Astrotourism WA

Country towns are creating special places and protecting the dark night sky so you can enjoy stargazing at its best.

Plan your stargazing adventure here or check out the list of Astrotourism Towns. Discover new places to visit where you can marvel at the brilliance of the beautiful Milky Way.

Here is a list of Astrophotography Hot Spots and specially chosen Observing Sites where you are welcomed by local communities to stargaze with telescopes and binoculars.

Local Governments in the wonderful Mid West and Wheatbelt regions of WA are working towards making sure our world-class dark night sky is preserved for decades to come so that visitors from around the world can be inspired by the beauty of the Milky Way Galaxy.

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Things to Do

Where to Stay

Plan your Visit

Events

7 Unique Aquatic Experiences in Australia’s South West

7 Unique Aquatic Experiences

in Australia's South West

Dog Friendly Travel Spots In The South West

Dog Friendly Travel Spots In

Australia's South West

Travelling with kids

What to do..

Where to stay...

Bunbury Geographe

Bunbury Geographe

Ancient stories. Cruise alongside wild bottlenose dolphins. Watch Mother Nature paint another fiery sunset over the sparkling Indian Ocean.

Harvey Region

Harvey

Harvey is nestled on fertile, irrigated plains beneath the rolling hills of the Darling Scarp. It is home-grown heroes and heavenly beaches, happy days and hillside chalets.

Bunbury

Bunbury

Just a 2 hour drive south from Perth will land you in the heart of Bunbury; a seaside city that offers protected beach bays mere minutes from budding local bars to trendy restaurants.

Dardanup and the Ferguson Valley

DARDANUP AND THE FERGUSON VALLEY

No matter the time of year, there’s always a dreamy view waiting for you in Bunbury Geographe’s Ferguson Valley.

Capel Region

CAPEL

Nestled on the Capel River is the last remaining natural tall tuart forest in the world on its doorstep.

Collie

COLLIE

Feel the magic that emanates from the sparkling waters of azure-blue lakes, wonder at the beauty of nature as you meander through Collie’s many nature trails and reconnect with the land.

Donnybrook

DONNYBROOK

Nestled between stunning old growth forests, winding rivers, rolling hills, vineyards and lush orchards, Donnybrook is not just a classic rural hideaway, it’s also the apple capital of the west.

Balingup

BALINGUP

Balingup sits at the northern entrance to the Blackwood River Valley, surrounded by undulating countryside, forests, farmland and orchards. This charming small town offers guests a glimpse at relaxed, country life.

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Bunbury Geographe

Margaret River Region

A young woman hopping across red rocks in front of the ocean.

Margaret River Region

Feel the intangible magic of the Margaret River Region as you walk the ocean floor, through colourful coral towers. Hear it in the waves where world champion surfers have been barrelled, as the sets crash against rugged rock formations. Immerse in it through the soothing sounds of an ancient culture – one of the oldest on the planet. Taste it in the gourmet produce and wine. No, you’re not dreaming.

Busselton

Busselton

The holiday resort town of Busselton lies sheltered along the shores of Geographe Bay. Here, visitors can stroll along a seemingly endless white, sandy beach while gazing out upon an endless horizon.

Dunsborough

DUNSBOROUGH

Dunsborough lies on a culturally significant area of the South West to the traditional Aboriginal custodians, and is considered one of the oldest continually occupied habitats in the world, with a history dating back approximately 40,000 years.

Yallingup

A woman in a bikini floating in the channel of aqua blue water

YALLINGUP

Surfboard wax and sun-kissed hair, this is where children giggle and splash in crystal clear pools ripe with sealife and surrounded by rugged rock formations weathered by the ocean.

Cowaramup

COWAMARUP

At the centre of the Margaret River Wine Region lies a charming town called Cowaramup, named by the Wardandi people and meaning ‘Place of the Cowara’, a purple crowned lorikeet that once inhabited the area.

Margaret River

Margaret River

Step outside of the everyday and into a dream. A place where reality and the otherworldly combine. Feel the freedom and experience the flavours of the Margaret River Region.

Augusta

AUGUSTA

Augusta is a place that has a marriage with the sea. Feel it in the wind, kissed by the ocean.

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A drone shot of a road winding between shrubs

Margaret River Region

Southern Forests and Valleys

Southern Forests and Valleys

The Southern Forests and Valleys encompass some of the most beautiful natural landscapes and charming small towns in the entire South West region.

Greenbushes

GREENBUSHES

Greenbushes is a historic timber and mining town located between Balingup and Bridgetown in the Blackwood River Valley.

Bridgetown

BRIDGETOWN

Located on the banks of the Blackwood River, the town is surrounded by green rolling hills and tall jarrah and marri forests.

Boyup Brook

BOYUP BROOK

Coined the Country Music Capital of WA, Boyup Brook is a celebration of all things community and country hospitality.

Manjimup

MANJIMUP

The forested areas surrounding Manjimup may have started out as timber country, but today the region is best known for its myriad fresh produce.

Nannup

NANNUP

Nannup is a place to relax and recharge, get close to nature, discover our heritage or have an adventure.

Pemberton

PEMBERTON

Majestic forests, exemplary wines and scrumptious farm gate produce make this a must-see stopover on a Western Australian culinary odyssey.

Northcliffe

NORTHCLIFFE

Right in the heart of Northcliffe, ‘Understory‘ is an art trail that provides an opportunity to view world class outdoor sculptures scattered through an attractive, 1.2 kilometre bush trail. A range of audio tours explain the pieces of art.

Walpole

A boat driving across blue waters surrounded by forest

WALPOLE

Vast, natural landscapes await in Walpole and surrounds, with the ecologically significant Walpole Wilderness area protecting more than 363,000 hectares of national parks and nature reserves.

Windy Harbour

WINDY HARBOUR

Windy Harbour gets its name due to being one of the only safe, protected areas along an otherwise rugged stretch of coast. The settlement is nestled at the base of large cliffs.

Nornalup

NORNALUP

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Southern Forests & Valleys

Great Southern

A landscape image of the beach with granite cliffs

Great Southern

The Great Southern is the largest and most diverse region within Australia’s South West. It is rippled with rich history and culture, settled amongst raw natural landscape.

Albany

ALBANY

The breathtaking beauty of Albany's rugged coastline promises a sensational south coast adventure.

Denmark

DENMARK

Dotted throughout the picturesque hills behind the town you’ll find several boutique wineries producing superb semillon sauvignon blanc and bold shiraz, among other varieties.

Bremer Bay

BREMER BAY

Escape to your own secluded beach, where the landscape is wild and rugged.

Porongurup

PORONGURUP

The Porongurup Range rises from the landscape like an island surrounded by a sea of giant Karri trees.

Mount Barker

MOUNT BARKER

Mount Barker is a quaint small agricultural town, rich in history and heritage that has diversified into viticulture and wildflower cultivation.

Cranbrook and Frankland River

CRANBROOK & FRANKLAND RIVER

Cranbrook is the gateway to the National Heritage listed Stirling Range National Park.

Broomehill Village – Tambellup

BROOMEHILL VILLAGE - TAMBELLUP

Kojonup

KOJONUP

Kojonup lies in a rich pastoral district of farmland and native bushland. The area is filled with beautiful wildflowers in spring and is home to many species of marsupials and birds.

Katanning

KATANNING

Katanning is full of surprises just waiting to be discovered. From breathtaking landscapes and awe-inducing natural attractions, to authentic cultural experiences and down-to-earth characters

Gnowangerup and Stirling Range

GNOWANGERUP

The name Gnowangerup is derived from the Aboriginal word ‘Ngow,’ meaning Malleefowl.

Pingrup

PINGRUP

Pingrup is part of the remarkable FORM Public Silo Trail.

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Great Southern

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Aboriginal Culture

Aboriginal Culture

The first inhabitants of Australia’s South West were the Aboriginal people, known to have had a connection with this land for almost 50,000 years.

Adventure

ADVENTURE

Adrenaline seeker? Go rock climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing and whale watching in Australia's South West.

AgriTourism

Agritourism

Welcome to the bountiful heart of Australia's South West. From farm tours to pick-your-own experiences, connect with the land, savor the flavors, and discover the journey your food and wine takes to arrive on your table.

Art, Galleries & Boutiques

Art, Galleries & Boutiques

Australia’s South West is a region with a rich historical past and a thriving arts community. Discover artisan markets, unique art exhibitions, state-of-the-art entertainment precincts, Aboriginal cultural tours and arts festivals.

Attractions & Outdoor Activities

Attractions & Outdoor Activities

Australia's South West offers a destination of diversity. It's a place where the wine, surfing, and good West Aussie lifestyle blend together with ancient forests and captivating coastline. There's plenty of attractions, tours, and services to fill your days during a trip to the South West.

Breweries & Distilleries

Breweries & Distilleries

Award-winning brews and world-class spirits can be found at numerous breweries and distilleries across the South West, ensuring a tasty tipple to suit anyone’s palate.

Family Holidays

Family HOlidays

The South West has been a traditional family holiday spot for years. With white sandy beaches and peaceful bays, friendly dolphins, magical caves, farm animals, mazes and delicious treats such as chocolate, cheese and ice cream – it’s easy to see why. Need further convincing? Here’s some inspiration for your next family expedition.

Food & Drink

Australia’s South West is a foodie haven waiting to be explored. With everything from farm fresh produce, to world-class fine wine, there’s plenty to fuel a scrumptious South West road trip

Health & Wellness

Health & Wellness

Take time to unwind in a truly tranquil environment renowned for its romantic escapes, spa and wellness retreats and connectivity free locations that allow you to disconnect from technology and spend some quality time with loved ones.

Self Drive Itineraries & Routes

Self Drive Itineraries & Routes

Sustainable Travel

Sustainable Travel

Tours & Guided Experiences

Tours & Guided Experiences

Trails

Trails

Immerse yourself in the natural landscapes of Australia's South West. Our network of trails take walkers and riders into the heart of the region's wildflower country and native forests.

Wineries

Wineries

Experience incredible indulgent tastings, food and wine pairings, foraging for fresh produce, or taking a tour of world-class wineries and restaurants,

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B&B / Guesthouse / Lodge

Backpacker / Hostel

Cabins, Chalets & Cottages

Camping – Powered Sites

Camping – Unpowered Sites

Self Contained Apartments & Villas

Spa Retreat

Wilderness Safari

Download your FREE Holiday Planner

HOliday PLanner

PLAN YOUR SOUTH WEST HOLIDAY WITH THE HELP OF OUR FREE INTERACTIVE HOLIDAY PLANNER

How to get to the South West

How to get to the South West

One of the best ways to explore the South West is to drive, but you can also reach us by public rail, coach transport, flights and a variety of day and extended tours from Perth. You can even cruise here!

When to visit

Road Trip Itineraries

Inspirational Road Trip Itineraries

Our South West Map

Visitor Centres

Visitor Centres

Get the most out of your holiday and make a local visitor centre your first port of call.

Start Planning Your Event

Start Planning Your Event

With a choice of unique venues and a wealth of attractions, Australia’s South West is the natural place to meet.

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Whale Season

01 May 2024 - 31 December 2024

Busselton

Taste Great Southern

02 - 12 May 2024

Albany

Busselton Festival of Triathlon

03 - 05 May 2024

Busselton

Festival of Country Gardens Autumn 2024

04 - 05 May 2024

Nannup

Margaret River Ultra Marathon

11 May 2024

Margaret River

Dog Friendly Travel Spots In The South West

People with a dog sniffing for truffles in the forest.

Dog Friendly Travel Spots In

Australia's South West

7 Unique Aquatic Experiences in Australia’s South West

7 Unique Aquatic Experiences

in Australia's South West

12 Days |

The South West Edge

Road Trip

Travelling with kids

What to do..

Where to stay...

Welcome to Australia’s South West!

Here you can easily enjoy natural beaches beautiful vineyards, forests, caves and more, all in a single day. 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.

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Things To Do Around Here

Harris River Estate

Hilton Garden Inn Busselton

Outback Horse Trails

Naturaliste Charters

Royal Gala Tours

Shelter Brewing Co

Origins Market

Forage Safaris

Walk Talk Taste Margaret River

Villa Carlotta Travel

Transwa

Forest Explorers

South West Luxury Transport

Sea West

Kiosk At the Dam

Harvest Tours

Beyond Distilling

Roelands Village

7 Unique Aquatic Experiences in Australia’s South West

Dog Friendly Travel Spots In The South West

Travelling with kids

NANNUP

Nannup is a place to relax and recharge, get close to nature, discover our heritage or have an adventure.

Newsletter

Astrotourism WA

Email

Phone

Website

Things To Do Around Here

7 Unique Aquatic Experiences in Australia’s South West

Dog Friendly Travel Spots In The South West

Travelling with kids

NANNUP

Nannup is a place to relax and recharge, get close to nature, discover our heritage or have an adventure.

Newsletter

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