South West
From towering forests to whale watching, fine food and wine to world class surfing, Australia's South West offers some of the most varied travel experiences in the State.
The South West pocket of Western Australia offers some of the most varied travel experiences in the state.
Margaret River wineries
Margaret River and its surrounds are a popular destination for world-class wineries, top surfing and fun family holidays.
Activities
Locals head here in winter too, responding to the lure of cosy log-fires, brisk walks along the beach, horse riding through the bush and delicious local produce.
Albany
The City of Albany is located 409 kilometres from Perth, on the southern coast of Western Australia. A regional centre, Albany is a thriving multicultural city with many attractions.
Dramatic granite coastline
Albany has a dramatic granite coastline and is surrounded by magnificent scenery and pristine white beaches. With some of the most spectacular coastline and sheltered waterways in the world, the area is ideal for a coastal holiday.
Top tourism destination
It is easy to see why Albany is one of Western Australia's top tourist destinations, with such an extensive range of natural beauty, historical charm, unique arts and crafts and a wealth of activities.
Natural attractions
Albany is known for its natural attractions including those that are situated along the rugged coastline of the Torndirrup National Park. The two major highlights are the Gap with a 24-metre drop to the water and the Natural Bridge, a granite formation in the shape of a bridge.
Whale watching
During the months of July through to October Southern Right and Humpback whales arrive in King George Sound. Whale watching has become a major pastime in Albany since the whaling industry ceased in 1978. Whales can be viewed from the shore or visitors can get closer by taking one of the whale watching cruises available daily during the season.
Multicultural city
Albany is now a thriving multicultural city boasting a population of approximately 30,000 people. Its major industries are tourism and agriculture (wool, beef, grain), wood chips, port and shipping, aquaculture and fishing.
Accommodation
With a wide range of accommodation to satisfy all tastes, from budget to five star, the area caters for many different holiday adventures which include fishing, canoeing, boat cruises, whale watching, wildflower viewing, coach and off-road tours, scuba diving, sailing and hiking.
Historic charm
Albany boasts approximately fifty buildings of historical charm, most being used as museums, art and craft galleries or restaurants. Albany is important in West Australian history as it was the first European settlement in the State.
The area was discovered by Captain Vancouver in 1791 and later settled by Europeans in 1826. It was the first colony settled in Western Australia and has many historic buildings.
When visiting Albany you will discover blue skies, white sand, green hills and sea-green waters that will delight any traveller.
Bunbury
The cosmopolitan Port of Bunbury, just two hours drive south of Perth, is located on a spectacular peninsular surrounded by blue waters of the Indian Ocean, Koombana Bay and the Leschenault Inlet.
A vibrant town with a strong maritime atmosphere, Bunbury is now renowned for the wild but friendly dolphins that interact with people in Koombana Bay.
The 90 dolphins that live permanently in the calm waters of the bay have been coming in to the beach for decades. Established as a place for people to interact with dolphins in their natural habitat, this unique experience is enhanced by the on-site Dolphin Discovery Centre. The research and information centre provides visitors with a comprehensive insight into the lives and history of the dolphins. The dolphins do not have a regular appearance pattern at the beach, however they tend to visit more frequently during the summer months. While guidelines are suggested, human interaction is not supervised or regulated. All this results in a chance encounter being inspirational and memorable. Dolphin watching boat tours and cruises on the inlet are also available.
Bunbury's other features include Western Australia's southern-most mangroves, rare basaltic rock and one of the rarest eco-systems on earth the Tuart Forest, with rae tuart trees and habitat to a munber of rae and endangered species of birds and wildlife.
A perfect base for touring the surrounding countryside, a tapestry of sights and experiences are available within short distances from Bunbury. Fields of orchard trees in blossom, wildflowers, vineyards, forests, national parks, beautiful waterways, historic towns and a wealth of art and craft, are just part of the experience.
A colourful cappuccino strip of sidewalk cafes and a variety of eating-places has developed along the Central Business Districts Victoria Street. These cafes and the many award-winning restaurants and historic pubs ensure the atmosphere hums from dawn to dusk.
For golfers Bunbury offers three international courses and family activities include wildlife parks and a miniature train tour.
The entertainment and cultural capital of the South West, the Bunbury Entertainment Centre dazzles audiences with opera, drama and comedy from around the nation. Modern art by famous local artists Mary Knott and Russell Sheridan together with nautically themed street scaping add to the atmosphere of the streets.
Of historical significance to the South West, French Explorer Captain De Freycinet sighted Bunbury from his ship 'Geographe' in 1803. In 1836, following establishment of Swan River colony, Governor, Captain James Stirling, dispatched an exploratory party to investigate the lands to the south of Fremantle. Lt Bunbury made the first successful overland trek to Port Leschenault and it was renamed 'Bunbury' in his honour. This history is carried on today in the maritime theme of streets and old architecture of buildings.
Bunbury has accommodation ranging from four star resorts, award winning specialty accommodation, luxuriously appointed beachfront and city motels, enchanting B&Bs, self contained chalets and apartments in waterside and beach locations through to caravan, camping and backpackers facilities.
Busselton
Best known for its iconic two-kilometre long jetty and calm turquoise bays, Busselton has a relaxed atmosphere and is a popular place for a family holiday.
Twice voted Western Australia's top tourism town, there's a swag of activities and tours on offer. Originally built in 1865 the historic jetty is the longest wooden pier in the southern hemisphere. These days it's lined with a colourful parade of people enjoying a stroll, fishing or people watching.
The Underwater Observatory at the jetty's end, will take you up close to colourful fish and tropical coral.
Descend eight metres below sea level and look through the observation chamber to see one of the country's best artificial reefs. More than 300 marine species enjoy warm waters created by the Leeuwin Current.
Adding to Busselton's appeal is a new canal and marina development north of town which is a great place for a relaxed drink.
You'll find it's easy to get around Busselton on foot. Stroll along the main shopping street - stopping at the old courtroom and jail, now arts centre, then cool off at the main swimming beach lined with lush lawns and magnificent pine trees.
To the north and south stretches 30 kilometres of immaculate beaches and crystal clear water. It's an aquatic lover's paradise. Try your hand at fishing, water ski-ing, snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing or sailing in the calm waters of Geographe Bay, or try the waterslides, flying fox, carousel or racing cars at the beachfront fun park.
Just three hours drive south of Perth, Busselton is a great base to explore the Margaret River Wine Region. Sample a top drop in one of the award-winning wineries, or book a half or full day tour - there's everything from canoeing, caving and camel rides - travelling by coach, four-wheel drive or classic car. If you're visiting from September to November, a wildflower tour is a must-do. Forests and fields burst into an unforgettable technicolour carpet of beautiful blooms.
Some key events include:
- Summerfest, Busselton Beach Festival, Festival of Busselton (January)
- Busselton Jetty Swim (February)
- Busselton Triathlon (May)
- Busselton Comedy Festival (October)
- The Margaret River Wine Region Festival (November)
Margaret River
Splendid living
The Margaret River region is a superb blend of good living and stunning nature just three and a half hours drive south of Perth.
Visitors to the area, one of Western Australia's most popular destinations, should be prepared to indulge in the gastronomic delights of world class wineries and gourmet vineyard restaurants.
Wine and produce region
Responsible for producing less than one percent of Australia's wine but over 15 percent of Australia's premium wine, the 60 or so wineries in the region open for cellar door sales and tastings offer the visitor an impressive selection. Boutique beer breweries, exquisite cheese product, jam and condiment producers, a marron (freshwater crayfish) farm, olive groves and even chocolate and fudge factories enhance the gourmet experiences.
Couple this with an immense array of art and craft galleries, and the area offers visitors a fabulous opportunity to experience the work of local producers and artists.
Exquisite dining
Dining out in the Margaret River area is an absolute delight. Many acclaimed chefs have been drawn to the area by the high quality fresh local produce and the world class wines of the region. There is an abundance of different styles of cuisine with every taste catered for.
Margaret River is host to The Margaret River Wine Region Festival held annually in November.
Natural attractions
Wine and food aside, the area is blessed with an abundance of natural attractions including a myriad of underground caves (open for public tours), pristine white beaches, pockets of beautiful forest and a multitude of bush and coastal walk trails. The rugged coastline is an example of nature at its finest and ocean views can be enjoyed from many lookout points. Other activities include canoeing along the Margaret River, adventure activities such as abseiling and rock climbing, whale watching off Augusta and great fishing in the ocean and river.
Surfing centre
Massive surf has long been a major draw for the area and watching the local surfers take on the ocean is a spectacular sight. Every year the world class surfing competition, the Salomon Masters Margaret River Classic, gets the town buzzing with excitement and visitors.
Transport
The region is highly accessible, with flights to both Margaret River and Busselton airstrips, regular bus services from Perth, and a train to bus link running through Bunbury.
Accommodation
Luxury guest houses, bed and breakfast, beachside apartments, self contained chalets, hotels, motels, resorts, farm stays, caravan parks, backpacker hostels and camping grounds cater for everyone's accommodation needs.
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