The WA accommodation named one of the world’s best

Heyscape Denmark was one of only two Australian accommodations recognised.

It might be hidden away between Karri trees and the coast, but this peaceful escape is putting Australia’s South West on the map. Heyscape Denmark was recently named one of the world’s best hotels by National Geographic, and one of only two Aussie stays that made the list. The annual awards celebrate the most exciting new and renovated places to stay across the world, from designer digs to rustic retreats.

A black cabin at night with a light on — Heyscape Denmark was named one of the world’s best hotels by National Geographic. (Image: Rachel Claire)

Awarded runner-up in the ‘Remote Escape’ category in National Geographic’s Hotel Awards 2025: the world’s 30 best hotels, Heyscape Denmark was praised for its secluded and immersive location that allows travellers to unwind and connect with the picturesque South West landscape.

“We are thrilled with this global recognition. Visitors are wanting to connect with nature in new ways and are seeking to slow down, evidenced by the phenomenal response we have seen to Heyscape Denmark," said Head of Heyscape, Tim Brady.

A person sitting in an outdoor bath — The cabins allow guests to connect with nature. (Image: Aquabumps)

The accommodation is perched on Raintree Farm, a large  356-hectare ocean‑front farm in Denmark. The small, picturesque coastal town is 4.5 hours drive south of Perth, loved for its stunning natural landscapes and cool-climate wineries.

The three off-grid cabins (Sea, Salt and Sand) utilise sustainable features such as solar panels and rainwater tanks. Guests can sit on expansive decks while kangaroos graze close by, soak in outdoor baths while enjoying clear stargazing conditions, relax in the on-site sauna and take in idyllic views from the elevated lounge areas. Premium amenities make each cabin feel considered, including 100% European flax linen, native botanical products, luxury Bemboka bath towels, Bang & Olufsen speakers and Heston Blumenthal BBQs. A breakfast hamper stocked with locally sourced treats is also complimentary.

The picturesque view from the bedroom at Hayscape Denmark — Cabins overlook picturesque views. (Image: Kirsten Sivyer)

One standout (and delicious) experience offered by Heyscape is the Marron Catch & Cook. Guests can fish for marron – a crayfish endemic to the region – from the farm’s freshwater dams and cook it to chargrilled perfection over an open fire or BBQ. Or follow the guidance of a chef or guide at onsite restaurant The Dam. A post-meal jaunt along one of the forest trails under towering karri trees is the perfect end to the day.

Marron pasta — Savour local marron. (Image: Rachel Claire)

Following its success, Heyscape is set to expand its offerings with 12 new premium off-grid cabins opening in November.

“We opened three single off-grid cabins on Raintree Estate in Denmark only ten months ago and are about to expand with twelve new cabins, complete with a communal sauna and e-bike trails connecting one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal national parks," shared Brady.

The new cabin types include configurations of eight single, three dual and four family cabins, offering forest, valley or ocean views.

A 25-minute drive from Perth is all you need to be amongst generations of grape growers.

You might not know Swan Valley, but the vines here twist through almost 200 years of history. Today, plump grapes are still plucked, pressed by juice-stained hands and fermented into wine – a journey led by the same families who will pour it into your glass. And with that first taste, you’ve unknowingly become part of a generations-old tradition.

So, sit back and take a sip of a crisp white under that sun-speckled pergola and listen to the warbling of magpies – here’s what makes the Swan Valley so special.

Western Australia’s oldest wine region

Mandoon Estate bathed in the warm glow of sunset. — Sip your way through Swan Valley’s rich wine heritage. (Image: Tourism WA)

In 1829, the very year Europeans settled in Perth, the first vines were planted in the Swan Valley. Later, Croatian and Italian migrants blended their southern European winemaking traditions into the local viticulture, a combination that works so well in the Mediterranean climate here.

The result today is crisp, tropical Verdelho, dark, fruity Shiraz and plenty of Chenin Blanc – a third of the country’s Chenin Blanc is crushed here.

So where to start uncorking? Mandoon Estate has an Aboriginal art gallery and a sculpture trail, where you can taste an Indigenous food platter of smoked crocodile and emu sausages.

For a taste of the valley’s Italian heritage, head to Pinelli Estate Winery. Or, for something indulgent – and a little unusual, considering the inland location – RiverBank Estate Winery serves lobster straight from tanks, paired with that Chenin Blanc.

If you prefer something stronger in your glass, Talijancich Wines knows a thing or two about fortified drops: try its aged tawny, Muscat and liqueur Verdelho.

Sensational dining

A beautifully presented dish paired with champagne. — Pair great food with a scenic winery setting. (Image: Tourism Caversham)

The Swan Valley follows that great Australian wine-country tradition, with everything from unfussily fantastic pub meals and beer gardens to unexpected fine dining at cellar doors.

Start at Edgecombe Winery, which does brunch as well as drops. Their brioche French toast with raspberry and rhubarb coulis, poached pear and roasted pistachios will taste best when you’re perched at a table outside. Don’t forget to explore their orchard and wetland afterwards.

Pick up a box of freshly baked macarons from Maison Saint-Honoré (bien sûr) before heading to Valley Social for a North American barbecue-inspired feed. Chow down on beef brisket burnt ends and wash them down with a hemp-infused craft beer.

Baskerville Tavern is brewing beer again in the former Feral Brewpub. Order their Monday special – a classic chicken parmi – and try Slumdog Brewing’s regular range, including a tart blueberry sour made with fresh and freeze-dried berries. In winter, it’s time for their seasonal seven-malt stout, with notes of dark chocolate, coffee and caramel.

An unbeatable visitor’s centre

In Guildford is the Swan Valley Visitor Centre in a restored 1866 courthouse. Its award-winning staff know everything about anything happening in the Swan Valley. Pick their brains (and pick up a free map) before setting off. But, check out the centre’s Welcome to Country mural by local Whadjuk artist Chloe Caylon first.

Scenic drives

Use that handy Visitor Centre map to get a bit of everything on the Swan Valley’s 32-kilometre scenic loop, which connects over 150 attractions. Think roadside produce stalls, art galleries and historic buildings. Just remember to organise that designated driver if you’re extra keen on the vineyard stops.

Other drops

If the thought of wine makes your temples pulse, there are plenty of other tipples to tickle your fancy. Txoko Brewing in Baskerville takes its name from a Basque gathering place for cooking, drinking and socialising. Work through its rotating beers and plates of Spanish croquettes and sardines, then settle on the grass while the kids let off steam in the playground.

AmberChes Spirits Distillery uses locally sourced botanicals and fruit to make saltbush gin, lemon myrtle gin and Gincello, a twist on limoncello. Try its award-winning sloe gin, which was named Australia’s best at the 2025 Gin Guide Awards. Better yet, have a go at making your own in a hands-on gin-blending and distilling class among the vines.

Historic architecture and an arts scene

Traditional art celebrating First Nations culture. — Explore the stories behind the Swan Valley. (Image: Tourism WA)

Next: Guildford. It is one of WA’s earliest colonial settlements – but the history here goes back much further. The Whadjuk Noongar people are the land’s Traditional Custodians, whose Dreaming tells of the Wagyl serpent creating the gum tree-lined Swan River. Today, Guildford’s original town layout remains largely unchanged. Follow one of four heritage walks past 19th-century buildings, galleries and James Street’s antique shops.

Take home pantry staples

The display counter at Margaret River Chocolate Company. — Treat yourself to a chocolate-filled detour. (Image: Tourism WA)

Sometimes the little stops are just as good as the big hitters. Pull over at Margaret River Chocolate Company for free tastings of white, milk and dark chocolate. Then stop by Harvey Cheese Swan Valley for Lemon Myrtle Ash Brie or St Duke’s Red. End at The House of Honey, where you can sample local honey and get buzzy on honey ice cream pancakes.

Nature and wildlife

A close-up of a koala in its natural habitat. — Add a little wildlife adventure. (Image: Tourism WA)

If the kids have had enough of winery lawns, save the bottles for later and head to Caversham Wildlife Park. Here, you can hand-feed kangaroos and meet koalas and wombats. Catch working sheepdogs and sheep-shearing demonstrations at the Farm Show. Elsewhere in Whiteman Park, hop aboard a vintage train or tram, or cool off in the splash pool.

Finish at Bells Rapids, where fuchsia grevillea, crimson bottlebrush and yellow wattles bloom each spring.

Start planning your culinary escape at swanvalley.com.au.

This remote WA accommodation was just named one of the world’s best by National Geographic