aerial view of big 4 emu beach holiday park next to the ocean and beach

Western Australia’s South West: Ultimate Locals Guide

This guide is all about the South West Australia regions. It includes excellent family-friendly activities, unique wildlife experiences, beautiful national parks and beaches, delicious foodie destinations, and more. The region has so many things to offer for everyone with a sense of adventure. You’ll find plenty of places to explore with your kids or enjoy on your own.

This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.

There are many options for accommodation in the area, too – from budget campsites through to luxury resorts. This post will ensure you come away with enough inspiration to plan your next trip there. So what are you waiting for? Read on for an insider’s guide on exploring the best parts of Western Australia’s South West region.

Our Pick
orca killer whale in the ocean bremer bay whale watch tour

Bremer Bay Orca Whale Watch Tour

The Orca cruise by Naturaliste Charters in Bremer Bay is one of the best experiences we’ve had. To witness these incredible creatures on the hunt in their natural environment was incredible.

We saw quite a few with some coming close to the boat to check us out.

Naturaliste Charters are our preference due to the following factors:

  • Naturaliste Charters are the founders of the killer whale expeditions, established in 2015
  • Their vessel is the only vessel operating from Bremer Bay built in WA for the Southern Ocean, Alison Maree handles the conditions beautifully
  • They are a Family-Owned company
  • Catering on board is done by the talented team at the Wellstead Museum Café with all dietary requirements catered for
  • marine biologist is on board every expedition providing expert commentary, and a professional photographer
  • Guests are emailed the photographs and a blog from their experience the following day
  • Naturaliste Charters offer the best value for money – they operate 8 hours instead of 7, providing our guests more time with the wildlife

How to get to South West Australia

International and domestic visitors will fly into Perth Airport. Find details about visas, prohibited items, currency, and safety in this Australia Travel Guide and tips on arriving into WA and other essential travel information in this Western Australia Travel Guide.

There are car hire booths at Perth Airport, but it’s best to pre-book your car rental.

To compare Australian car hire prices, Discover Cars is an award-winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly rated.

DriveNow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia. It includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, & Jucy as well as smaller ones.

Compare Rental Cars Here.

From Perth, Western Australia’s South West is a leisurely few hours drive along main sealed roads, making it an excellent road trip destination.

TRANSWA runs a train and bus service to the South West region, stopping at the major towns.

Regional flights depart from Perth to Busselton-Margaret River Airport and Albany.

a white sand beach with calm turquoise ocean on a partly cloudy day
Misery Beach Albany

The Ultimate Western Australia’s South West Road Trip

This bucket list south west road trip takes in the very best of Western Australia’s South West region and is a must for first-time visitors to WA.

Map of South West WA

When to visit Western Australia’s South West region

Western Australia’s South West is a year-round destination with always something going on and a different feel to each season.

Summer: The best time to visit for the beaches and water-based activities, although it’s a bit cooler than Perth. See Orcas in Bremer Bay.

Autumn: The colours of the trees and vineyards are one of the highlights of this season. A great time for country drives and walks.

Winter: An ideal time for visiting a winery and cuddling up beside a log fire. After heavy rains, waterfalls are at their best.

Spring: The prettiest time of year when the wildflowers carpet the ground in a bloom of colour. It’s the best time for hiking, especially with all the wildflowers. Whale watching tours are in full swing.

See the individual towns for weather temperatures or check the Bureau of Meteorology for a 7-day forecast.

Whale Watching

The migrating whale season in Western Australia’s South West is one of the longest in the world. Here is when you can expect to see them:

Albany: May to October
Augusta: June to August
Busselton & Dunsborough: September to November
Bremer Bay: Orcas from January to April

Places to visit in Western Australia’s South West

🤩 To Book Tours Direct with the Tour Operators, click the links in the box below


Western Australia’s South West incorporates four sub-regions: Bunbury-Geographe, Great Southern, Margaret River region, and Southern Forests and Valleys. Each region offers you different experiences and landscapes, including pristine white sand beaches with turquoise ocean, spectacular coastal cliffs, green rolling hills, forests, picturesque vineyards, and mountain ranges.

Bunbury-Geographe region

The Bunbury-Geographe area is the closest to Perth, making it an ideal weekend getaway. It consists of seven sub-regions: Boyup Brook, Bunbury, Capel, Collie, Donnybrook-Balingup, Ferguson Valley, and Harvey.

Boyup Brook

Boyup Brook sits on the picturesque Blackwood River, a three-hour drive from Perth. This small quiet town comes alive when it hosts the annual Country Music Festival on the third weekend of February each year. You will also find some delicious food and great wine producers along with a variety of “collections,” including teapots, dolls, and a world-famous rare Jewel Beatle and butterfly collection.

Bunbury

Visit this coastal city for a chance to interact with wild dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery Centre and swim in the protected bays. The town also features street art and trendy restaurants and bars. You also have the opportunity to dive the Lena Ship Wreck or swim with dolphins.

dolphin up close in the wild
Wild dolphin Bunbury
Things to do in Bunbury

A complete travel guide on the best things to do in Bunbury, when to visit, how to get there, and other essential information for your trip.

Bunbury Accommodation

Recommendations where to stay in Bunbury including beachfront, budget, family and pet-friendly.

Capel

This country town lies between Bunbury and Busselton on the Capel River. It’s a short drive to the beach at Peppermint Grove, where you’ll find white sandy beaches with holiday homes backing onto them. A great place to watch the sunset.

Visit Capel Vale winery, nominated as 2018 Top 100 Wineries in Australia by James Halliday, and enjoy the local fresh produce matched with wines at the restaurant.

Collie

This regional mining town, two hours south of Perth, is ideal for a weekend getaway. It’s excellent for people who love the outdoors with beautiful hikes and lakes that you can swim or kayak in. Collie is also a great destination for mountain biking.

Things to do in Collie & Where to stay

A complete guide to Collie, including things to do, where to stay, where to eat, when to visit and other helpful information.

Donnybrook-Balingup

Donnybrook and Balingup are nestled amongst lush rolling hills and the Preston and Blackwood River valleys. They make an ideal stop on the way to the southern forests or Great Southern region or stay the weekend and explore what they have to offer.

The Golden Valley Tree Park is a must-visit any time of the year but is particularly stunning in autumn when the landscape turns into colours of gold and brown. Donnybrook and Balingup have some wonderful walk and mountain bike trails.

autumn ornage colours of trees in a park with green grass
Golden Valley Tree Park
Things to do in Donnybrook-Balingup & where to stay

A complete guide to the Donnybrook-Balingup region including things to do, where to stay, when to visit and other helpful information.

Ferguson Valley

Ferguson Valley provides stunning views over the countryside and vineyards in-between majestic jarrah forests. It’s a wonderful foodie destination showing off its local produce, boutique wines, and craft beer.

For a weird but wonderful experience, visit Gnomesville, home to around 10,000 gnomes.

green hills and dam
Ferguson Valley
Things to do in Ferguson Valley & where to stay

A complete guide to the Ferguson Valley including things to do, where to stay, when to visit and other helpful information.

Harvey

In the heart of dairy country, Harvey is renowned for its beef, high-quality orange juice, and, more recently, wine. If you take the inland route, you can stop at Harvey on your way to Bunbury.

view from up high of dam and picnic area
View from Harvey Dam

Great Southern region

The Great Southern region is the largest and most diverse region in the South West with a stunning natural landscape. It consists of six sub-regions: Albany, Bremer Bay, Denmark, Mount Barker, Porongurup, and Stirling Range National Park.

Albany was the first European settlement in Western Australia and the departure point for ANZAC troops in WWI. This region is perfect for adventure seekers, gourmet food lovers, 4wd explorers, and nature enthusiasts.

Albany

Albany is a popular destination for families during school holidays as it is a safe, peaceful town with stunning natural beauty. This historic town is full of history, delicious food, and stunning beaches with a range of fabulous accommodation to suit everyone.

view of the peninsula at bald head trail in albany
Bald Head Trail Albany
Albany Travel Guide

Find out all the very best things to do when you visit Albany along with essential information for your trip.

Albany Accommodation

Recommendations where to stay in Albany including luxury, budget, family and holiday parks.

a white weatehrboard house with verandah and grassed area and wooden seats at the front

Bremer Bay

Bremer Bay is the ideal base to experience the Bremer Canyon and the Killer Whales (Orcas), who visit every year between January and March. Located 170km east of Albany and next to the Fitzgerald National Park, this small town is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Western Australia. 

Read about our Bremer Canyon Orca Experience here.

wild orcas in bremer bay
Orcas in Bremer Bay
Things to do in Bremer Bay & where to stay

A complete guide to Bremer Bay including things to do, where to stay, when to visit and other helpful information.

Denmark

This coastal town on Wilson Inlet boasts a spectacular coastline with natural attractions in abundance. This is where the forest meets the ocean.

Denmark has become a popular home for alternative lifestyles, spiritualists, naturalists, artists, people who like the peaceful country life, and retirees, which gives it a laid-back “hippy” vibe.

huge granite boulders that resemble elephants looking out to sea with turquoise water and green grass
Elephant Rocks Denmark
Things to do in Denmark

Find out all the very best things to do in Denmark along with essential information for your trip.

Denmark Accommodation

Recommendations where to stay in Denmark including luxury, budget, family and holiday parks.

funky modern home with dark blue walls and large wooden windows

Mount Barker

Mount Barker is the gateway to the Porongurup National Park and close to Stirling Range National Park, making it an ideal base for hikers. It’s also home to award-winning wineries and vineyards, with an abundance of flora and fauna surrounding the town.

Porongurup

Porongurup National Park has some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth and features many natural attractions. The hiking trails allow visitors to explore this fantastic landscape, and although there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, it’s also a great place to relax and unwind. 

a large rock balancing on top of another rock
Balancing Rock Porongurup NP
Things to do in Porongurup & where to stay

A complete guide to Porongurup including things to do, where to stay, when to visit and other helpful information.

Stirling Range National Park

Stirling Range National Park has the only significant mountain range within the southern half of Western Australia, with rugged peaks which rise to more than 1000m above sea level. The park is one of the world’s most important areas for flora, with an incredible 1500 species growing here, many of which don’t grow anywhere else. Bluff Knowl is one of the most popular hikes in Western Australia.

the view of the surrounding hills from bluff knowl in the stirling ranges
View from Bluff Knowl
Things to do in the Stirling Ranges & where to stay

A complete guide to the Stirling Range National Park including things to do, where to stay, and hiking tips.

Margaret River region

The Margaret River River region stretches from Busselton to Augusta and features some of the best South West sights, attractions, and experiences. Head here for stunning beaches, world-class surf, award-winning wines, and nature galore. Plan your route with this Perth to Margaret River road trip itinerary.

Augusta

Augusta is a beautiful area and known for its natural attractions and as a wonderful place to spend a holiday with family or friends.

a calm ocean at grannys pool augusta
Grannys Pool Augusta
Things to do in Augusta & where to stay

A complete guide to Augusta, including things to do, where to stay, and when to visit.

Busselton

Busselton has so much to do for any traveller, including beautiful beaches, incredible wildlife experiences, fun attractions for families, romantic settings for couples, and the historic Busselton Jetty. It’s also the gateway to the Margaret River region, which is easily accessed from Busselton.

Western Australia's South West: Ultimate Locals Guide
Busselton Beach
Things to do in Busselton

Find out all the very best things to do in Busselton along with essential information for your trip.

Busselton Accommodation

Recommendations where to stay in Busselton including luxury, budget, & family accommodation.

luxury accommodation with spa overlooking beach

Dunsborough

Dunsborough is a great base to explore Cape Natualiste’s stunning beaches, trails, and lighthouse. You will have a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars close by, with many of them being family-friendly.

view of sugar loaf rock off the coast near dunsborough
Sugar Loaf Rock
Things to do in Dunsborough

Find out all the very best things to do in Dunsborough along with essential information for your trip.

Dunsborough Accommodation

Recommendations where to stay in Dunsborough including luxury, budget, & family accommodation.

exterior of wooden villa and wooden decking with outdoor furniture

Margaret River

Margaret River is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Western Australians and is known for its beautiful beaches, surfing culture, world-class wineries, fresh produce, and trendy craft breweries.

beers on a wooden tasting paddle
Wild Hop Brewery
Things to do in Margaret River

Find out all the very best things to do in Margaret River along with essential information for your trip.

Margaret River Accommodation

Recommendations where to stay in Margaret River including luxury, affordable, family, pet-friendly and large group accommodation.

wooden balcony in luxury accommodation with sun loungers overlooking the beach and ocean

Yallingup

This coastal suburb is another popular place for Western Australian’s to holiday due to the trendy breweries and wineries, white sandy beaches, surf breaks, and beautiful national parks. The views of the Indian Ocean from the winding roads are stunning and an incredible place to see the sunset.

the clear waters of a swimming spot called the aquarium
Things to do in Yallingup

Find out all the very best things to do in Yallingup along with essential information for your trip.

Yallingup Accommodation

Recommendations where to stay in Yallingup including luxury, affordable, family, pet-friendly and glamping accommodation.

cape lodge yallingup luxury accommodation
Cape Lodge Yallingup

Southern Forests and Valleys

Bridgetown

Bridgetown is the only heritage-listed town in Western Australia’s South West region. This quaint country town has forests, steep rolling hills, and the longest flowing river in the state and lies on the banks of the Blackwood River.

trees lining the banks of the blackwood river in bridgetown western australia
Things to do in Bridgetown & where to stay

A complete guide to Bridgetown, including things to do, where to stay, and when to visit.

Manjimup

Manjimup is surrounded by state forests and was previously a timber town. It is now well known for its fresh produce, Pink Lady Apples, truffles, adventure playground, and walking trails.

a natural pool with trees lining the banks
Things to do in Manjimup & where to stay

A complete guide to Manjimup, including things to do, where to stay, and when to visit.

Nannup

Nannup is a cute country town on the banks of the Blackwood River. Known as the Garden Village, it’s famous for its magnificent blooms of tulips, daffodils, and native wildflowers.

Take a walk along the Heritage Trail, browse the arts, crafts, and antique stores, or have morning tea in a tea room.

Northcliffe

Northcliffe is a quaint rural town, deep in karri tree country, about half an hour south of Pemberton. The Bibbulmun Track, which stretches almost 1,000 km from Kalamunda in Perth to Albany, passes through Northcliffe, making it an ideal place to walk a section.

Thirty minutes drive south of Northcliffe is D’Entrecasteaux National Park, known for its unusual botanical and geological features and lucky to have 131 km of stunning sandy beaches.

rocks weathered away to make the shape of a heart window  looking out into the ocean
D’Entrecasteaux National Park near Northcliffe

Pemberton

Pemberton, known for its giant karri trees, majestic forests, and beautiful scenery, is a wonderful place to get away for a long weekend or spend a week.

trees reflecting in the lake at big brook dam pemberton
Things to do in Pemberton & where to stay

A complete guide to Pemberton, including things to do, where to stay, and when to visit.

Walpole

Walpole is famous for the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, but it has so much more to offer visitors as the nature in this area is incredible.

This town has national parks, state forests, wide sandy beaches, picturesque picnic spots, calm rivers and inlets. It’s the perfect place for bushwalking, bird watching, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, boating, and four-wheel-driving on the beach.

the beach and coastline at conspicuous cliffs walpole
Things to do in Walpole & where to stay

A complete guide to Walpole, including things to do, where to stay, and when to visit.

Western Australia Travel Guide

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Flights ✈️

We fly Virgin Australia domestically due to their competitive prices and fantastic customer service, and fly with Qatar Airways to Europe.

Accommodation 🏩

We mainly use Booking.com for accommodation as they consistently have the lowest rates with free cancellation on most properties.

For pet sitting in Western Australia and worldwide, we are members of Trusted Housesitters. Free accommodation for pet and house sitting.

Car Rental 🚘

To compare rental car company prices, we use Discover Cars, an award-winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly rated.

Campervan/RV Rental 🚐

DriveNow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia as it includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, and Jucy as well as smaller ones.

Travel Insurance 🌏

Cover-More and Travel Insurance Direct are our preferred travel insurance companies for domestic and international travel.

See this Travel Insurance for Australia guide for more information.

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