Exmouth is getting a new off-grid luxury resort

Eco-conscious Hotel Sebatikel has been approved for development on the Ningaloo Coast.

Exmouth is arguably one of the most visually striking destinations in Australia. Along Australia’s west coast, rolling red desert dunes meet the turquoise waters that majestic whale sharks call home. Luxury stays are thin on the ground, but a new environmentally-conscious resort is set to elevate the region’s offerings. Projected to open its doors in early 2028, Hotel Sebatikel will sit 150 metres from the water’s edge and act as a gateway to the Ningaloo Coast (Nyinggulu) World Heritage Area.

A render of Hotel Sekatikel in Exmouth — The resort will feature a rammed-earth design.

Hotel Sebatikel is the first tourism development in Exmouth to be approved by the Western Australian Development Assessment Panel (DAP) in two decades. Endorsed by Tourism Western Australia and the Shire of Exmouth, the accommodation was the brainchild of Phil Smith and Mon Palmer. Their vision for the $13 million project is for it to be Western Australia’s first climate-positive hotel, and a sanctuary-like destination with a strong sense of place rather than a standard hotel.

“Exmouth is our favourite place on earth," co-founder Mon Palmer, a qualified horticulturalist, told Australian Traveller. “Phil and I have travelled extensively. It has always been our greatest source of inspiration, and those experiences have shaped how we see design and hospitality. But nowhere has ever felt quite like the North West Cape (Palyadi Manu). There is something about the warm air, the scale of the landscape, the colours of the sky. When we first discovered the site – a five-hectare stretch of untouched Crown land on the edge of Exmouth Gulf – we both felt it immediately. This was it."

A render of the swimming pool area at Hotel Sebatikel — The resort will feature a swimming pool, pickleball court and golf course.

The boutique stay’s capacity is deliberately limited to just 24 people in-house at any time. Nine chic suites will showcase water views. Neutral tones and matte natural surfaces will bring a sense of calm. Renewable energy, water stewardship, waste reduction and conservation partnerships are central to the development, which is designed to be entirely off-grid via solar and battery storage and follow a zero single-use plastic policy, and waste management systems designed to divert 80-90 per cent of waste from landfill. “These aren’t marketing claims, they are design specifications."

The rammed-earth construction is set to be structural, thermally functional and cyclone-rated and allow the resort to sit sensitively within the landscape. “We are acutely aware that we are guests here, in the deepest sense of that word. The Ningaloo Coast (Nyinggulu) is one of the world’s great natural environments, and we hold that responsibility seriously."

A render of Hotel Sebatikel in Exmouth — The resort will feature a sleek restaurant and bar.

Troba, the resort’s onsite dining room and Club Lounge, will offer a produce-led menu in alignment with the Indigenous seasonal calendar and utilising ingredients from the property’s biodynamic kitchen garden and local larder. The Walter, the resort’s reservation-only speakeasy, will complete the food and beverage offering.

The adults-only The Wellness Pavilion & Spa will be available for up to six guests at a time, featuring an infrared sauna, mineral hot and cold plunges, reformer Pilates, fitness and recovery centre and a lounging courtyard. The Sebatikel Signature treatment will be offered to just two guests per day and consists of a five-hour experience. A nine-hole short course, pickleball court, swimming pool and pool club are also part of the development.

“We want to tell stories about the people involved in the build, create events that the town itself benefits from, and deepen our understanding of First Nations culture and Country."

Reservations can be made from September 2026, with a three-night minimum stay in place.

Blend the addictive energy of dance, creative cinematic movies, captivating theatre, and energising music during Perth Festival.

Perth Festival has extraordinary roots. Born as a summer community experiment back in 1953, the brainchild of Professor Fred Alexander, it’s now Australia’s longest-running international art-based festival. From its first event at University of Western Australia, it now spans across Noongar Boodjar country (Perth City) bringing worldclass performances into the hearts of ardent festivalgoers. Hundreds of curtain calls, including numerous free events, are set to linger and leave a lasting impression on those who seek thrills that fill life’s in-between spaces. Featuring unmissable highlights from 6^th February to 1^st March, we’ve done the legwork for you – here’s what’s on, and where:

1. East Perth Power Station

East Perth Power Station during Perth Festival — See East Perth Power Station come alive. (Image: Jessica Wyld Photography)

Abandoned, run-down and shutdown in 1981, East Perth Power Station , located on the banks of the stunning Swan River, was reinvented in 2025 as an entertainment venue for the Perth Festival. Pack a picnic, bring the family and kick back under paperbark trees at Casa Musica – a free event featuring a melting pot of world-class musicians from Australian shores and around the globe. The diversity will have you bopping until the final encore.

A decade after David Bowie’s passing, his powerful music lives on in the electrifying show, Rebel Rebel . Powerhouse vocalists join Perth Symphony Orchestra for one incredible night showcasing the singer-songwriter’s iconic hits. Illuminate your world through the eyes of First Nation Noongar artist, Lance Chadd Tjyllyungoo in a free event. His distinctive paintings and Dreamtime stories decorate the Power Station’s walls depicting spiritual beliefs. Or settle in to watch British indie pop singer-songwriter, Nilüfer Yanya .

2. St Mary’s Cathedral

Take in Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth. (Image: Anja Schutz)

Step into the lofty ceilings of Perth’s grandest cathedral, St Mary’s, and soak up choral harmonies. Dating back to 1865, the stained-glass reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper are a talking point, add talented maestros, and the stage is set to enthral.

The international line-up is impressive. Master Irish fiddler, Martin Hayes takes to the stage with exquisite lyrical compositions from his native land. Åkervinda , an award winning Swedish quartet, weave stories of love, loss, and resilience into harmonious Nordic folk songs. The USA Grammy Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth , break all the rules. Hear their voices echo through the arched vaulted ceilings.

3. Lotterywest Films

guests at Lotterywest Films as part of Perth Festival — Discover the Lotterywest Films program. (Credit: Jessia Wyld Photograpghy)

One of the festivals longest-running favourites, Lotterywest Films run a rich tapestry of cinematic features showing until 29th of March. Pack a picnic, cushions, popcorn and pop a cork under a Somerville Pine Tree as the sun sets and screenings begin. Cinema lovers, choose your poison from thrillers, deep-dive documentaries, tearjerkers, raunchy rom-coms and side-splitting comedies. The program is fantastically full, the filmmakers the best in the business, and the outdoor setting, unequalled.

4. The Embassy

guests at The EMbassy as part of Perth Festival — Step into the old world glitz of The Embassy. (Image: Franz Bato)

Modelled on Perth’s historic Embassy Ballroom, a devilish dance venue that operated in the 1900s, The Embassy in Perth Town Hall , serves sophistication in its A-list shows. Set your sequins a’sparkle at the, What’s TINA Got to Do With It extravaganza where guest artists play tribute as they belt out the glitzy star’s hits. The returning act, Ali Bodycoat & The Embassy Big Band, will have you jiving as you take to the dance floor reimagining a bygone era. Who doesn’t like chocolate? Black-bearded drag sensation, La Gateau Chocolat puts the raw in cacao. World-renowned for his feisty range of storied songs, he reveals the inner-man come artist through his deliciously sweet and intimate act.

5. Unusual locations

still from The Trial theatre — Watch a star-studded cast in The Trial. (Image: Cole Baxter)

We’ve all heard of the hit show, The Office, but a spinetingling operatic thriller acted out in disused office space? Philip Glass’ nail-biter, The Trial , has a star-studded line-up. Together they deliver a dramatic ordeal showcasing Oscar-winner Christopher Hampton’s libretto; the suspense lingers after the final bow.

Sit back under starry skies and soak up dynamic dance at Ballet at the Quarry: Incandescence . Four exclusive classical and contemporary acts illuminate the amphitheatre’s stage as Perth City twinkles at nightfall. Mystery excites the mind. West Australian Opera returns again with another ‘secret opera’. Be led from an undisclosed meeting point and let the music lead to the secret.

6. A View From A Bridge

A View From A Bridge special event at Perth Festival — Share your innermost thoughts at A View From A Bridge.

Free, connecting strangers, and inclusive to everyone, artist, Joe Bloom’s collaborative project, A View From A Bridge has one prop – an old red telephone. Talk into the receiver , share thoughts, innermost feelings, memories, hopes and dreams as Bloom captures you from afar. The freedom to speak through the telephone movement has a worldwide following. A range of clips will be shown online.

What else to do in Perth

Shadow Wine Bar in perth — Taste the best of Perth at eateries like Shadow Wine Bar.

Endless blue skies crown Perth during February, making it the perfect time to explore Australia’s most western capital city. The city might be compact, but it packs a punch when it comes to what’s on. Perth Cultural Centre houses the city’s art-scene venues: Western Australian Art Gallery, WA Museum Boola Bardip and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).

After exploring the city’s alleyways, hidden corners, and main hub, savour worldclass food in Perth’s vibrant eateries. Award-winning restaurants, rooftop bars, and cafes can be found throughout; the leisurely eat-and-drink scene is literally mouthwatering, so book extra nights.

Start planing your 2026 trip to Perth Festival at perthfestival.com.au .