Joondalup Resort

Overview

Look, I’ll be straight with you about Joondalup Resort – it’s one of those places that surprises you in the best way possible. When I first pulled up to Country Club Boulevard, I honestly wasn’t expecting much (I mean, it’s not exactly Cottesloe Beach, right?), but this place has this whole serene, almost country club vibe going on that’s actually pretty refreshing when you’re trying to escape Perth’s hustle.

The thing that really got me was how quiet it is here. You’re technically still in the northern suburbs, but once you’re on the property, you feel like you’ve driven way out into the hills somewhere. The resort sits on this massive golf course – and I’m talking properly maintained greens, not some scrubby municipal course – so your view is basically rolling fairways and established trees no matter which way you look. Actually, that’s probably the resort’s biggest selling point: the space. There’s something about waking up to all that open green instead of suburban rooftops that just hits different, you know? The rooms themselves are solid four-star standard – nothing that’ll blow your mind, but comfortable beds, decent-sized bathrooms, and those floor-to-ceiling windows that make the most of those golf course views. Check-in was smooth, parking’s free and plentiful (thank god, because navigating Joondalup’s shopping precinct for a spot is a nightmare), and the staff actually seem to know the area well enough to give you proper recommendations.

Here’s what I really appreciated though – it’s about twenty minutes from some of Perth’s best northern beaches, but you’re also close enough to Joondalup’s shopping and dining scene when you want civilization. The resort restaurant is decent enough for a lazy dinner, but honestly, you’re better off heading into town or down to Hillarys if you want something memorable. One thing to note: if you’re here during golf season (basically our entire winter), the place can get pretty busy with corporate groups and golf weekends, so book ahead. But if you time it right – maybe a weekday in autumn when the weather’s still gorgeous – you’ll have those walking paths around the course practically to yourself. The 8.1 rating makes sense to me; it’s not trying to be the Crown or some flashy city hotel, but for what it is – a proper escape that doesn’t require driving three hours south – it delivers. Perfect for couples wanting a weekend away without the beach crowds, or honestly, anyone who just wants to remember what quiet sounds like.