Guide to South West Western Australia

From the fine wines of Margaret River to the cool-climate varietals of the Great Southern, the south west has five distinct wine-producing regions to discover. Visit boutique cellar doors to experience the genuine country hospitality on offer.

In the heart of Busselton, Origins Market showcases the best of Western Australia’s artists, farmers and producers. Explore the stalls, drop into a cellar door, or go on a micro-culinary adventure with one of the market’s gourmet tours.

Explore the countryside from August to November for a colourful introduction to the biodiversity found here. There are over 8,000 species of wildflowers on display, including 300 species of delicate orchids, many of which are endemic to the region.

Take the time to soak it all in with an epic 1,200-kilometre (745-mile) trip from Perth to Esperance. The journey covers the best of the region, indulging in the incredible food and wine, sandy beaches and relaxed vibes the state is known for.

The vast salt plain of Lake Ballard is also Australia’s largest outdoor gallery. Visit this remote and otherworldly spot to take in the 51 alloy sculptures that dot the seemingly endless flat space and watch as the shadows change with the moving sun.

Kangaroos relaxing on a white-sand beach? It’s almost too Aussie to be true. Head to Lucky Bay near Esperance to see it for yourself. The 5km (3mi) bay is uncrowded, has perfect swimming conditions and has nearby campground facilities.

Spend time with the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Noongar people, and learn about their culture and heritage on an Aboriginal tour. Hear Dreamtime stories, forage for bush tucker and learn about the six seasons of the Noongar calendar.

Bremer Bay is one of the only places in Australia where you can regularly encounter killer whales (January to April), while Albany is known for its migration of southern right whales and interactive Whaling Station museum. Find a whale watching tour.

The world’s longest wooden pier, the Busselton Jetty has a lot on offer. Spot dolphins and whales from above or head to the underwater observatory to see over 300 marine species (including mermaids!). You can even dine underwater here.

With towering karri forests flanked by sandy beaches and coastal cliffs that offer epic vistas to the powerful Southern Ocean, the region is best explored on foot. What better place to start than on one of the country’s most renowned hiking trails?

A channel in the coastal granites of Torndirrup National Park, The Gap is best seen from the viewing platform suspended 40 metres (131 feet) above the sea. The experience changes with the weather, but the views are unbeatable in all conditions.

Making art truly monumental, the PUBLIC Silo Trail is your chance to see the rural landscape suddenly burst to life with incredibly colourful works of art. See the stories of Western Australia adorning walls, grain silos and transformer boxes.

Within easy reach of Esperance, you'll find one of Australia's quirkiest natural attractions – a series of vibrant lakes with rainbow waters fringed by rich green grass. Catch them from above on a dazzling scenic flight with Fly Esperance.

Named for their likeness to a herd of elephants wading in the water, the Elephant Rocks are a must-visit. The giant boulders dot the shallows along Elephant Cove, which you can see from the viewing platform or descend to the beach for a closer look.

For a bird’s eye view of this ancient and towering forest, take the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk. Stroll the suspended pathway 40 metres (131 feet) into the canopy of tingle trees to marvel at eucalypts found nowhere else on Earth.