 Visit the South West region WA
The South West region of Western Australia has an allure that is hard to resist. It offers its visitors the opportunity to indulge in premium Western Australian wines and gourmet food, amidst towering old growth karri forests, beautiful beaches and scenic rolling farmlands.
In the South West there are 3 wine regions to experience; excellent fishing, swimming and surfing spots; the largest dive wreck in the southern hemisphere; caves to explore; fine art and craft galleries to browse through and quaint historic towns.
Also on offer, a variety of unique nature-based experiences including the opportunity to swim beside wild dolphins; wildlife spotting at night with torches; and a walk amongst some of the oldest and tallest trees in the State.
Aquatic adventures include world class surfing, diving, sea kayaking, white water rafting, whale and dolphin watching, canoeing and much more. Land bound adventure include spectacular four wheel driving, caving, mountain bike riding, abseiling and rock climbing, fishing and camping.
The South West is a perfect destination for a walking holiday or adventure trek with a network of trails taking hikers right into the spectacular forest and wildflower country. Popular trails including the Bibbulmun Track, the Cape to Cape Coastal Walk and the trek to the summit of Bluff Knoll. Serious mountain bikers can try the Munda Biddi Trail, Western Australia’s only long distance off-road cycle trail. Beginning in the hills above Perth, the trail meanders south through the Darling Scarp, along scenic river valleys and through magnificent eucalypt forests.
The best way to absorb the sights and sounds of the South West is by car. The drive from Perth takes approximately 2 - 3 hours depending on how deeply into the region you travel, but there are numerous coach companies and air charters that travel to the region for those who are limited by time.
 The South West Tapestry area
Just two hours south of Perth by car is the port of Bunbury. Bound by white sandy beaches and mangroves teeming with birdlife, it is a cosmopolitan town in which you can enjoy a walk along the Victoria Street strip; take a dolphin cruise in Koombana Bay, and if you're lucky, swim with a dolphin; or relax with a coffee before browsing through the art and craft shops.
North east of Bunbury lies the Collie River Valley and the historic town of Collie. The Collie River provides plenty of places to set up camp, fish, white water raft, canoe, swim, hike or just sit and relax.
The nearby Ferguson Valley in Dardanup is ideal for bushwalking and taking in the spectacular array of wildflowers in spring. The views are spectacular through the rolling hills of the Darling Scarp across the coastal plains to the Indian Ocean.
The Leschenault Inlet is a favourite for fishing and crabbing. Barbacues, cycling and walking are other popular past times along the inlet's foreshore.
 Blackwood River Valley area
Ambling rivers and rolling green farmlands are just a part of what the Blackwood River Valley promises its visitors. It is an area known for its stunning scenic drives, picnic areas and walking trails.
Many are taken aback by the natural beauty of the quaint towns. You can canoe along the peaceful Blackwood River; visit the antique stores and cosy tea rooms of historic Bridgetown; view the manicured gardens and old jarrah mill of Nannup; or visit the South West's biggest arts and crafts centre - the Old Cheese Factory. If you time your trip right, you might witness one of the colourful lifestyle, garden or music festivals that are a huge part of the eclectic calendar of events held in the area each year.
 Margaret River Wine area
The Margaret River Wine region of the South West includes those treasures that lie between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin along the coast.
Be sure to take your tastebuds on a tour of the 40 or more wineries in the renowned Margaret River area and sample the premium wines and superb meals offered. Purchase delicious local produce including home-made preserves, berry liqueurs and cheeses, or visit the the boutique breweries - each with its own distinct labels.
The merging of regrowth karri forests and pristine beaches is best seen along the Caves Road coastal drive. In the same area you will find galleries containing locally produced works; caves to explore and two lighthouses to climb – the Dunsborough Lighthouse and the Leeuwin Lighthouse – both offering very different and spectacular views of the surrounding oceans.
The fishing in the area is hard to match, particularly Yallingup, Prevelly and along the Augusta coast and Busselton Jetty - the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere. You can dive and snorkel on the decommissioned HMAS Swan wreck at Dunsborough; take a whale watching tour between Dunsborough and Augusta where Australia's longest whale watching season takes place; or enjoy one of the many guided tours including forest walks, coastal treks, bush tucker tours or interpretive nature guides.
Many come to Margaret River to challenge the wild elements – just ask any surfer. The great ocean swells and the 'roaring forties' pound the reefs and beaches of the western shore making it unrivalled for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfers. Those interested in sailing, abseiling, caving, scruba diving and fishing find a welcome quest between the Capes.
 Southern Forests area
There are not to many sights more awe inspiring in the world than the magnificent karri and tingle forests in the Southern Forests region of Western Australia. The 400 year old 80 metre high trees that make up the forests is what make this region one of the world's best and most spectacular wilderness experiences.
The region encompasses the towns of Manjimup, Northcliff, Pemberton and Walpole. The Southern Forests region is complemented by the pristine waterways that make every scene picture perfect. But it is the giant karri and tingle trees within the many parks of the Southern Forests region that are most memorable in visitors minds. The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk near Walpole is the world's longest and highest, rising 40 metres above the forest floor.
The world-renouned Bibbulmun Track winds its way through the region, featuring mighty forests, scenic river valleys and breathtaking coastlines. Packed with freshwater trout and marron, the ponds and streams of the Southern Forests are much sort after by visitors and locals. The marron fishing season is only in part of January and February annually and is strictly licensed and patrolled.
Fishing and camping beside one of the many waterways popular and the huge expanse of Big Brook Dam at Pemberton has its very own beach set amongst the forest while Fonty's Pool in Manjimup has become popular as a swimming spot.
 Great Southern area
The Great Southern region is one of Western Australia's best kept secrets. Only an hour by plane from Perth, it is an area graced with immense natural beauty.
So peaceful and inviting are the bays of the Great Southern region, it is where the Southern Right and Humpback whales choose to give birth to their young year after year.
The Great Southern region has one of the largest wine regions in Australia. When touring this region be sure to sample the quality wines and gourmet food offered; browse through the locally produced wood, art and craft products; watch for the calving whales and enjoy the spectacular wildflowers during the later half of the year. All of this and more is nestled amidst some of Western Australia's most beautiful harbours and national parks.
It is here, amongst granite ranges over 1,000 million years old, that you will find some of Western Australia's most beautiful wildflowers. Where you will see the greens of the karri forests merging with the white sands of a magnificent coastline. Where natural formations such as the Natural Bridge, the Gap, Castle Rock and Tree in the Rock cause you to stare in bewilderment. Where over 30 different wineries await you.
The Great Southern region is best seen by car or coach so that you can explore the historic whaling town of Albany; the wines and wildflowers of Mt Barker; the rugged Stirling Ranges; the gourmet foods, forests and art of Denmark; and the rural farm areas and national parks further north.
You can enjoy the scenic drive from Perth to Albany which will take approximately 4.5 hours, or take one of the regular 1-hour flights, and hire a car in Albany. Either way you should endeavour to absorb the beauty of the region at your own pace.
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