2025 bookings have just opened for some of north west WA’s best getaways
Have you ever been on Instagram or Facebook and seen your friends’ holiday pics and thought, ‘I wish I was there’? Happens to us every week…
That fear of missing out is so real when you see these pictures, and if you’re anything like us you’re already scheming next year’s getaway. Well, here’s a little tip – some of WA’s best kept secret destinations have officially opened bookings for the 2025 season!
The Mackerel Islands, Karijini Eco Retreat and Onslow Beach Resort have all opened their books for their peak season next year, so now’s the time to get in ahead of the crowds and avoid that 2025 FOMO.
You’ll find them all along the “Warlu Way” in the WA’s Pilbara region, and you can learn out a little more about them, below:
Karijini Eco Retreat
Why not begin your journey at the Karijini Eco Retreat where you can uncover some of the world’s most stunning and ancient natural landscapes, dating back 3.5-4.3 billion years. From the pulsing red heart of the outback, you will be able to see mountain ranges, towering gorges, and plunging waterfalls, while sleeping in your very own glamping tent under star-filled skies.
The Retreat is nestled amongst native bushland at the edge of Joffre Gorge (Jijingunha), and has an Outback Restaurant & Bar, along with access to the park walks and guided adventure tours. Karijini Eco Retreat is fully owned by the Gumala Aboriginal Corporation and with that comes a taste of genuine mateship and friendly hospitality while you are on site.
Onslow Beach Resort
Onslow Beach Resort offers relaxed sophistication on the absolute beachfront, and is a much-welcomed refreshment amid the rugged beauty of the Pilbara region. Guests can stay in stylish, modern self-contained apartments with ocean views and enjoy a bite to eat at the stunning Beach Club restaurant and bar overlooking the bay. It’s also an ideal spot to wind down before travelling to the hidden gem that is the Mackerel Islands…
The Mackerel Islands
The jewel in the crown – no doubt about it. The Mackerel Islands are truly breathtaking and better yet, it will feel like you’ve got the place to yourself. Just a short 45-minute ferry from Onslow, these islands offer world-class marine encounters, adventure, and seclusion. You’d be forgiven for thinking this beautiful destination would be filled with tourists, however you’d be wrong.
On this island, located 22km off the west coast of mainland Australia, the beaches are empty. The only sounds you’ll hear come from whales breaching, waves lapping on the shore, and the serene silence of nature’s untouched beauty. And there’s a reason for that, with only 12 beachfront cabins available to visitors at a time, there is a limited number of tourists who can visit.
It means that the Mackerel Islands have protected their wildlife haven, which is home to dugongs, turtles, whales, dolphins, manta-rays and a large array of tropical fish. It isn’t difficult to get to though, with that aforementioned ferry operating twice a week from the mainland, and upon request there is a 35-minute airfare from Exmouth.
Quite simply, a visit to the Mackerel Islands is like living inside a National Geographic film. The 10 islands and atolls are home to an abundance of rare marine life and 31 species of migratory birds. And the island’s most famous wildlife spotting is the phenomenon of turtles hauling themselves up on the beach to lay eggs.
Flatback, hawksbill, loggerhead and green turtles abound the island’s renowned ‘turtle highway’, making the Mackerel Islands an absolute turtle hot spot all year-round. While you’re on your kayak, SUP board or boat you will likely see these turtles, and if you jump in the pristine water, you can see them through your snorkel goggles a lot closer.
On the topic of snorkelling, just a short swim from the shore takes you to vibrant snorkel sites, extending on from the world’s largest fringing reef system, Ningaloo Reef. From encounters with whales, dolphins and dugongs, a plethora of highly anticipated fish species, as well as starfish, crayfish, crabs and rays, a holiday on the Mackerel Islands offers a highly personal nature experience.
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As the sun goes down on the Mackerel Islands, the night sky lights up with a dusting of silver. The vast clear night sky in the Pilbara is breathtaking to behold and from the islands you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Milky Way and the billions of stars in our dark sky.
So, what next?
This is just one of many itineraries on offer showcasing WA’s diverse landscape and one that will allow you to experience the warmth and beauty of WA’s hidden escapes without the crowds. Don’t let FOMO strike again in 2025, beat the winter blues and secure your getaway for next year now.
With all three properties operating under one team, head to mackerelislands.com.au or call 08 9184 6444 to book your experiences across all three locations in one go.
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This article is sponsored by Mackeral Islands and endorsed by us. Please see our Editorial Policy for more info.