Best Weekend Breaks in WA | Australian Traveller

WA boasts more than 20,000 kilometres of coastline, so where else would you want to end the week than relaxing on some of its sandy shores? Here, the best weekends away in WA for your hit list.

Rottnest Island (Wadjemup)

A quick trip across the water to Rottnest Island is the quintessential short break from Perth, espousing the kind of timeless appeal that makes worries melt away the moment you step off the ferry for a few days of leisurely cycle rides to bays and beaches, swimming, snorkelling and quokka-spotting.

And the recent opening of a squeaky new resort expands the accommodation offering: Samphire Rottnest on Thompson Bay blends the island’s signature relaxed coastal style with a little luxury; rooms are chic, natural and understated and the spoils of lagoon-style pools, beachfront cocktails and more are just a towel’s flick away.

Also, for the first time in November, Gourmet Escape brings its fine foodie events to the island.

The new Samphire Rottnest resort on Thompson Bay.

Broome

The beguiling beach resort and pearling town of Broome, which sits pretty where red-rock Kimberley meets the turquoise Indian Ocean, is famous for its unique history and cultural diversity. And it’s perfectly proportioned for exploring in a weekend.

The Floating Lantern Matsuri event in Broome. (Image: Julia Rau Photography)

For a taste (read: sensory explosion) of what it’s all about, time your visit for Shinju Matsuri. The Festival of the Pearl (22 August – 5 September) marks the end of the pearl harvest season with a series of events including the Floating Lantern Matsuri, Mardi Gras, Chinatown Feast and Sunset Long Table Dinner on Cable Beach.

The Sunset Long Table Dinner at Cable Beach. (Image: Julia Rau Photography)

Margaret River Region

Known for having vineyards for days, pale sandy shores and sunshine in spades, the Margaret River is the WA weekend getaway that needs no introduction. This world-class wine region three hours’ drive south of Perth invites you to meander between its cellar doors, many with laid-back cafes or fine diners making good use of regional produce and invariably with views out to farmland, wine country and coast. Not sure where to start? Put this year’s Western Australia Gourmet Escape in your diary (17–21 November) to get a taste of it all at festival favourites such as gourmet beach barbecues.

In the vines at Vasse Felix, Margaret River. (Image: Tourism WA)

Kalbarri National Park

With two cantilevered viewing platforms that hang 100 metres mid-air above Murchison River Gorge, Kalbarri Skywalk opened in 2020 to provide jaw-dropping views of Kalbarri National Park and insight into its Aboriginal heritage through interpretive signage and artwork by local Nanda artists.

It provides another compelling reason to head to this spectacular region on the Coral Coast that also encompasses a majestic coastline, heavenly beaches, pink lakes and wildflowers that bloom into full colour and fragrance from July each year.

Kalbarri has been significantly impacted by Cyclone Seroja and the national park is closed at the time of writing, so plan your trip when the time is right to return.

Marvel at Kalbarri National Park.

Avon Valley

The picturesque Avon Valley, just an hour’s drive east of Perth and WA’s first inland settlement, is a quintessential weekend away: a patchwork of rolling hills and winding streams made for scenic country drives and ambling around historic towns like Northam, Toodyay, York and New Norcia.

Curl up by a cosy pub fireplace in winter, spot colourful murals and public artworks and rise at the crack of dawn in Northam for a hot-air balloon ride to take in the landscape.

Here in town you’ll also find the impressive Bilya Koort Boodja Centre for Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge and the newly renovated Farmers’ Home Hotel.

Rise at the crack of dawn in Northam for a hot-air balloon ride.

Exmouth

For a dose of vitamin D and sea head to Exmouth – blessedly situated at the northern gateway to the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, where the lush and colourful underwater world of Ningaloo Reef contrasts against the rugged terrestrial landscape of Cape Range National Park.

Don’t miss the chance to explore Cape Range’s spectacular rocky gorges carved by ancient rivers and cruise, kayak or SUP down the deep canyon of Yardie Creek.

But the big-ticket attraction – swimming with whale sharks, the biggest fish in the world – is every bit as thrilling as it promises to be.

Tread the white sands of Exmouth.

Southern Forests And Valleys

Disconnect from the stressors of urban life by spending a few days in the Southern Forests and Valleys of WA.

Base yourself at the RAC Karri Valley Resort, set on the banks of Lake Beedelup and flanked by the sky scraping karri trees the region is known for, to immerse yourself in nature.

Nourish yourself in other ways too: the region is considered a food bowl of WA where you’ll find farm-fresh epicurean treats like chestnuts, finger limes, cherries, ginseng and black truffles, and cool-climate Wines from the Pemberton and Manjimup Regions.

Base yourself at the RAC Karri Valley Resort. (Image: Tourism WA)

Perth

For a weekend of urban activities mingled with sand in the toes, look no further than Perth – a cosmopolitan capital that stacks up in the cultural stakes while remaining steadfastly laid-back.

Cottesloe Beach Hotel in Perth.

For a taste of the former, check out hip neighbourhoods like Northbridge and Fremantle as well as brand-new WA Museum Boola Bardip – whose name means ‘many stories’ in Noongar language and which bridges striking contemporary architecture with existing heritage buildings.

And for a taste of the latter head straight for sunset cocktails at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel.

Head straight for sunset cocktails at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel.

Swan Valley

Just 25 minutes from Perth, the Swan Valley is ripe for weekend exploration: packed with wineries (it’s WA’s oldest wine region), breweries and distilleries and artisans producing delicious goods like chocolate, nougat and honey, as well as artist studios and galleries to visit.

Take an Aboriginal cultural workshop led by Dale Tilbrook of the Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery; pick a trail to follow, from Fresh Seasonal Produce to Fine Wine to Cider and Ale to Sweet Temptations; or book a masterclass such as cheesemaking, and bed down for a night or two at a cute bed and breakfast, farm stay or boutique hotel.

Albany

Head to the port town of Albany, set within the Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound, for a weekend of history served up with some epic scenery.

Called Kinjarling (meaning ‘the place of the rain’) by the Menang Noongar people, this was the site of both WA’s first European settlement and the last port of call for troopships departing Australia in the First World War; visit the National Anzac Centre for an immersive experience of Anzac legend and take a Kurrah Mia cultural tour to experience the rich and ancient history of the land.

Visit the National Anzac Centre for an immersive experience of Anzac legend. (Image: National Anzac Centre).

Also check out the old whaling station at Discovery Bay, which serves as a fascinating museum, and encounter migrating humpback and southern right whales between June and August as they chart their course along the dramatic coastline here.

Perched on the banks of Perth’s Swan River, the Wonil Hotel Perth pairs contemporary rooms and sweeping waterfront views with a sense of purpose that sets it apart.

In a rare model for the hospitality world, Wonil Hotel Perth operates as a not-for-profit hotel, directing 100% of its net revenue toward medical and scientific research across Western Australia’s five major universities. So while guests enjoy the calm of riverside living, their stay also quietly contributes to the future of science, innovation and health in Australia. And it’s a refreshing stand-out in Perth’s hotel scene.

Location

The peaceful riverside hotel is set on the banks of the Swan River.

Wonil Hotel Perth is located in the inner-city suburb of Crawley, a peaceful riverside locale about 10 minutes from Perth’s CBD. It’s positioned steps from Matilda Bay Reserve, where walking trails hug the shoreline and black swans glide along the water. From here, it’s a short drive or bike ride to Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay and the city’s arts and culture precincts. Though close to the action, the setting feels removed – quiet, leafy and surrounded by nature.

Style and character

The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a picturesque view of Matilda Bay.

Named after the Noongar word for peppermint tree, of which there are many shading the riverbanks outside, Wonil Hotel Perth is the first Australian property in Accor’s Handwritten Collection. The overall style is minimal without being sterile – warm wood finishes, tactile furnishings and clever lighting create a relaxed, understated space that melts into its natural surroundings.

The lobby is stunning, spacious and filled with inviting leather couches, well-stocked bookshelves and Indigenous art and sculpture work. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors open out onto a sheltered outdoor deck filled with tables and chairs overlooking the river. During the day this serves as the world’s most picturesque coworking space, but come 5pm, it’s where you’ll find most guests milling around, cocktails in hand.

Facilities

Spend time reading books in the cosy library nook.

Wonil Hotel Perth leans toward a pared-back offering, focusing on what guests actually need. While there’s no on-site fitness centre, hotel staff can provide access to the nearby University of WA gym and pool. But why would you, when the hotel is in prime location for an outdoor workout. Walk along the trails that meander through Matilda Bay Reserve, run along the riverfront to the iconic Kings Park, or even tackle the nearby Kokoda Trail – a steep 150-step ascent designed to simulate the exhaustion and effort of the original Kokoda Track soldiers in WWII.

The hotel includes West Kitchen & Bar, a small but well-curated restaurant, plus free Wi-Fi, meeting rooms and secure paid parking. Limited parking is available on-site with an advanced booking.

Rooms

the premier king room with river view at Wonil Hotel Perth

Each room is sleek and spacious with views over the Swan River.

The hotel’s 66 rooms range from Standard to Executive and Premium, many with balconies and uninterrupted views over the Swan River, and some with interconnecting options for families or groups. My room was a Deluxe King with a balcony and river view.

Bathrooms are luxe and spacious.

The space somehow manages to be both modernly sleek and warmly inviting – textured grey walls illuminated by warm sconce lights, an exposed concrete ceiling offset by rich timber accents, and a black wrought iron balcony met with earthy-hued, upholstered leather furnishings. The spacious king bed, roomy shower with luxe Mr Smith toiletries, and complimentary coffee add a special touch.

Food and drink

the outdoor terrace at Wonil Hotel Perth

Gather for sunset drinks on the outdoor terrace.

West Kitchen & Bar offers a truly local experience. When it comes to the drinks, you won’t find anything – wine, beer, spirits – from outside WA. Even the soda water hails from the west. The wine list sees big WA makers like Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix and Voyager dance alongside smaller producers like Ironcloud, Singlefile and LS Merchants; with beers from local legends Gage Roads, Little Creatures, Beerfarm and Eagle Bay Brewing.

The dinner menu features seafood, steak and small plates designed for sharing, showcasing local producers. Standouts are the Rottnest kingfish with ruby grapefruit, the barramundi with Tuscan cabbage and the Harvey beef tri tip with smoked bone marrow butter and red wine jus. For dessert, a unique take on a classic – spiced red wine pannacotta, served with poached pear and fresh honeycomb.

Come morning, the hotel offers a curated selection of buffet breakfast options including seasonal fruits, homemade granola, pastries and sourdough. Plus, guests also get a choice of one item from the à la carte breakfast menu – the tomato bruschetta with balsamic, basil, feta and poached eggs on rye was exceptional.

Does Wonil Hotel Perth have access for guests with disabilities?

There are accessible rooms to accommodate guests with accessibility needs.

Is Wonil Hotel Perth it family-friendly?

Yes – the interconnecting rooms make family stays appealing, and the vast grassland and river foreshore of Matilda Bay Reserve are a beautiful spot for kids to run, splash and play in nature.

Best for: Couples, families, business travellers

Address: 21 Hackett Drive, Crawley

Ultimate weekends away in WA