WINTER DOWN SOUTH 2024
Explore south west winter offers
Cosy crackling fires, endless starlit nights, warm hearty farm produce piled high on your plate, and delectable deep red wines overflowing with flavour. Winter Down South is an adventure for the senses.
From storms rolling in over the coastline to the magical mists and dewy mornings of the forest, the cooler months are all about embracing your wild side during the day and indulging in luxurious wonder come night.
Here on this page, you’ll discover the best specials for your dream escape down south. Explore winter treats for fine-dining, accommodation, breweries, wineries, and experiences, as well as itineraries highlighting how to rug up, wind down, and make the most out of the region’s top destinations once the rain begins to fall.
LUXurious escapes
Looking for an escape from the ordinary this winter? Imagine waking to the soft warble of birds, cocooned in bed with a warm brew, as the chill of the season glistens off the frost-kissed landscape outside. Book your stay with these luxury accommodation providers today to receive a discount on your Winter Down South stay. Offers valid from May 1st – July 31st.
Looking for an escape from the ordinary this winter? Contact these luxe accommodation providers between May 1st – July 31st.
Charming Accomodation
Ready for a treasured trip away but don’t want to break the bank? These caravan parks offer affordable yet priceless accommodation. Wake each morning to views of the grand karri forest and snuggle up by the shores of picturesque inlets. Book your stay with these caravan park providers today to receive a discount on your Winter Down South stay. Offers valid from May 1st – July 31st.
Offers valid from May 1st – July 31st.
Adventurous experiences
As winter descends over the South West, the mornings turn cool and crisp, the night sky erupts in a twinkling tapestry, and the days are quiet and full of promise. Embark on a wild expedition to learn about whales, delve into the ancient land beneath your feet on a cave tour, or hear about the brave sacrifices made by our countrymen. Book an experience today to receive a discount on your Winter Down South escapades. Offers valid from May 1st – July 31st.
Book an experience today to receive a discount on your Winter Down South escapades. Offers valid from May 1st – July 31st.
Wineries & Breweries
Nothing says winter quite like rugging up with a delectable drop of wine, as the wind and rain roars outside. Cosy up by a crackling fire, or share a beer with friends over a hearty dinner meal with these South West wineries and breweries.
WINTER INSPIRATION
With more than 1000km of rugged coastline, 450sq miles of spectacular mountain country, and ancient forests boasting towering 60m high trees it can be hard to pick where to start when it comes to winter in the South West.
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Bunbury Geographe region
From the country charm of Harvey and Balingup, through the deep green forests of Collie, and to the striking south west coast of Capel, the Bunbury Geographe region offers a mosaic of memories this winter.
Rug up in cosy coats for family outdoor adventures, exploring playgrounds and parks, meeting wild dolphins, cuddling with kangaroos and more.
Warm up your hands and stomachs by the fire, with a glass of local wine and delicious meal at one of the many wineries and restaurants in the region.
Head indoors for a coffee at one of the region’s vibrant art galleries or hit the sidewalks to admire captivating street art.
Pop your hiking boots on and grab the camera as you hit the walking trails and tall-timber forests on a crisp Winter morning or rainy afternoon.
Or take it up a notch and invite adventure into your day as you mountain-bike down dew-drenched trails, taking in the stunning natural beauty.
BUNBURY CITY
Explore the heart of the bright South West region, as you dive into the magic of Bunbury.
Let the kids skate up a storm, practice parkour, and work on their mini golf swing at the ultimate youth precinct Koolambidi Woola.
Or get adventurous during interactive encounters with the hundreds of native species that call Bunbury Wildlife Park home.
Grab a bite to eat in town before wandering through the vibrant Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, showcasing local artists and nation-wide exhibitions.
History buffs can get their fair share of excitement too, with the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre hosted within one of the city’s timeless 138-year-old buildings, preserving the spectacular stories of the south west.
Harvey
Home to quaint country charm, rolling green hills and cosy cottage gardens, Harvey is full of natural wonders and winter delicacies that will have you drooling!
Indulge in unforgettable food and drink experiences, from the finest cheeses and meats to delectable drops of wine.
Embrace the great outdoors with a stay under the stars and an early morning ice-dip at Lake Brockman, for awe-inspiring views.
Wander the soft sand beach of Binningup, an untouched coastline that dazzles each afternoon as the sun begins to set.
Immerse yourself in a vibrant arts community and rich cultural heritage, full of warm smiles, and welcoming grins.
Collie
Renowned for it’s adventurous winter side, explore the diverse Wambenger Trails in Collie for mountain biking, hiking, horse riding, paddling, and 4WDing amidst the most stunning natural landscapes.
The days might be cool, but that won’t stop Collie from being a water wonderland. Dive into thrilling water activities like kayaking, SUP boarding, water skiing, and swimming in pristine lakes and rivers.
Immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of the region, with visits to the museum, railway station, art gallery, and replica underground coal mine.
And experience adrenaline-fueled excitement at the Collie motorplex, speedway, motorcycle club, horse racing, golf club and outdoor street murals.
Finish off your visit by uncovering the region’s flavours and beauty through a guided bike, walking, horse riding, or wine and taphouse tour.
BUNBURY geographe MUST DO's
- Visit the wild dolphins of Koombana Bay
- Shoot some hoops at Koolambidi Woola
- Mountain bike the Collie trails
- Have lunch (and drinks) in the Ferguson Valley
- Camp under the stars at Logue Brook Dam
MANJIMUP
The forests and countryside around Manjimup whisper tales of magic during the winter, from the tree-lined groves of the orchards through to the Donnelly State Forest.
Take a truffle tour and discover why the region is the largest producer of black Perigord truffles in the southern hemisphere.
Or take your pick of the juiciest produce on your plate, with apples, pears, chestnuts, and plenty of hearty winter vegetables waiting to be served up.
Let the kids run amok at the Manjimup Heritage Park, with the Adventure playground famous for its 17 metre viewing platform and giant slide.
And if you’ve got the energy (pun intended) take a visit to the Power Up Electricity Museum to learn about the history of electricity in WA from the 1800s – 1900s.
Southern ForestS MUST DO's
- Spark up your day by visiting the Power Up Electricity Museum in Manjimup
- Test your bravery on the high ropes course in Pemberton
- Take a tram out to the Cascades waterfall
- Capture a picture with crocheted quokkas at Understory Art Trail
- Take a cruise on the stunning waters of the Walpole-Nornalup Inlet
GREAT SOUTHERN region
Slip into life in the slow lane this winter and discover the hidden treasures of the Great Southern.
Experience grand history and glorious eats in the heart of the country, with a stay at boutique accommodation such as the Premier Mill Hotel.
Follow a trail of vintage and quirky tractors along the Horsepower Highway from Broomehill, through Gnowangerup township, and to the Stirling Range National Park.
Immerse yourself in culture at The Kodja Place, home to a multifaceted display of artifacts, stories, interactive displays, exhibits, pictures, and the stunning Rose Maze.
From art to food and wine, 4WD tracks and heritage walks: it’s a choose your trail, choose your pace vibe in the Great Southern Treasures.
Wander through nature in the unique biosphere of the Fitzgerald River National Park, which sits on the edge of Jerramungup and is home to wilderness, wildflowers, walking, and whale watching.
ALBANY
A whale of a time awaits you this winter in Albany, with historical stories, interactive displays, heart-pounding views, and some of the best hiking in the state.
Hear the tales of the troops who departed for the First World War and the National ANZAC Centre memorial, spending your visit as one of the soldiers and learning your fate upon leaving!
Clamber up the full-scale replica of the Brig Amity on the foreshore, or wonder at the lifesize whale skeleton at the former whaling station. If you’re lucky you might even see the wild counterparts breaching off the shore or from the heights of The Gap.
No winter in Albany is complete without a hike, and when the weather clears there is a kaleidoscope of colour atop Stony Hill come sunset. Or chase those azure blue waters at Little Beach.
great southern MUST DO's
- Whale watching from the Fitzgerald River National Park coastline
- Hike the highs of mountain country at Bluff Knoll or the Granite Skywalk
- Pay your respects at the last place soldiers stepped on Australian soil before leaving for World War I
- Explore the fully restored whale chasing ship, Cheynes IV
- Say hello to the 26 painted tractors across the Horsepower Highway
WINTER DOWN SOUTH 2024 FEATURE FILM
Come on an adventure with Winter (Down South) as he tackles his toughest journey yet – an epic quest taking him from the windswept coastlines of the Great Southern to the skate parks of Bunbury Geographe. After picking up some special cargo from the jewelled caverns of Margaret River (and enjoying the views of the stunning Southern Forests and Valleys), Winter must use his wits to get the goods ‘gnome’ and hopefully not lose it along the way.
👉🏽 Click full screen and settle into Winter 2024.
Come on an adventure with Winter (Down South) as he tackles his toughest journey yet.
👉🏽 Click play, then click the full-screen icon, hold your phone sideways and enjoy!
