2 new multi-day hikes to launch in these iconic WA destinations

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The Hike Collective is set to launch two new ways to explore the wilderness of Western Australia.

Nothing makes you feel more accomplished than completing a hike. And nothing is more restorative than getting into stunning natural surrounds and away from the big smoke – especially when each night still ends with a cosy bed. So it’s good news that The Hike Collective​ is set to launch two new adventures in totally different WA terrains: The Rottnest Journey and The Karijini Journey.

hike Mount Bruce, Karijini National Park with the hike collective

Reconnect with nature and yourself on two new journeys with The Hike Collective. (Image: Greg Snell)

The Rottnest Journey

Experience Rottnest Island beyond the typical day trip by the stunning white sand beaches, taking quokka selfies (not that it’s a bad way to spend your day).

Over three days, join The Rottnest Journey for guided hiking tours walking to explore different parts of the island (distances range from seven to 18 kilometres per day but can be adjusted to all fitness levels), discovering the stories and history of the Wadjemup Bidi landscapes as you go.

At night, stay in Discovery Rottnest’s superior glamping eco-tents located next to the iconic Bathurst Lighthouse and overlooking Pinky Beach. Spend your time relaxing on the beach or in the pool, then embrace the morning with organised sunrise meditation and journaling sessions before setting out on a new day of hiking.

Quokka, Rottnest Island

See the quokkas, then explore deeper. (Image: Tourism WA)

The Karijini Journey

Partnering with Karijini Eco Retreat, The Hike Collective Karijini Journey combines sustainable tourism with outdoor adventure to explore Karijini National Park over four or five days.

With of mix of accessible paths and challenging hikes through cavernous gorges, followed by curated itineraries led by experienced guides through this striking landscape of waterfalls, red earth, swimming holes and unpolluted starry skies. The popular Fern Pool and Dales Gorge are included in your trip, as is a sunrise hike to the summit of Mount Bruce, Western Australia’s second tallest peak.

Once again, comfortable accommodation is provided in Karijini Eco Retreat, and daily journaling sessions and mindfulness practices are integrated into the itinerary.

swim in Jubura (Fern Pool), Karijini National Park with the hike collective

Cool off in Fern Pool. (Image: Greg Snell)

Need more hiking inspiration? Check out the top-ranked Aussie trails, or knock out some of the day hikes in Tasmania.

Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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Wonil Hotel Perth combines riverside living with a sense of purpose

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

an aerial view of Swan River, Perth

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 reception area at Wonil Hotel Perth

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

the library nook at Wonil Hotel Perth

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.

the bathroom at Wonil Hotel Perth

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