South West

Our National Parks, reserves, and bushlands have some great walking and hiking trails for you to experience. Taking in the beautiful scenery, waterfalls, remote beaches, and amazing elevated lookouts located throughout the Southwest you will find something amazing amongst the plants, wildlife, wildflowers and orchids!

Our South West is one of just 36 Biodiversity Hotspots in the world with 24 National Parks and over 1000km of Coastline. Many flora and fauna found here are not found anywhere else on our glorious planet, so get out and about and experience it!

Hop onboard a cruise from Bremer Bay to see the Orcas, or join a Whale Watching cruise from Albany to see the endangered Southern Right Whale.
 
Why not spend a day walking on the Bibbulmun Track or Cape to Cape Trail, or grab your bike and spend a day out on the Munda Biddi Trail. Keep your eyes out for Wildflowers or an Echidna or two. Contact us or come in and see our full range of Bibbulmun Track, Cape to Cape and Munda Biddi trail maps. 

Stay in Busselton and grab a torch to spot the elusive Western Ringtailed Possum amongst the Peppermint Trees or amble along the shoreline at Hamelin Bay and watch the various Stingrays gliding across the sandy floor while they feed. 

The South West then stretches eastward along the southern coastline taking in highlights such as D’Entrecasteaux National Park with its spectacular beaches and towering forests, or for more coastal treats head to the inviting Greens Pool at Denmark. Along the coast be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins and migrating whales. Inland at Porongurup National Park is the Granite Skywalk on Castle Rock that dates back 1,100 million years. Climb and hike to view the Wildflower confetti strewn across the ridges of the Stirling Ranges located north of Albany.

There is truly something for every nature lover in the South West!

Have a look at the 12 unmissable sights of the South West! - The South West is the perfect destination to taste just how much WA has to offer visitors.

 

The Margaret River region

The Margaret River Region is only a short drive, but an entire world away from Perth. Not only a mecca for exquisite food and wine, but The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has also been certified as an ECO Destination - the first in WA and one of only four in Australia. Starting from Cape Naturaliste in the northwest corner down to Cape Leeuwin in the south – each of the capes has a lighthouse. Its reputation as a wine-growing region exceeds its size, accounting for just 3 per cent of the national wine crop but some 20 per cent of Australia’s premium wine. Tastings can be enjoyed at numerous cellar doors from boutique vineyards up to the palatial Voyager winery. Pairing great food with great wine, the region has also gained a reputation with foodies, especially during the annual Gourmet Escape festival.

The region boasts some of the best hiking trails - (Bibbulmun Track & The Cape to Cape), National Parks, and pristine forests - it is a nature lovers' dream! The winter months are the best time to get out and explore our beautiful national parks when the weather is cool and you can roast some marshmallows over a fireplace in the evenings. If you are wanting to experience the region from a different angle, join the team at Jesters Flat where they have horses suited to all abilities, from the complete beginners to the very accomplished riders. They offer a variety of tours from bush rides in the Rosa Brook bushlands to weekend beach rides in the Boranup National Park.

This region is also popular with surfers, offering up great waves and beautiful beaches and for the intrepid, the stunning coastline provides the ideal trek between the two capes and their lighthouses. Reaching Cape Leeuwin is not just the end of the walk but also the most south-westerly point of Australia.

Whilst exploring the Margaret River region, take in the stunning scenery surrounding the region from a whole new perspective, aboard a canoe on the pristine Margaret River. Meet Bushtucker Tours at Prevelly, the river mouth, where you can spot the surfers before heading up the river and taking in the river's unique ecosystem. All this paddling will work up an appetite! Your lunch is like no other with an amazing array of bush meats such as kangaroo and emu along with bush jams, pestos, and condiments, along with freshly baked bread from the region.

They also do Bushtucker Winery & Brewery Tours.

 

 

The Geographe Region

Just south of Perth, and the gateway to the South West you will find the Geographe Region, from the coastal areas of Bunbury, Busselton, and Dunsborough, this region also heads inland along winding country roads to the rolling hills of the Ferguson Valley, Blackwood Valley and onto the forests of Collie.

This region has a diverse range of attractions, including the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury, the new Dam wall mural at Wellington Dam and the must-stop quirky spot of Gnomesville in the Ferguson Valley. 

Visit the farm gates, lush orchards and cellar doors of vineyards found in this up-and-coming wine region, the proud makers will be very happy to welcome you and share their fresh local produce.

 

Wildflowers in the South West

It's time for our South West to shine! Our friends at Pemberton Discovery Tours offer great 4WD wildflower tours around the Pemberton area including the beautiful D’Entrecasteaux National Park. With plenty of departures available now is the perfect time to lock in a date and see the national park come alive with colour!

 

The Southern Forests & Valleys 

This quiet and tranquil area is the ideal place to get back to nature this winter, snuggle up by the fire and wake up to misty views over the valley. 

Spend your day exploring the quaint country towns and the stunning autumn/ winter scenery, with the Munda Biddi trail and Bibbulmun track running through this region you are spoilt for choice. 

It is the perfect spot to get out and explore some National parks, waterfalls, and other hidden gems like the landlocked sand dunes  - Yeagarup Dunes in 'D'Entrecasteaux National Park. If you do not have a 4 x 4 you can join a thrilling guided tour with Pemberton Discovery Tours.

 

Great Southern

Immerse yourself in the Amazing South Coast, a 5-hour drive south of Perth city and through the quaint towns of Walpole, Denmark, Albany, Mount Barker and Bremer Bay.

From hiking and mountain biking in pristine national parks to surfing and enjoying the sparkling coastline, and wildlife spotting along forest trails or out on the ocean's waves. Get outdoors in this biodiverse hotspot!

There are treats for foodies galore, when driving along the South Coast Highway you will want to add a few hours to your travel plans as there are so many farm gates where you can taste the local delicacies. Treat yourself to the uniquely Western Australian Akoya Oysters, which are found native along the Leeuwin Coast and sustainably grown and harvested in the waters off Albany.

Albany also holds a wartime significance and you can learn why at the National ANZAC Centre. There's something for everyone in this region!

Guides:

Discover Food and Wine trails in Perth and Surrounds and enjoy some of Western Australia's best culinary delights - provided by tourism WA