Best B&Bs in Western Australia

Our guide to the best B&Bs in Western Australia

BROOME TOWN B&B
Simple, clean, modern and comfortable accommodation within walking distance of the heart of Broome. There’s no better way to get to know this compelling part of the Kimberley Coast than from a local’s perspective. The owners of Broome Town have lived here 16 years, so if you want to know the must-sees, they’re the best people to have in your corner.
SOMETHING SPECIAL: The owners obviously love staying in top hotels, because the little luxuries you’d expect there have been included here, such as Foxtel, in-room massage and spa treatments, bathrobes, slippers, big fluffy towels and a choice of pillow types.
HOW MUCH? From $250 per night per room, depending on room type and time of year.
WHILE YOU’RE HERE: See an outdoor movie at Sun Pictures; drink handcrafted beer at Matso’s brewery; go pearl shopping in Chinatown; stroll around the Courthouse Markets; take the obligatory sunset camel ride on Cable Beach.
CONTACT: Toni and Richard Bourne.
15 Stewart Street in Old Broome.
(08) 9192 2006; www.broometown.com.au

CAPE HOWE COTTAGES
Located halfway between Albany and Denmark, these cute individual cottages were built on the philosophy that guests require “space, privacy and tranquillity surrounded by nature”. The property was bought by the current owners in 1996; it originally just had the family home and one cottage, affectionately known as The Snug. They have slowly and steadily built four more cottages over the years, making sure each is well separated from the others.
SOMETHING SPECIAL: Cape Howe Cottages won the gold medal for Hosted Accommodation at the 2008, 2009 and 2010 WA Tourism Awards. The King’s Den stands out as a true luxury couple’s retreat. Located in a patch of karri forest, it features a king-size platform bed, two-person spa and an outdoor shower, make it pretty sexy year-round. Apartment-style rooms are also available.
HOW MUCH? The King’s Den is priced from $250 per night per couple.
WHILE YOU’RE HERE: Hike in West Cape Howe National Park; walk a part of the Bibbulmun Track; drive around the region, stopping to sample produce at the many wineries and farm gates.
CONTACT: David and Gaynor Clarke.
322 Tennessee Road South, Lowlands Beach.
(08) 9845 1295; www.capehowe.com.au

PORT MILL B&B
This gorgeous limestone converted 1862 flourmill is reminiscent of a French chateau. Tucked away behind black wrought-iron gates, it is within easy walking distance of most attractions in Fremantle. The four rooms have window boxes dripping with flowers, and Juliet balconies that look down onto a cobbled courtyard with potted citrus trees and a central fountain.
SOMETHING SPECIAL: Rather than heading out to a communal dining room each morning, guests are treated to room service. In summer, breakfast can be enjoyed on your balcony; while in winter a romantic table for two is set up inside so you can enjoy the morning sun by the window.
HOW MUCH? From $220 to $295 per room per night, depending on time of the year.
WHILE YOU’RE HERE: Watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean; visit the Maritime Museum; trawl antiques shops and markets around the port; take the ferry to Rottnest Island.
CONTACT: Paul Clausen.
3/17 Essex Street, Fremantle.
(08) 9433 3832.

RIVER’ESQUE
We mentioned River’esque as a great place to stay in our article on Margaret River last issue, but we couldn’t overlook including this fantastic accommodation option for this story because it truly is one of the most exceptional B&Bs in the region. The private, freestanding, two-storey, Balinese-style chalet features a wide verandah with day beds, an outdoor shower, spa bath, canopied four-poster bed and Indonesian touches such as incense and fresh-picked frangipanis.
SOMETHING SPECIAL: River’esque was voted one of the Top 10 Romantic Retreats back in issue #7 of Australian Traveller and it’s gone from strength the strength since. Owner Di says it’s a popular venue for super-small weddings and even elopements!
HOW MUCH? $240 per night per room midweek in winter; high season and weekend rates see a maximum of $280 per night per couple.
WHILE YOU’RE HERE: Wine, dine and drop a line – there’s great beach fishing in Margaret River; have a surf – ask ex-pro surfer Rob for his pick of the local breaks.
CONTACT: Di and Rob Conneeley.
Ashton St, Margaret River.
(08) 9757 2493; www.riveresque.com