Why This Western Australia Escape is the Ultimate in Coastal Glamping

Barefoot luxury in one of the most coveted stretches of natural coastline for spotting marine life – here’s why you should pull up a hammock at Sal Salis at Ningaloo Reef.

The benchmark for destination glamping in Australia, Sal Salis lays claim to a secluded sugar-white beach overlooking UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. Sixteen eco safari tents dot the dunes at this ultra-private WA hideaway, where luxury is defined by solitude in nature, vantage to the stars, and proximity to the world’s largest fringing coral reef.

The locale

There’s no accommodation like it on the Ningaloo Coast. Sandwiched between the infinite blue of the Indian Ocean and the rust-red crags of Cape Range National Park, Sal Salis is an oasis in a remote and arid landscape. Follow Yardie Creek Road south to discover a breadcrumb trail of blindingly beautiful beaches and snorkelling sites, including the outrageously picturesque Turquoise Bay.

The abode

Sparingly furnished and sympathetic to the natural environment, the raised safari tents have king-sized jarrah beds dressed in organic linen and freshened by the sea breeze. Rustic corrugated iron bathrooms give the illusion of showering amidst the dunes, while the piece de resistance is a hammock on the deck made for languorous siestas.

The highlight

Nature is, by design, the hero of any stay at Sal Salis. Sea turtles accompany snorkellers in the lagoon, breaching whales add drama to sunset canapes, and whale sharks provide electrifying opportunities to swim with the biggest fish in the sea. Rise early and hike to the rim of Mandu Mandu Gorge at sunrise to spot black-footed rock wallabies at play.

The menu

Mealtimes are an event at Sal Salis, where a long communal dining table strikes a convivial atmosphere and the staff introduce wine-paired dishes, heavily influenced by the bounty of the sea. The evening might begin with sundowners and smoked fish tartlets on the deck, progress to sit-down plates of salmon gravlax and confit duck leg, before climaxing with a deconstructed Eton mess. Fancy a pre-bed digestive? Help yourself to the all-inclusive open bar.

This article was produced in partnership with Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef.

This article was originally featured in the fifth issue of Dream by Luxury Escapes magazine. Get your copy here.

After more inspiration? Check out Reef & City: Two Bucket-List Stays in Western Australia.