Enjoying the Spoils: Luxury and Adventure in our Own Backyard Supporting Local Businesses – Part 1

While many West Aussies are lucky enough to travel the world in search of amazing adventures, with both international and interstate travel off the table for the foreseeable future it is an auspicious time to remember that WA is an incredible travel destination in its own right.

As regional travel opens up, now is the perfect time to re-imagine those postponed holidays and take the oft-neglected opportunity to explore this great state of ours.

Plus, you’ll be providing much appreciated support to our local communities when they need it most.

Southwest WA is an obvious travel choice for Perth residents keen to escape the city, but we should never take for granted just how special this corner of the world really is.

So much so, that it was voted number 1 in Lonely Planet’s “Best in Asia Pacific” in 2019. It is not hard to see why.

For the active types, the dunes along the coast are home to some of WA’s best walks, from the iconic Cape-to-Cape, to shorter tracks such as the Bunker Bay Loop and Meelup Reserve Trail.

In the case of the Cape to Cape you can gear up for the multiday trek and camp along the way, or tackle it in sections as day walks and return to comfortable accommodation each night.

There are multiple providers now offering pick-up and drop-off services. We suggest you try Wyadup Brook Cottages or even Walk into Luxury who have you staying at the luxurious Indijup Spa Retreat.

The YOLO Traveller team are ourselves returning to Injidup Spa Retreat this month.

This secluded adults-only hideaway is nestled in the dunes above Injidup Bay and with the reopening of the Bodhi J Wellness Spa is the perfect place to escape recent stresses.

And then there are the epicurean delights.

The Margaret River region became famous for its wines, but is now equally well known for its world class restaurants, its fresh produce, its breweries and its distilleries.

For our upcoming visit to the region we have already locked in dining at some of our favourite destinations including Arimia (award winning, sustainable cuisine), Woodlands Wines (our favourite WA wines plus now grazing plates) and Hay Shed Hill (farmhouse atmosphere at Rustico Restaurant).

While the Margaret River Region gets the bulk of the hype (and the visitors) there is more to our southwest than just the Cape. Winter is a glorious time of year to visit Pemberton and its surrounds, the weather crisp but invigorating.

The karri forests here are some of the most impressive in Australia and are at their most stunning when cloaked in misty dawn light.

The vineyards of the region are also particularly scenic. While less famous than their Margaret River counterparts the cool climate wines produced are innovative and award-winning.

The countryside here is best explored by meandering drives into the forest, exploring the winding backroads and hidden hollows, accompanied by invigorating walks amongst the towering trees. And for the brave, you can tackle a climb of the famous Gloucester Tree (just don’t look down).

When in the region, Marri House, a comfortably appointed, self-contained guest house in the heart of Pemberton is our go to home away from home.

Check out Enjoying the Spoils: Luxury and Adventure in our Own Backyard Supporting Local Businesses – Part 2