but if we had to pick a couple of experiences it would be the Heli Spirit Waterfall Tour to Miri Miri Falls and our Scenic flight out to the Bungle Bungles where we stayed overnight. 

_{Flick and her dad Warrick take to the skies above El Questro by @flickpalmateer}

Was the Kimberley what you expected it would be? Was there anything that surprised you?

The Bungle Bungles took my breath away. I’ve always wanted to see them in real life. The iconic destination captured my heart with its towering sandstone domes and timeless allure. From the vibrant colours to the rugged beauty, the Bungle Bungles exceeded my expectations.  

_{Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park by @flickpalmateer}

You finished your trip with a staycation in Perth (Boorloo) – what was it like to end your getaway with a stay in you ‘home city’?

Finishing our trip with a staycation in Perth was epic. I’ve always wanted to stay at COMO The Treasury. My Dad couldn’t believe how beautiful the hotel was and the whole State Building. We had dinner at Post – which was hands down the best Italian I’ve had in Perth. Please if you go, order the gnocchi!

What does being West Australian mean to you? 

I think being West Australian can mean different things to different people. Personally, I grew up in Western Australia and I have a strong connection with the coastal areas and their very special landscapes. These regions have shaped me into the person and surfer I am today. I like to think I embody certain elements synonymous with those environments; a bit rugged, a bit wild, raw and true. 

You’ve travelled the world extensively during your career, so how do you describe Western Australia to someone who has never visited? 

I’ve been travelling the world as a professional surfer since I was 16 years old and people often ask me where’s my favourite place I’ve travelled. I always say Western Australia, and that’s not just because I’m from here.

When I was younger I used to not like the fact it was so remote, but now after travelling extensively I’ve realised its remoteness is what it makes it so special. As the age old saying goes “the journey is just as important as the destination”. And a journey throughout Western Australia will always be a memorable one. 

_{Sunset over Kununurra by @flickpalmateer}

Published July 2023.