South West, Great Southern and Wheatbelt

Southern Western Australia packs a remarkable variety into a relatively compact area, by WA standards at least. Within a few hours of Perth you can surf at Margaret River, walk among giant karri and tingle trees, watch whales off Albany's granite headlands, climb Bluff Knoll in the Stirling Range, wander the heritage streets of York and Toodyay, and stand beneath the curve of Wave Rock. The south has a Mediterranean-type climate, sealed roads to most attractions and plenty of accommodation, making it the easiest part of regional WA to explore.

This section brings together our guides to the south, along with planning advice that applies across the region.

Guides in this section

• The Margaret River region: surf beaches, caves, the Cape to Cape Track, whales, forests and food and wine.
• Albany and the Great Southern: history, Torndirrup National Park, whales, the Stirling and Porongurup ranges, Denmark and Walpole.
• Avon Valley towns: Northam, Toodyay and York, the Avon River, national parks and wildflowers.
• Wave Rock and the Wheatbelt: Wave Rock and Hyden, granite outcrops, New Norcia and wildflower drives.

The regions at a glance

The South West. The corner of Australia between Bunbury, Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, plus the forests inland. It includes Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River and Augusta, and the timber towns of the southern forests such as Pemberton and Manjimup. Expect beaches, caves, forests, wineries and a busy summer holiday season.

The Great Southern. Centred on Albany, the Great Southern covers the south coast between Walpole and Bremer Bay and the farming country inland, including Mount Barker, Denmark and the Stirling and Porongurup ranges. It's cooler and greener than much of WA, with dramatic granite coast and a rich history.

The Avon Valley. The farming valley of the Avon River, east and north-east of Perth, with the historic towns of Northam, Toodyay and York.

The Wheatbelt. The vast farming region that curves around Perth, with granite outcrops, salt lakes, small towns and wildflowers, including Wave Rock near Hyden and the monastic town of New Norcia.

Classic southern road trips

The South West loop (5 to 7 days). Perth to Margaret River via Busselton and Dunsborough, south to Augusta and Cape Leeuwin, through the forests to Pemberton and Walpole, along the coast to Denmark and Albany, then back to Perth via the Albany Highway.

Albany and the ranges (4 to 5 days). Perth to Albany, with time in Torndirrup National Park, the Porongurups and the Stirling Range, returning via the Wheatbelt.

Wheatbelt wildflowers (3 to 4 days, spring). Perth to New Norcia, through the northern Wheatbelt's wildflower reserves, then east and south to Wave Rock and back via the Avon Valley.

Avon Valley day trip. A loop through Toodyay, Northam and York.

When to visit

The south has warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

• Summer (December to February): beach season and peak holidays. Bushfire risk is high, so check Emergency WA.
• Autumn (March to May): often settled, with fewer crowds.
• Winter (June to August): cool and wet, with whales along the coast and green hills inland.
• Spring (September to November): wildflowers, mild weather and whales.

Read more in our guide to the best time to visit regional WA.

Getting around

A car is the most practical way to explore the south. Sealed highways connect the main towns, and distances are manageable. Transwa coaches and some train services connect Perth with regional towns, but services are limited. Allow extra time on winding forest roads, and avoid driving at dawn and dusk when kangaroos are most active.

Safety on the south coast

The south's coastline is beautiful but can be dangerous. Large swells and king waves have swept people off rocks at Margaret River, Albany and elsewhere. Stay off exposed rocks in big seas, swim at patrolled beaches and wear a lifejacket when rock fishing.

Bushfire season

Much of the south is bushfire-prone, particularly in summer and autumn. Check Emergency WA for warnings and total fire bans, follow advice from authorities, and know what to do if a fire threatens. Some national parks and walking trails close on days of high fire danger.

Wildflowers

The south-west of Western Australia is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, with an extraordinary number of plant species found nowhere else. From late winter into spring, wildflowers bloom across national parks, nature reserves and road verges. Stay on tracks and take only photos.

Food and wine regions

The south is home to several of Western Australia's best-known food and wine regions, including Margaret River, the Great Southern around Mount Barker and Denmark, and the Swan Valley close to Perth. If you plan to taste, organise a designated driver or tour.

Planning your trip

• Book accommodation early for summer, Easter and school holidays.
• Check park passes and fees.
• Check Emergency WA in summer.
• Pack layers and a rain jacket at any time of year.

Key points

Southern WA combines surf coast, forests, wine country, granite ranges, historic towns and wildflower farmland within a few hours of Perth. Visit in spring or autumn for the best weather, book ahead in holidays, respect the ocean and check fire warnings in summer.