Where I Stayed in Southwest Australia and Who Each Place Is Perfect For

I used to think a hotel was just a place to sleep. A bed, a shower, maybe breakfast if you’re lucky. But Southwest Australia slowly proved me wrong, one stay at a time.

Over six days, I moved from the city to the coast, from green countryside to deep forests and finally back to a lively town by the sea. Each night, the hotel changed. And somehow, so did my mood.

If you’re planning a Southwest Australia trip and wondering where to stay, maybe this will help. Because these places aren’t just hotels – they suit different kinds of travellers, different energy levels, and different travel moods.

Let me tell you how each one felt.

Day 1: The Adnate Perth (Art Series – Accor)

Perfect for: City lovers, art lovers, first-timers to Perth

Landing in Perth felt exciting but calm at the same time. Thanks to Malaysia Airlines’ direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Perth, the journey felt smooth, and I arrived without that usual travel exhaustion.

The Adnate Perth was my first stay and honestly, it felt like stepping straight into the city’s creative side.

The moment I walked in, I noticed the colours. The art. The energy. This isn’t the kind of hotel where you whisper in the lobby. It feels alive. Young. Confident.

“Oh, this is cool,” I remember thinking.

The room was comfortable and clean, with big windows letting the city light in. At night, Perth felt quiet, not busy like other big cities. From the room, I could see lights but still hear… nothing much. Peaceful.

This hotel is perfect if:

• You like city vibes
• You enjoy art and design
• You want to be close to cafés, streets, and everyday Perth life

It felt like a good starting point. Like warming up before the journey really begins.

Day 2: Hilton Garden Inn Busselton

Perfect for: Ocean lovers, easy travellers, those who want calm without feeling isolated

Busselton immediately slowed me down.

After driving down from Perth, checking into Hilton Garden Inn Busselton felt easy. No rush. No stress. Just… space.

The hotel sits right by the water, and the first thing I did after dropping my bag was look outside.

“Ahhh. This view.”

The ocean stretched out calmly, and everything felt lighter. The room was modern and simple, nothing too fancy but that’s the charm. You’re not here to stay indoors anyway.

In the morning, the light coming through the window was soft and gentle. This is the kind of place where you wake up slowly, not because of an alarm, but because your body feels ready.

This stay is perfect if:

• You love sea views
• You want something comfortable and straightforward
• You enjoy quiet walks and fresh air

It felt like a pause button in the middle of the trip.

Day 3: Southcamp, Dunsborough

Perfect for: Nature lovers, slow travellers, people who love something different

Southcamp is different. Very different.

Driving into Dunsborough, surrounded by greenery, I already felt more relaxed. But Southcamp itself? It felt like a secret.

This isn’t a hotel where you roll your luggage into a lobby. It’s more like arriving at a peaceful camp but upgraded. I mean… really upgraded.

The moment I stepped into the tent, I smiled.

“Okay… this is nice.”

The room I stayed in has a bed, a proper bathroom, warm lighting, and access to the courtyard. Trees, fresh air, and silence. Real silence. The good kind.

At night, the air was cool. I sat outside for a bit, just listening to nature. No TV noise. No city sound. Just me and my thoughts.

Southcamp is perfect if:

• You want to disconnect
• You love green surroundings
• You enjoy unique stays, not typical hotels

This stay felt grounding. Like my body finally caught up with my mind.

Day 4: RAC Karri Valley Resort, Pemberton

Perfect for: Couples, nature seekers, people who love lakes and forests

Pemberton felt like stepping into another world. Tall karri trees, fresh forest air and long quiet roads.

RAC Karri Valley Resort sits by a lake, surrounded by forest and honestly… it looked like a postcard.

When I arrived, my first thought was:

“Wow. I could stay here for days.”

The room is cosy, warm and inviting. Outside, the lake reflects the surrounding trees, and everything felt still. Time slowed down here, in the best way.

In the morning, the mist over the lake made everything look soft and calm. There was no need to rush, no urge to check my phone. Instead, I simply sat there, breathing it all in.

This resort is perfect if:

• You love nature and quiet
• You want a romantic or peaceful stay
• You enjoy waking up to views, not noise

This is my favourite kind of calm: deep, quiet, and comforting.

Day 5: Garde Hotel, Fremantle

Perfect for: Culture lovers, café hoppers, travellers who love character and city vibes

After days surrounded by forests and quiet nature, arriving in Fremantle felt refreshing. The place has energy, but softer. And charming.

Garde Hotel felt stylish yet relaxed. Not too fancy. Not too plain. Just nice. The kind of place that makes you feel comfortable the moment you step inside.

Outside, the buildings instantly caught my attention. Old, beautiful structures that made the area feel like a mini London. As I walked around, I kept looking up, smiling to myself. There is something special about this part of Fremantle – vivacious, creative, and full of stories.

Then I opened the curtains in my room.

Oh. Wow.

I loved the view, which consists of colourful buildings that honestly looked like something straight out of a Barbie movie. Soft colours, pretty shapes and such a cheerful feel. I stood there for a while, just looking out, taking it all in. The view alone makes the stay feel extra special.

“This is so pretty,” I remember thinking. And yes! Thinking of it again, I must have loved the view more than I expected.

Garde Hotel is perfect if you:

• Love walking around historic streets
• Enjoy cafés, culture and a bit of city buzz
• Prefer places with personality and charm

It felt like the right way to end the trip. Colourful, lively, and full of character. The kind of place that makes you slow down, look around and smile.

Conclusion

Looking back, each stay in Southwest Australia gave me more than just a place to rest—it shaped the rhythm of my days and the way I felt long after I checked out. From art-filled city nights to ocean mornings, forest silence to colourful heritage streets, every place met me exactly where I was in that moment.

And when the journey ended, I realised something simple but powerful: this is a destination you don’t just visit once. Southwest Australia lingers quietly in your thoughts, calling you back for slower mornings, deeper breaths, and new stays that feel like old friends. I left feeling grateful, fulfilled, and already imagining my return—because some journeys don’t really end; they just pause until the next time you come home…

Gaya Travel Magazine team extends its heartfelt gratitude to Tourism Western Australia and Malaysia Airlines for making the writer’s trip to Southwest Australia smooth and memorable.

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