The dreamiest hiking tours in WA have been revealed

The annual Dream Collective list features up-and-coming small group hiking tours.

WA’s ‘Dream Collective’ is a curated list of the top tourism experiences that showcase the very best of the state. And this year, it’s all about hitting the trails. A new crop of small-group tour operators is making WA’s incredible hikes more accessible with itineraries that thread between the coast, countryside and cities. Here are the emerging tours sure to make you start dreaming…

Kimberley

The rock formations of the Kimberley are so old that they predate fossils. One example is the incredible beehive structures of the Bungle Bungle Range, which can be explored with Bungle Bungle Guided Tours, which takes visitors through Purnululu National Park with guided walks and cultural insights. You can also explore with Kingfisher Tours, which specialises in Aboriginal-led experiences all across the Kimberley.

Walk between the incredible beehive structures of the Bungle Bungle Range. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Ningaloo

UNESCO-listed Ningaloo has been named one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks, but there’s plenty to do on dry land. Hike through Cape Range National Park in style with Trek Ningaloo, which takes care of food drops and gear loan, so guests can simply amble along the trail and enjoy the surroundings.

Trek Ningaloo takes care of food and accommodation so walkers can enjoy days ambling along the coast. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

South West

The South West is renowned for its incredible beaches — all turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Walk the coast with the Cape to Cape Explorer Tours along the 135-kilometre Cape to Cape Track over 8 days with passionate guides by your side, or with Cape2Camp, which handles camping gear and food.

The Cape to Cape Walk is one of Australia’s great trails. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Perth

Who says you need to head into the sticks to take a hike? Two Feet and a Heartbeat run urban walking tours through Perth, taking in foodie hotspots and convict history in Fremantle. For something more nature-forward, Off the Beaten Track WA has a huge range of hikes, including accessible options, with the Perth Hills standing out for its trails through towering jarrah forests. Or Zen out completely with Mindful in Nature, which runs forest bathing and gentle forest walk sessions just outside of Perth.

Trek into the mesmerising Perth Hills with Off the Beaten Track Hiking. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Other entrants on the Dream Collective List included Salty Plum Social for their Broome walking tour itineraries and wandering Ngilgi Cave with Wadandi custodian Josh ‘Koomal’ Whiteland as part of Koomal Dreaming Tours in Yallingup.

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