Eight wonders of WA you can explore in absolute comfort

There’s no state in Australia that so neatly captures the concept of “barefoot luxury” as WA. This is a place where you can stay in absolute comfort while exploring natural wonders; enjoy fine food and wine after long days of discovery; tackle dirt roads by day and five-star accommodation by night.

Western Australia is big and it’s bountiful – the ideal place to explore for those who love to combine adventure with comfort. These are our favourite experiences.

Ningaloo glamping

Glamp right next to the Ningaloo Reef at Sal Salis.Credit: Journey Beyond

On land at Sal Salis, you have your very own eco-luxury safari tent, a beachside abode that epitomises barefoot luxury, with wooden decks overlooking the Ningaloo Reef, a short stroll from the high-end restaurant and bar at the Lodge. On the water, meanwhile, there’s the chance to swim with whale sharks (in the right season), as well as humpback whales, go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the reef, or explore with a mask and snorkel. There’s nowhere else like it. See salsalis.com.au

Bungle Bungle by air

Fly in an air-conditioned fixed-wing aircraft with Aviair.

Just how much can you achieve in 24 hours? Begin with an early morning scenic flight from Kununurra, cruising over the Ord River, Texas Downs Station and the Bungle Bungle Range. Touch down in Purnululu and begin exploring on foot as part of a guided hike; later, enjoy lunch on the clifftops, before retiring to the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge for a dip in the pool and a sunset cocktail. Wake up for a leisurely breakfast, and fly back to Kununurra. See bunglebunglesavannahlodge.com.au

Celebrating WA’s finest

Truffle-laden dishes at Truffle Kerfuffle.

The luxury of the humble truffle needs little introduction – this knobbly fungus is one of the globe’s most expensive products, served in three-star restaurants from London to Los Angeles. Some of the world’s finest truffles come from Manjimup in WA, something that’s celebrated each June at the Truffle Kerfuffle Festival. This series of events includes truffle hunts, unique dining experiences, local tours and more. See trufflekerfuffle.com.au

Kimberley road trip (minus the ‘roughing it’)

A river crossing to reach El Questro.

Nothing can prepare you for the beauty of the Kimberley, this ruggedly beautiful region in the north of WA, and there’s no better way to explore it than with APT’s Kimberley Complete tour. This 15-day land-based itinerary tackles all the area’s highlights, from the Gibb River Road to El Questro Station, Mitchell Falls, Windjana Gorge and more. Spend your nights in luxury lodges, and days exploring pristine outback wilderness. See aptouring.com.au

Check in to one of Perth’s most lavish stays

Suite views at The Ritz-Carlton Perth.

Here’s a hotel that has completely altered the accommodation scene in the West Australian capital. The Ritz-Carlton is an iconic brand in luxury hotels, and its Perth site lives up to the reputation, with 205 gorgeous rooms overlooking the Swan River and the CBD skyline via floor-to-ceiling windows. The Ritz-Carlton is also home to Hearth, a restaurant that combines the finest local WA produce with the skill of cooking over fire, to present a dining experience that has become one of the hottest tickets in town. See ritzcarlton.com

Go beyond wine tasting in the Margaret River

Kayak or canoe down a stunning section of the tranquil Margaret River.

It should come as no surprise to discover that they know how to do barefoot luxury in “Margs”. One of Australia’s premier wine regions retains its knockabout surfie charm, not to mention incredible natural attractions, all of which you can experience with Margaret River Discovery Tours. These one-day itineraries include kayaking on Margaret River, coffee overlooking a famous surf break, lunch and wine tasting at Fraser Gallop Estate, and a 4WD adventure along the Cape to Cape Track. See margaretriverdiscovery.com.au

The ultimate seafood lover cruise

Luxe Island Seafood Cruise ... a boat trip with a lobster lunch and a swim.Credit: Samphire Rottnest

The Samphire Rottnest is well known as the heart of luxury on Rottnest Island, a stunning resort that offers high-end accommodation with a beachfront locale. The resort also presents a series of experiences to enjoy during your stay, from e-bike exploration to massages to helicopter flights and more. The highlight, however, is the Luxe Island Seafood Cruise, a boat trip with a private chef, a lobster lunch, cocktails, bubbles, and the chance for a swim. See samphirerottnest.com.au

Indigenous campfire feast on the beach

Didgeridoo Dreaming experience in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.Credit: Tourism Western Australia

There is no better way to connect to the history and culture of Western Australia than an evening at Gutharraguda (Shark Bay) with Darren “Capes” Capewell from Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures. On Didgeridoo Dreaming nights, Capes takes groups of visitors to a secluded beachfront spot to sit around a campfire and listen to traditional stories, spot wildlife, eat a seafood feast, and listen to the sounds of the didge. See wulagura.com.au