Western Australia, Australia Cottage Accommodation

Why Western Australia is the perfect destination for a cottage holiday

WA is a land of contrasts, where every coastline curve opens up new possibilities for family-friendly fun and unforgettable experiences. If you’re seeking a travel style that combines relaxation with discovery, a cottage or holiday rental in WA gives you a warm, flexible base for your adventures. Imagine waking up to the scent of salt air, preparing a simple breakfast in a fully equipped kitchen, and planning a day that might include dolphin watching off a quiet jetty, a family bike ride along a good-paved trail, or a gentle hike through a ferny grove. The safety-first mindset is built into WA’s travel infrastructure—from well-marked scenic routes and family-friendly beaches to cottages with fenced yards and child-safety amenities. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or grand-parents in tow, Western Australia offers accommodations that accommodate different sleep arrangements, kitchen access for homemade meals, and convenient layouts so you can keep an eye on little ones while you unwind after a day of exploration. And with the option to book through websites like searchandstay.com, you can filter for family-friendly cottages, easy check-in, in-unit laundry, parking, and proximity to beaches, markets, or kid-approved activities.

In every corner of WA, you’ll find a sense of place that makes for meaningful getaways. The state runs on a pace that invites you to slow down: mornings on a quiet verandah, afternoons spent snorkeling a turquoise reef, and evenings gathered around a barbecue with a sunset backdrop that never feels routine. The cottage and vacation rental landscape supports this pace—safely designed spaces, well-equipped kitchens for family meals, secure outdoor spaces, and reliable Wi‑Fi for streaming a movie after a long day of exploring. And because family needs evolve, many WA properties emphasize accessibility, baby gear, and convenience features that remove common travel friction, letting you focus on making memories rather than worrying about logistics.

Where to stay: cottage accommodation and vacation rentals in Western Australia

Choosing a cottage or holiday rental in WA means selecting a home base that suits your family’s rhythm. Look for properties with a kitchen or kitchenette, separate bedrooms, a private or fenced outdoor area for kids and pets, and practical extras like washers, dishwashers, and good heating or cooling for year-round comfort. Safety-conscious properties will offer secure entry, window guards, screen doors, and clear instructions for electrical and outdoor use. If you’re traveling with young children, a search for child-friendly features—high chairs, portable cots, and a sturdy play space in a living room—can save you hours of planning at the destination. Convenience is a big part of the WA cottage experience: look for places with easy parking, proximity to the beach or family-friendly attractions, and flexible check-in/check-out options to fit your itinerary.

When you’re ready to book, you can use searchandstay.com to search for cottage accommodation and vacation rentals across Western Australia. The site lets you filter by property type (cottage, holiday rental, family villa), by the number of bedrooms, by proximity to the coast or to regional towns, and by essential amenities like air conditioning, Wi‑Fi, and kitchen facilities. For families, you can also filter for kid-friendly features and safe outdoor spaces. The goal is to find a place where you can unpack quickly, feel at home, and have everything you need for a smooth, enjoyable stay.

Top Western Australia destinations for cottage stays

Margaret River and the South West Coast

The Margaret River region is a family-friendly playground where forest hikes, coastal caves, and welcoming beaches meet gourmet food and wine culture. A cottage stay here can be a perfect balance of nature-filled days and cozy evenings. Consider a riverside or bushland cottage that offers a private garden for kids to play and a kitchen ready for weekend brunches with local produce. Family days might begin with a morning paddle along the river, followed by cave tours at Ngilgi, Lake, or Jewel Cave, and then a relaxed afternoon at one of the region’s beaches such as Prevelly or Redgate, where the surf conditions can be forgiving for newer surfers or simple sandcastle moments for younger kids. The region’s family-friendly attractions include wildlife parks, coastal lookouts, and scenic drives along cliff-edge roads that showcase green pastures and the Indian Ocean’s blue expanse. After sunset, many cottages in this area offer outdoor dining spaces perfect for tasting fresh oysters, local wines, and farm-to-table meals—an easy way to keep travel simple and satisfying for everyone in the family. If you’re searching for a comfortable base with easy access to trails, caves, beaches, and eateries, a Margaret River cottage is a strong choice.

Denmark, Albany and the Great Southern

South of Perth, the Great Southern region around Denmark and Albany offers a slower, scenic pace and a suite of natural wonders. Cottage stays here can be nestled among native bush or perched near wild coastline. Expect the kind of family-friendly spaces that invite open doors for easy indoor-outdoor living, with kitchens that you actually want to use and bedrooms designed for restful nights after long beach days. Start with a stroll along the coast near Denmark, then head to the Valley of a Thousand Hills for light treks or a short family-friendly cycle. In Albany, you can explore the heritage streets, watch seals along the beaches, and encounter ancient landscapes at national parks nearby. This region is ideal for families who enjoy gentle hikes, picnic spots, and the chance to meet local makers at weekly markets. For a cottage stay, seek properties with a fenced yard, secure gates, and a comfortable lounge area where everyone can gather after a day of exploration.

Ningaloo Coast: Exmouth and Coral Bay

The Ningaloo Coast drops you into some of the best snorkeling and reef-fringed beaches in Western Australia. A family-friendly cottage or holiday rental near Exmouth or Coral Bay lets you plan easy days of snorkeling right from the shore, glass-bottom boat tours, and short nature walks with kids. Turquoise Bay’s drift snorkel is legendary, accessible from a shallow entry that’s forgiving for younger swimmers, while the calmer water at certain bays makes for safe, relaxed swimming. Your WA cottage here should offer outdoor spaces for drying gear, a well-equipped kitchen for quick meals after day trips, and parking that makes easy vehicle access for day-long excursions. In the evenings, you can grill a simple dinner and recount the day’s sea life sightings with your crew. Book through searchandstay.com to find villas or cottages with proximity to Exmouth’s town center, national park access, and kid-friendly conveniences.

Perth, Rottnest Island and the Pilbara-Watchful West

Perth is a convenient gateway to an array of cottage stays in coastal suburbs and nearby islands. Rottnest Island, reachable by ferry from Fremantle or Perth, offers short stays with beachfront cottages and family-friendly lodgings. On the mainland, coastal suburbs such as Hillarys, Fremantle, and Scarborough present cottage appeal with easy access to beaches, playgrounds, and kid-focused attractions like zoos, maritime museums, and markets. A Rottnest stay pairs well with a Perth base, giving you a compact way to explore a car-free island environment for a day or two. If your family loves red earth adventures, consider a stay in destinations like Kalbarri or Coral Bay in the far north and mid-north, where you’ll find rugged landscapes, wildlife encounters, and wide, safe beaches. When you book, filter for family-friendly cottages within a short drive to beaches, markets, and kid-friendly activities for a comfortable, safe, and convenient WA experience.

Kimberley and the Remote North

The Kimberley coast region is a different kind of WA adventure—vast, dramatic, and deeply connected to Indigenous culture and spectacular rock formations. A cottage or lodge here is typically more remote, with spectacular horizons and a slower rhythm that suits families who crave expansive skies and unspoiled scenery. If you’re considering the Kimberley, look for properties that offer reliable communication options, safe outdoor spaces, and structured itineraries that balance “do” days with “relax” days. While the region is more secluded, a well-planned family itinerary that includes guided tours, safe swimming in designated areas, and well-reviewed local operators can ensure a memorable and safe experience for everyone in the family.

Experiences and activities that make a WA trip memorable

Western Australia is built for experiences that become lifelong memories. Here are some family-friendly activities that work well from a cottage base and why they fit a vacation rental approach:

• Snorkeling and reef adventures on the Ningaloo Coast and at Turquoise Bay. A simple, safe beach day can become an underwater discovery session for kids who are curious about fish and sea life, especially with a rental that provides outdoor gear storage and a rinse station for sandy gear.
• Beach days on the Coral Coast and Perth beaches. Choose a cottage within easy reach of calm coves for younger children and sun-shy family members, with shaded outdoor spaces and easy-access showers to rinse off after salty swims.
• Cave explorations in the Margaret River region and beyond. Cottage stays near Ngilgi or Jewel Cave offer access to gentle walking trails and age-appropriate guided tours that teach kids about stalactites, stalagmites, and local ecosystems without feeling overwhelming.
• Wildlife encounters and family safaris. Places like Whiteman Park in Perth or wildlife farms in regional towns provide hands-on animal experiences that are safe and educational for kids, with cottages serving as comforting night-time hubs after action-packed days.
• Wine country experiences that are family-friendly. While adult tastings win kudos, many cellar doors welcome families with outdoor play areas, grape juice tastings for kids, and scenic picnic spots. A cottage kitchen makes it easy to prepare a simple picnic to bring to the vineyard.
• Coastal walks and scenic lookouts. The WA coast rewards walkers with dramatic cliffs, seal colonies, and panoramic views. A cottage with a balcony or courtyard provides an ideal place to unwind after a day on the trail.
• Water-based tours and island exploration. A family-friendly base near Rottnest or Montague Island-style day trips supports easy ferry access, rental gear storage, and a flexible schedule for weather changes.
• Aboriginal cultural experiences. Guided tours led by Noongar, Bardi, or other local communities offer respectful introductions to the region’s history, art, and connection to the land. These experiences pair beautifully with a cottage stay that helps you anchor each day with a restful home base.

When planning activities, consider the time of year. Spring wildflower displays in the south, whale-watching opportunities along the coast, and milder temperatures in the early autumn months all shape the ideal itinerary for a family cottage trip. For younger travelers, balance active days with downtime at your accommodation so the trip remains enjoyable rather than exhausting.

Plan your trip with safety and convenience in mind

Safety and convenience begin with the choice of cottage accommodation. Look for properties with clear safety features: secure entry, fenced outdoor spaces, window guards, smoke alarms, and proximity to medical services or pharmacies. A well-equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, and reliable climate control help keep daily routines smooth and predictable. For families, extra touches like travel cots, high chairs, baby gates for stairs, and a good selection of outdoor lighting are small details that make a big difference after a day of exploring.

WA is vast, and road trips between regions can be long. Planning ahead helps you avoid fatigue and maximize your time for experiences. Factor in rest days and flexible activities to accommodate weather or energy levels. If you’re visiting in peak season, booking ahead is essential for cottages and vacation rentals that suit your family’s needs. Where possible, choose accommodations with flexible cancellation policies and direct communication with hosts to ensure you’re prepared for any changes in plans.

Booking tips and how searchandstay.com can help

When you’re ready to book, a trusted booking platform can save time and help you compare options side by side. searchandstay.com specializes in vacation rentals and cottage accommodations across Western Australia, with filters tailored for family-friendly stays, safety features, and convenient locations. You can search by property type (cottage, vacation rental, family villa), number of bedrooms, distance to beaches or towns, and essential amenities like Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, full kitchen, and private parking. Reading guest reviews and checking host responses gives you a practical sense of what it’s like to stay in a given cottage and how responsive the host is to safety and convenience needs. If you’re planning a multi-destination WA trip, searchandstay.com makes it easier to keep track of different stays, compare locations, and assemble a cohesive itinerary that minimizes driving time while maximizing family-friendly experiences. For many travelers, this kind of streamlined planning translates into more time enjoying the destination and less time coordinating logistics.

Pro-tip: when browsing on searchandstay.com, look for cottages with clear environmental and safety features, easy access to bathrooms on every sleeping level, and outdoor spaces that are well-lit at night. Filter for properties with high guest ratings and recent positive reviews about kid-friendly layouts and approachable hosts. If you’re visiting multiple regions, consider a split-stay plan that gives you a comfortable base in each area so you don’t have to pack up and travel every few days.

Sample 7-day family-friendly Western Australia itinerary

Day 1–2: Margaret River and the Gee Gee region. Choose a cottage near the coast with a fenced yard. Spend mornings exploring Ngilgi Cave and Lake Cave, then enjoy easy family time on the beaches of Prevelly or Gnarabup. Afternoon visits to local markets or a casual winery with kid-friendly spaces make for relaxed evenings in your own cottage kitchen.

Day 3–4: DenmarK and Albany coast. Move to a countryside or coastal cottage, and take gentle walks along the coast. Discover the local wildlife parks, have a picnic in the forest, and schedule a morning seal-watching trip if available. Sunset beach walks provide a calm end to each day, and cottage evenings can be filled with home-cooked meals featuring regional ingredients.

Day 5–6: Ningaloo Coast base (Exmouth or Coral Bay). A simple, safe base near the water allows for snorkeling sessions, sheltered beaches, and boat tours that are appropriate for families. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and lightweight gear for marine adventures. A cottage with outdoor rinse facilities and a space to store sand-filled toys makes afternoons effortless.

Day 7: Perth and Rottnest Island day trip. Return to the Perth area or book a quick Rottnest Island overnight if your schedule allows. A cottage near the coast or suburbs with short drives to Fremantle or Hillarys provides a final day of relaxed sightseeing, dolphin-watching cruises, and a farewell dinner at a family-friendly venue.

This kind of itinerary blends cottage living with a curated set of experiences that entertain kids and adults alike. It also keeps travel times reasonable so the trip feels like a vacation rather than a series of long commutes. By selecting cottages that emphasize safety, comfort, and proximity to your desired activities, you’ll have more opportunities to enjoy Western Australia’s natural wonders and welcoming communities.

Conclusion: WA cottage stays deliver memorable family experiences

Western Australia is uniquely suited to a vacation rental or cottage-style holiday that centers around family, safety, and convenience. With so many diverse destinations—coastal towns with pristine beaches, forested hinterlands, wine regions, and remote but breathtaking coastlines—there is always a place to call home for a few days of exploration and rest. The cottage or holiday rental experience in WA makes it easy to tailor your trip to your family’s needs, ensuring you have comfortable living spaces, kid-friendly amenities, and the freedom to shape each day around what your crew loves to do. To kick off your WA cottage journey, visit searchandstay.com to find accommodations that match your family’s size, needs, and budget. Your Western Australia adventure starts with a simple search and a great place to stay that makes every moment of your trip more enjoyable.