|
|
|
The South West offers magnificent ancient forests and breathtaking coastline.
Where rugged coastal cliffs meet secluded beaches and landlocked dunes encroach
on old growth forests. Couple this with undulating hills and mountain ranges,
where visitors flock to see the unique wildflower displays, and go on to enjoy
the great wines and produce of region that enjoys warm Mediterranean climate.
There are of course aquatic activities including surfing, diving, white water
rafting, fishing, whale watching and much more. For those more into land locked
activities there is 4 wheel-driving, caving, mountain biking, trail walks, rock
climbing and camping to name just a few. The South West region is one of the nine regions of Western Australia, named due
to its location being in the south west corner of Western Australia.
The main towns and cities include
Bunbury, Busselton,
Collie and Manjimup. The local government areas are the City of
Bunbury and the shires of
Augusta-Margaret River,
Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Boyup
Brook, Busselton, Capel,
Collie, Dardanup, Donnybrook-Balingup,
Harvey, Manjimup and Nannup.
Check out our listing for
South West
accommodation. In addition to our listed online travel guide information,
contact the local tourism visitor centre for your destination for more
attractions, tours, local maps and other information. |
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
Bibbulmun Track
This famous
track is a popular walking track for both recreational
and long distance walkers. The track starts in the hills suburb of Kalamunda, 20 km east of Perth in the Darling Range, winding its way through the South West and ends at Albany, some 1,000 km.
|
Tree Fire Tower
Tree Towers
Dotted through the jarrah and karri forests in the South West are the tree towers.
One of the great attractions in the South West region,
these towers were established by the Forests Department for early detection of forest fires.
In contrast with the northern forest areas, the gentle undulating lands and tall
trees of the southern forest offered very few vantage points for fire lookouts.
To actually build a tower high enough would cost to much. The alternative was to
construct a platform lookout in the taller tress. The first karri fire lookout
tower to be built was called Big Tree, constructed in 1938 just to the west of
Manjimup. By 1952 there were eight tree towers lookouts. Just 10 km south of
Manjimup is the Diamond Tree and at about 51 metres up, offer spectacular
views over the top of the trees.
|
Whale Watching
The waters off the South West coast
is the perfect place for whale watchers, when both Humpback and Southern Right
whales can be observed on their annual migration.
June - early December: Starting from early June whales can be spotted
having departed the Antarctic waters to mate and breed in the warmer Southern
Ocean. Come September, the whales start their migration south again, many with
calves in tow, and during this time, they can be seen off the western coast.
There are a number of boat operators along WA coastline that operate cruises
during the whale watching season, including the three main towns of Albany,
Augusta and Dunsborough.
July - early November: Of course you can also view them from land,
including Point Ann and Trigelow Beach in the Fitzgerald River National Park.
Located just 65 km east of Bremer Bay, there is a specially built whale watching
platform, where from July to early November, Southern Right whales arrive to
calve.
June - September: From Fitzgerald River National Park to Augusta, both
Humpback and Southern Right whales can be seen making their way along the
southern coastline.
September - December: Whales can be seen near Dunsborough and along the
western coastline.
Check out our section on
Whales
for more information and
where
to see them
|
Winery
There are some great wineries in the South West region. Check out our
list or contact the local tourist centre.
|
|
|
|
South West
Events |
Western Australia Events |
Festival of
Country Gardens
Ph: 08 9761
4800 Tollfree: 1800 001 357
November
This
festival is held through the hinterland of the South West with gardens Bridgetown,
Balingup, Greenbushes, Manjimup and Nannup. The main festival is
held during spring over the first week and third weekend of November.
|
|
|
|
|
Aboriginal Tourism |
The Aboriginal Noongar People were the first inhabitants of the South West
corner of Western Australia. Noongar Country stretches from Geraldton in the
north to Esperance in the east and covers the region west and south to the
coast. Made up of some 14 tribes, it is a culture that was linked by a common
language and close ties with the land. Connect with the culture through the
descendents of the original inhabitants, learn about their history, participate
in the aboriginal tours and enjoy the works of their artists...
|
Noongar Aboriginal Art
Includes information about the
original local inhabitants, the Noongar Story, artists and events.
|
|
|
South West
Tours
|
WA Tours Outback
Eco Adventure
National Tours |
|
VIATOR |
 VIATOR
TOURS
Australia and the Pacific
Book Online
Find and book our
Western Australias most popular sights, tours, and attractions.
Booking ahead with Viator means you wont miss out on popular tours and
attractions.
Start your
Albany / Margaret River,
Perth tours and
Western
Australia tours.
Many tours to nearby popular destinations start from Perth, taking you to places
including Fremantle, Swan Valley, Rottnest Island, Pinnacles Desert, Margaret
River, Monkey Mia, Ningaloo Reef, Broome. |
|
Albany / Margaret River |
Broome |
Perth / Fremantle |
Western Australia |
|
ACT |
NSW |
NT |
QLD |
SA |
TAS |
VIC |
WA |
|
Adelaide |
Alice Springs |
Brisbane |
Cairns |
Darwin |
Hobart |
Melbourne |
Sydney |
|
|
|
|
|
Wineries
There are some great wineries in the South West region. Check out our
list or contact the local tourist centre.
|
|
|
|
|
WAITOC
Western Australian Indigenous
Tourism Operators Committee
A not for profit association
representing Indigenous tourism in Western Australia. WAITOC promotes Indigenous
tourism and provides a supportive network for Indigenous tourism operators
within WA. Check the website for list of accommodation, attractions and tours.
|
|
|
|
|
South West Life
BUNBURY WA 6231
Ph: +61 8 9721 1326
An e-magazine celebrating life in the south west of Western Australia.
|
BWEA Bunbury Wellington
Economic Alliance
The Old Post Office, 63 Throssell St, COLLIE WA 6225 Ph:
08 9734 2923
Includes general information and links to other useful
sites within the region.
|
Western Tourist Radio
DONNYBROOK WA 6239 Ph/Fax: 08 9731 7006
A Western Australia Visitor Information Portal
that operate tourist radio stations.
Bunbury 98.4 FM Busselton 96.5 FM Margaret River 96.5 FM Perth 87.6 FM
Fremantle 88.0 FM Swan Valley 88.0 FM
|
|
|
|
