Chances are, you or someone you know headed south for the summer holidays. Why? Long days spent by the beach, roaming beautiful forest and indulging with family and friends makes for one delicious summer getaway.
Seaside times
The South West offers diverse coastal landscapes. There’s plunging cliffs in Albany, secluded bays near Denmark and a swell paradise for surfers in Margaret River. Spectacular diving sites can be found in Bunbury, Geographe Bay and Albany, and pristine beaches are scattered across the whole south coast.
Go where the crowds go for real Aussie vibe, and embrace games of beach cricket, elaborate barbecues and family gatherings. If you prefer a beach all to yourself, ask the people in the know... the friendly local crew at your closest visitor centre.
Coastal attractions
Whether it be spotting marine life in rockpools, or heading underwater to meet and greet with fish, Summer is the perfect time for exploring the South West’s coastal attractions. Busselton Jetty’s Underwater Observatory is best in Summer when the ocean is usually calmer, meaning the views out the windows are clear and there’s plenty of active marine life. In the Great Southern, Greens pool is best in summer too, when warm days make it ideal for a snorkel or a hunt through the rock pools. End the day the best way West Aussies know how; watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean!
Water spots
On warm sunny days, the ocean beckons. There’s no shortage of marine activities, from surfing and SUPing to scuba diving and snorkelling. On the region’s rivers and lakes, there’s plenty of calm water for skiing or canoeing.
Family Days Out
As far as your most fond memories go, we bet it's of family days or getaways from your childhood that linger the longest. We've put together just a few must-dos for your family fun, but can we tempt you with an underwater adventure at the Busselton Jetty, a meet and greet with thousands of gnomes at Gnomesville, a weekend meeting cute and cuddly critters at a farmstay, or meeting the wild and friendly dolphins of Koombana Bay?
Killer Whales and Wildlife
Seeing a killer whale, also commonly known as an Ocra, is a privilege very few have witnessed. Around 50 kilometres off the coast of the small holiday and fishing town of Bremer Bay is a deep canyon, quite recently discovered. It's home to the largest known pod of Killer Whales in the southern hemisphere, with up to 100 killer whales spotted in the area at one time. It's also teaming with life of many kinds, from giant squid and sunfish to seals and seabirds. You can witness this unique phenomenon by joining a research expedition that departs from Bremer Bay daily from late January to April each year. Daily transfers from Albany are also available as a day trip or stay overnight to include a Bremer Bay sights tour the following day.
Eat and Drink
Australia’s South West is almost as well known for its gourmet food as it is for its world-class wine, and the pair go hand in hand. Many wineries and breweries have restaurants on site and you’ll often find the region’s best chefs working behind the pass, creating unforgettable cuisine. Dotted between cellar doors, you’ll find plenty of other tasty delights such as cheeses, olives, marron, chocolate, fudge and so much more. Find a great selection at farmers markets held on the weekend in most towns where you’ll find the region’s delicacies all in one place. Check with any visitor centre for dates and locations.