Whilst Australia’s South West has always been a popular summer destination, winter is the perfect time to experience all the natural beauty this region has to offer, with fewer crowds. The winter season down south brings migrating whales to the coast and sees waterfalls and rivers flowing at their peak. Lush forests are blanketed in moss, and quaint towns come alive with winter festivals and cosy fires.
From hidden waterfalls to convict history, mountain bike trails to boutique wineries, Western Australia’s South West has something to offer everyone this season. We’ve hand picked our favourite spots down south that really make the most of the cooler weather and all the adventure that it brings.
If you’re looking to make the most of this south west winter, here are 10 places you absolutely cannot miss!
Overview
- Hunt for truffles in Manjimup
- Go whale watching in Augusta
- Marvel at marine life in Busselton
- Ride through the forest in Pemberton
- Indulge your taste buds in Margaret River
- Visit Fridgetown Fest in Bridgetown
- Walk amongst giants in Denmark
- Find the hidden waterfall in Yallingup
- Discover the rich history of Albany
- Hit the water in Collie
Hunt for truffles in Manjimup
Winter is truffle season in Manjimup and what better way to experience it than joining in on Truffle Kerfuffle – a festival full of truffle hunting, wine tasting, local delicacies and gourmet dining. Expert hunters and world class chefs will be in attendance, so prepare to have your tastebuds dazzled.
Enjoy the fruits of your labour with a picnic and a stroll around the stunning Fonty’s Pool, which also has a range of accommodation options from luxury chalets to rustic camping. There is an entry fee of $4 for day visits.
If a weekend of indulging has you craving a bit of activity, hit the King Jarrah Track to see a 500 year old Jarrah tree that measures over 45m tall and 26m wide!
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Go whale watching in Augusta
The charming seaside town of Augusta is the perfect stop on your south west winter trip as its waters see the annual migration of humpback whales from Antarctica.
From late May to mid July, you can witness epic whale activity as male humpbacks compete for a female on their journey north to warmer waters. If you’re visiting a little later in the season, you’ll have the chance to spot the endangered Southern Right Whales as mother and calf seek shelter in Flinders Bay. Join a Whale Watching Cruise for the best chance to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.
End your day by munching on some fish and chips while catching the sunset from mainland Australia’s tallest lighthouse, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
If you’re looking for a rainy day activity in Augusta, take a fully guided tour of Jewel Cave to marvel at Western Australia’s largest cave.
Marvel at marine life in Busselton
Just 2.5 hours south of Perth, Busselton is the perfect start (or finish) to your south west winter trip. This vibrant beachside town boasts the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere, which is also home to one of only six underwater observatories in the world!
Spend the day exploring the magic of the underwater world, all while keeping cosy and dry. The Busselton Underwater Observatory is Australia’s largest artificial reef and is home to over 300 different marine species. After you’ve soaked up the magic of the ocean, it’s time to get your adrenaline pumping with a zipline and high ropes adventure through the forest.
We love a south west winter sunset and simply cannot think of a better place than Busselton Jetty to watch one. Grab a gelato and head down the jetty to see the sky burn orange and pink over the ocean.
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Ride through the forest in Pemberton
Known as the heart of karri tree country, Pemberton offers some of the best forest scenery and with mossy trees and flowing waterfalls, it will definitely be a highlight of your south west winter trip.
Start your day on one of Australia’s most majestic rail lines, the Pemberton Tramway. Snake your way through the forest, crossing historic bridges en route to the Cascades. If you fancy yourself a nice bush walk, book a one-way tram ticket and walk a section of the famous Bibbulmun Track back to the Pemberton Gloucester Tree. The track is 6 km and takes between 2-3 hours to complete.
As Pemberton’s famous Gloucester tree is currently closed for climbing, head to the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree instead where you can climb up to the raised 20m platform for an adrenaline rushing experience. If heights aren’t your thing then we recommend a trip to Beedelup Falls instead, which is best seen after heavy rainfall.
Indulge your taste buds in Margaret River
Margaret River is a south west winter favourite for so many locals and travellers alike, and with stunning Karri forests, ancient caves, and world-class wineries, it’s not hard to see why.
Spend a day exploring the many wineries and microbreweries of the Margaret River region, followed by a trip to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory. If you’re after an all-inclusive experience, join this Margaret River Wine Adventure which offers all the bells and whistles of a winery tour plus you’ll get to blend your own concoction to enjoy with lunch!
Head underground to escape the rain and check out one of the many ancient caves in the area. Our favourites are Ngilgi Cave, Lake Cave and Mammoth Cave.
Don’t miss out on the annual Cabin Fever Festival in July which brings ‘fire, food and fun’ to 40+ events over 10 days in the Margaret River Region.
If you’re looking for even more things to do during winter in Margaret River, check out our comprehensive guide to the best cold weather activities.
Visit Fridgetown Fest in Bridgetown
Bridgetown is known as the winter capital of WA, and its annual Fridgetown Fest is a celebration of everything the town has to offer this season. There are boutique workshops, cooking classes, markets, and live music. Plan your trip by downloading their latest program here.
Take a break from the festivities by exploring the town’s heritage walks and historic sites, and make sure to check out the weekly Bridgetown Markets if you’re there on a Sunday.
Walk amongst giants in Denmark
Denmark is the perfect place to marvel at nature, with its rocky coastline and pristine forests seeing much less visitors this time of year.
A south west winter adds a touch of magic to the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, with misty mornings being the best time to visit this walkway set high in the canopy of giant tingle trees. After you’ve soaked up the breathtaking views, be sure to check out the Ancient Empire Walk and snap a pic inside the hollows of a 400-year old tingle tree.
The ancient tingle trees aren’t the only giants around here, and the massive granite boulders of Denmark’s coast are another must-see for the region. We highly recommend hiking the Greens Pool to Elephant Rocks Trail where you’ll find rocks resembling a herd of elephants surrounded by vibrant blue, crystal clear water. This loop trail will lead you back to Greens Pool where we highly recommend sticking around for a sunset over the rocks.
Find the hidden waterfall in Yallingup
Famous for epic surf breaks, turquoise rock pools and scenic hikes, Yallingup is a perfect stop this south west winter.
What many people don’t know about Yallingup is that it boasts arguably the best waterfall in Australia’s South West, Quinninup Falls, which flows gloriously after the winter rain. The trail is part of the Cape to Cape track which offers stunning coastal views before climbing a steep sand dune to arrive at the falls. The trail is a 4 km return and takes around 2 hours to complete.
Grab those perfect travel snaps at Injidup Natural Spa and Canal Rocks (which are only 10 minutes apart) before an afternoon full of fun at Yallingup Maze and Mini Golf.
Discover the rich history of Albany
Located on the south coast of Western Australia, Albany was the first official settlement in the state and is rich in both natural beauty and heritage sites, making it the ideal place to spend a few days on your south west winter trip.
Our favourite rainy day activities in Albany include a trip to Albany’s Historic Whaling Station (the only complete historic whaling station in the world), the Convict Jail Museum and the National Anzac Centre.
The natural scenery in Albany is unbeatable and this Gap and Natural Wonders Tour will show you the best including the Gap and Natural Bridge, a view of the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges from Albany Wind Farm, and Middleton Beach (which happens to be the best sunset spot in town).
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Hit the water in Collie
Collie is known for its azure-blue lakes, forest camping, and mountain bike trails – all of which make it the perfect place to adventure this south west winter.
Hit the water on a kayak or SUP which you can rent from TraaVerse, who will even deliver their gear right to you! Our favourite spots for a morning SUP include Black Diamond Lake and Stockton Lake, which are also perfect for getting those insta-worthy snaps.
Stop in at Honeymoon Pool for a lunchtime picnic before hitting the mountain bike trails in Wellington National Park or checking out the world’s biggest dam mural at Wellington Dam.
