Visitors to WA’s South West will enjoy natural beaches, beautiful vineyards, forests, caves and more, all in a single day. With 24 national parks, there’s plenty of nature and wildlife to see and meet, while rich soils and fertile land provide foodies with the best in fresh produce and gourmet experiences.

The sub-regions that make-up Australia’s South West each offer their own unique experiences – this includes Bunbury Geographe, Great Southern, Margaret River region, Southern Forests and Valley

Margaret River

• The Margaret River region is the only premium wine region in Australia that combines world-class food and wine with pristine beaches, tall-timber forests, renowned surf breaks and ancient caves.
• The Margaret River region can be reached in a three-hour drive south of Perth and sits on a cape, which extends from Busselton in the north to Augusta in the south (approx. 4,255km²).
• The Margaret River region has a population of more than 44,400 (the shire of Margaret River-Augusta has a population of around 12,900, while the City of Busselton has a population of around 31,500).
• The wider South West region, encompassing the Margaret River region, is one of 34 biodiversity hot-spots in the world. Nearly 80 per cent of the plant species are found nowhere else on earth.
• Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, rich fertile soils and pristine coastline, the South West has an abundance of fresh produce and a reputation for producing world-class food and wine.
• The Margaret River region is one of WA’s nine wine regions. The most successful wines produced in this region are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• The region is home to more than 220 wine producers, 100 cellar doors and produces around 25 per cent of Australia’s premium wine. Some of the original Margaret River wineries still in operation today include Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, Cullen, Moss Wood and Cape Mentelle.
• In 2017, Margaret River celebrated its 50 year anniversary of the region’s first contemporary commercial plantings. The first commercial vineyard was planted in Margaret River in 1967 by Dr Cullity after reports the area had similar growing condition to Bordeaux, France.
• Alongside the wineries, there are many fine restaurants, boutique breweries, art galleries and an abundance of fresh produce. You’ll find berries, stone fruit, apples, venison, beef, poultry, seafood, cheeses, venison, marron and chocolate.
• Known internationally as one of the best big-wave surfing locations on earth for consistently spectacular breaks, there are more than 40 top spots along Margaret River's coast, with conditions ranging from powerful reef breaks to fun beach surf.
• Among many other travel experiences, the region is great for whale watching, fishing, rock climbing, abseiling, mountain biking and canoeing.
• Now in its seventh year, the Margaret River Gourmet Escape is WA’s premium food and wine event and is held in November in the Margaret River region. This ultimate culinary adventure brings together the world’s best food and wine experts (which has included Nigella Lawson, Heston Blumenthal and Marco Pierre-White) for a unique weekend of satellite and fringe events including beach barbecues, long-table lunches, sundowners, Q&A sessions and more, surrounded by spectacular coastal, forest and rural scenery.

Great Southern

• The Great Southern is the largest and most diverse region within WA’s South West. It varies from unspoilt coastline and idyllic seaside towns, to sprawling agricultural lands and national parks, harbouring some of the world’s rarest species of flora and fauna.
• Along the south coast, the sheer force of the Southern Ocean has sculptured a raw, dramatic coastline, creating some remarkable seaside scenery – think cliff faces carved out by crashing waves, natural rock formations in the shape of giant bridges, and pristine, white sandy beaches with turquoise-coloured water lapping at the shore.
• A little further inland you’ll find trees that are hundreds of years old, towering above the forest floor; and ancient mountain ranges with breathtaking views worth the challenging hike and climb.
• The Great Southern’s historic landmarks and the stories behind them are equally impressive. Albany’s King George Sound was the first European settlement in Western Australia, settled before the Swan River Colony in Perth. In addition, the area has significant ties to World War I, with Albany being the departure point for the majority of Anzac troops who left for Europe during the war.
• The Amazing South Coast stretches from Walpole through to Bremer Bay, and inland to the Stirling Range in southern Western Australia. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and diverse regions in the world.
• Visit Australia’s National Anzac Centre, the Gap and Natural Bridge, the Treetop Walk, Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool, and the Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition.
• Made up of five wine sub-regions – Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker, Porongurup and Albany – it is renowned for producing a variety of wine styles, including cool climate wines.
• Team a good bottle of vino with freshly caught seafood and locally grown produce, and you’ve got a recipe for a great foodie holiday.

Albany

• Albany sits on the south coast of WA in the Great Southern region, around 4.5 hours’ drive south of Perth, or a one hour flight.
• Albany was the chosen location for a National Anzac Centre because of the city’s significance to the Anzac story – Albany was the final departure point for the first ANZAC troops as they headed to the First World War.
• The National Anzac Centre opened in November 2014 is Australia’s foremost museum dedicated solely to honouring the ANZACs of the First World War. It’s a deeply personal experience revealed through high-tech interactive multimedia displays and unique artefacts.
• It was ranked among the world’s top new travel experiences for 2015 by Lonely Planet.
• From October 2018 to April 2019, Albany will be home to Field of Light: Avenue of Honour. The immersive art installation by UK artist Bruce Munro will illuminate the Avenue of Honour at Mt Clarence in homage to the Anzacs who departed from Albany for the Great War.

Southern Forests

• The striking coastline of the Southern Forests stretches across 140 kilometres, where beautiful karri forests sit atop rocky cliffs, and white sandy beaches are pounded by the wild Southern Ocean.
• The towns within the region collectively radiate a charm that is often boasted about in tourist brochures yet is rarely ever achieved. They’ve managed to retain their quaint main streets, complete with tearooms serving scones, perfect planter boxes full of seasonal blooms, the classic country pub where the local characters meet and antique stores aplenty.
• Between towns, the winding country roads crisscross through lush rolling hills, stands of ancient jarrah forest and sidle up against the beautiful Blackwood River - the longest continually flowing river in WA, at 270 kilometres long.
• In late winter to spring, the region comes alive with its iconic tulip and daffodil displays, adding vibrancy to the already rich colours of the region. Wildflowers are in bloom and the local open gardens provide a dazzling display of colour.
• Here, the tall trees are interspersed with rich agricultural lands. Many regard the Southern Forests and Valleys to be the food bowl of WA, home to some of the most productive soils in Australia.
• A wide variety of fresh produce is available year-round, and often straight from the farms where it’s grown. This includes chestnuts, finger limes, the Pink Lady apple, cherries, ginseng, green tea, dairy products, beef, lamb, marron, perch, trout, smoked products and the rare black Perigord truffle.
• The Southern Forests town of Manjimup produces the largest amount of the rare black Perigord truffle in Australia. 
• In addition to agricultural produce, aquaculture is popular in the area; waterways are densely populated with trout, perch and marron (freshwater crayfish).
• The Pemberton and Manjimup wine regions combine southern latitude with high altitude and has a relatively cool climate, making it ideal for growing pinot noir and chardonnay grapes and suited to the production of refined Bordeaux-style wines.

Bunbury Geographe

• The Bunbury Geographe region of the South West is the closest region to Perth, just one and a half hours drive south. With its proximity to the State’s capital, the region is ideal for short getaways. Bunbury is the central hub and is an emerging creative industry. Cafes and boutique stores sit side by side, and a recent street-art project has given the city centre an edgy feel.
• Further inland, the region provides plenty of space for outdoor adventure, with numerous mountain bike and hiking trails signed posted throughout national parks and state forests, several inland lakes are used for water skiing and boating, and picturesque waterside camping sites throughout the national parks.
• Much of the State’s citrus and apple production occurs in the inland Geographe region, and guests can pick their own at some orchards. The first Granny Smith apple tree was planted in Donnybrook, while Harvey is renowned for its oranges and beef.

Western Australia’s Coral Coast extends across 1,100 kilometres of stunning coastline, from Cervantes in the south to Exmouth in the north.

The region is famous for its uninterrupted stretches of white sandy beaches, untouched coral reefs just metres from the shore, breathtaking gorges and a dazzling array of colourful wildflowers. 

Along the way you’ll find some of the best known and loved holiday destinations and attractions in WA; from the Pinnacles at Nambung National Park and Shark Bay World Heritage Area, to the dolphins of Monkey Mia and the incredible Ningaloo Reef, where you can swim with the world’s largest fish – the whale shark.

The Coral Coast has a Mediterranean climate in the south bordering on sub-tropical in the north.

Indian Ocean Drive                 

• In 2010, the Indian Ocean Drive was opened to motorists, giving them a more scenic and direct coastal route to explore the many attractions on offer in the Coral Coast.
• Spanning from Lancelin to Dongara, Indian Ocean Drive provides an alternative route to the Brand Highway, which is frequented by heavy traffic, shaving approximately 30 minutes off the journey from Perth’s northern suburbs to seaside resort towns located along the Coral Coast.

Pinnacles

• Nambung National Park, located 245km north of Perth, is home to one of Australia’s most fascinating landscapes – the Pinnacles.
• Thousands of tall limestone spires which rise out of the yellow desert sand at the Pinnacles have been formed over millions of years.
• Nambung National Park has a total area of 17,491, and is a two hours’ drive north of Perth.
• You can venture yourself into the Pinnacles along a scenic drive or walk trail. Alternatively, you can join a coach or four wheel drive tour.
• The Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre is an interactive centre providing insight into the limestone formations, and the plants and animals who have set-up home in this region of the Coral Coast.

Geraldton

• Geraldton is a top destination for surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, diving, snorkelling, boating and fishing.
• The regional town is located on the Batavia Coast, a five hour drive north of Perth. Alternatively, you can catch a one hour flight from Perth to Geraldton.
• From July to October, Geraldton becomes the gateway to wildflower country.
• Geraldton is rich in heritage. Here you can step inside the WA Museum – Geraldton and learn about the tragic stories revealed by relics of shipwrecks. You can also visit the HMAS Sydney II memorial to remember the 645 crew members lost in 1941.
• Located 60 kilometres from Geraldton’s coast is the coral-fringed Abrolhos Islands. The Abrolhos Islands are one of WA’s unique marine environments - a snorkelling, windsurfing and bird watching paradise that's also ranked among the world's top fishing spots.

Kalbarri

• Kalbarri is the ultimate ocean side adventure playground, where ancient rugged outback meets white sand beaches.
• On its doorstep, more than 183,000 hectares of national park beckon you to explore 400 million year old river gorges, dramatic coastal rock formations and a kaleidoscope of wildflowers.
• Kalbarri is a six and a half hour drive north of Perth, and is warm and sunny for most of the year – making it a popular holiday spot for Western Australians.
• Here, you can hop on a Murchison River cruise, hire a paddleboat or hit the water in a kayak. Take in views from the lookouts, hike the trails, take a camel trek, or join a canyoning and abseiling tour. 

Shark Bay World Heritage Area

• In 1991, Shark Bay was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage list in recognition of its outstanding natural beauty, biological diversity, fascinating ecology and unique insights into the earth’s history.
• Shark Bay lies approximately 800 kilometres north of Perth – the flying time is 1.5 hours, while the drive time is 8.5 hours.
• It is Australia’s largest marine embayment at a size of 748,735 hectares and covering 1,500 kilometres of coastline.
• Shark Bay is home to a myriad of aquatic wildlife including dolphins, dugongs, manta rays and turtles. The region is also home to some 17 species of mammals, 98 species of reptiles and amphibians, and more than 240 species of birds (35% of Australia’s bird species). It has the largest area and largest number of sea grass species ever recorded in one place in the world.
• Just off-shore, in Shark Bay Marine Park, lies Dirk Hartog Island National Park - a haven for rare burrowing frogs and white fairy wrens, and a top spot for fishing, diving, snorkelling and four-wheel-drive adventures. You can arrive by barge with your 4WD, chartered flight or in your own boat.
• Further south in Shark Bay, you can walk along one of only two beaches in the world formed entirely of tiny white shells, or visit the Hamelin Pool Stromatolites and get a glimpse of life on earth over 3,500 million years ago.
• By far the most popular and spectacular attraction is Monkey Mia, where wild dolphins come in to shore every day to meet and interact with people. Specially trained rangers select a handful of visitors to feed the dolphins each morning, but at any time of the day it's possible to see dolphins frolicking in the bay.

Carnarvon

• Carnarvon is a subtropical oasis where fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood are plentiful. The region’s mild climate, pest-free status and fertile land result in the production of top quality fruit and vegetables.
• It takes 9.5 hours to drive the 893 kilometre journey from Perth to Carnarvon, or just a couple of hours aboard a flight from Perth Airport.
• The Gascoyne River and aquifer supports Carnarvon's thriving agricultural industry, inviting you to feast on a bounty of fresh bananas, mangoes, papaya, carambola melons, grapes and a huge variety of vegetables, direct from local plantations.
• Between the months of May and October, there's also a smorgasbord of prawns, scallops, crab and local fish to select from, hauled in by the town's own fishing fleet.
• Its many plantations produce millions of dollars’ worth of crop annually including more than half of WA’s bananas.
• Astronaut Buzz Aldrin opened the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum, which celebrates the role the Carnarvon Tracking Station planned in the manned space program in the 60’s and 70’s. 
• From Carnarvon, you have access to some of the WA’s best year-round fishing, surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, snorkelling and swimming spots, all dotted along a beautifully rugged stretch of coastline.
• From June to November you might even spot humpback whales on their annual migration.

Ningaloo

• The 300 kilometre long, World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef is the closest coral barrier reef to a land mass in the world, and is also high amongst the most biologically diverse marine environments on the planet.
• Ningaloo Reef reaches nearly 20 kilometres seaward and encompassing a massive 5,000 square kilometres of ocean.
• Visitors can walk straight off the beach and snorkel over superb coral gardens teeming with colourful fish mere metres from the shore.
• The area is home to whale sharks between March and June each year. Tours from Coral Bay or Exmouth provide the once in a lifetime opportunity to go swimming with whale sharks, the biggest fish in the world.
• Humpback whale interaction tours launched in 2016, giving visitors the opportunity to have a face to fin encounter with the giant mammal between August and October. They will again return in 2018, following a successful 2017 season.
• Visitors can swim with manta rays year round at Coral Bay. Like whale sharks, manta rays are filter feeders and have a large toothless mouth which they use like a sieve to scoop up plankton and krill. Watch these majestic creatures glide elegantly and effortlessly through the water by joining a tour to swim with manta rays at Coral Bay. 
• In addition to swimming with whale sharks, humpback whales and manta rays, the region offers so much for visitors to see and do. From stepping off the shore to snorkel in the pristine turquoise waters with more than 500 species of fish and 220 species of coral, to exploring the rugged Cape Range National Park by 4WD.