A cheat sheet to South West WA

For many, a trip to the wine and produce region of Western Australia is a bucket-list moment.

It’s one of Australia’s most-loved holiday destinations, and there’s a million things to do. Whether you want the beach, fishing, wine tours or sampling great produce, South West WA has it all.

Check out this South West WA cheat sheet – you’ll be an expert on the region in no time.

Essential South West WA beaches

You’re in luck – the region is brimming with glorious beaches. But here are a few of the very best:

• Bunker Bay: quiet and stunning (WA’s richest beach houses).
• Eagle Bay: super exclusive and romantic.
• Busselton: Family-friendly beach on the shores of Geographe Bay.
• Middleton Beach, Albany: One of the best beaches in the deep south of WA.
• Ocean Beach, Denmark: Ideal for surfers from beginners to experts.

I want to be on the water

• Discovery tour: Take a winery tour with a difference in a canoe along Margaret River to a gourmet lunch, then walk a section of the Cape to Cape Track.
• Learn to surf: Navigate the classic breaks with a lesson at the longest-running surf school in the region, Margaret River Surf School.
• Fishing and whale watching: Check out the annual whale migration, or fish for your supper with All Sea Charters or Legend Charters out of Busselton.
• Eco tours: Naturaliste Charters also runs whale watching and eco tours from its Dunsborough location.

South West WA national parks

• William Bay National Park: 15km west of Denmark, this park covers almost 2000ha with the idyllic Greens Pool as an extra attraction.
• West Cape Howe National Park: Almost completely covered in heathland and forest and facing the Southern Ocean.
• Torndirrup National Park: This park covers almost 4000ha and is home to the famous 'Gap' and 'Natural Bridge' rock.
• Gull Rock National Park: Take a walk through the bushland to the peak of Mt Martin (152m) for an incredible view of Albany and its beaches.
• Walpole-Nornalup National Park: Almost 20,000ha of bushland with the Walpole Inlet in the heart of the national park.
• Mt Frankland National Park: A spectacular park with a unique hike. Starting at the feet of massive karri trees, you wind up and through the top of the towering canopy.

I like to walk – what are my options?

• Cape to Cape: This is a biggie (7 days and 135km), but it’s known throughout the world.
• Bibbulmun Track – Walpole to Denmark: A week-long challenge in WA’s south of more than 125km.
  
  

These walks are shorter and just as fun

• Mangrove Cove – Bunbury.
• Crooked Brook Forest Wildflower Walk near Dardanup.
• O’Reilly Memorial Trail.
• Blackboy Picnic Site Walk near Harvey.
• Formation Trail near Harvey.
• Logue Brook Dam Kangaroo Walk Trail near Harvey.
• Bridgetown River Walk.
• River Walk Trail – Nannup.
• Hamelin Bay to Cosy Corner near Augusta.
• Ellen Cove to Albany Port.
• Lake Seppings Bird Walk near Albany.
• The Blowholes - Torndirrup National Park near Albany.

Tempting wineries in South West WA

If you’re only here for an overnighter, why not visit one of the dozens of wineries and restaurants throughout the region? These are some of the best:

• Vasse Felix (grab the classic dry white from the cellar)
• Leeuwin Estate (best winery lunch)
• Voyager Estate
• Providore (looks like a shed, but don’t be fooled)
• Cullen Estate (best early 2000 white blends)
• Pierro (cellar only) – ask about the origin of the ‘clown’ label
• Churchview Estate
• Evans and Tate
• Flametree Wines
• Willoughby Park

What about a quiet beer somewhere?

For good old-fashioned pub meals try the Settler’s Arms in the main street of Margaret River, The Albany Hotel is also well-regarded, and you can’t go past The Ship Inn in Busselton – one of WA’s oldest pubs, dating back to the 1840s. Boston Brewing Co. in Denmark has an almighty range of quality brews in warm but spacious surrounds.

I’d like some quiet time and romance

Try the tree tops walk in the Valley of the Giants in Denmark in the most southern part of the region. You won’t be disappointed.

Best family experiences in South West WA

• Busselton jetty: The 1.7km-long jetty is world famous and boasts an underwater observatory.
• Margaret River caves: These limestone wonders date tens of thousands of years.
• Canoe trips along Margaret River from the town to the sea.

What markets can I visit in South West WA?

Try these for the very best seasonal produce in the southwest region.

• Albany Farmers' Market.
• Boyanup and Districts Farmers' Market.
• Eaton Farmers’ Market.
• Katanning Farmers' Market.
• Manjimup Farmers’ Market.
• Margaret River Farmers' Market.

Accommodation in South West WA

At a BIG4 Holiday Park, of course. There are many parks to choose from in the region, giving you great access to all the activities listed previously. Find them here.