Regions

South West

South West

Beyond the delicious food and wine scene, the South West is a hotspot for nature and wildlife lovers — it’s one of 36 biodiversity hot-spots in the world. Hike world-class coastal trails or lose yourself in giant karri forests.

Hear Dreamtime stories from your Aboriginal guide or feel the stillness of an ancient limestone cave. Take a boat cruise to watch graceful humpback whales or get up close with kangaroos. Prepare yourself for epic road trips and unforgettable memories.

More than 23,000km make up the south west corner of Western Australia, with 1000 of those kilometres consisting of awe-inspiring coastline just waiting to be explored. With 24 national parks, there’s plenty of nature and wildlife to see and meet, while rich soils and fertile land provide foodies with the best in fresh produce and gourmet experiences.

For more information regarding the South West, please see below or visit www.australiassouthwest.com

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Explore the region

Bunbury Geographe

The Bunbury Geographe is the closest South West region to Western Australia’s capital city, just a two hour drive south of Perth. The region boasts a mix of city-meets country experiences. Bunbury, the region’s central hub, is one of the fastest growing regional cities in Australia. It’s here you’ll find a chasm of cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs and nightlife.  An emerging creative community has transformed Bunbury Geographe into an urban playground bursting with vibrant street art, collective art spaces, pop-up events and festivals.  This produce-rich region is also known for its farm-fresh citrus, apple, dairy and beef produce. Filled with boutique wineries established by passionate local artisans, the fast developing Geographe Wine Region is turning heads with excellent Shiraz, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.

Margaret River Wine Region

Situated at the tip of southern Western Australia, the Margaret River Region offers some of the best South West sights, attractions and experiences in one convenient location. From Perth, it’s an easy 2.5-hour drive to the region, which stretches from Busselton down to Augusta.

Journey through more than 150 wine producers and 90 cellar doors, where the forest meets the ocean and where friendly, passionate locals welcome you in — and it’s all just 2.5-hours’ drive south of Perth. Winemakers, farmers, surfers and creatives have congregated here, inspired by nature’s beauty.

Margaret River is rightly renowned as Australia’s most premium wine region, producing a quarter of the country’s fine wines, from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to Semillon and Cabernet Sauvignon. Boutique breweries abound, perched on lakes, adjacent to rolling farmland and many with treetop views.

Of course, it’s not just about the wine and beer — there are plenty of other adventures here too. Hike or mountain bike along forest trails that hug the stunning coastline. Surf world-class breaks, watch migrating whales and see other native wildlife.

Add in fine restaurants, distilleries, art galleries and an abundance of fresh produce from beef and venison to chocolate and cheese, and it’s easy to see why the Margaret River Region really is a hotspot for bucket-list adventures – including ones you never knew you had.

Southern Forests and Valleys

Located 300km from Perth, the Southern Forests encompasses some of the State’s most picturesque settings, with towns such as Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe and Walpole set amid the famous tall timbers. Expect a warm country welcome, gorgeous rural settings, and a surprisingly rich heritage. The region feels open, fresh and the scent of clean forest is always on your nose, intermingled with fresh fruit, freshwater streams and the salty ocean air.

Sky scraping karri, jarrah, marri and tingle trees tower over the many towns that make up the Southern Forests and Valleys. The striking coastline of the region stretches across 140km, where beautiful karri forests sit atop rocky cliffs, and white sandy beaches are pounded by the wild Southern Ocean. In contrast, the region has a number of tranquil inlets, streams and rivers that are brimming with life, perfect for recreational activities like swimming, canoeing, fishing and camping. Winding country roads crisscross through green hills, ancient jarrah forest and the beautiful Blackwood River – the ribbon that ties the region together.

Often regarded as the food bowl of Western Australia, the Southern Forests and Valleys are home to some of the most productive soils in Australia. A wide variety of fresh produce is available year-round, and often straight from the farms from which they are grown. Niche epicurean treats including chestnuts, cherries and the black truffles can be purchased throughout the region, while waterways are densely populated with trout, perch and marron (freshwater crayfish). 

Great Southern

The Great Southern varies from unspoilt coastline and idyllic seaside towns, to sprawling agricultural lands and national parks harbouring some of the world’s rarest species of flora and fauna. The region’s towns include Albany, Bremer Bay, Denmark, Katanning, Kojonup and Mount Barker.  Along the south coast, the sheer force of the Southern Ocean has sculptured a raw, dramatic coastline, creating some remarkable seaside scenery. It’s an adventurer’s playground, with everything from rock climbing and windsurfing, to four-wheel driving and coastal hiking on offer.  There are the ancient mountain ranges, with breathtaking views worth the challenging hike and climb.

The Great Southern’s historic landmarks and the stories behind them are equally impressive. Albany’s King George Sound was the first European settlement in WA, settled before the Swan River Colony in Perth. In addition, the area has significant ties to World War I, with Albany being the departure point for the majority of Anzac troops who left for Europe during the war.  Pioneering farming communities that offer insight into the region’s rich rural heritage can also be found dotted between winding rivers and picturesque farmland. 

With a reputation for quality, the Great Southern has seen considerable growth in food and drink tourism, with locally brewed spirits and beers adding to the region’s allure.

FEATURED JOBS IN THE SOUTH WEST

Listed January 19, 2024

Food and Beverage

Listed February 14, 2024

Chefs/Cooks

Listed February 27, 2024

Management

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