How two people searching for somewhere to escape ended up creating one of Western Australia’s most distinctive luxury retreats
Meet Susan and Franco Randazzo, the award-winning owners behind Western Australia's most celebrated luxury adult glamping experience. From a serendipitous discovery in Bridgetown's Southern Forests to creating WA's premier eco-luxury retreat, discover the story behind Serenity Gully's success as Silver Medal winners of the WA Tourism Awards.
What started as a crazy dream became Western Australia's most talked-about luxury escape! When Susan and Franco Randazzo stumbled upon 478 acres of pristine wilderness near Bridgetown, they had no idea they were about to create something that would change the glamping game forever.
THE BEGINNING
The property hunt that changed everything
What began as a simple desire for a quiet weekender turned into an extraordinary journey for luxury glamping pioneers Susan and Franco Randazzo. A casual Google search about tents ignited a spark, transforming their plans into a quest for breathtaking Western Australian landscapes and a charming South West town, with a vision to create something truly unique in the world of premium adult accommodation.
Eighteen months of weekend adventures, 20,000 kilometres of road trips, and thirty country properties that just didn't spark magic. Then, on a gravel back road near Bridgetown, everything changed. One roadside "For Sale" sign. One spectacular valley view. One moment of pure "this is it!" And suddenly, Susan and Franco weren't just buying land, they were claiming their piece of paradise in Western Australia's most stunning region in a town that most visitors had only ever "driven through and never stopped"
BUILDING SOMETHING DIFFERENT
We didn't want to create ordinary glamping
Forget basic camping! This was going to be revolutionary. Susan and Franco didn't just want luxury glamping; they wanted to create experiences that would make jaws drop and hearts connect. Stone bathtubs under the stars? Check. Fireplaces crackling while kangaroos graze outside your window? Absolutely. A Milky Way so brilliant it looks fake? Every single night.
WHY BRIDGETOWN
The place that made us stop looking
Bridgetown sealed the deal as the perfect location for their award-winning retreat. This historic South West town's rich heritage, cosy cafes, and proximity to Margaret River's world-class wineries, combined with nearby Manjimup's truffle hunting and gourmet experiences, made the decision simple. They'd found their haven in Western Australia's most beautiful region.
Image Credit @capturedbysadiq
SERENITY GULLY IS GROWING
The next chapter
Serenity Gully is entering an exciting new chapter, with two luxury forest chalets and a dedicated event and wellness space designed to deepen the experience of staying here.
The Djarraly will be our flagship couples’ retreat, with indoor and outdoor bathing, double showers, a full kitchen, curated mini-bar and beautifully considered finishes throughout. Designed for guests who want privacy, indulgence and an immersive connection with the forest, it will offer a level of comfort and detail unlike anything we have created before.
The Wandju will bring a softer expression of forest luxury, with beautiful indoor and outdoor showers, an outdoor bath, full kitchen and relaxed spaces designed for slowing down and settling in. Surrounded by trees and accessed along a winding forest drive, it will feel private, peaceful and completely removed from everyday life.
RECOGNISED FOR EXCELLENCE
From a crazy dream to an award-winning retreat
The results? Mind-blowing! Serenity Gully didn't just succeed, it dominated. Silver medals at the WA Tourism Awards in their first year of operation, features in magazines and newspapers across Australia, and guests who travel from around the globe just to experience what Susan and Franco created. The secret? They didn't just build accommodation, instead they crafted magic that makes people plan their return visit before they've even left!
Since opening, Serenity Gully has achieved remarkable recognition as Western Australia's premier adult glamping experience:
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World Luxury Travel Awards Winner 2025
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Silver Medal: WA Tourism Awards 2023
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Featured across Australia's leading travel publications
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Welcomed thousands of guests from across Australia and internationally
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Many guests returning again and again, along with 5 Star Google review ranking
AI Image from plans
The Dandjoo Room will create a new kind of experience at Serenity Gully. With soaring ceilings, expansive windows looking into the forest and flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, it will be designed for intimate gatherings, workshops, yoga, wellness experiences, celebrations and small corporate retreats.
Together, these new spaces will allow Serenity Gully to grow beyond accommodation while staying true to what has always made it special: privacy, nature, thoughtful design and experiences that encourage people to slow down and reconnect.