Redefine the meaning of the word ‘luxury’ with a West Australian experience that will live in your memory forever, from world-class stays to sumptuous food and wine in unforgettable settings.
When it comes to premium accommodation and dining experiences, Western Australia pulls out all the stops for the discerning traveller. Think: exclusive eating and drinking experiences at award-winning wineries, restaurants and bars, and unique accommodation set amid breathtaking natural backdrops.
It’s time to recharge, relax and replenish the soul with a little barefoot luxury. Here’s a teaser of just some of the places you’ll experience when you adventure to Western Australia.
One-of-a-kind stays
Western Australia’s luxury lodges and hotels are as captivating as the landscapes they exist within, providing unforgettable experiences in extraordinary locations.
Take Cape Lodge, a hinterland escape nestled within a secluded vineyard in the heart of Margaret River wine country. Surrounded by stunning forest and parkland, the 22 premium rooms are just minutes away from pristine beaches – or mere steps from the free-form swimming pool. The restaurant, perched on the edge of a pretty lake, plates up innovative dishes from ingredients sourced from local farms and its own kitchen garden. Except for the seafood, of course, which is plucked fresh from the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean.
For jaw-dropping luxury of a different kind, soak up the untamed beauty of the Kimberley at El Questro Homestead. Perched atop dramatic red-rock cliffs, the homestead is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, and boasts panoramic views of Chamberlain Gorge and the river system from sunrise to sunset. Take a gourmet picnic to a secluded spot, sip champagne by a cascading waterfall, or enjoy a romantic dinner for two on a private clifftop. With a maximum of 20 guests at time, you’ll feel like you have the whole glorious place to yourself.
El Questro Homestead
Also situated on the Kimberley Coast, luxury Berkeley River Lodge is in a world of its own and is only accessible by air. Nestled in the sand dunes, the remote lodge and villas are bookended by the Timor Sea and Berkeley River, with the spectacular landscape a backdrop to a range of luxe experiences.
Wake up with the sun at Sal Salis, a hidden gem on the shores of the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef, Australia’s largest fringing coral reef. Glamp in serious style at the luxe camp, where smartly equipped wilderness tents are fitted with sustainable features, like eco-friendly loos and organic products. Snorkelling, kayaking and walking opportunities abound, or simply laze in your hammock and soak up the ocean vibes. Tummy starting to rumble? Sal Salis dishes up contemporary bush-and sea-inspired fare from an ever-evolving menu.
Sal Salis
From the hipster-cool vibe of Alex Hotel in Northbridge, the bold and beautiful QT Perth, the resort-style luxury of Crown Towers and the timeless elegance of the Ritz-Carlton, Perth has some of the best premium and boutique hotels in Australia. In the heart of Elizabeth Quay, waterfront views await at DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront, or soak in the beachfront views and unique native beauty of Rottnest Island at Samphire Rottnest. Don’t miss world-renowned COMO The Treasury, an opulent reimagining of a 19-century landmark with elegantly plush rooms and a rooftop restaurant, Wildflower, that offers a sophisticated dining experience championing native produce.
Want more? Discover more signature stays in Western Australia.
Gourmet winery experiences
Blessed with the perfect climate and fertile soil, Western Australia is renowned for its world-class drops. With eight wine regions to explore, you’ll have ample opportunities to be spoilt by talented winemakers, sommeliers, chefs and producers.
The gorgeous Swan Valley, just 30 minutes’ drive from Perth, is synonymous with the finer things in life, from award-winning wines, brews and specialty liqueurs to artisanal delights like chocolate and cheese.
Meet the makers and sip drops made from some of Western Australia’s oldest vines on a winery tour by Out and About Wine Tours. Stop by the rustic-luxe outdoor tasting shed of Lancaster Wines, or settle in for long afternoon of fine dining at Mandoon Estate’s Wild Swan.
Mandoon Estate
Discerning eaters and drinkers probably don’t need an introduction to Margaret River, a premium wine region producing exquisite wines against a picture-perfect backdrop of verdant green hills and dramatic surf coast.
A drawcard destination and the first vineyard to be planted here, Vasse Felix continues to nourish visitors with its acclaimed restaurant championing local produce, art exhibitions and, of course, signature wine tastings. Visit Voyager Estate for an intimate behind-the-scenes experience and food and wine pairings, or head to the fabulous family-owned Leeuwin Estate, where carefully curated tasting flights come with sweeping views of majestic karri trees.
Fancy yourself as a bit of a vintner? Learn the art of making or blending wine from the experts with a guided tour by Margaret River Wine.
Indulgent food and drink
Curious eaters and drinkers should look no further than Western Australia’s exceptional dining and bar scene, with its focus on fresh and fabulous ingredients prepared in new and innovative ways – and that goes for the cocktails too. Sample lobster, blue manna (swimmer) crab and pearl meat plucked fresh from Western Australia’s sparkling waters, or indulge in premium black truffles from Manjimup.
David Thompson continues his love affair with Thai street food, but at Long Chim the award-winning chef gives traditional dishes a contemporary twist. Situated in an iconic location in the heart of Perth, Long Chim is a laidback spot for an elegant lunch, but the dynamic space really comes alive at night.
Long Chim
Eat your way through the menu at Coogee Common, near Fremantle, where the exquisite kitchen gardens shape a stunning seasonally driven menu. If it isn’t grown, ground or fermented onsite, then it’s sourced from local producers who share the founders’ love of growing and creating sustainable and ethical food. A private tour of the gardens – pollinated by the resident bees and harvested daily – is a fitting finale to the chef’s tasting menu.
Delectable small bites and drinks can be a luxurious way to sample a menu, and Western Australia is home to some excellent speakeasies and bars serving delicious fare and exciting beverages. Stand-outs include El Grotto, a cantina, taqueria and cocktail bar that uses sustainably sourced agave spirits, and Nieuw Ruin, a diminutive bar and eatery in Fremantle with a passion for super fresh, hyper-local produce and small-batch booze.
Riffing on all-American dive bars, Varnish on King offers up a must-try bacon and whiskey flight, while the Mechanics Institute presents a carefully curated drinks list alongside incredible city views from its rooftop terrace.
Western Australia’s luxury escapes take simple pleasures and dial them up to 11. So if you’re ready to treat yourself to something truly special, why not venture into a hidden rooftop bar for a cheeky nightcap, feast on a multi-course degustation menu, or indulge in luxury accommodation in stunning surrounds? It’s all here waiting for you.
Published September 2022.