Stay another day in WA

An hour south west of Exmouth, on the Western side of Cape Range, join a guided walking tour through the Mandu Mandu Gorge. It provides some great context to the area that has been inhabited by humans for about 30,000 years. It’ll also allow you to bear witness to the changes it is making to the natural, fossil encrusted environment. According to guides, records have found three possible Aboriginal groups have occupied the Ningaloo Coast over time. That night, stay at Sal Salis. The luxury eco resort is a short distance away from the Gorge, surrounded by wilderness on one side and waves on the other.

Exmouth is Ningaloo Reef’s biggest access point so make the most of your trip by staying on the water in a sail catamaran. Shore Thing charters allow you to sail, swim, snorkel and dive Ningaloo the minute you wake up. With a focus on maintaining minimum impact and an environmentally sustainable business, your guides will offer interpretive and educational tips while on the waters of one of the world’s last remaining pristine coral reef systems. Choose from a three-night, five-night, seven-night or nine-night package to get the full Ningaloo experience complete with shipwrecks and the odd whale shark sighting.

This eco-friendly resort is for those wanting to get away from it all. Situated 130 kilometres south of Broome, Eco Beach is glamping with an edge. Ocean fishing, turtle watching and paddle boarding are all available as are spa treatments, like hot stone massages. All guests have the option to attend complimentary yoga sessions every morning before breakfast is served at Jack’s Bar. All waste is composted and electricity is all solar sourced. Accommodation is either raised tents or eco-friendly chalets.

For those wanting to channel their inner Nicole Kidman circa Australia, El Questro is the perfect setting. The jewel in the expansive resort’s crown is the Homestead – a mansion that sits atop a cliff overlooking the Chamberlain Gorge and surrounded by about a million acres of salt planes, thermal springs and rivers. The outback retreat, once a rundown cattle station is based 110 kilometres from Kununurra (1,000-kilometres inland from Broome), and looks like McLeod’s Daughters minus the drama. There’s no mobile phone reception – so out here, you can truly switch off. Choose between the Homestead that sleeps 18, or give glamping a go at Emma Gorge. Horse riding, fishing and hiking tours are all arranged for guests on site. One of the Kimberley’s most spectacular locations is situated on El Questro’s estate. This sometimes tricky, yet partially shaded walk involves an hour of crossing creeks and rock bridges. Then you’re rewarded with a well-earned dip. Emma Gorge is set at the foot of 65-metre high cliffs and the waterhole is filled by run-off that trickles down the surrounding rock faces. Not done swimming? A hike and dip in Zebedee is a must. These magical, rocky pools are set at the base of sheer cliffs on the El Questro property and are the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature in all its uninterrupted glory.  

Qantas flies daily to Western Australia.

Explore the best of the west with our curated three and five day itineraries for Perth, Broome and Exmouth.