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About South West
From pristine beaches to rugged coastlines, ancient forests to picturesque vineyards, South West boasts a diverse and breathtaking landscape. One of its crown jewels is the renowned Margaret River wine region, where visitors can embark on vineyard tours, indulge in wine tastings, and experience the art of winemaking.
In addition to the world-class wines, you'll find a thriving culinary scene. Indulge in fresh local produce, farm-to-table dining experiences, and a range of gourmet delights. Many restaurants in the region emphasise using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a unique and delicious dining experience.
Hiking in national parks like Leeuwin-Naturaliste, exploring the Bibbulmun Track, and engaging in water sports such as surfing, swimming, and snorkelling along the coast are popular options for outdoor adventurers. Not to mention, the myriad wildlife that you can see during these experiences – kangaroos, wallabies, dolphins, or even killer whales!
South West also offers cultural and historical experiences, with opportunities to dwell deep into the indigenous heritage of the region. Cultural centres, guided tours, and local events provide insights into the rich traditions and stories of the indigenous communities.
South West Cruise Experiences
Featured Cruises
11 Cruises
ACGRDA1156
3.5Hr Scenic Wildlife & Island Cruise
Exciting cruise along 8 islands of the Recherche Archipelago to get up close and personal with exotic wildlife. Enjoy morning tea and a snorkel tour.
ACGSNK0947
3Hr Swim With Wild Dolphins Tour
Feel the thrill of swimming and snorkeling with a pod of dolphins with an expert guide on this award-winning tour. Dolphin sightings guaranteed.
ACGIUH0948
1.5 Hour Dolphin Discovery Eco Cruise
Get ringside views of the playful dolphins of Koombana Bay frolic, fight, and feed in their natural environment from the comfort of a cruise.
ACGQHD1094
2.5Hr Naturaliste Augusta Whale Watching Eco Cruise
Cruise to Flinders Bay for close encounters with Humpback & Southern Right whales on their Northern migration. Daily cruises – May to August.
ACGBZK1096
2Hr Naturaliste Whale Watching Cruise Dunsborough
Join our exciting and educational adventure to witness the majestic Humpback & Southern Right whales. Daily cruises from September to early December.
ACGUSL0952
2 Hour Augusta Whale Watching Cruise
Join a veteran captain and his loyal crew as they navigate the sparkling waters of Augusta in search of the migrating whales! Sightings guaranteed.
ACGFCQ0950
2.5Hr Busselton Whale Watching Cruise
Get ready for an adventurous cruise – packed with breaching, tail-whipping, wave-riding, spy-hopping, and fin-slapping by the mighty Humpbacks.
ACGFGK1095
8Hr Naturaliste Bremer Canyon Killer Whale (Orca) Expedition
Come face-to-face with the killer whales of Bremer Bay Canyon. Small group adventure tour on the ‘Alison Maree’ departing daily from December-April.
ACGKHS1373
7Hr Bremer Bay Orca Experience
Meet Bremer Bay Orcas on this award winning killer whale tour. Fastest vessel to sighting grounds, expert research team, listen to whale songs & more.
ACGIYE1374
2Hr Dunsborough Whale Watching Tour
Guaranteed whale sightings on this small group adventure cruise with a leading whale tour operator. 360° views from the multi-level boat (Sept to Nov).
ACGJVK1375
3.5Hr November Whale Watching Expedition
Join a whale watching and wildlife exploration tour of Geographe Bay in search of the last Humpback and Blue whales migrating south,dolphins, and seals.
Know Before You Go
Best Time To Visit
You can visit the South West any time of the year. Although summers are great for beach getaways, accommodation should be booked well in advance. Winter months are ideal for whale watching, with January being the perfect month to watch the killer whales up close. Spring and Autumn bring out the ideal time to explore the many bushwalks and national parks.
Public Holidays
Monday, 1 January: New Year's Day
Friday, 26 January: Australia Day
Friday, 29 March: Good Friday
Saturday, 30 March: Easter Saturday
Sunday, 31 March: Easter Sunday
Monday, 1 April: Easter Monday
Thursday, 25 April: Anzac Day
Wednesday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Thursday, 26 December: Boxing Day
Other public holidays declared by the state and territory governments:
Monday, 4 March: Labour Day
Monday, 3 June: Western Australia Day
Monday, 23 September*: King's Birthday
*Regional areas in Western Australia may celebrate the King's Birthday Public Holiday on an alternative date
Events & Festivals
Whale Watching Season
Though not an event in itself, it’s a time of the year that both locals and visitors look forward to. May to early December is the best time to spot the Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales and Minke whales in their natural habitat.
CinefestOZ Film Festival
Held in Busselton, Bunbury, Dunsborough and Margaret River, this film festival celebrates Australian and international cinema. It features screenings of acclaimed films, red carpet premieres, industry workshops, and opportunities to interact with filmmakers and actors.
Nannup Flower & Garden Festival
This festival celebrates the beauty of nature, showcasing a stunning array of flowers, plants, and garden designs. Expect garden exhibitions, workshops, interactive studios, & more.
School Holidays
TERM 1 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024
Western Australia: 29 March to 14 April
TERM 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024
Western Australia: 29 June to 14 July
TERM 3 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024
Western Australia: 21 September to 6 October
TERM 4 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024 - 2025
Western Australia: 13 December 2024 to 4 February 2025
Accommodation
Depending on your city or town of visit, you can choose from a large number of accommodation options in the South West. Holiday parks, riverside retreats, waterfront resorts, luxury hotels, private properties, and lodgings are spread throughout the South West region. Airbnbs are plenty down south.
Dining
With its stunning beaches, caves, and vineyards, the South West invites visitors seeking a unique taste of drinking and eating. With an undeniable focus on fresh seafood, ocean-to-plate experiences, brewpubs and winery fine diners, the list is long, and the quality is high.
Transport
Best explored by car, the South West region starts just 2 hours south of Perth and extends as far as Bremer Bay to the east. If you’re short on time, catch a flight to the Busselton regional airport.
South West Tourist Information
Shopping & Market Hours
Busselton’s Origin Market brilliantly showcases the very best of the state’s top artists, farmers and producers. Discover unique cellar doors, stalls or go on adventure tours with the market's top professionals. The Village at Margs located in the heart of the Margaret River is open seven days a week and has major supermarkets, cafes, specialty stores and everything in between.
If you’re in Bunbury, there’s no need for a second thought – head to Primewest Bunbury Centrepoint, you can easily spend a day there exploring the many shopping sites like Target, Coles and more.
Medical Services
There are hospital and medical services throughout the South West region including in Bunbury, Buesselton, Bridgetown etc.
Blogs & Articles
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Best Places For Whale Watching In The South West Region
Did you know South West holds the record for Australia’s longest whale-watching season? Every year as it gets colder in Antarctica, about 30,000 Humpbacks and Southern Right whales swim past the southwest corner of Western Australia.
Posted on Aug 07, 2024
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