The days might be shorter, the mercury might’ve dipped and the seas might be a little wild, but the
South West region of WA continues to entice visitors with her ample charms. Plus – and this certainly isn’t something to be sniffed at – you get to explore in relative peace, without the hubbub of thronging tourist crowds.
What’s not to love?
Lonely Planet proclaim that the South West is in the Top 10 of ‘must-visit’ areas on the planet. And when you consider the depth of culture, landscapes and sheer diversity to explore, it shouldn’t really come as too much of a surprise.
It would take a lifetime to fully explore this area, so isn’t it time to get started? The following should be enough to whet your appetite, and after that? Well, the region is, as they say, your oyster…
Get walking in Albany
The ruggedness of Albany is certainly a huge part of its charm. With a history steeped in sailors, convicts and whaling (thankfully now we hunt with cameras, not harpoons), expect this coastal region to steal a little piece of your heart. Ease your muscles into shape with a walking tour that also indulges your cultural side as you marvel at the old colonial buildings (this is where the first European settlers first set foot down under), and visit the Anzac Centre for a history lesson into Australia’s wartime history.
Lowered temperatures mean it’s a superb time to explore by bike or foot. And while you might not want to tread the whole 1,000 kms of the globally acclaimed Bibbulmun Track that runs from here to Perth, hiking out for the day along its well signposted trail is an alfresco treat. Or take the short drive to Torndirrup National Park, where the winter months offer the perfect time to marvel at amazing wave-carved rock formations and be wowed by spectacular blowholes. And don’t fail to wander the jaw dropping cliff paths, as this time of year offers the best chance of spotting whales from land.
Denmark – Where Mother Nature stopped to take stock
One of the best ecological capitals on the planet, a biodiversity hotspot and one of the richest reservoirs of plant and animal life in the world, Denmark and the surrounding landscape never fails to astound visitors of all ages. Bird watchers will be ecstatic with the amount of feathered delights to spot. Plant lovers will be equally enthralled, with an estimated 8,000 species and more than one-third of all those found in Australia. It’s home to giant Tingle Trees that you can walk between on an adrenaline-fuelled 40 metre tall suspension bridge. And this is before we’ve even mentioned an astounding 14 national parks, plus nature reserves, stunning coastline, amazing rock formations… The list is endless in this true adventure lover’s playground.
Busselton: Where geology rocks!
Steeped in history, Busselton marks the beginning of the Margaret River wine region. So naturally, a stay here may well include a tasting or two of some of the internationally awarded wines of the reason. A short 30 minute drive inland brings you to the Vasse Felix, a Margaret River wine estate that was named New World Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.
If it’s a rainy day, never fear, because a short drive away, slap bang in the middle of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National park is Ngiligi Cave. Home to stunning geological rock formations, this is a rain or shine location, and one that will leave visitors beaming from ear to ear. And if the sun should decide to shine while you’re exploring (coastal weather is, it has to be said, fickle), don’t head back to the car when you leave the caves. Instead, head out on one of the scenic walking trails that lead down to Yallingup and further along the coast.
This handful of locations haven’t even scratched the surface of the sheer diversity on offer here. But hopefully they’ve given just a taste of the wonders that await on a winter getaway to this idyllic corner of the world.
Private Properties is a family run company that offers well over 100 hand-selected holiday homes for the discerning traveller in the South West region of Australia. When it comes to picking just the right spot for that all important holiday location, nobody can quite match the expertise of a local. And that’s exactly what you get when you entrust this close-knit team with the privilege of assisting with your all-important down time. Visit www.privateproperties.com.au or call their friendly team on 08 9750 5444 to discover the perfect holiday home for your next trip.
