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Great Southern

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.

Things to Do

Looking for some inspiration on what to do in the South West? Here are some of our top picks!

Albany’s Historic Whaling Station

Visit the only complete whaling station tourism attraction in the world.

The Gap and Natural Bridge

Head to The Gap and Natural Bridge to see the power of nature in action from a spectacular viewing platform over the Southern Ocean.

National Anzac Centre

Immerse yourself in the ANZAC legend and the stories of the soldiers who departed here.

Bluff Knoll

Explore the sweeping landscapes atop the South West’s highest and most spectacular peak.

Greens Pool

The sheltered, transparent water of the pool is beautiful on a clear day, making it a great place to swim or snorkel.

Castle Rock

Climb Castle Rock and the Granite Skywalk, for breathtaking panoramic views across the landscape.

Located approximately 4-5 hours southeast of Perth, it 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.

Those after a tipple or two will be pleased to hear that the Great Southern is the largest wine producing region by area in Australia. Take a detour through the Great Southern Treasures region, famed for its amazing national parks, breathtaking mountain ranges, stunning flora and award-winning wineries.

Explore the coast

Along the south coast, the sheer force of the Southern Ocean has sculptured a raw, dramatic coastline, creating some remarkable seaside scenery – think cliff faces carved out by crashing waves and natural rock formations in the shape of giant bridges. It’s an adventurer’s playground, with everything from rock climbing and windsurfing, to four-wheel driving and coastal hiking on offer. Looking for a picture-perfect beach? Bremer Bay, Albany and Denmark offer some of the most #instaworthy spots in the world, including Misery Beach, named Tourism Australia’s Best Beach in 2022, and the infamous Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks

Feast on the best of food and wine

Those after a tipple or two will be pleased to hear that the Great Southern is the largest wine producing region by area in Australia. Made up of five wine sub-regions – Denmark, Frankland River, Mount BarkerPorongurup and Albany – it is renowned for producing a variety of wine styles, including cool climate wines. Team a good bottle of vino with freshly caught seafood and locally grown produce, and you’ve got a recipe for a great foodie holiday. 

Discover ancient forests and mountains 

A little further inland you’ll find karri, jarrah and tingle trees that are hundreds of years old, towering above the forest floor. Walk among beautiful tingle trees at the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk, or get a magnificent view of the Frankland River at the Mount Frankland Wilderness Lookout. Then, there are the ancient mountain ranges, with breathtaking views worth the challenging hike and climb. A visit to the Stirling Range National Park or Porongurup National Park won’t disappoint. 

Learn about the Great Southern’s historical past

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. The Great Southern Treasures – pioneering farming communities that offer insight into the region’s rich rural heritage – can also be found dotted between winding rivers and picturesque farmland. 

Where to stay

Take a look at these places to stay when planning your next visit to Australia’s South West.

Hilton Garden Inn Albany

Upscale, affordable accommodation for an exceptional hotel experience.

Premier Mill Hotel

Book a stay in the iconic former Katanning flour mill, now a unique boutique hotel.

Not to be missed

Don’t miss out on these great events happening in the region.

Whale Season

01 May 2023 - 31 December 2023
Busselton
May to early December is the best time for whale watching and tours in the South West.

Wildflower Season

01 August 2023 - 30 November 2023
Bunbury
Witness an explosion of colour during spring, set against the stunning natural scenery of the South West.

Bloom Festival

01 September 2023 - 31 October 2023
Broomehill Village - Tambellup
The Great Southern Treasures springs to life showcasing the region's rare blooms.

Your Great Southern Bucket List

1. Hike up one of Western Australia’s highest peaks, Bluff Knoll, for spectacular views of the Stirling Range National Park.
2. Explore rugged coastlines in Torndirrup National Park, including The Gap and Natural Bridge, with a viewing platform hanging over the edge of the Southern Ocean so you can watch the powerful waves crash against the cliff faces, and Misery Beach - crowned Tourism Australia's Best Beach for 2022.
3. Walk amongst the giants, the impressive tingle trees, with the 600m-long tree top walk 40m above the forest floor at Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.
4. Marvel at the peppermint-tinged waters of Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks, near Denmark and grab a snorkel as you frolic in their protected bays of crystal-clear ocean.
5. Immerse yourself in rich cultural heritage at the National Anzac Centre and learn about the 40,000 soldiers who departed Albany’s shores for the First World War.
6. Take a self-drive tour of the Great Southern wine region, sampling the vast array of wine varieties from cabernet sauvignon, to merlot and chardonnay.
7. Visit the massive grain silos with painted murals by internationally renowned artists in Albany and Pingrup as part of the PUBLIC Silo Trail. While on route, stop by Katanning to discover vibrant street art.
8. Experience the Aboriginal traditions and culture in Kojonup, where you can immerse yourself in Aboriginal storytelling.
9. See colourful wildflowers in spring (September to November) at the Regional Wildflower Garden at Discovery Bay.
10. Get up close and personal with majestic whales onboard a whale watching charter departing Albany from June to August, or join a research vessel to spot the migrating wild orca population in Bremer Canyon from January to early April.

Other ideas for your trip

Looking for some inspiration on what to do? Read up on the different experiences and trips for the holiday of your dreams.

Beachside Getaways in the South West That Remind You of Childhood Holidays

These quaint coastal hamlets remind us of laidback family holidays spent by the beach.

8 Epic Rock Formations to Hike, Climb and Gaze at in Wonder

A guide to the region's visit-worthy natural rocky wonders.

Newletter

What brings you here

Hamelin Bay

One of the best beaches

in Australia

Pinot Picnic

28 – 30 April 2023

SIP, TASTE & EXPLORE

Plan your Visit

Check out the

South West Edge Road Trip