Holiday houses in Guilderton

A tiny town north of Perth on the Western Australia coast, Guilderton is bordered by sandy beaches and the freshwater Moore River. A wide sandbar on the beach usually stops the river from emptying into the Indian Ocean. So most of the time the Moore River estuary is a calm expanse of water that’s great for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming. The beaches, on the other hand, are exposed to prevailing winds, and are best suited for windsurfing and board surfing. This stretch of the coast has claimed plenty of ships over the centuries, with more than a dozen known wrecks in the area.

There are a handful of shipwrecks directly off Guilderton, although the ship that provided the name of the town lies on the seabed a little further north. Coins found in the dunes of Guilderton around a century ago were once thought to be guilders from the Dutch ship Vergulde Draeck, which sank in 1656. Once you’ve tackled the walking trails along the river and coastline, head inland to explore nearby Yanchep National Park, Yeal Nature Reserve, and Moore River National Park.

The coastal town enjoys cooling sea breezes that temper Western Australia’s fierce summers. Summer days are dry and hot, rather than baking, and the evenings are warm, although it can be cool overnight. With Perth only 60 minutes away, Guilderton is a popular place to book a getaway accommodation, especially during the school holidays. Come in early December or after the school term starts in late January and you’ll have ideal conditions for a beach holiday. The heat lasts well into autumn, with March days often warmer than December. Late autumn and winter are the wettest times of the year, although daytime temperatures are generally mild. Western Australia is famed for its wildflower season, from July to November. Come in September or October and you’ll experience relatively dry conditions for enjoying the wildflower show.

Moore River estuary

After splashing about in the sheltered estuary at the edge of town, you can take a kayak or paddle boat to explore the inland reaches of the river, or join a guided cruise to venture further upstream. Or stay on dry land and follow the riverside walking trail away from the ocean.

Yanchep National Park

Roughly 30 minutes from Guilderton, this national park is home to the state’s largest koala population. You may also spot western grey kangaroos and plenty of other native wildlife along the park’s walking tracks. These trails range from short walks to a full-day hike to the park’s Ghost House, the remains of a stone house in rugged bushland.

Gravity Discovery Centre

A leading not-for-profit scientific facility, the Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory is a 25-minute drive from Guilderton. At the purpose-built Leaning Tower of Gingin, named for the famous tower of Pisa, you can reproduce classic gravity experiments. You can also check out the cosmology gallery, follow biodiversity trails, and learn about Aboriginal astronomy.