There’s nothing quite like being whisked away to luxury digs where the signature dish is romance and dessert is, um, well, I’m sure you can conjure up some scenarios. Why not go all out and head to a remote pocket of our huge state where no-one will hear your cries of glory with these 9 remote romantic getaways in Western Australia?

9 Remote Romantic Getaways in Western Australia

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Credit Ryan Chatfield/Cocos Islands

Okay, although not technically part of Western Australia, we’re claiming the Cocos (Keeling) Islands as they can only be reached from Perth within a few hours, and let’s face it, they are the very definition of paradise. Consisting of 27 islands, this tiny atoll in the Indian Ocean is about as remote as you can get, which is just the way you’ll want it with the perfect year-round water temperature of 28 degrees. The compact population of around 600 swells no more than 144 visitors as that’s all that can be accommodated at any one time across the cute bungalows, including the adults-only The Breakers and Seaward. Direction Island and Pulu Belan Madar have been named as two of the country’s best beaches by Tourism Australia for their snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, birdwatching, island hopping and undisputed beauty.

Cocos Keeling Islands, Indian Ocean

Credit Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Margaret River Region: Willow Wood Glamping Retreat

Set on 100 acres among kangaroos and fluffy highland cows, Willow Wood Glamping Retreat cradles its guests in fluffy towels, fluffy robes, ensuites with Larn’wa products, cloud-like mattresses, sitting rooms, air-conditioning and kitchenettes stocked with coffee machines and freshly baked bread, preserves and granola. By the time I was soaking in the copper bath on the deck beneath the Milky Way, I seriously began to wonder what had taken me so long to try glamping, especially one that blends luxury and nature as seamlessly as the owners Kevin and Amber Kelly have succeeded in doing. I further dwelled on this while horizontal in the spa tent as Amber worked her magic with a Larn’wa treatment infused with Australian botanicals.

381 Ambergate Road, Ambergate

Frankland River: Frankland River Retreat

I’m always dreaming about escaping to a cabin in the woods…as long as the internet, wine, coffee and fluffy towels are in abundance. The Frankland River Retreat fulfils the fantasy and more with a well-appointed kitchenette and bathroom, open-plan living and dining, a queen-sized bed and a deck with sweeping views of rolling paddocks. Truth be told, it’s one of the most remote and romantic getaways in Western Australia that even I had to look it up on a map, and I’ve lived in Perth my whole life. Turns out that even though it feels a universe away from reality, it’s really only an hour from Albany, Denmark, Manjimup and Mount Barker, and a three-and-a-half-hour drive southeast of Perth – the perfect spot for romantic adventures. To find out more about the Frankland River Retreat, please click here.

Frankland River Retreat

Ferguson Valley: Peppermint Lane

The adults-only and discrete cottages at Peppermint Lane Lodge is not the place to bring your kids, but it certainly is a wonderful place to make a baby. A retreat in every sense of the word, there are few distractions from the real world – just romance and a few kangaroos bouncing by. Situated in the Ferguson Valley, where the hills seem to slip into the Indian Ocean, many zoom past the turn-off on the South West highway about an hour north of Margaret River. Let them, leaving more wine, food, art, adventure, wildlife, romance and a few thousand gnomes at the nearby Gnomesville, for you and your lover to relish in.

South West and Great Southern: Private Properties

Glamourous beachside mansions and wilderness escapes in unforgettable locations, Private Properties offers multiple romantic getaways in Western Australia. Many offer multiple living rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms in different configurations as well as tennis courts and pools for exertions beyond the boudoir. They range from sleek and contemporary designs to pre-loved wooden bungalows, many with coastal, vineyard and bush views, and others in incredible garden settings. Massages, romantic dining experiences, housekeeping, itineraries, yoga and possibly even the odd kangaroo are available upon request. For a few suggestions check out 5 Luxurious Margaret River Properties.

Photo provided by Karijini Eco Retreat taken by Christian Fletcher

Pilbara: Karijini Eco Retreat, Pilbara

For an authentically Australian outback experience, get back to nature at Karijini Eco Retreat. Set within Karijini National Park and owned by the Gumala Aboriginal Corporation, you can spread your love of the environment with safari tents made from recycled materials and with limited power, you’re guaranteed to smoulder within the romantic glow. There is a range of sleeping options, but the deluxe eco-tents with private en-suites, quality bedding, stylish décor and decks only adds to the romance and makes for a star-studded experience. The onsite Australian-inspired restaurant offers outback flavours undoubtedly with red kangaroos shyly observing in the distance. Located 1400km north of Perth and 80km north-east of Tom Price, this is one of the most remote and romantic getaways in Western Australia – the isolation is glorious, especially with the juxtaposition of lush streams, waterfalls, pools and ferns against the burnt ochres and faded scrub greens sure to romance your honey. Not to mention those plunging gorges millions of years old guaranteed to evoke at least one, “Hey gorgeous,” pun.

Katanning: Premier Mill Hotel

You mightn’t associate the tiny Katanning town located in the Wheatbelt with luxury. But after just one night in the historic flour mill converted into the luxurious Premier Mill Hotel, you might just change your mind. Each of the individualised 22 rooms is a moody industrial oasis and a throwback to the glory years as a profitable flour mill. Exposed timber walls, steel beams and vaulted open ceilings make for an unforgettable stay. The Old Mill Whistle once sounded for the workers and nowadays the whistle blows at midday as a celebration of heritage meets contemporary design. The boutique hotel houses a Dome café and the Cordial Bar in the basement, which was once used as a wine cellar and now serves cocktails, tapas and sodas – a delightful reminder of the original owner Frederick Piesse, whose vision transformed the town and manufacturing lemonade was just one of his many ventures. Katanning is on the WA Public Silo Trail and click here for 8 Reasons to follow this unique trail.

Albany: Beach House at Bayside

At the Beach House at Bayside, each of the Mediterranean-inspired rooms are exquisitely decorated and the elaborate breakfast spreads certainly set you up for a day of exploring. As Albany’s premier bed and breakfast accommodation, owners Craig and Sally Pullin offer all their guests staying in each of their 10 guest rooms a personalised service, including food and activity recommendations such as nearby walking and cycling trails, the National ANZAC Centre, The Gap and Natural Bridge and into neighbouring regions such as Denmark, Walpole, Porongurups and the Stirling Ranges. Albany is on the 1000km Public Silo Trail and reminiscent of a British seaside village, this is one of the most romantic getaways in Western Australia that beckons you to snuggle up after a day of rugged beauty.

Lucky Bay, Esperance

Lucky Bay, Esperance

Esperance: Esperance Chalet Village

Esperance’s isolation already appeals to those craving an uninhibited frolic on its pristine world-class beaches. This cluster of rustic chalets holds no airs and its recent refurbishment has taken care of all those creature comforts; promising countless opportunities to take care of each other. With plush bedding, contemporary décor, flat-screen TVs, well-equipped kitchens and reverse cycle air-conditioning, you’re well placed to explore with your partner-in-crime the ridiculously beautiful scenery, plus several secret enclaves within a lusty moan. With salty limbs entwined, choose between the spacious two-bedroom abodes or cosy A-Frame chalets nestled alongside Bandy River at the Esperance Chalet Village.

For more ideas to knock the pants off your lover please check out 6 Naked Mini-breaks 

If you’d like more ideas for romantic getaways in Western Australia, please order your copy of Australia’s Extra.Ordinary. West coffee table book, a travel book like no other.

The post 9 Remote Romantic Getaways in Western Australia appeared first on Fluffy Towel Travel.

I’ve been dreaming of a romantic cabin in the woods for a long time – as long as it has fluffy towels, internet and good coffee. Situated in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, the Frankland River region delivers in spades along with plenty of wine, scenery and adventure.

Where to stay in Frankland River

The Frankland River Retreat fulfills the fantasy and more as it offers a three-bedroom Homestead brimming with character, a wooden Cabin reminiscent of an alpine hut and a stylish tiny home referred to as the Chalet. We opted for the Chalet as minimalist living has always intrigued me. I love the idea of being unincumbered while travelling – says the girl who rarely leaves home without a portable Nespresso machine.

The verdict? Compact and perfectly formed, the Chalet is ideal for couples as it features a kitchenette with a hotplate and a microwave, an open-plan living and dining area, a separate bedroom with a queen-sized bed and a well-appointed bathroom.

Facing the escarpment, the views of rolling paddocks down to the Frankland River running through the 83-acre property are spectacular, best enjoyed from the deck or from our bed. From our cosy chalet, we witnessed a star-studded performance of the sun and moon rising above the escarpment and the sun setting in the west. Given the isolation, the absence of any sky pollution made this natural phenomenon all the more spectacular.

A cup of sunshine

A stroll down to the Frankland River is a must accompanied by bouncing bunnies and cattle serenading you in the distance. During Spring, you’ll witness fields of wildflowers while during the wet season, the river flows fast enough to go kayaking.

Frankland River Wine

Since you’re in the heart of the Frankland River Wine Region producing some of the state’s finest varieties, it would be unthinkable not to visit at least one winery. This pristine cool-climate region produces stand-out cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, riesling and sauvignon blanc.

We visited in February when the wineries were preparing to close to the public during their harvest season for several weeks. But we did manage to visit Alkoomi Wines, and this third-generation family-run winery impressively sprawls for over 1200 hectares. The stylish tasting room serves flights and cheese boards, which you can also take away to enjoy from their boutique outlet. Or you can delve in deeper with a private tour of the farm and picnic among the region’s famed olive groves, the very source of their olive oil also available from the tasting room.

As this region is off the beaten track, it’s worth calling ahead for cellar door openings at some of the other wineries including Ferngrove Wines, Swinney Wine, Frankland Estate, Three Elms and Lange Estate Wines.

Where to eat in Frankland River

Apart from cheese boards compliments of the nearby wineries, in the township of Frankland River you can tuck into substantial counter meals at the Frankland River Country Club as well as sampling some of the local drops – I highly recommend Ferngrove’s Merlot with the Surf ‘n Turf. The Frankland River Café has a hearty menu and is a great place to stop for a light meal and a coffee.

If you’re going further afield, I highly recommend Gilberts Wines for a tasting and grazing plates or head into Mount Barker to Plantagenet Wines also for a wine tasting, platters and pizzas. Mt Barker is another wine region to explore for another time, but while you’re in town stock up at Plantagenet Meats known for their premium local meat and smoked goods – might be a good time to mess up the kitchen back at Frankland River Retreat.

Approximately 15-minutes east of Mount Baker is Porongurup, which isn’t just visited for trekking either as the village and surrounding vineyards serve food and wine.

On the drive to and from Perth, you’ll pass several roadside fruit and vegetable stalls from the family-run orchards the region is famed for. They’ll probably be unmanned but don’t let that put you off, as they operate on a help-yourself honour system.

Of course, an abundance of gourmet delights awaits in Albany, Denmark, Pemberton and Manjimup, if time permits.

View over the vineyards from the Porongurup National Park to the Stirling Ranges

Things to do in Frankland River

Porongurup

Clambering up to Granite Skywalk at Castle Rock is a must-do for the intrepid at The Porongurup National Park, which we will have to save for next time when the weather isn’t so extreme. However, more leisurely walks are suitable for any fitness level, including the ‘Tree in the Rock’ walk. Or take the 23km scenic drive leaving you more time to explore the local wineries, cafes, galleries and village – and to stop regularly for photo opportunities.

Stirling Ranges

Shrouded in clouds, the Stirling Ranges majestically hover in the distance on the approach into the Frankland River region and situated in the ranges, Bluff Knoll is one of Western Australia’s highest peaks reaching over 1,000 metres above sea level. Many have conquered its challenging peaks and the 6.8km return hike is Grade 4 and requires a reasonable level of fitness. It’s recorded as the only spot in WA to receive snowfall and is worth the exhilarating trek for the views, wildflowers and birdlife. Even the approach along the Horsepower Highway into the range is scenic passing by a 75 kilometre trail of vintage tractors, with each having a unique name and story to tell.

Gong Relaxation Session

Just in case you weren’t relaxed enough, get your zen on with a gong relaxation session at The Sandalwood Shop. As you lay within the 16-sided cone painted with celestial skies, you won’t be able to help but succumb to the gong vibrations while enveloped in the aroma of sandalwood.

Public Silo Trail

You can join the self-drive 1,000km Public Silo Trail from Frankland River in Katanning about an hour away. The painted silos featuring the artworks of local and international artists link six Wheatbelt towns including Northam, Merredin, Katanning, Pingrup, Newdegate, Ravensthrorpe and Albany. Witnessing the huge murals set against the everchanging landscape is a surreal experience. If you follow the trail, plan ahead and make sure you book your accommodation ahead of time so you don’t miss out on the boutique Premier Mill Hotel in Katanning, Mary’s Farm Cottages in Kukerin and the Beach House at Bayside in Albany. I can’t recommend the trail enough and here are 8 Reasons to follow WA’s Public Silo Trail.

Wildflowers

Every Spring, the Great Southern is ablaze with over 8,000 species of wildflowers, with more yet to be discovered. WA’s diverse range of wildflowers is thanks to our isolation, climate, pollinators and stability of the environment. They can be seen in all their glory in many national parks or you can join the experts on a tour or use the Wildflower Tracker App for up-to-date sightings.

Relax in Frankland River

One of the main attractions of Frankland River isn’t even the tourist attractions – it’s the utter sense of isolation and knowing you can do as little or as much as you like. Most stay at the Frankland River Retreat for the space, where gentle walks around the property, board games, reading and eating are the highlights. The scenery and peace are undoubtedly conducive to writing, painting, photography and creating.

Where is Frankland River?

Full disclosure, Frankland River is remote – it’s about an hour’s drive to Albany, Denmark, Manjimup or Mount Barker – yet, it is only three and a half hours south-east of Perth. However, it’s an ideal spot to base yourself for regional adventures. You can approach Frankland River along Albany Highway through Williams or Kojonup – check out the rose maze, gallery and café at Kodja Place in Kojonup or the café and shop selling wool products at the Williams Woolshed.

Or you can follow the picturesque route through pretty Boyanup, Balingup, Bridgetown and Donnybrook where you can stop for lunch, coffee, fresh produce and a browse along the main street for fashion and homewares. We stopped at the Cidery in Bridgetown where I was delighted to discover they have added a distillery to their cider and beer range. Their Grounded Gin combines 12 botanicals imparting citrus and floral notes and it was a refreshing treat served with crushed Geraldton wax and lemon.

Carmen Jenner was a guest of the Frankland River Retreat and for more information go to www.franklandriver.com.au, www.greatsoutherntreasures.com.au and www.franklandriverregion.com.au

Want more of outback Western Australia? Check out Wagin: An outback gem or A Gourmet Road Trip from Albany to Denmark or Six remote Western Australian destinations to romance your honey

Craving more travels? Please stay in touch by subscribing to Fluffy Towel today. Thank you and happy travels.

The post The Best of Western Australia’s Frankland River appeared first on Fluffy Towel Travel.