AUSTRALIA

Kimberley | Broome | Kalgoorlie | Perth | Fremantle | Margaret River

Western Australia

Arguably the largest state in the world, Western Australia covers one-third of the Australian continent. Spanning over 2.5 million square kilometres (1 million square miles), Western Australia extends into different climatic zones simultaneously. When it is warm and dry in the north of the State, it is cool and wet in the south - that's how big Western Australia is.  Bordered largely by desert to the east, Western Australia is bound by 12,500 kilometres (7,813 miles) of the world's most pristine coastline to the west.

Western Australia is adored for its brilliant blue skies, warm sunny climate and white sandy beaches. It is a land blessed with some of the world's most precious natural phenomena including the dolphins of Monkey Mia, the 350-million-year-old Bungle Bungle range and the towering karri forests of the South West.  Essentially a primary producer, Western Australia has a wealth of natural resources including gold, iron ore, gas and minerals. Perth, the capital city of the State, is home to 1.38 million people and enjoys more hours of sunshine than any other capital city in Australia. Sophisticated yet uncomplicated, the lifestyle in Western Australia is a relaxed one.

Western Australia, with its vast expanses, remoteness and isolation, is a State of pectacular diversity in its landscape, environment and people... the perfect playground for any xperience Seeker. Western Australia is made up of eleven regions - each one offering a distinct range of travel experiences and attractions:

Kimberley

The tropical north of WA renowned for its spectacular outback wilderness. Red earth contrasting with pristine white, sandy beaches, vast gorges and majestic waterfalls.

El Questro Homestead - Luxury Resort

Location:

El Questro is situated in the East Kimberley 100km west of Kununurra by road (58km on the sealed Great Northern Highway towards Wyndham, with the remainder on the graded gravel Gibb River Road). It has been called "A million acre wilderness park".

Accommodation:

El Questro offers four independent accommodation facilities, each different in style and budget; from the internationally acclaimed El Questro Homestead to Emma Gorge Resort, from Station Township - family Bungalows to Riverside Camping.
Homestead:
If you are looking for absolute luxury contrasted by the rugged Kimberley landscape, this is it. The Homestead is an exclusive retreat cantilevered over the magnificent Chamberlain River. Catering to the most discerning of guests, friendly staff will provide the highest standards of service and cuisine.

Decorated with artefacts and antiques collected from Indonesia and tropical Australia, the Homestead is an ideal place to let the massive beauty of the untamed Kimberley take effect.

Air-conditioned bedrooms all have their own private bathrooms and verandahs, with views of the garden and river. El Questro Homestead offers unrivalled access into the far reaches of the Kimberley in unique style and comfort, just when your friends thought you were fearless to brave the Kimberley!

Facilities:

• Outdoor swimming pool
• Spa
• Tennis courts
• Activities & tours (incuding specatuclar Bungle Bungle).
• Horseriding
• 4WD hire
• Helicopter trips

Dining:

• Gourmet restaurant
• In-room dining

Broome

Broome is a unique, exotic town that is the southern gateway to the raw wilderness of the Kimberley.  The town is a fascinating place with a mixture of cultures created by those who came in search of pearling wealth. Pearling still remains one of the town's leading industries. Broome is washed by the turquoise waters of Cable Beach. Said to be one of the most stunning beaches in the world, it stretches 24 kilometres (15 miles) along the coast and features clean white sand and offers some incredible sunsets.

Cable Beach Club Resort - 5 Star

Location:

Cable Beach is like nothing else. Its architecture is a wondrous mix of tropical Kimberley house and Grand Chinese pavilion. Its 26 acres of gardens grow pandanus palms beside gum trees, water lilies beside frangipani. And most remarkably, it is dotted, inside & out, with an astounding collection of artworks and antiques that set an exotic, colonial tone to the entire resort. The club is the only resort located just meters from Cable Beach in Broome.

Accommodation:

Guestrooms provide modern amenities, including air conditioning, private bathroom, minibar, telephone, modem lines, satellite TV, work desk and hairdryer.

Facilities:

• Beach
• Room service
• Indoor pool
• Jacuzzi
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• Tennis
• Fishing
• Free parking
• Laundry services
• Business centre

Dining:

• Bar & Lounge
• Coffee shop
• Restaurant

Pilbara

An adventure 2 billion years in the making. Experience breath taking gorges, cascading waterfalls, pristine beaches, beautiful coral grounds and abundant fish. See some of the most stunning natural and man-made attractions around.

The second largest national park in Western Australia, Karijini is one of the most spectacular sights in the Pilbara. With breathtaking gorges, crystal clear rock pools, waterfalls, and stunning scenery, a visit to Karijini is a must. The park has a system of excellent walk trails of varying levels, for the beginner to the adventurous, which will lead you deep into the subterranean gorges and through waterfalls where you can dive into sparkling rock pools.

Gascoyne

Some of Australia's premier soft adventure and eco-tourism experiences can be found here. The Shark Bay World Heritage area and Ningaloo Marine Park are world-famous natural attractions.

Mid West

A region providing visitors the contrast of outback and ocean experiences - Western Australia's premier wildflower region.

The Pinnacles are two-hundred and forty-five kilometres north of Perth on the way to Geraldton. Closest main town is Cervantes. The Pinnacles are seventeen kilometres south east of the town.

The Pinnacles are limestone formations. The raw material for the limestone of the Pinnacles came from seashells in an earlier epoch rich in marine life. These shells were broken down into lime rich sands which were carried inland to form high mobile dunes. The Pinnacles were formed from lime leaching from the sand and by rain cementing the lower levels of the dune into a soft limestone. Vegetation forms an acidic layer of soil and humus. A hard cap of calcrete develops above the softer limestone. Cracks in the calcrete are exploited by plant roots. The softer limestone continues to dissolve. Quartz sand fills the channels that form. Vegitation dies and winds blow away the sand covering the eroded limestone. The Pinnacles appear.

Goldfields

To the east of Perth, a region steeped in the history of WA gold mining with grand Australian architecture and a rich heritage of early settlement.

Kalgoorlie

Kalgoorlie, the heart of the Goldfields, offers some of the most unique and spectacular countryside in Western Australia. It has the romance and history of the famous Gold Rush days of the 1890's, including the Golden Mile, which is still mined today. Whether it's business or pleasure, this is the perfect base to discover the Goldfields region.

Mercure Plaza Hotel Kalgoorlie - 4 Star

Location:

The Mercure Hotel Plaza Kalgoorlie, centrally located in the city of Kalgoorlie, offers excellent accommodation and service.

Accommodation:

100 rooms have been comfortably decorated and appointed to ensure a relaxing stay. All have air-conditioning, colour TV with in-house movies, Galaxy TV, direct dial telephone, clock radio, writing desk and chairs, en suite, refrigerator, mini bars plus tea and coffee making facilities. Business rooms, King superior rooms, family rooms and executive suites are also available.

Facilities:

• 24 Hour room service
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Business centre
• Guest laundry
• 24 Hour reception

Dining:

• Restaurant (relaxed a la carte dining)
• Cocktail bar

Perth

Western Australia's capital, renowned for its warm, sunny climate, pristine coastline and relaxed lifestyle. Only minutes away, beaches, vineyards, hills, an historic port city and an island wait to be explored.

The city is a must see destination for all visitors. It is the State's centre for the arts, for business, government and entertainment. The Perth Cultural Centre, featuring the State Library, Museum and Art Gallery is one of the most popular attractions for visitors from near and far. Shopping enthusiasts will be easily satisfied by Western Australia's largest range of shops and boutiques, while sports fans will be delighted in cricket and football fixtures at the WACA ground and Gloucester Park harness racing.
Perth is an ideal base from which you can explore the diverse surrounding attractions. Only minutes away, you can visit wineries with sumptuous lunches, swim with wild dolphins in their natural environment, holiday on an island, and explore the colourful port city of Fremantle.

The Broadwater Pagoda Hotel - 4 Star

Location:

Overlooking the picturesque Swan River in Como and only 5 km from the Perth CBD, the hotel offers a relaxed ambience far from the hustle and bustle of the inner city. This luxurious 4.5 star rated hotel was opened in February 1998 on the site of the historic Pagoda Ballroom. Built in 1922 as a dance hall and tearooms, the exterior of the old ballroom has been fully restored to its former glory and is the centrepiece of this award-winning hotel.

Accommodation:

The guestrooms have Individually controlled air-conditioning; Individually controlled heating, bathroom with twin spa, television, In-house movies, direct line, IDD and STD dialling, facsimile and modem connection, writing desk, minibar, kitchenette, microwave, refrigerator, washing machine, clothes dryer, iron & ironing board and hairdryer.

Facilities:

• 24 Hour reception
• Outdoor heated pool
• Sauna
• Gym
• Bicycle hire
• Parking
• Conference & meeting facilities
• Internet kiosk

Dining:

• International Restaurant
• Cocktail bar

The Sebel Perth - 4 Star

Location:

Situated between Hay Street and Murray Street and with walking distance of Kings Park and the CBD.

Accommodation:

The Sebel of Perth is a true boutique hotel with an intimate and cosy atmosphere. The property has 99 spacious guest rooms (it has the city’s largest standard rooms). The rooms provide amenities such as walk-in wardrobes, minibar and refrigerator, executive desk, colour TV, cable channels and in-house movies, ISD/STD telephones, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer, and individually controlled air conditioning and opening windows.

Facilities:

• Outdoor heated pool
• 24 Hour room service & reception
• Complimentary secure parking
• Same day laundry/dry cleaning
• Safety deposit boxes
• Internet kiosk in lobby
• Business services

Dining:

• Pyrenees Restaurant
• The Office Bar

Intercontinentaal Burswood Resort & Casino - 5 Star

Location:

The luxurious InterContinental Burswood Resort Perth is located 5 minutes from Perth CBD and 15 minutes from domestic and international airports.  The Resort is located beside the magnificent Swan River and set in 100 hectares of superbly landscaped gardens and secluded parklands.

Accommodation:

A stunning atrium foyer welcomes you to a world of five-star luxury. Majestic sails rise up towards our 413 guest rooms and suites. Beautifully finished in warm toned fabrics and rich Tasmanian oak, our spacious, climate controlled rooms are equipped with every conceivable luxury you need to make your stay a comfortable one. All guest rooms and suites are generously sized with a choice of stunning city and river views, as is the choice of a non-smoking room.
All guest rooms have separate shower and large bath. All rooms have stunning views of the Swan River or city /golf course - both smoking and non-smoking floors are available.

Facilities:

• Fitness centre
• Day Spa
• Jogging tracks
• Tennis
• Massage
• Casino
• Business services
• Meeting & conference facilities
• Parking

Dining:

• Windows
• Atrium restaurant
• Garden Terrace
• Waterside Cafe
• Genting Palace (Chinese)
• The Emporium
• Atrium cocktail bar

Fremantle

Fremantle the sea port of Perth, is always a hive of activity. From the colourful street entertainment and maritime activities to the well preserved heritage buildings - Fremantle is more than just a port. It is a good day trip destination, but also offers a range of quality, character accommodation for those who choose to stay longer.

Walk along the 'cappuccino strip' on South Terrace where you will find a great array of shops, boutiques and arts and crafts. Savour the international cuisine and coffee, before watching a cultural performance or street parade. Take a tour of the historic streetscape surrounds on a tram, by horse and cart, or on foot; visit the Batavia shipwreck in the maritime museum; challenge your senses with a ghost walk or a tour through the former Fremantle Prison; or enjoy an outdoor concert in the grounds of the Fremantle Arts Centre. Take an historical tour through the Round House - Western Australia's oldest public building, or witness the operations of the Fremantle port and Fishing Boat Harbour.

Pier 21 Resort North Fremantle - 4 Star

Location:

Peacefully situated on the banks of the Swan River. and the entrance to the Indian Ocean, Pier 21 Resort is the perfect location to relax and watch the world go by.

Accommodation:

Spacious fully self-contained rooms all offer breathtaking views with each room having its own private balcony from which guests can enjoy the magnificent panorama. All rooms include colour television, in house movies, direct dial ISD and STD telephones, cooking facilities, ensuite bathrooms, crockery, cutlery and bedroom linen.

Facilities:

• Indoor swimming pool
• Outdoor pool
• Tennis courts
• Squash courts
• Spa
• Sauna
• Gymnasium
• Games room

Dining:

• Pool Terrace with Bar & BBQ facilities
  

Peel

Just a short drive south from Perth, a region abundant with first-class golfing facilities, white-water rafting, majestic forests, fishing and surfing.

Heartlands

Offering a relaxed country lifestyle experience mixed with the unique and the unusual such as the famous Pinnacles and Wave Rock - all a comfortable drive from Perth.

South West

Rich in natural and man-made attractions where good living is a way of life. The famous Margaret River wine region nestles amongst some of WA's most spectacular natural scenic attractions with vast forests and a rugged coastline to explore.

Margaret River

Margaret River, Western Australia. Deep in the South West Region, this is a town that seems like it is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of modern day stress. It is ideally located between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. As the focus of the entire area, the wine region is officially known as "The Margaret River Wine Region". Thousands of surfers visit the town year round to experience the marvellous surf breaks that litter the ocean around Margaret River.

The mediterranean climate is ideal for growing grapes, which produce some of the finest wines Australia has to offer. Buffeted by cold fronts coming in from the ocean in winter, bringing a lot of rainfall, the region enjoys sunshine and clear skies most of the year. A very pleasant, cooler climate. In Summer (December to February), the average maximum temperature is 32°C with an average minimum temperature of 16°C. In Winter (June to August), the average maximum temperature is 19°C with an average minimum temperature of 11°C.

Empire Retreat Dunsborough - 5 Star

Location:

Empire Retreat is located on Caves Road four and a half kilometres past the second Dunsborough roundabout heading towards Yallingup. As you pass Vidler Road you will see a sign Empire Retreat (100 metres). Whether it be a romantic getaway or a soothing break from the frantic pace of urban life, EMPIRE Retreat, situated in the wine region of Margaret River, Western Australia, offers complete luxury and seclusion. Located between Dunsborough and Yallingup, the Retreat is set amidst 265 acres of tranquil undulating farmland. Winner of the 2001 Jaguar Award for excellence in conjunction with Gourmet Traveller.

Accommodation:

Empire Retreat offers 4 unique Room styles set amongst tranquil bushland, with 10 suites in total. Architecturally designed to ensure complete privacy, each suite offers the kind of luxury that has become synonymous with the Empire retail group. Subdued lighting, natural stone and timbers create the perfect ambience. The finest linens and soft furnishings wait to envelop you.

Loft Suite (2)
Located upstairs in the original farmhouse. Each has a queen size bed, sofa, dining setting and ensuite bathroom. Both Loft suites overlook landscaped gardens with bushland views

Courtyard Suite (1)
Located on the lower level of the main house. This secluded room features a private courtyard entrance and is appointed with a King size bed, elegant side tables and a lounge chair. A spa overlooks a private walled garden.

Deluxe Suite (4)
Connected to the main house via a timber boardwalk. Each suite has a private balcony with outdoor shower overlooking native bushland. The Deluxe suites are appointed with a King size bed, spa, dining setting and lounge chair. breakfast.

Luxury Villa (3)
Each villa offers complete sanctuary and privacy and is accessible from the main house via timber boardwalks. Each is open plan in style, with a step down lounge area that is appointed with an open fire place, corner lounge setting, dining suite and small kitchen. The lounge area features bi fold doors that open on to a timber decked balcony offering a panoramic vista of the estate. A deluxe spa bath in the ensuite overlooks a private garden courtyard that features an outdoor shower.

Facilities:

• 265 acres to explore
• Complimentary breakfast
• Bushwalks
• 8 person outdoor jacuzzi
• Sauna
• Guest Lounge & library
• Massage therapy
• Winery tours

Dining:

• Gourmet restaurant

Great Southern

The State's most southerly region where spectacular natural scenery abounds. Walk the tracks of the Stirling Range National Park, explore coastal and country towns rich in history or immerse yourself in natural experiences such as whale watching or the Tree Top Walk.

Esperance

Where some of the Australia's most spectacular coastal scenery, beaches, islands and magnificent national parks can be found - one of Western Australia's fastest growing tourist destinations.

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