{"id":378,"date":"2016-11-15T17:35:12","date_gmt":"2016-11-15T14:35:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/devp.karmagroup.com\/blog\/?p=378"},"modified":"2017-11-09T11:03:19","modified_gmt":"2017-11-09T08:03:19","slug":"5-places-absolutely-cant-miss-western-australia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/devp.karmagroup.com\/blog\/5-places-absolutely-cant-miss-western-australia\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Places you absolutely can’t miss in Western Australia, by Keiko Uno"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s nothing like a little insider knowledge to bring a holiday destination alive.<\/p>\n

To coax it into revealing its true heart and unexpected charms. Sure, you could grab a guidebook and nerd up on the place yourself. But if you really want to get under its skin, you need the advice of a long-time local. In terms of what you\u2019ll gain from your visit, it\u2019s the difference between making polite small talk with someone you\u2019ve just met at a party; or having a proper meaningful conversation that you\u2019ll remember for a long time to come.<\/p>\n

Who better to share the secrets of Western Australia\u2019s incredible great South West than Keiko Uno, Designer and Managing Director of Keiko Uno Jewellery? One of Western Australia\u2019s most passionate cheerleaders, Keiko considers WA\u2019s South West her \u201cspiritual home\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cBorn to Japanese parents, and to a family with connections around the globe, I\u2019ve experienced my fair share of international travels. While I\u2019ve loved my time abroad, to me, there is no place like WA. It\u2019s a place that let\u2019s me reconnect with nature, myself and loved ones,\u201d says Keiko.<\/p>\n

To many, the South West is Down Under\u2019s \u201cFinal Frontier\u201d \u2013 a spellbinding smorgasbord of diversity centred around Perth, the world\u2019s most isolated capital city. Where else can you imbibe on globally-acclaimed wines mere minutes away from some of Planet Earth\u2019s best surf? Or where whales and wildflowers vie for your admiration, alongside world-class gourmet temptations?<\/p>\n

HERE KEIKO SHARES HER TOP FIVE WA EXPERIENCES IN THE GREAT SOUTH WEST:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

1. RECHARGE AT ROTTNEST ISLAND<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Rottnest Island \u2013 or Rotto as we locals call it \u2013 might lie a mere 19km off the coast of Perth, but it feels like an entire world away. With 63 knockout beaches and 20 bays to choose from, Rottnest is all about \u201cthe 3 r\u2019s\u201d: Refresh, Relax and Recharge. Fill your lungs with empowering ocean air and dive into mesmerising waters that call to mind opals with their kaleidoscopic range of dreamy blues \u2013 especially at Parker Point, on the southern side of the island, where you\u2019ll find me snorkelling most summer weekends (for first timers, there\u2019s a wonderful underwater trail with plaques on the sea bed, introducing the area\u2019s rich flora and fish life.) Ditch the schedule and let yourself laze at length on sugar spun sandy beaches while admiring breathtaking ocean vistas \u2013 it\u2019s all part of the relaxed Rotto vibe. Don\u2019t forget to look out for our adorable quokkas \u2013 who gave Rottnest its quirky name. (These small nocturnal marsupials were first described in 1696 by the Dutch sea captain Willem de Vlamingh as \u201ca kind of rat as big as a cat\u201d, and he went on to call the island Ratte Nest or Rat\u2019s Nest.) More active souls can join one of the many free guided walking tours of the island or climb the Wadjemup Lighthouse where you\u2019ll encounter showstopper views. But for me, one of the headiest pleasures is simply enjoying a cocktail around the stunning pool at Karma Rottnest.<\/p>\n

2. GREET THE GRAPE AT YALLINGUP – MARGARET RIVER REGION<\/strong><\/p>\n

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A gorgeous 3-hour drive south of Perth awaits Yallingup, (Aboriginal for \u201cplace of caves\u201d). This coastal hamlet\u2019s spectacular Indian Ocean seascapes are certain to seduce you. As will the bucolic landscapes that have inspired so many artists over the years (and turned this lush pocket of the Margaret River into such an art gallery goldmine \u2013 especially along the popular Caves Road route). Welcome to Wine Country! This is where award-winning wines and outstanding gastronomy go hand in hand, at some of Australia\u2019s finest viniculture estates. You simply can\u2019t go wrong at either of my two favourite restaurants: Leeuwin Estate or Cullens. Leeuwin\u2019s is so much more than just a restaurant. Dine out on their delightful scenic deck on indigenous delicacies like yabby risotto (and of course you know the wine will be amazing!). Then afterwards, go for a post-prandial stroll in the lovely gardens or visit the on-site gallery. Meanwhile, Cullen Wines has come a long way since the mid 70s when they were the first winery in the Margaret River to offer visitors a taste of local fare (such as humble cheese platters) to accompany their ambrosial wines. These days, the menu is a lot more \u201cmillennial\u201d \u2013 thanks to its extensive biodynamic on-site garden (you\u2019ll often see chefs dashing from the kitchen to pluck ingredients straight from the earth). But at its heart, Cullens still celebrates \u201cbush tucker\u201d: wonderful dishes that combine the simplest of local and organic dishes to perfectly complement their wines. My favourite winery has to be Howard Park Wines Margaret River Cellar Door. I just love the juxtaposition of its contemporary concrete and stainless steel building (which has been \u201cfeng shui-ed\u201d from top to toe to promote good luck and harmony within) \u2013 and its rustic setting high up on the hill, flanked by marvellously tall marri and karri trees which stand sentinel over Wilyabrup Valley. Don\u2019t end your visit without dropping in to Yallingup Galleries \u2013 two wonderful floors of high-end works representing some 200 local artists \u2013 to find your perfect piece of the South West to take home with you.<\/p>\n

3. HIT THE SHOPPING TRAIL<\/strong><\/p>\n

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One of my absolute favourite go-to fashion destinations has long been Elle Boutique \u2013 a celebrated Perth institution launched in 1969 by former international model Wendy Marshall who was among the first to bring international labels to the Southern Hemisphere (no southern gal should ever have to miss out on Stella McCartney or Balenciaga!). Elle was also early to champion top Australian talent such as Collette Dinnigan, Ksubi and Michelle Jank \u2013 and still curates an impressively stylish edit of both Australian and international labels. The Elle team also offers personalised styling, wardrobe editing and made-to-measure services. Find Elle at 56 Weld Street, Nedlands (08) 9386 6868, www.elleonline.com.au<\/p>\n

If you want to make a full day of it, join the local fashionistas at Claremont Quarter, an elegant urban village (about 9km from the Perth CBD), with a superb range of boutiques and stores that you don\u2019t generally find in other suburban hubs. I love the European feel at Claremont. Its glass ceilings, high walls and stylish cafes exude glamour \u2013 plus it has a great mix of high-end and high-street brands. Recaffeinate at Koko Black (where some say you\u2019ll find the best coffee in Perth!). My three favourite Australian labels are: Manning Cartell (for their sophisticated and strongly visual designs); Maticevksi (the master of drape and cut); and Seafolly (who consistently deliver superbly-structured swimwear).<\/p>\n

4. KINGS PARK: THE KING OF PARKS<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Could there be a more iconic spot for your perfect Perth picnic than Kings Park? At a 400 sprawling hectares, and with our beautiful city and the Swan River as your dramatic backdrop, this is Western Australia\u2019s very own \u201cCentral Park\u201d. (In fact, Kings Park is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, and is visited by over 6 million people each year.) Lunch al fresco with friends on the grassy lawns as you watch brightly coloured sailboats cruise lazily down the river under the endless blue skies Perth is prized for. Kings Park offers a splendid family day out too, with loads of excellent playgrounds to explore and plenty of space for children to run around (including the Rio Tinto Naturescape where they can connect with the environment). And for couples, there\u2019s secluded bush trail walks and picturesque picnic locales where you can soak up the sun or the stars. In spring, there\u2019s a myriad of wildflowers in full bloom, while summer offers fantastic outdoor entertainment options such as movies, theatre and concerts. (Pack a jacket, as some of the hottest summer days can quickly turn chilly after sunset). Once you\u2019ve fallen in love with Kings Park\u2019s abundant natural charms, you can buy your own quintessentially Australian artisan treasure from Aspects of Kings Park, the wonderful on-site gallery (they stock some exquisite contemporary Australian prints!).<\/p>\n

5. LIFE\u2019S A BEACH AT SCARBOROUGH AND COTTESLOE<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Coastal living so much defines the great South West vibe – so make it your daily ritual to end each day on the coast. Sydney has Bondi and Coogee. Perth has Scarborough and Cottesloe.
\nMy favourite times to head to the beach are either early evening to experience our breathtaking sunsets, or before the sea breeze kicks in (which is generally before midday in the summer), in order to enjoy the sun and surf.<\/p>\n

Lively Scarborough \u2013 about a 20-minute drive north west of Perth \u2013 is a firm favourite among teens and surfers due to its impressive surf breaks, regular swell and extended stretch of white sand. Here, you can enjoy both tranquillity (in the form of wonderfully secluded beach walks) and a humming cosmopolitan caf\u00e9 and bar scene (especially at night when the whole foreshore comes alive).<\/p>\n

Want to watch the beautiful people at play? Head to Cottesloe, 15 minutes west of Perth. Affectionately known as \u201cCott\u201d, this Norfolk Pine-clad urban treasure is prized for its superb beach, its terraced lawns overlooking the Indian Ocean, and its thriving seafront boulevard of internationally-tilted restaurants, cafes and bars (Napoleon Street). Eternally popular with the \u201cCott Crowd\u201d \u2013 and one of my own favourites too \u2013 is Il Lido: a traditional Italian canteen on Marine Parade that serves up a winning combination of million dollar views with truly delicious Italian dishes (the potato gnocchi with roast tomato, basil and parmesan is divine!). My other top Cottesloe all-day hang-out is Vans Caf\u00e9 on Napoleon Street \u2013 for its laid-back vibe, top notch food and perfect people watching credentials! Napoleon also has great shopping. Visit my favourite boutique \u201caco\u201d where you\u2019ll unearth fab brands such as Duffy, Mint & Rose, Rachel Zoe and Citizens of Humanity.<\/p>\n

Book your perfect Rottnest base at Karma Rottnest<\/strong><\/a>!<\/p>\n

Fall under the spell of Keiko Uno\u2019s designs by visiting her online at: Keiko Uno Jewellery<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

#ExperienceKarma #KarmaRottnest #KeikoUnoJewellery #KeikoUno #KarmaStyle #GreatSouthWestAustralia #BestOfTheWest<\/p>\n