WA wild awaits with AAT Kings

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From vineyards to forests of giant trees, dolphin-frolicked coastlines to spectacular red gorges, Western Australia defines the great outdoors. There’s nowhere better for wide open spaces, big skies and even bigger landscapes, and you can experience the grandest of natural wonders and unique experiences with AAT Kings.

AAT Kings provides the key to unlocking a Western Australian journey of a lifetime. Travel worry-free, having the logistics all taken care of (as well as the driving). Just sit back, gaze out the window, and soak up Western Australia’s incredible views at every turn.

Kangaroo at Lucky Bay Cape Le Grand National Park, part of the AAT Kings experience in Western Australia

Watch kangaroos shuffle at Lucky Bay.

Head south from Perth on a Western Wonderland or South Western Escape tour, for example, and the Margaret River Region showcases not just premium wine country but magnificently rugged coastlines too. At Cape Leeuwin, Australia’s tallest lighthouse offers windswept panoramas of wild beaches and turquoise waters.

Inland, forests loom like something from a fantasy novel; don’t miss the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, which takes you high into the canopy of the towering tingle trees. Of course, no adventure is complete without tucking into regional flavours, so you’ll also enjoy a winery lunch and tastings, sample handmade chocolates and learn about olive oil.

Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk_Image Credit Tourism Western Australia, part of the AAT Kings experience

Don’t miss the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.

This is just the start of WA’s south-west corner. Albany sits on an extravagant harbour, is noted for whale watching, and is surrounded by national parks with spectacular rock formations. Further east, Esperance is fronted by peacock-coloured waters studded with islands; even kangaroos shuffle onto the white sand beaches to relax.

 

This is the way to travel: AAT Kings has done all the hard work, leaving you more time to simply soak up the scenery.

 

Everything in WA is big, and not just landscapes: gold rush town Kalgoorlie has its Super Pit, an open cut mine deep enough to fit a skyscraper. But nature always draws you back. Wave Rock, 15 metres high and streaked with black algae and rust-coloured iron deposits, is a must-see Aussie icon. And the drive through the Wheatbelt, studded with granite outcrops, is spectacular during wildflower season when wattles, grevillea and everlastings bloom.

Wildflowers, Western Australia, part of the AAT Kings trip

See the spectacular wildflowers.

The Coral Coast, north of Perth, is an adventurer’s delight along a highway that flirts with red rock and blue ocean. AAT Kings’ Western Wonderland and Untamed Pilbara & West Coast tours take you there. At Yanchep National Park, the landscape comes to life through the stories of Derek Nannup, who explains its significance to the Noongar people.

Further on at The Pinnacles, limestone outcrops rise from orange sand to create a spectacle of desert erosion. Kalbarri National Park flaunts rust-red gorges and sapphire-skirted coastal cliffs, and Shark Bay has gin-clear waters where dugongs, turtles and manta rays wander. At Monkey Mia you can encounter famously friendly bottlenose dolphins.

Aerial view of the Kalbarri Skywalk Kalbarri National Park_Image Credit Tourism Western Australia, part of the AAT Kings tour

Kalbarri National Park flaunts rust-red gorges.

Further north again, the shallow waters around Exmouth are draped in Australia’s most extensive fringing reefs. Take a cruise in a glass-bottom boat to get insider knowledge about this magnificent environment. For yet another WA experience you won’t soon forget, swim with gentle whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef.

Inland lies WA’s remote Pilbara. In Karijini National Park, flamboyant red gorges are twisted through with white and purple minerals, sheltering fern-lined pools and waterfalls. Karijini Eco Resort is one of AAT Kings’ special stays, and its unique outback restaurant features traditional bush tucker ingredients for a true taste of country.

Dolphin Encounter in Western Australia, part of the AAT Kings experience

You can encounter famously friendly bottlenose dolphins.

Broome is the jewel of northern WA. Explore the charms of Chinatown, indulge in a spot of pearl shopping and admire 125-million-year-old dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point. Then unwind on Cable Beach, where the fabled sunset is best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand.

AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour takes you between Broome and Darwin through Australia’s most majestic and remote corner. At Geikie Gorge orange cliffs are banded with white minerals.

The Bungle Bungle Range is an amazing sight, its purple and rust-red sandstone humps rising like giant Gothic cathedrals. A scenic flight over these beehive domes, or a 4WD excursion into them, is an awe-inspiring experience far beyond the ordinary, as bold and spectacular as everything else in Western Australia.

Untamed Pilbara & West Coast

Length:

13 days

Overnights:

Broome, Port Hedland, Karijini National Park, Exmouth, Carnarvon, Monkey Mia, Geraldton and Perth.

Hand-picked destinations:

Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range National Park, Coral Bay, Murchison River, The Pinnacles and Yanchep National Park.

Price:

From $8651 adult twin.

Find out more at AATKings.com
Vineyard Margaret River, Western Australia, part of the AAT Kings experience

Taste the great wines of the region in Margaret River

Western Wonderland

Length:

15 days

Overnights:

Perth, Wave Rock, Kalgoorlie, Esperance, Albany, Margaret River, Fremantle, Geraldton, Monkey Mia and Kalbarri.

Hand-picked destinations:

Boddington, Cape Le Grand National Park, Lucky Bay, Stirling Ranges, Cape Leeuwin, Busselton, Yanchep National Park, The Pinnacles and Shark Bay.

Price:

Was $6570, now from $6270 adult twin (save $600 per couple).

Find out more at AATKings.com
Blue Whale Artwork on Busselton Jetty_Image Credit Tourism Western Australia, part of the AAT Kings experience

Watch the blue whales from Busselton Jetty.

The Wildflower Wanderer

Length:

7 days

Overnights:

Perth, Kalbarri, Geraldton and Perth.

Hand-picked destinations:

Dongara, Mullewa, Kalbarri National Park, The Pinnacles and Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake).

Price:

Was $3090, now from $2940 adult twin (save $300 per couple).

Find out more at AATKings.com
Aussie Icon, Wave Rock Hyden, part of the AAT Kings experience in Western Australia

The 15-metre high Wave Rock is a must-see Aussie icon.

Wonders of the Kimberley

Length:

11 days

Overnights:

Darwin, Katherine, Kununurra, El Questro, Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing and Broome.

Hand-picked destinations:

East Point Military Reserve, Adelaide River War Cemetery, Nitmiluk National Park, Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, Lake Argyle, Ord River, Gibb River Road, Cockburn Ranges, Emma Gorge, Great Sandy Desert, Chamberlain Gorge and Geikie Gorge.

Price:

From $7601 adult twin.

Find out more at AATKings.com
Find out more about all 11 of AAT Kings’ Western Australian tours
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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