Romantic getaway

Western Australia has many idyllic spots that are perfect for an intimate holiday

By Philip Lee

Perth is one of the Australian cities most visited by Singaporeans because many have friends or relatives there. Also, the plane journey takes less than five hours.

But these are not the only reasons why 57,000 people from Singapore spend their holidays in Western Australia (WA) each year. There is so much more to see in this part of Australia which is largely desert and scrubland but which has a mild Mediterranean climate in the vibrant coastal areas.

Indeed, WA’s scenic beauty, especially in areas by the sea, river or lake and its lovely weather have prompted some visitors to either get married or spend their honeymoon there.

I recently attended a wedding at the Oakuber Vineyard in Swan Valley in WA. The ceremony on a bright spring day was held in the shade of tall eucalyptus trees. The breeze and the nearby vineyard made the open-air celebration truly special.

Another favourite honeymoon spot would be at Margaret River, a town in the south-west of this state about 290km from Perth. This is yet another of the country’s important wine-growing regions famous for its Chardonnay and Semillon Sauvignon for whites as well as Merlot and Shiraz for reds.

One can take a tour around town with Lifestyle Margaret River (www.lifestylemargaretriver.com.au), which takes guests around in vintage luxury cars like a Bentley or Rolls Royce to experience the food, wine and culture of the area.

Although this town is 10km from the sea, it is a popular base from which many visitors head for surfing activities in Cape Lavender or dips in the calm sea at Meelup Beach.

For lovebirds or companies which plan retreats for staff, there is no better pick than the boutique Moondance Lodge (www.moondancelodge.com) set on 33 acres of natural bush. The plush accommodation, excellent food and renowned service have won this haven rave reviews from travel writers. One attractive feature is the grape massage at Moondance’s loft. Amid the sounds of nature, therapists use various types of grapes, rich in antioxidants, to re-energise tired bodies.

If all this is too rich for you, there are also farm stays and bed and breakfast joints in the area.

For those in love, the name Hidden Valley Forest Retreat would have special appeal as it suggests privacy and quiet. This 100-acre property has wilderness cabins, eco-lodges and other self-contained accommodation.

The retreat describes itself as the ideal spot for enjoying the “harmony of living with nature in total privacy and luxury”.

If you want to really wow her, check into one of the villas at the Regency Beach Club in Dunsborough by the Indian Ocean and arrange to have a chef cook your favourite meal indoors

Accommodation comes in various sizes — from two-bedroom villas to five-bedroom spreads.

Leaving the Margaret River region, the rest of WA’s 12,500km shoreline up north are breathtaking sites featuring clear blue waters and coral reefs such as Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay, where sea creatures such as the docile whale shark abound.

If you plan to stay a day or two in Perth before or after moving north, take a scenic helicopter flight with Heli West (www.heliwest.com.au) to see the sweep of the city and its surroundings.

In Perth, take a random stroll in the city to see its fine restaurants, including Asian ones. Shoppers can head for Harbour Town in Wellington Street, where there are 70 factory outlets. The other shopping lure is Westfield Carousel in Cannington famous for its 200 shops selling branded goods.

This outing is, perhaps, the best way to say goodbye to Perth as it caters to one of the Singaporean’s pet activities — shopping.

For more information, visit www.westernaustralia.com or www.australia.com