Megan Gale shares her top WA travel tips

Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
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The model, actress, brand ambassador, businesswoman and philanthropist on her secret spots to swim, shop, eat and stay and her favourite place in Perth to take her family while on holiday.

As a child, our family holidays were always to…

The south-west, mainly Bunbury. We stayed at the Bunbury Village caravan park, which was a heap of fun and also Lighthouse Beach Resort (now the Quality Lighthouse Hotel), which was on the beach. Busselton was also a popular spot to visit. One of my earliest holiday memories is visiting Busselton Jetty, which happens to be the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere.

Cottesloe Beach
Have a relaxing beach day at Cottesloe Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Now, if I have time for a short break back in WA, I head straight to…

See my family. If I am only in town for a short spell, my priority is to spend as much time as possible with family and loved ones. As recent times have taught us, with the way the world is, we don’t know when we will ever be prevented from seeing our loved ones, so taking the time while you can has never been more important.

My local’s tip for visitors to my birthplace of Perth is…

To have a swim at Cottesloe Beach, a picnic in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, a stroll around Fremantle Markets and a trip over to Rottnest Island.

Fremantle Markets, WA
Strolling in Fremantle Markets is a must!

My favourite place to dine in WA is…

Bib & Tucker. The setting, the food, the service are all fantastic. My favourite dishes are the fish tacos, and the pumpkin gnocchi. The banoffee bombe Alaska for dessert is a must!

My favourite place to stay in WA is…

Crown Perth is exceptional. There are three hotels to choose from for your accommodation and an array of dining options and pools for the kids to play in. Also, it’s within close proximity to the city.

Crown Perth Aerial shot
Crown Perth is Megan Gale’s favourite place to stay in Perth.

I try to travel more consciously by…

Supporting local businesses, eating local produce and packing light. I make time to be with loved ones, while ensuring I take little moments for myself and try to be mindful of my health, wellbeing and fitness.

When I’m on the road, I’m listening to…

Such a variety of music, it’s crazy. I’ve always had mixed tastes when it comes to music – I love everything from rock to R’n’B, hip-hop music to 1970s’ funk, and chill-out tunes. I’ve created some pretty cool playlists over the years.

My last holiday read was…

Blood, Sweat & Chrome: The Wild and True Story of Mad Max: Fury Road by Kyle Buchanan. A while back, I contributed several short passages in the book, as did most of the cast and crew of Fury Road, and I acquired a copy of the book just before my last trip away. It was good to see different perspectives of the individuals involved in this epic production.

Blood Sweat and Chrome: Mad Max Fury Road Book Cover
“It was good to see different perspectives of the individuals involved in this epic production."

My travel wardrobe always consists of…

Lots of layers. The weather can be so unpredictable these days, so I take different items that I can mix and match. As I get older I tend to travel with less clothes as the kids like to take a lot of stuff!

My carry-on is usually filled with…

Apple AirPods, my phone, a book, my wallet, snacks if I’m with the kids, and a few key beauty essentials to freshen up before landing.

My souvenir of choice is…

On my last trip I bought some beautiful hand-crafted sandalwood beads made from sustainably farmed wood sourced from Kununurra. They were from Heartwood Natural Harmony in Cottesloe.

Busselton Jetty, WA
Busselton Jetty which happens to be the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere.

My ultimate ‘best mum in the world’ tip is…

Taking the kids to Adventure World. I used to love going there as a kid and on our last visit we took them there and they had a ball.

The one place in WA that I want to visit is…

The Ningaloo Coast; I’d love to swim with the whale sharks and manta rays and see the humpback whales. I think it would be an incredible experience and it’s definitely on my bucket list.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Inspire your senses with these iconic East Kimberley stays

    Jennifer Ennion Jennifer Ennion
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    The East Kimberley should be on every bucket list, and here’s why.

    Livistona palms soar out of chasms the colour of Valencia oranges. Shady waterholes beckon travellers daring to venture off the bitumen. From the air, fruit farms give way to vast plains that meet rolling hills and fascinating geological formations centuries in the making. The East Kimberley is one of Australia’s most treasured wilderness areas, but don’t be fooled by its rust-coloured roads. This north-eastern corner of Western Australia is home to some of Australia’s most iconic stays by Discovery Resorts that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

    A group of people enjoy an intimate dining experience at El Questro Homestead.
    Dine in the heart of nature.

    Your guide to Lake Argyle

    The backstory

    With rolling hills that glow amber at sunrise and glassy water that reflects the Kimberley’s bright blue sky, a visit to Lake Argyle is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As Australia’s second-largest man-made freshwater lake, travellers flock here to soak in the views from boats, helicopters and Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle.

    The latter is a lakeside oasis, a resort where travellers crossing from Western Australia into the Northern Territory (or vice versa) converge. Fifty minutes’ drive south of Kununurra, the property is perched atop a cliff overlooking the sprawling Lake Argyle.

    Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle was originally built in the late 1960s to provide accommodation for builders of the Ord River dam, which formed Lake Argyle. In the decades that followed it had several owners, until a Kununurra local took the reins in 2004 and reinvented the property with luxury villas and its now world-famous infinity pool. The iconic property was added to the Discovery Resorts portfolio in 2021, undergoing a major upgrade that took the resort from a beloved campground to an all-encompassing resort with premium waterfront villas.

    A boat glides across the expansive waters of Lake Argyle, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Kimberley. As part of the Discovery Holiday Parks experience, this unforgettable journey offers adventure and relaxation.
    Glide across the vast, shimmering waters of Lake Argyle.

    The rooms

    A lakeside resort like no other, Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle offers something for everyone, from campsites to villas and cabins. The Deluxe Lakeview Cabins have views of the opposing cliff and are surrounded by bush, ensuring plenty of privacy, while both the Deluxe and Standard Cabins are ideal for families, with contemporary furnishings and one, two or four bedrooms. The campsites also come in a variety of sizes.

    The facilities

    There’s no doubt the biggest drawcard to Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is the lake, 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour. One of the best ways to experience it is on the Kimberley Durack Sunset Explorer Cruise, during which you’ll see freshwater crocodiles nesting along the banks (it’s home to 30,000 freshies) and even get the chance to swim in their waters. The cruise also takes in Mt Misery, towering above the original and now submerged Argyle Downs Homestead.

    If you have young children who need to get to bed early, a great alternative is the three-hour Lunch Explorer Cruise. You’ll tour around the lake’s bays as you learn about the local wildlife before stopping at a remote island for a swim.

    Refuel between adventures at the onsite pub-style eatery, The Lake Argyle Cafe. The cafe is the heart of the resort, bringing together friends new and old over a steak, cold beer and live music. Hours vary with the seasons, but rest assured you’ll be able to enjoy a good feed year-round, with a well-stocked general store also open during the day.

    Cool off from a day of exploring in the striking infinity pool with some of the best views in the country (you’ll find sweeping views of the lake below). Or enjoy a flight with HeliSpirit, or clear your mind during a yoga class on the lawn.

    Two people unwind in an infinity pool, overlooking stunning Lake Argyle at Discovery Holiday Parks.
    Take a dip in the infinity pool and soak in breathtaking Lake Argyle views.

    Your guide to El Questro

    The backstory

    One of the most famous stays in Australia is El Questro. A former cattle station, it’s evolved into one of the country’s most recognisable tourism destinations over the past 30 years, and is now embarking on a new chapter to elevate the region’s rich First Nations culture.

    The property draws travellers seeking to reconnect with nature and the beauty of this country. Wild in spirit but immaculate in style, El Questro is a 283,000-hectare property like no other; surrounded by dramatic gorges, impressive mountain ranges, thermal springs, secluded waterfalls and even rainforest, it’s the perfect base for adventurous souls.

    A person floats leisurely in the river at Discovery Holiday Parks, immersed in nature’s tranquillity.
    Float along Zebedee Springs and immerse in nature.

    The rooms

    Across the sprawling El Questro are three properties catering to the wide variety of travellers who journey this way. The most impressive is the luxurious Homestead, where 10 suites perch at the edge of a burnt-orange cliff, with cantilevered bedrooms over the peaceful Chamberlain River. The adults-only, all-inclusive Homestead is a member of the prestigious Luxury Lodges of Australia collection and offers a backdrop of thick bushland; riverside, you’ll find an immaculate lawn and a shaded pool that lures guests out of their rooms.

    At Emma Gorge, travellers will be immersed in the beauty of the Cockburn Ranges, falling asleep to the sounds of wildlife in safari-style tented cabins. This is where you come if you want to completely connect with your environment while retaining a few creature comforts. The Emma Gorge Tented Cabins sleep three or four people and feature private ensuites and ceiling fans.

    Families also love The Station, home to simple yet comfortable air-conditioned rooms, as well as a large, leafy campground. Sitting by the Pentecost River, The Station is open from April to October and has a range of accommodation, from unpowered and powered campsites to air-conditioned tents for two people and a Gardenview Family Room for five.

    Two people stand beside a suite perched on the edge of a striking burnt-orange cliff, gazing out over the serene Chamberlain River below.
    Take a breather with stunning views of nature all around.

    The facilities

    Located in the heart of the Kimberley, El Questro retains its strong connection with its Traditional Owners, the Ngarinyin people. A highlight of a stay here is the Injiid Marlabu Calls Us experience; over two hours, guests are immersed in the soul of Country by witnessing ancient healing rituals, listening to generational stories and learning about the land’s ancestral heritage.

    Other experiences include bird watching, cruising through Chamberlain Gorge, hiking through Emma Gorge, horse riding, four-wheel-driving and soaking in Zebedee Springs. At the properties, you can also cool off in the pools, and relax in the restaurants or at private dining locations. A bonus of staying at The Homestead is the exclusive service of El Questro’s dedicated reservations team, who will craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your travel tastes.

    A group of people stand beside a tree, with a car parked nearby, taking in the surrounding natural beauty.
    Experience thrilling nature activities.

    Book your East Kimberley adventure today with Discovery Resorts.

    Megan Gale shares her top WA travel tips - Australian Traveller