Western Australia: Luxury versus Affordable

When most of us think of a trip to Australia our first thoughts are usually Sydney, Brisbane and the Great Barrier Reef. But, of course, there are many dimensions to this vast continent and the West Coast is becoming more and more popular, not least as we can now fly direct from London to Perth. This is a big draw to some of us, especially if we want to experience a different side of this magnificent country and all its familiarities.

Just a three-hour drive south of Perth, the Margaret River region has some of the most diverse scenery in Australia. This region appears to have it all. There are miles of unspoilt beaches, stunning scenery and some top-notch food.

It is a wine tasting paradise and there are plenty of vineyard tours to whet your appetite. After all, what use is a gourmet meal without that all important glass of fine wine! The beaches here are renowned for surfing with world famous surf breaks. There are plenty of other activities including horse riding, climbing, and mountain biking and fabulous underground caves to be discovered. Take the short drive down to Augusta where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean.

We have taken a look at a stay in the Margaret River area: Splash the cash and visit in style or spend a little less but still get the most from this fabulous trip!

Luxury Stay in Margaret River

Sitting in its own secluded vineyard in the heart of the Margaret River Wine Country is one of Australia’s finest country house hotels, Cape Lodge. It is a tranquil retreat for those seeking rest and relaxation in an area surrounded by forest, lake and parkland, but a stone’s throw from the spectacular white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean. You may choose to charter a yacht for lunch or take a sunset cruise in this idyllic location.

There are 22 rooms in the lodge with tennis courts and a swimming pool, along with one of the best restaurants in the area. A deluxe room with breakfast is around £400 a night, depending on the season. You may wish to take The Residence which can accommodate 8 guests with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It sits in its own private area complete with lake and helicopter landing pad, for around £1600 a night!

Affordable Stay in Margaret River

If your budget doesn’t stretch to fine dining with top notch wine, there are plenty of ways to see this beautiful area without a bulging wallet. Many of the vineyards offer a chance to sample their wines and allow you to take a wander in their grounds. You are at liberty to roam the coastline free of charge and there are some stunning beaches. There is a Cape to Cape walking trail which would take around a week to complete, but of course you could just walk for a day! The spectacular Sugar Loaf Rock is set out to sea where you may, if you’re lucky, spot dolphins and whales.

The Margaret River Hotel is our chosen accommodation in this instance. It is a highly rated 3* star property, centrally located. For £70 a night you get a comfortable double room with good facilities.

How to Get There

A direct flight on the Qantas Dreamliner will cost from around £1200. There are much cheaper alternatives for about £700, including a stopover. With some time spent in this refreshingly modern city, it has one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, and a drive through some of the country’s most diverse landscapes, it has to go on your bucket list!

Finally, when you are all booked up, remember to reserve your airport parking and overnight stay at an airport hotel as soon as possible, and be sure to get the best rates available!