Margaret River & the South West

• Summer

  Dec—Feb

  28°C Avg. High

  25°C Avg. Low

• Winter

  Jun—Aug

  18°C Avg. High

  16°C Avg. Low

Bunbury Geographe

Imagine wild dolphins frolicking in turquoise waters, blissful long lunches in verdant vineyards, skimming through the surf on water skis, whizzing through wildflower-strewn trails on a mountain bike, or four-wheel-driving down secluded beaches. In the Bunbury-Geographe, adventure and relaxation exist in harmony. The only question you need to ask is: what do I feel like doing today?

Pack adventure gear, a swimsuit and book, or a basket full of goodies – just a two-hour drive south of Perth, the beautiful Bunbury-Geographe greets adventure seekers, revellers, and nature lovers alike with sun-washed shores and undulating green hills. Head for the Blackwood and Collie Rivers, famous for water sports and fishing. Kayak, hike or horse ride among carpets of wildflowers and the bush. Want to take it up a notch? Mountain bike the legendary trails of the Collie River Valley. The seaside city of Bunbury is energetic yet laid-back. Swim with wild dolphins, check out the burgeoning street art and coffee scene, or chase sparkling coastal views.

Further south, rolling hills, forests and orchards make way for the picturesque towns of Donnybrook and Balingup. Visit the tranquil Capel region to marvel at the world’s only remaining tall tuart forest, or head to the Ferguson Valley or the Harvey region to experience the best of country life.

Busselton

Busselton (Undalup) has a foreshore that will stop you in your tracks and have you entertained for hours. You’ll be dazzled by the ivory sand and the translucent turquoise ocean lapping at its edges. Then, a 1.8 kilometre-long, heritage-listed jetty will draw your eyes out to sea where, from May to December, tens of thousands of whales pass by on their annual migration. And that’s only the beginning.

First though, you’ll want to dip your toes in Geographe Bay, a calm cove that’s still and shallow. The depths of the Indian Ocean are so far out, Busselton Jetty was repeatedly extended, becoming the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. At its end, find an underwater observatory with enormous windows placing you alongside colourful coral, patterned fish, and the occasional turtle. You get to descend several floors below the waterline, while staying perfectly dry.

It’s also home to Shelter Brewing Co, a new addition to a growing number of local beer brewers. Sip a local pale ale within sight of the kids and watch for whales blowing and breaching on the horizon. Busselton (Undalup) is a place that’s on the move with artisanal food, produce and craft destination, Origins Market that opened late 2021. A new performing arts centre and a bustling dining and entertainment precinct are due to arrive in coming years. Visit before the secret is out.

Dunsborough

There are few places where the West Australian bush meets the beach, and lucky Dunsborough bears most of them. In a region of breathtaking bays, Dunsborough’s stand out, each one a dreamy combination of crystalline turquoise water, granite boulder stacks and leafy canopies. Meelup, along with neighbouring beaches Castle Rock, Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay, is stop-and-stare breathtaking. Yet despite its supermodel status, you can always find a patch of sand to roll out your towel, although you may have to wait for a turn at the free-use outdoor barbeques.

It’s only a six-minute drive out of town, or a captivating, one-hour coastal walk along the Cape Naturaliste headland. Drive across the cape to Sugarloaf Rock, a windswept islet that features in many a photograph and is a favourite local sunset spot. Between September and December, you’ll likely also see the splash of migrating whales, while dolphins wave jump year round.

On the way back to town, drop into Eagle Bay Brewing Co, Wise Wine and Meelup Farmhouse, just a few of the many wineries, breweries and restaurants that dot Dunsborough’s surrounding landscape.

Albany

The cool climate haven of Albany (Kinjarling) perches on a placid harbour edged by national park. A rugged coastline of sculpted rocks, peaceful sandy beaches and nature trails through fragrant bush awaits those with a sense of adventure, while fans of local wineries, small wine bars and historic buildings will enjoy slow walks around town.

Standing on the edge of a 40-metre-high cliff with frothing ocean below and wind rushing upwards makes for a great introduction to Albany (Kinjarling’s) wildly captivating coastline. The Gap, in Torndirrup National Park, bears a see-through platform that juts 10 metres out from the rockface. A few steps away, the sculpted rock formation of Natural Bridge allows for calmer contemplation of nature’s powers. Take a moment to watch the horizon: between May and October, there’s a good chance you’ll see humpback whales breaching in the distance. See them up close on a whale watching cruise or keep an eye out as you drive around Vancouver Peninsula, to where secret beaches meet bush walking trails.

Back in town, a 35-metre ruby seadragon cloaks white grain silos – one of many giant silo art murals in Western Australia. It gazes over historic buildings that date back to the early settlers; Albany (Kinjarling) is where the first European settlers set foot in Western Australia. It also points to the National ANZAC Centre, atop Mount Clarence. The museum offers a deeply moving journey through the experiences of Australians and New Zealanders in World War One. Windows offer views of the natural harbour from which 30,000 troops departed, many of them never to see Australian shores again.

Denmark

The town of Denmark is a natural beauty where the rugged wilderness of tall tree forests and tiny, knee-high wildflowers meet emerald green lagoons studded with rounded boulders. The pretty township bustles with award-winning bakeries, eclectic cafes, and weekend arts markets, but it’s what’s around the nature-loving community that draws visitors.

Greens Pool and neighbouring Elephant Rocks, in wildflower-riddled William Bay National Park, are unquestionable show stoppers. The vivid colour of the ocean in these shallow bays changes with the light; one moment it’s aquamarine, the next it’s jade. Like a miniature archipelago, eroded rocks are scattered across the seascape at Greens, while they loom over the boardwalk into Elephant Rocks. Many of the trees surrounding Denmark stretch 60 metres into the sky and some are around 400 years old. They line the roadsides like Roman columns and cluster in thick native forests. The best place to connect with them is at the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, a 40-minute drive from town. There, a bouncy suspension bridge is strung through the lofty canopy, while forest floor walks weave between ancient tingle trees. It’s a magical experience.

Towering trees also lead you to family-owned wineries and their small, personal cellar doors. The Great Southern wine region is treasured for its cool climate riesling and cabernet sauvignon; many excellent vineyards are found along Denmark’s short road journeys: Mount Shadforth Scenic Drive and Scotsdale Scenic Drive. In the distance, glimpse at the purple mountains of the Stirling Ranges and the shapes of the Porongurup granite domes – each are worth seeing up close.

• Enjoy outdoor activities such as bushwalking, mountain biking, and whale watching in Margaret River’s scenic parks and reserves. Explore attractions like the Boranup Forest, Cape to Cape Track, and Naturaliste Lighthouse for unforgettable adventures.
• Margaret River is home to several fascinating limestone caves that offer guided tours for visitors. Explore underground chambers, stalactites, and stalagmites at attractions like Lake Cave, Mammoth Cave, and Jewel Cave.