The 7 Most Unique Places to Stay on The South West Edge

Part of the fun of a road trip is finding new and special places to enjoy. From natural attractions, to restaurants and cafes to the all-important place to sleep.

Enjoying a comfortable and sound sleep makes all the different to your mood, so we’ve rounded up some of the most unique places to stay on The Edge.

1. Discovery Parks Rottnest

If you want to start your journey on The Edge with something a bit special, why not make your trip to Rottnest Island an overnight stay? Nestled behind the dunes of the iconic Pinky Beach you’ll find Discovery Rottnest Island. Sleep (almost) under the stars in a luxury eco-tent, explore boardwalks through the sand dunes to Pinky’s Beach Club and laze by the resort pool. Pinky Beach is one of the most gorgeous on the island, overlooked by the iconic lighthouse. If you’re travelling with children, the family tents are perfect with a set of bunks and a separating internal curtain for privacy. If you’re looking for a romantic escape, ask for one of the superior tents in a quieter area of the camp.

2. Hougoumount Hotel, Fremantle

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit different to stay whilst in Fremantle, The Hougoumont Hotel is one of the most unique; the hotel was purpose-built using innovative sea container construction! How Freo is that?! This place oozes understated style and is right in the heart of Fremantle. Think simple, chic design with heaps of little luxuries like Nespresso coffee, boutique teas by Rubra, bathroom toiletries by Appelles Apothecary and a Pillow Menu!

Stay in one of the many quirky and romantic accommodation options. En route along The Edge you can stay inside an old mill, a windmill, aboard a luxury vessel or houseboat, in glamping tents and beach houses, as well as by vineyards, farms, rivers, orchards and forests.

3. Olio Bello, Margaret River

At Olio Bello, you can experience lakeside glamping on a 320-acre organic olive farm, in the heart of Margaret River. Just minutes from the beaches of Gracetown and in the middle of wine country, these luxury safari-style bungalows are the perfect place to relax after a day exploring. The bungalows have been architecturally designed for minimum environmental impact and maximum luxury – they also offer outstanding extras like spacious sunset viewing decks and farm-made produce. You can use the communal BBQs for dinner or treat yourself and have breakfast delivered to your room.

4. The Lily Dutch Windmill, Stirling Ranges

If you really want to get off the beaten track and stay somewhere a bit different, the authentic, 16th Century Lily Dutch Windmill is the place for you. The five-story full size Dutch Windmill, with its 22 Ton cap and a sail length of 24.6 meters, is one of the largest traditional windmills ever built in Australia. It’s also the only operational flour producing windmill on mainland Australia. The property is also home to some quaint self-contained accommodation, including the 16th Century replica Dutch House, the reconstructed 1924 Federation-style Railway Station and even inside an old DAKOTA – DC-3 ( C-47 ) airplane. Enjoy the personal touches from your hosts and of course, make sure to take a tour of the fascinating windmill!

5. Houseboat in Walpole

Do you want to experience the gorgeous Blackwood River from the water? Delight in the breath-taking beauty of the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park from the comfort and privacy of your own superbly appointed Houseboat! The inlets are fed by the Southern Ocean and the beautiful, pristine Frankland and Deep Rivers meandering through awe inspiring, majestic Karri, Jarrah and Tingle forests thrusting up from the water’s edge. This area is a nature-lovers paradise, and you will experience it in a totally new way as you glide along the water. You don’t need a skipper’s ticket to hire the houseboats, you just need a valid driver’s licence and to be over 18.

6. Esperance Chalet Village

Surrounded by mature trees, exuding a sense of old school charm, Esperance Chalet Village is set amongst lush native gardens, with plenty of room to roam with an emphasis on serenity, simplicity and natural beauty. Their large A frame hideaways are simply gorgeous, with all-white interiors, plush king beds and treetop views from the balcony. In cooler months, the firepit is crackling and the atmosphere is amazing.

7. Hoover House, Gwalia (233kms north of Kalgoorlie)

Really want to impress your friends at the next dinner party? How about saying you’ve stayed in a former president’s house? You can do just that on your way back through the outback in the living museum, Gwalia. Hoover House was the senior mine management house at the mine site, which in 1902 was occupied by the first general manager of the Sons of Gwalia mine, Herbert Hoover, who was later became the 31st President of the United States of America. The house has since been renovated and is now a beautiful bed and breakfast. Make sure to take a sundowner out onto the deck for a very special sun set view.