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Tag: Western Australia travel

  • Surf, Snack, and De-Stress at Samudra Retreat in Western Australia

    If you want to detox, de-stress, and recharge your batteries a vacation to Samudra Retreat in Western Australia’s Margaret River may be just what the doctor ordered.

    The retreat is three hours drive from Western Australia’s capital city, Perth, but it feels a world away from the big smoke. It helps to center its guests with three key things: surfing, yoga, and food.


    Don't feel daunted if you’ve never tried any of the physical activities before; there are classes for beginners as well as seasoned surfers and yogis. Samudra founder Sheridan Hammond leads the Astanga yoga classes, passing on all he learned while practicing in India. He runs hour-long classes twice a day for guests to calm their minds and flex their body. Women's surfing champion Lisa Archer leads the surf classes at the local Smiths, Yallingup, and Indijup beach breaks. Surfing may seem very different from yoga, but Archer insists there's a natural synergy between them. She spends time teaching beginners the techniques they need on the sand before hitting the waves.surfer Once you've worked up an appetite head to Samudra's café, helmed by head chef Danny Angove. He dishes up vegetarian dishes which are much more luxurious than rabbit food. All meals are made on site using organic and biodynamic ingredients grown in Samudra's own garden. This is food that's good for your taste buds and your body. Samudra's guests stay in beach shacks at Smiths Beach Resort. Despite their rustic names, these shacks are quite luxurious. Each has outdoor barbecue and dining areas, and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. A six-night yoga and surfing retreat at Samudra starts from $2245 per person. It might sound expensive at first, but that price includes twin-share accommodation, all food, activities, and local transport. It's rare to take a vacation without all those sneaky extra expenses after all!

  • Affordable Luxury at Western Australia’s Rottnest Island

    Rottnest Island is a small isle located 30 minutes from the Western Australian city of Fremantle. The beachside spot is steeped in history and rich in wildlife.

    The native Aboriginal tribe, the Noongar people, call it Wadjemup, meaning “place across the water.”


    When they settled more than 30,000 years ago, the spot was connected to the mainland. However, around 7000 years ago the raging seas saw the island break away.

    It took until 1696 for European explorers to discover this Australian paradise. Dutchman Willem de Vlamingh named the island after the rat-like quokkas he found there. Around 10,000 of the rabbit-sized marsupials live on Rottnest Island today. They are nocturnal, but you are likely to spot them as night falls. Quokkas are curious creatures and show no fear of humans. However, it is illegal for tourists to handle them in any way. The penalty is generally a $100 on-the-spot fine, although offenders may face fines of up to $1000.

    Rottnest island is relatively small, measuring just 11 kilometers long and four-and-a-half kilometres wide. That means most tourists stay for just a day, although it’s possible to book accommodation and see the surrounds at a slower pace. The island boasts around 300 self-catered holiday homes, including cottages, bungalows, and cabins. However, Rottnest island is so popular that a ballot system is used during the peak summer season. It opens on the first working day of each month for the corresponding month next year.

    rottnestislandIf you do snare accommodation, a stay on Rottnest is an experience to be savored. While the rooms aren’t luxurious, the peaceful way of life is a great drawcard. There are no cars, and only a few buses. Most locals and visitors walk or cycle to the island’s attractions, including beaches, golf courses, and tennis courses. Snorkeling, fishing, and diving for crayfish are all popular coastal pursuits. Volunteer guides also take tourists to some of the island’s historical sites.

    Ferries run daily from Fremantle, Perth, and Hillarys. Air taxis also operate daily between Jandakot and Rottnest Island Airport.