WA locals: Jarrad Seng, photographer, filmmaker and influencer

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Australian-based photographer, filmmaker and influencer, Jarrad Seng shares about his roots in Western Australia and how it shaped him as an artist.

You were born in Newman, grew up in Mandurah and now call a cosy loft in a converted Fremantle warehouse home. What keeps you anchored in WA?

As someone who’s travelled far and wide for my work, I often get asked about the allure of bigger cities around the world. But the truth is, there’s everything I could ever want right here in WA. It’s a place that breeds world-class creativity and art. There are musos – John Butler, Tame Impala, San Cisco – and street artists such as Stormie Mills and Amok Island. There’s breathtaking nature in absolute abundance in every direction. There’s also the space and room to breathe.

Portrait of Jarrod Seng
“There’s everything I could ever want right here in WA. It’s a place that breeds world-class creativity and art." (Image: Portraits Olivia)

When you’re not travelling the world with musicians such as Jimmy Barnes and Passenger, you are often out in the wilderness taking photographs. what’s the most epic part of your state to photograph?

You can’t go wrong by simply driving north (Lancelin, Kalbarri and Exmouth), south (Margaret River, Denmark and Albany) or down the west coast for a quick getaway. But for something a bit different, I’d recommend heading inland and taking in some wholesome outback experiences and station stays. One of my favourite WA roadies took us up north through the Gascoyne to the Kennedy Range and Mt Augustus, stopping in at farm stays like Nallan Station along the way. And let me tell you, the sunsets in the outback hit different!

Kimberley, WA by Jarrod Seng
“The beauty of WA is that you could be in literally any region of the state and find incredibly epic displays of nature at your feet." (Image: Jarrod Seng)

What do you most love about living in WA?

The beauty of WA is that you could be in literally any region of the state and find incredibly epic displays of nature at your feet. I’m talking Ningaloo Reef up north, Lake Ballard in the east, Lucky Bay down south and the Pinnacles located in the north. Recently, my favourite region to photograph has been the rugged and untouched east Kimberley region. It’s where the desert meets a tropical oasis. There are towering palm trees against rugged red-cliff walls. It’s a photographer’s dream.

East Kimberley image by Jarrad Seng
“Recently, my favourite region to photograph has been the rugged and untouched east Kimberley region. It’s where the desert meets a tropical oasis." (Image: Jarrad Seng)

What are the top three things people should see and do?

Drive down and spend a lazy day at Elephant Rocks in Denmark, walk among the Bungle Bungles in the Kimberley and take the ferry from Freo to Rottnest Island.

What does a day in the life of a local look like when you’re at home in Freo?

I’d start with coffee and crêpes from my new favourite, the Little French Nest. I might also take the laptop down to Earthed co-working space, which is a Zen place to fire off a few morning emails. I’d also grab a book from New Edition and then head to Tonic & Ginger for dinner. I’d finish up with an Old Fashioned from nautical speakeasy Darling Darling.

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Off-grid stays and farm-to-plate dining: discover the ultimate guide to Denmark, WA

Trade early morning phone alarms and city chaos for bucolic serenity and gastronomic delights.

Peaceful birdsong and coastal winds meet rolling green hills and turquoise waters; there’s no better place to start your day than in Western Australia’s Denmark. This picturesque coastal town, a 4.5-hour drive from Perth along the pristine Rainbow Coast, offers bucolic bliss in spades.

A hidden retreat lies just a 10-minute drive from the town centre, inviting guests to slow down and connect with nature. At Heyscape Denmark, the ultimate refuge from the rat race and the perfect setting for a rural escape await.

Whether it’s for a refreshing weekend away or a regenerative week-long sojourn, this idyllic pocket of the world will leave you feeling anew.

Where to stay

women on front deck at inside a cabin at heyscape denmar Western australia
Make the most of outdoor baths. (Credit: Jarrad Seng)

Located on the 880-acre Raintree Estate, Heyscape Denmark is an award-winning, off-grid cabin retreat ideal for anyone craving time in nature while also enjoying sustainable, luxury comfort. Just 15 are sensitively embedded in the rural environment, ensuring privacy and the perfect setting to switch off. Choose from one-bedroom, two-bedroom or 4-person cabins. Four-legged friends can also join in on the fun with pet-friendly cabins available.

inside a cabin at heyscape denmar Western australia
Check in, to check out.

The modern accommodations are well-appointed with queen beds dressed in lush linen and pillows; a bathroom with a warm shower, flushable toilet and botanical shampoo and conditioner; and an indoor kitchenette with a Nespresso coffee maker. Outside, find timber decks with seating to spot resident kangaroos from, Heston Blumenthal barbecues for whipping up delicious meals using local produce, and outdoor baths to soak up incredible nighttime skies – Denmark’s lack of light pollution makes it an exceptional spot for stargazing and viewing the Milky Way. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping Great Southern Ocean, William Bay National Park and Karri tree views.

Wellness is at the forefront of Heyscape Denmark with thoughtful touches including Note to Self prompts, gratitude cards and a botanical sleep spray ready to help you unwind. And for the ultimate weekend of R&R, two-bedroom cabins are fitted with saunas.

Where to eat

Heyscape’s Marron Catch & Cook Experience
Catch your own freshwater crayfish, then have a chef prepare it for you.

The Great Southern region’s Mediterranean climate and nutrient-rich soils make for some of the most incredible produce in the world – and a stay at Heyscape Denmark lets you sample the very best of it. The estate farms over 200 black Angus cattle, marron – a freshwater crayfish endemic to the South-West of Western Australia –, hemp and French black truffle.

Just steps from these cabins sits the estate’s paddock-to-plate restaurant, The Dam. Featuring lofty jarrah ceilings, polished concrete and expansive windows revealing calming dam views, it’s a stunning spot for lunch or dinner, alongside an outdoor playground to keep little ones happy and busy.

Acclaimed chef Jason Jujnovich utilises ingredients from Raintree Estate’s regenerative farm in his hyper-local, Modern Australian menu. Seasonally changing dishes include the likes of wagyu beef lasagna and pistachio crumbed chicken cotoletta. Or join in for pizza night on a Friday, where the mushroom and truffle pizza is an easy winner.

Meals are designed to be paired with sips from the property’s innovative Cannabis Botanical Distillery, which concocts house-made hemp spirits and seltzers using ingredients grown onsite. Taste unique drops such as the Sativa Gin with warm citrus and pepper notes and the Pineapple Passion seltzer.

Another stand-out gastronomic offering is Heyscape’s Marron Catch & Cook Experience, which lets you hand-catch freshwater crayfish from the property’s pristine dams and have them prepared and cooked to perfection for you by chefs. Those wanting to enjoy a meal from the comfort of their cabin can fire up the barbecue and grill their fresh catch or order a gourmet dinner box with mouthwatering wagyu steak and antipasti against golden peaceful sunset views.

Things to do

Lights Beach denmark western australia
Spend a day enjoying the idyllic Lights Beach. (Credit: Tourism WA)

There’s no shortage of things to do in Denmark, and basing yourself at Heyscape Denmark puts you within easy access to it all. Nature lovers are spoiled with unbeatable spots for swimming and snorkelling, plus coastal hiking trails at William Bay National Park – a protected coastal reserve with approximately 1734 hectares of stunning landscapes ready to be explored.

Hire an e-bike from the property and cycle just 15 minutes to the unbelievably clear waters and white sands of Greens Pools, a naturally sheltered beach. Or the idyllic Lights Beach, which features three beaches, dunes, natural wading pool and scenic walking trails. Keen surfers should turn their attention to Ocean Beach with its world-class surf breaks.

aerial Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
Wander the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. (Credit: Tourism WA)

Stroll past towering Karri and giant Red Tingle trees on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. The 600-metre walkway rises 40 metres above the ancient forest floor and meanders through the hardwood trees, endemic exclusively to the Great Southern region.

Denmark is also a haven for creatives, and Butter Factory Studios is a must-stop on any itinerary. The contemporary art gallery, working artist studio and gift shop are housed within a historic building where workshops and exhibitions support and showcase creators from the region.

With the winning trifecta of delicious food, a pristine environment, and secluded accommodation, Denmark proves to be the ultimate destination for relaxation.

Book your Denmark adventure today at heyscape.com.au.

WA locals: Jarrad Seng, photographer, filmmaker and influencer - Australian Traveller