*Denotes local charge
*Denotes local charge
Set by a small lake and perfectly manicured lawns, this classic country house epitomises tranquillity. Those with an appreciation for good food and wine will find themselves among the like-minded here. A ten-minute drive down Caves Road, a popular scenic drive lined with tall trees, takes you to some of the Margaret River region’s best wineries including Vasse Felix, the region’s founding wine estate. The hotel even has an eight-acre vineyard of its own, producing bottles of Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz exclusively for its guests. You can devour a seasonal menu of locally sourced produce at the award-winning restaurant, where the wine list brings some of the best bottles from the region straight to your dinner table. If you want to explore the acclaimed Margaret River region, the lodge can guide you with a number of local touring options including winery tours, guided bush walks and whale watching between September and December from nearby Dunsborough and Busselton. The closest beach is just three miles away for a leisurely day by the sea and the sunsets at nearby Moses Rock are incredible. The lodge’s rooms exude classic country elegance with picturesque views of either the gardens or the lake. Blissfully secluded, Garden View Rooms feature a king-size bed looking out to the indigenous flora while Lake View Suites offer more space and have luxurious en suites with underfloor heating and a separate shower and bath.
Located in the northern Margaret River region, this deluxe resort is nestled within lush, green shrubs and trees with direct beach access to the white sands and azure waters of Bunker Bay. A rustic retreat with a modern edge, each studio and villa is open-plan to give you plenty of space. Limestone feature walls complement the natural surroundings, and all rooms feature a king-size bed and a private deck area in a luxurious home away from home. Villas also include a fully-equipped kitchen, which is perfect for families. A resort pool is tempting enough to spend your days by, but if you can tear yourself away from the pool, you’ll be richly rewarded with views of the stunning Indian Ocean via a short walk to the beach. In resort, complimentary weekly wine tastings and yoga classes are ideal for balancing indulgence and relaxation during your stay. For dining, the superb Other Side of the Moon restaurant offers modern cuisine and an al fresco terrace or you can enjoy a bistro-style menu at the bar. Breakfast out on the terrace isn’t just a picturesque place to enjoy a moment of peace – if you’re lucky, you might spot a southern right or humpback whale in the bay! (Whale migration occurs here between September and mid-December.) And with its north-west aspect, the beach is also one of the finest spots in Australia for sunrise so we recommend an early pre-breakfast stroll on the beach.
Known for its friendly restaurants and cafés, Mandurah is a modern seaside town just an hour’s drive from Perth. Dolphin Quay is filled with market stalls selling beach wares and trinkets where you can order cake and coffee at a waterfront café and try and spot wild dolphins, who famously live in the warm waters of Australia’s western coast. For an even better chance of seeing the wild bottlenoses up close, take a cruise ride along Mandurah’s waterways. Ideally located for exploring the modern Mandurah Ocean Marina and Dolphin Quay, the Seashells Mandurah apartments have everything you might need to make yourself at home. Complete with a separate living area, kitchen and glass doors opening out onto a balcony or deck, these apartments are perfect whether you’re relaxing or exploring. A heated infinity pool overlooks the beach with a direct path to the golden sand from the property. Beachfront Villas have one or two beds and have lovely views of the Indian Ocean.
Yallingup and its caves have attracted visitors to the region for over 100 years, and to meet the growing tourism, the government built Caves House Hotel. Surrounded by the 11 acres of the hotel’s lush and pristine gardens, Seashells Yallingup’s stylish apartments and rooms offer a comfortable home away from home. Guests staying at Seashells can also enjoy dinner or drinks at Caves House Hotel’s restaurant and bar – perfect for when you prefer to eat out, although a fully-equipped kitchen in One or Two Bedroom Apartments also provides the option to stay in and cook your own home comforts. Peaceful mornings begin with the twitter of the colourful native birds who often like to visit the apartment balconies. Wander through the gardens to catch sight of more wild birdlife or take a picnic blanket and watch a film under the stars at Caves House Hotel’s outdoor garden cinema (at extra cost). If you prefer more thrilling active sports, take the ten-minute walking trail to Yallingup Beach, an excellent spot to spend whole days snorkelling, swimming, or surfing the challenging waves. A destination with so much to offer, you can venture down into Ngilgi Cave and discover magical crystal formations underground, or between September and November, spot humpback whales on a cruise just a 10-minute drive away in Dunsborough.
In a perfect balance of family-run intimacy and sumptuous design, this boutique hotel of just ten rooms offers more than simply comfortable rooms. The husband and wife team’s dedication to personable service is clearly shown in their warm welcome to guests – you’ll feel as though you’ve been welcomed into a home here. Full of country charm, the lounge’s wood-burning fire warms up guests in colder weather and bedrooms are furnished with king-size or twin beds and feature pristine en suites. Breakfast is a highlight, with a continental breakfast spread with cooked-to-order options with specials included. A short amble from the hotel takes you to Middleton Bay, a serene, three-mile stretch of white sand. Try out stand-up paddle boarding for a unique way to experience the water. A 10-minute drive from the hotel takes you into town, where dining options are plentiful and complemented by the excellent wine from the surrounding Great Southern region. Sample some complimentary local port in the evenings to round off a day of discovery on the Western Australian coast.
Cape Lodge, Margaret River
Pullman Bunker Bay Resort Margaret River Region
Seashells Mandurah
Seashells Yallingup, Margaret River region
The Beach House at Bayside, Albany
