Living and working on a private island in the Great Barrier Reef sounds like something from a novel, and in many ways, it was magical. But it wasn’t all infinity pools and cocktails at sunset (though there was plenty of that too). If you’re considering an island job or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, here’s the honest truth of my time as a Hayman Island staff member.

After spending five days in the Margaret River region, I am seriously tempted to move there. Everything about it is so appealing and dreamy… the laidback lifestyle attracting surfers and tourists alike, the most delicious local produce, the talented winemakers in the ever-so-scenic wineries, the most picture-perfect beaches and the strong sense of a tight-knit community.

After hearing “West is Best” over and over again, my boyfriend and I decided to find out for ourselves whether or not Perth and the other side of Australia lived up to all the hype.

We are happy to report that it certainly did!