Treasure awaits in Western Australia

Confession: I’ve visited some of the most far-flung corners of the world, but there was one place that had always eluded me: Western Australia. What’s worse, despite having lived and studied in Melbourne for more than a decade, I somehow managed to not take the opportunity to uncover the hidden gems and unspoiled natural treasures of this vast and untamed region. Hence, when the chance to visit Western Australia arrived, I leapt at it without hesitation. From intimate encounters with wildlife and heart-pounding adventures to amicable locals and inspiring and talented entrepreneurs and artists, its ability to preserve tradition and the natural beauty of the great outdoors while embracing modernisation and progress, as well as human connection, made my trip an undoubtedly memorable one.

We landed at the Perth International Airport slightly after 4 PM and were whisked away to The Ritz-Carlton. Situated along the Swan River, the simple yet elegant hotel, which is within a beautiful structure on Elizabeth Quay, provides magnificent views of the river, the city and nearby parks. Feeling famished, we wasted absolutely no time in making our way to Odyssea for dinner after checking in. The restaurant sits on the beautiful coast of Western Australia. What does that mean, you ask? Well, it means that you will get to enjoy the peaceful ambience of the ocean and beach while you dine! The menu is filled with delicious contemporary Australian meals that are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. And if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be happy to know that all the cakes and sweets are made in-house. I could just imagine how patrons of the restaurant would opt to be seated on the deck outside on sunny days, allowing the fresh breeze to softly brush against their faces, while watching the sun dip below the horizon and the sky transition from one divine hue to another. 

We decided to pay the one-of-a-kind Origins Market a visit — and boy, it was way beyond expectation! The vast space offers a unique shopping and dining experience for both locals and tourists, while actively supporting over 60 small local producers by bringing them together under one roof in the heart of Busselton. Following a quick lunch at the charmingly casual Meelup Farmhouse, we checked into our next accommodation: Smiths Beach Resort. 

Located in the heart of the Margaret River wine region, the eco-friendly and picturesque Smiths Beach Resort is a haven of peace and quiet that provides visitors with the Australian coast in its truest form. The luxurious resort’s structures are predominately rectangular with glass facades, while the interior design is minimalist with lots of polished wood, muted greys and clean straight lines. It features tastefully decorated one-bedroom apartments, two- and three-bedroom garden or ocean view villas, and three- and four-bedroom beach houses, not to mention breathtaking scenery, one of the region’s most stunning sandy stretches and vibrant sunsets.

Before calling it a day, we got to experience the first highlight of the trip, namely dining aboard a cruise ship. Those in search of fun in Margaret River, Yallingup, Dunsborough, Busselton and the surrounding areas should check out what South West Cruises has to offer. It’s the only one of its kind, blending the rugged scenery and turquoise waters of the South West with the region’s best seafood and fresh produce. We indulged in a sumptuous meal of seven chef-crafted courses, paired with an amazing selection of wines and beers.

In anticipation of a hectic day ahead, I got up earlier than usual to enjoy a stroll on the beach before heading to Lamont’s for a hearty breakfast. The on-site café/restaurant at Smiths Beach Resort serves delicious food made with high-quality local ingredients. My recommendation: a wrap with chilli jam, fried egg, bacon, sausage, spinach and cheese on the breakfast menu is a safe choice — and the café also serves excellent coffee.

With our runners on and water bottles full, we met our private guide John Taylor of Walk into Luxury for a hike to Canal Rocks. The trail’s difficulty varied from moderate to demanding, with the easiest parts being along the coast. Wilderness and antiquity permeated the environment, which consisted of quiet forests, high granite and limestone cliffs, and coastal heathland. Lunch ensued after some freshening up. The food at Wills Domain was great. The restaurant’s Gunyulgup Valley setting in Yallingup, Margaret River, with its cellar door overlooking the vineyard-covered hills, valleys, and paddocks with Indian Ocean views, was the icing on the cake.

Another memorable experience on the trip was the Twilight Didgeridoo Cave Tour. Koomal Dreaming’s ultra-knowledgeable and affable guide, Josh Whiteland, led us on a short bushwalk before we entered the Ngilgi Cave, surrounded by natural crystals. We were told fascinating legends and treated to a mesmerising didgeridoo performance by Whiteland himself. Samira Damirova, a Masterchef Australia contestant, cooked us dinner at the glamping site owned by Walk Talk Taste Margaret River’s Kellie Tannock. Those in search of a luxurious bush experience in the heart of Margaret River need look no further. With only one tent, you will get all the privacy you desire while still having access to the best in the region: premium wine, craft gin and beer, and artisanal produce.

We took the ferry to Rottnest Island, Western Australia’s very own island hideaway. Located merely 19 km off the coast of Fremantle, we were told that locals, residents of other states and tourists from around the world would flock to the island because of its relaxed vibe and stunning scenery, plus coral reef and aquatic life which make for excellent snorkelling opportunities. If you want to do more than just quokka-spotting, various guided tours are provided daily, including coach tours, history tours, boat tours, Segways and even skydiving! It’s easy to have a pleasant meal at Isola Bar e Cibo, a beachfront bar and restaurant that evokes the laid-back elegance of island living with its sophisticated Italian drink menu and unfussy fare.

What better way to head back to Perth's central business district than aboard one of Swan River Seaplanes’ aircraft? We stayed at COMO The Treasury for our final night in Perth. The 40-plus-room, Kerry Hill–designed luxury hotel features not only peaceful accommodation but also unique experiences through two restaurants, a bar and world-famous COMO Shambhala spa therapies, all of which are housed in state buildings dating back to the mid-19th century. After showing us around the property, Gabi Vincent, Director of Sales and Marketing at COMO The Treasury, treated us to a four-course tasting menu in the hotel’s upscale Wildflower restaurant, complete with wine pairing.

After a casual 5 km hike through Kings Park, the world’s largest inner-city park, and lunch at Old Young’s Kitchen, where we got to try standout dishes including kangaroo tartare and crocodile chorizo, it was time back to the Perth International Airport, marking the conclusion of an unforgettable trip.

Visit www.westernaustralia.com for more information