Travel & Touring | WA Things To Do
By: Lisa Cook
If you’re craving quality time with someone special or just want to get away from the holiday crowds, we’ve found nine romantic and secluded destinations where you can relax, unwind and enjoy the serenity.
Surprise someone with a romantic stay in a couple's retreat in the heart of the South West, experience the ancient beauty of the remote north or dive into island living off WA’s coast.
To make your romantic getaway even more secluded, book a mid-week stay or plan your trip in off-peak times to get the best value for money, plus you’ll feel like you have the place all to yourself.
If you’re ready to switch off, take your pick from one of these secluded spots (just don’t tell all your friends).
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1. Nannup, South West
Set your phone to ‘do not disturb’ and take in a big breath of country air in the South West town of Nannup. Just over a three-hour drive south of Perth, Nannup is an ideal spot for a romantic weekend getaway. This historic timber town, established in 1834, is located on the banks of the Blackwood River, surrounded by trees and farms with a charming little town centre. Nannup is the perfect place to rest, reconnect with nature and grow your love of the outdoors.
The word “Nannup” is Noongar for “stopping place” and there are many reasons you’ll want to stop and visit. Top of the list is Barrabup Pool, a tranquil natural watering hole surrounded by bushland where you can swim and have a picnic.
If you packed your adventurous spirit, get your walking shoes on and follow some of the famous Bibbulmun Track which passes through the town or get muddy on the mountain bike trails.
Curate your stay at Nannup based on a range of unique accommodation options. If you’re eager to feel like you’ve left civilisation altogether, the eco-friendly Nannup Bush Retreat is the ultimate place to stay.
Featuring outdoor hot-tubs, swimming hole with rope swing, wood-fired pizza oven, and a hammock surrounded by native bush, you’re bound to finish your stay feeling rested and re-energised.
For an immersive nature experience, camp at the Barrabup Campground, or take it up a notch and stay at Holberry House, a classic English manor set on four acres of landscaped gardens. The Bootmakers House, a cosy restored old workers cottage in the heart of town is also a top pick among travellers.
2. Karri Valley, Pemberton, South West
Take a leisurely 3.5-hour drive south-east of Perth for a secluded stay surrounded by the lush forests of Pemberton.Zip through the woods on all-glide-line course among the trees. Take in the scenery from a different perspective and canoe around Lake Beedelup, tackle the 30-kilometre mountain bike trail through Pemberton or fish for trout in the lake.
Positioned on the edge of Lake Beedelup and nestled among the tall trees is RAC Karri Valley Resort, the ultimate romantic couple's retreat and a great home-base from which to explore the area.
Soak in the stunning morning vista from a cosy lakeside cabin before you venture out for hiking, fishing, archery, mini-golf, canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding right on your doorstep. Discover the Pemberton wine region, visit local arts and crafts galleries and take a ride on the Pemberton Tramway and Steam Train. In the evening, wind down and indulge in a gourmet dinner at the resort’s Lakeside Restaurant, where you’ll be treated to local produce sourced from the surrounding southern forest region.
3. Avon Valley, Wheatbelt
Switch your ‘out of office’ on and spend some time away in the Avon Valley region. Less than a 1.5-hour drive north-east of Perth, you’ll feel much farther from city life when you arrive in the rolling countryside.The region encompasses the beautiful heritage towns of Chittering, York, Toodyay, Goomalling, Beverley, New Norcia, Northam and Bindoon. The Avon River weaves through each of the towns and is a great place to start your adventure.
Take a bush trail around the river or slip into a canoe or kayak. Soar above the clouds in a hot air balloon at sunrise to capture a birds-eye-view of the valley or climb to the peak of Mt Brown in York for an equally impressive vista of the town.
Don’t leave without tasting some of the region’s renowned home-grown produce. Hand-pick your own fruit from one of the many orchards in the area and visit some of the local wineries along the way.
September is a great time to visit as the region comes alive with spectacular wildflowers and the annual Chittering Spring Festival brings a buzz to the area.
There are a range of accommodation options available throughout the region. You can go off-grid in style and escape to the Heavenly Waters couples eco-camping retreat near Toodyay. Designed with romance front of mind, Chittering Heights is also the perfect place to stay and celebrate a special occasion with your own private spa overlooking the valley and Brockman River.
4. Denmark, Great Southern
If you're up for a drive on the way to your dreamy destination, Denmark is the ideal distance at just over 4.5 hours' drive from Perth.
The sleepy township is home to one of WA's most stunning rock pools and beaches, the striking Elephant Rocks, tall tree forests, cool-climate wineries, mountain biking and hiking trails through nature. While you're there, climb Monkey Rocks for spectacular views, treat yourself to a long lunch at one of the wineries and take a day trip to the Valley of the Giants treetop walk.
Take your pick from a selection of special accommodation options perfect for couples, including the iconic Chimes Spa Retreat, luxurious farmland cabins at Upland Farm and adults-only treetop escape at Stillwood Retreat.
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5. Choose a secret stay for the ultimate place to unplug
For complete privacy and total seclusion, treat yourself to a stay at a tiny Heyscape cabin. You’ll find these cosy cabins at several hidden locations throughout WA on stunning farmland, boutique wineries and among beautiful bushland. They are all located within a couple of hours drive from Perth - the perfect distance for a weekend escape. The exact location of your stay will remain a mystery until just before you’re due to arrive, but you can choose a cabin in Busselton, Keysbrook, Narrogin, Bindoon and Toodyay.
Balancing the best of both worlds, the cabins have all the creature comforts you need, while allowing you to truly relax in nature. Each cabin is equipped with a queen bed, outdoor barbecue, kitchenette and bathroom, and some cabins also feature outdoor baths and fire pits.
You don’t have to leave anyone behind, with dogs welcome at some locations and family cabins also available for a special trip with your little ones. There’s no wifi available at any of the cabins so you can completely disconnect from digital life.
If you're an RAC member, you can also save on your stay in a Heyscape cabin.
6. Katanning, Great Southern
Disconnect from daily life and whisk your loved one away to the outback town of Katanning. A scenic 3-hour drive from Perth or Margaret River, Katanning is the entrance to the Great Southern. Often overlooked as a travel destination and visited as a stopover on longer trips, it’s a place that is worth staying a night or two.
The ultimate place to stay on a romantic getaway to Katanning is The Premier Mill Hotel. A special piece of WA history, this boutique luxury hotel in the centre of town is a restored flour mill from the 1890s and a truly unique place for a romantic holiday. Step back in time and choose a stay inside an old grain silo, a boiler room or purifying room featuring original machinery. There’s a Dome Café at street level and the Mill’s old machine-room called The Cordial Bar is open for share plates and a glass of local wine or craft beer.
During your stay, wander through the town to admire the beautiful historic buildings to uncover tales from its past and visit the biggest undercover saleyards in the Southern Hemisphere at the Katanning’s Sheep Saleyards. Unleash your inner child at the All Ages Playground in town or adjust your pace and get into nature to search for rare wildflowers in spring.
If you're visiting in summer, pack your bathers and a picnic and explore Lake Ewlyamartup, only a 15-minute drive from the town centre. Stretching across 100 hectares, the lake is a favourite among kayakers, water skiers, swimmers and birdwatchers. A trip to Katanning wouldn’t be complete without witnessing some of WA’s largest outdoor art gallery. Take the time to marvel at some of the incredible artworks that form part of the Public Silo Trail, including the Western Power electrical transformer boxes.
7. Dirk Hartog Island, Coral Coast
Leave the mainland crowds and get marooned on WA’s largest island, Dirk Hartog Island.
This unique World Heritage site was the first landing place of Europeans on Australian soil when Dutch skipper Dirk Hartog discovered the island in 1616. The island is an hour by boat or 15 minutes by air from Denham, or you can take your four-wheel drive on a barge from Steep Point to reach the island.
Lean into your adventurous side and get up close to the incredible wildlife that lives around the island.
Watch baby loggerhead turtles hatching between February and April and grab your binoculars to look for humpback whales at Cape Inscription and Turtle Bay between July and November. If you’re feeling brave, swim the waters of Surf Point or take a guided tour to see dolphins, turtles, whales and sharks.
On your visit, take time to learn about the island’s rich history and catch the sunset from 600 feet high cliffs. Add a visit to the Blowholes, a swim at Turtle Bay and a trip to Mystery Beach to your itinerary, plus check out the incredible pink Rose Lake. For gin lovers, the island is the birthplace of DHI Distilleries, which produces unique spirits made from the historic botanicals found on the island.
Choose from a stay at the Eco Lodge, a rustic luxury couples’ retreat with panoramic views of Shark Bay, or if you brought your own four-wheel drive, there are nine national park campsites to choose from on the island.
8. El Questro, Kimberley region
Escape everyday life and uncover the ultimate outback wilderness experience at El Questro in WA’s Kimberley region.Around 100 kilometres from Kununurra, El Questro spans almost one million acres of ancient gorges, thermal springs, waterfalls and rainforests, and some of the most unique landscapes in WA. Spend your time exploring the beautiful gorges, fishing for barramundi, swimming in watering holes and hot springs, hiking and four-wheel driving. There are plenty of guided tours available, so you won’t miss any bucket list sightseeing spots this enormous outback playground has on offer.
A range of accommodation options are available to suit your travelling style, from campsites and cabins to safari-style tented cabins and luxury rooms at The Homestead. If you’re chasing a real digital detox, this is the perfect place to visit as there is limited phone reception.
9. Berkeley River, Kimberley region
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, plan a trip to Berkeley River, one of the last true wilderness areas remaining on earth.
Located on the north-east Kimberley Coast between Kununurra and Darwin, the Berkeley River is an oasis of freshwater pools, waterfalls and rainforest, brimming with abundant wildlife including crocodiles, eagles, fish and rock wallabies.
Book your stay at Australia’s most remote luxury accommodation, the Berkeley River Lodge. The lodge is only accessibly by air and boasts luxurious private villas floating atop coastal dunes, with outdoor bathtubs perfect for bathing in the Kimberley moonlight.
Enjoy river cruising, four-wheel drive adventures, creek nature walks or a helicopter tour before ending your day with a decadent dinner at Dunes, the lodge’s restaurant, with a quintessential Berkeley River sunset.
Plan your escape to RAC Karri Valley Resort
Head to the forests of Pemberton for a mid-week escape and stay among the tall timbers at RAC Karri Valley Resort. RAC members enjoy exclusive discounts*
* Terms and conditions apply. RAC member discount not applicable on already discounted rates. Discounts available on direct bookings only made online or via phone. For more information visit our website.
Image credit: Tourism Western Australia.
