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A revived Rottnest resort, a reimagined 1960s beach shack close to sea-lion thrills – and more: Western Australia’s weekend-away options keep getting better.
The Lodge Wadjemup
Boreham Way, Wadjemup/Rottnest Island; (08) 6401 4600
THE LOCATION Tucked away from the coast, The Lodge Wadjemup fringes Wadjemup/Rottnest Island’s glistening salt lakes and native flora. A must-visit for sunset lovers, it’s mere steps from the main settlement and a 30-minute fast-ferry ride from Fremantle.
THE PLACE A $40 million facelift has done wonders for the former Karma Rottnest site. Reimagined as the island’s largest resort, the 109-room contemporary retreat sprawls across heritage and new buildings. Guests can appreciate the island from a new angle with courtyard, pool and lake-facing rooms, as well as its relaxed, unpretentious vibe and modern comforts.
The Lodge Wadjemup.
THE EXPERIENCE Are we even in Wadjemup/Rottnest any more? Secluded from cyclists, quokkas and riff-raff is the lodge’s understated pool area. It appears more Med than Rotto, with the two pools flanked by sand-beige umbrellas and orange-striped sun loungers shielded by a lofty stone wall. To cool down more, forget the bottle of San Pellegrino; free sparkling-water taps are at your disposal.
DON’T MISS Head to the aptly named Sunsets, the lodge’s airy Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar, to catch the day’s last glows over Wadjemup Lighthouse. Savour the slow-changing hues of the sky and lakes while sipping a local West Aussie tipple. Simply brilliant.
FROM $250 a night. Julia D’Orazio
Good Boy Goes North
4 Passmore Cl, Jurien Bay; (08) 9652 2055
- Pet-friendly
Good Boy Goes North, Jurien Bay.Credit: Rachel Claire
THE LOCATION Good Boy Goes North is 450 metres from the coast in holiday town Jurien Bay, just over two hours’ drive north of Perth. A gateway to natural splendour, the holiday home is a 30-minute drive to the Pinnacles, one of the state’s renowned tourist attractions.
THE PLACE This is a classic 1960s holiday beach shack reimagined. Its fresh and considerate makeover includes a sea-blue weatherboard exterior, while inside, the two-bedroom, adults-only abode is just as bright. With king beds in the bedrooms and a queen pullout sofa, Good Boy sleeps up to six. It features mid-century-inspired furniture in primary colours, a retro green kitchen fit-out and original artworks throughout. It welcomes extra vibrancy with its pet-friendly policy; pooches can rest inside and expend energy outside in the big backyard.
THE EXPERIENCE There’s a lot of dog-themed attention to detail, from tissue boxes to a trio of artworks depicting “best friends” who never met. Even the house is hosted by Henry, a yellow labradoodle mascot spotted in the accommodation’s manual and thoughtful travel guide. The spacious home is filled with luxuries for humans – a barbecue area, a Nespresso machine and condiments galore – and for dogs, a huge jar of treats, toy basket, bowls inside and outside, and a dog shower area.
DON’T MISS Have an extraordinary playdate with Jurien Bay’s flippered residents, swimming alongside the rare Australian sea lions on a wildlife cruise.
FROM $400 a night. Julia D’Orazio
Hilton Garden Inn
4 Jetty Way, Busselton; (08) 9752 5900
Hilton Garden Inn, Busselton.
THE LOCATION With a gateway airport to its name, Busselton sits at the northern end of the Margaret River region. From Perth, it’s a 222-kilometre drive to the vibrant beach town.
THE PLACE The hotel’s position is unbeatable, with unimpeded views over Geographe Bay and the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere. But it’s the 40 balcony rooms (there are 112 keys in total) that beat the unbeatable, so nab yourself one of those and take in the sea air as well as views. Room decor is all clean, crisp lines with blond wood and ocean-blue rugs and bedheads.
The hotel has unimpeded views over Geographe Bay and the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere.
THE EXPERIENCE The exceptional Busselton foreshore area, grassed and dotted with Norfolk Island pines, is steps from the hotel. Picnic in the shaded, grassed areas or swim in the protected waters. Walk the landmark jetty’s 1.8-kilometre length, following a timeline from its beginnings in 1865, or explore what’s underneath in its underwater observatory. Back at the hotel’s ground-level restaurant Together & Co, an open kitchen serves a big buffet breakfast. The bar, with alfresco seating, is a sociable spot for sundowners and the adjacent heated pool is ideal for younger guests.
DON’T MISS Spend some time at nearby Shelter Brewing for beer and wood-fired pizza. It’s owned by six brothers from two local families.
FROM $280 a night. Jane Reddy
Moonlight Bay Suites
51 Carnarvon St, Broome; 1800 818 878
Moonlight Bay Suites, Broome.
THE LOCATION The Kimberley is a long way from anywhere, and that’s part of its mystique. But the area’s main town, Broome, is within easy reach – there are direct flights of 4.5-5 hours from the east coast – and a stay of a few days here is a meaty taste of the spectacular red-dirt-aqua-waters outback experience the region offers.
THE PLACE This 50-room all-suite hotel overlooks the mangroves of Broome’s Roebuck Bay and has just undergone a $4 million transformation. It has spacious and superbly comfortable accommodation, some with two bedrooms, and balconies overlooking the mangroves, ocean and incredible skies. Others have one bedroom and may look out to the fabulous 28-metre swimming pool. All have kitchens and fold-down beds for extra guests.
THE EXPERIENCE Nab oceanfront digs. Moonlight Bay Suites is in the box seat for when Broome’s dramatic tides produce the famous “Staircase to the Moon” optical effect of the full-moon glow on the bay. On the beautiful lands of the Yawuru people, Broome is unique, exotic even, with its culturally diverse community due to the pearling industry. The suites are near enough to the centre of town for exploring, and far enough away for peace and quiet – though the famous Matso’s, with its pumping beer garden and eponymous brews, is right across the way, so it would be rude not to join in the fun.
DON’T MISS Book a fascinating tour of the mangroves, of town, or the wider area with Narlijia Tours, run by charismatic Yawuru man, Bart Pigram.
FROM $250 a night. Julietta Jameson
