6 Experiences That You Must Try in Southwest Australia

Wild dolphins, ancient caves, towering forests and a train ride above turquoise seas — Southwest Australia turns a short escape into a lifetime of moments. From Bunbury to Fremantle, nature, culture and quiet magic come together in the most surprising ways.

I never imagined that a simple six-day trip could feel like a lifetime of experiences all packed into one adventure. Southwest Australia, which is part of Western Australia (WA) has a way of surprising you, from wild dolphins playing in the ocean to huge forests towering above, every moment feels special.

Thanks to Malaysia Airlines’ direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Perth, getting to this side of Australia is easy, and travellers could start exploring Southwest Australia almost as soon as they arrive.

If you want a trip that mixes nature, culture, and a little magic, here are six experiences I can’t stop recommending.

1. Bunbury Dolphin Cruise

One of the most memorable mornings of my trip was the Dolphin Eco Cruise with the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury. This tour takes visitors out into Koombana Bay, home to wild bottlenose dolphins.

The cruise lasts between 60 and 90 minutes and gives you great views of dolphins playing, feeding, and swimming together, all in their natural home, without getting wet. The skipper shares fun tips and shows how to spot individual dolphins.

From the deck, I watched pods of dolphins jump and swim alongside the boat. The ocean spray on my face and the thrill of seeing them being themselves made it unforgettable. Because they are wild, it felt even more special. Nothing staged, just real life in motion.

Practical info if you want to try it:

• Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours in Koombana Bay
• Prices (approx.):
• Adult: AUD65
• Child (3–17yrs): AUD45
• Family (2 Adults + 2 Children): AUD200
• Infants (0–2): free (must be included in booking)
• Dolphin Guarantee: Dolphins are seen so often that the centre offers a guarantee. If you don’t see any, you can rejoin another cruise
• Departure: Multiple times daily (check online for exact times)
• Tips: Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to check in and enjoy the café or souvenir shop before your tour

The cruise is more than just a boat ride: it’s a gentle introduction to WA’s marine life. Seeing wild dolphins in their world from a stable deck is an unforgettable way to start your Southwest adventure.

2. Busselton Jetty Train

One of my happiest memories was going to Busselton Jetty, where I did not just walk but also take the jetty train all the way to the end. The sun was bright, and a cool breeze made it comfortable.

The jetty stretches 1.7 kilometres over Geographe Bay. The old timber structure feels almost like a movie scene as it cuts through the sparkling water. Instead of walking, we rode the Rio Tinto Solar Express, a solar-powered train. The fresh ocean wind brushed my face, and the gentle rhythm of waves made the ride so relaxing. The round trip takes about 20 minutes each way and is one of the most scenic experiences in Southwest Australia.

At the end of the jetty, we explored the Busselton Underwater Observatory, one of only six in the world. The tour includes:

• Return train ride on the solar-powered train along the 1.7-kilometre jetty
• Up to 45 minutes inside the Underwater Observatory, 8 metres below the water, to see tropical corals, sponges, and schools of fish
• Eleven observation windows in a 9.5 metre chamber, giving close-up views of the underwater world

Stepping inside the quiet, blue-tinted observatory felt like entering another world — alive with colour and movement, yet peaceful.

Practical info & prices (approx.):

• Underwater Observatory Tour: Adults AUD38 | Children (3–17) AUD23 (includes return train)
• Jetty Train Round Trip: Adults AUD16 | Children AUD10
• Jetty Walk Pass: Small AUD5 fee (kids usually free)
• Tour Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes (train + observatory)
• Train departures: Hourly from the Interpretive Centre — book online to secure seats

Watching the sun glint off the bay while riding the train felt timeless, simple, beautiful, and grounded in the calm of Western Australia’s coast.

3. Taste Southwest

One of the best parts of Southwest Australia is the food. I tried as many dishes as I could while avoiding alcohol, but still enjoying the region’s flavours.

Busselton: At The Goose Cafe, I love the Spaghetti Allo Scoglio, a generous seafood pasta served in an open-air spot facing the ocean. Sitting there with the ocean breeze, I could have stayed all afternoon.

Dunsborough: Swings & Roundabouts feels like a peaceful escape. Surrounded by greenery, I tried Garlic Focaccia (AUD15) with rosemary and sea salt, Prawns (AUD27) with Romesco, radicchio, citrus gremolata, and fresh herbs, and Pickled Octopus (AUD30) with smoked paprika, potato purée, crispy capers, and preserved lemon gel. Everything was fresh, juicy, and generous.

Pemberton: Ampersand Estate is known for wine and gin, but I focus on food sans alcohol. Sitting by the lake, surrounded by soft rustling leaves and fresh forest air, every bite felt like a private slice of paradise.

Even without alcohol-based menus, Southwest cuisine celebrates fresh, local ingredients such as seafood, breads, and seasonal produce. Each meal feels like discovering a piece of the region’s charm.

4. Step Into Ancient Caves and Aboriginal Culture

Southwest Australia isn’t just beaches and wildlife — it’s full of ancient stories. At Ngilgi Cave, I joined a cultural tour with Koomal Dreaming. Josh, our guide, shared Dreamtime stories of the Wadandi and Bibbulmun people.

The cave is amazing, with delicate stalactites and stalagmites forming natural sculptures. Josh’s storytelling made the cave come alive. He also demonstrated traditional fire-making and played the didgeridoo, filling the cave with echoing sounds.

Walking the bush trails around the cave, I felt connected to the land. Learning about the Noongar seasons added even more meaning. I wasn’t just visiting a cave; I was stepping into thousands of years of living culture.

Koomal Dreaming tours are designed to respect and celebrate Aboriginal culture, making it a meaningful experience for travellers.

5. Explore Majestic Forests & Sand Dunes

A must for nature lovers, this one is my favourite experience: Pemberton Discovery Tours for its Beach & Forest Tour, guided by Graeme Dearle.

We drove through towering karri forests, sunlight streaming through the leaves and the air smelling of fresh eucalyptus. On deserted beaches, the Southern Ocean crashed dramatically, sending mist into the air. Then came the challenging but breathtaking Yeagarup Dunes, some of the tallest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.

The tour is immersive. Graeme pointed out local birds like pelicans, ospreys, and sea eagles, and told stories of the area’s history. Climbing the dunes and seeing endless sand meeting the horizon is both exciting and peaceful.

Tour options:

• Beach & Forest Tour – From AUD300 per person
• Forest & Waterfall Adventure – From AUD250 per person
• Custom Private Tours – Price varies

For lovers of adventure, nature, or both, this tour unveils the unspoiled, raw charm of Pemberton.

6. Discover the Vibrant Streets & Culture of Fremantle

After several days immersed in nature, I spent my final day in Fremantle, a vibrant cultural town just beyond Perth. Away from the city’s hustle and bustle, Fremantle exudes history, charm, and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

I joined Two Feet & a Heartbeat for a walking tour, finding hidden laneways with street art, cosy cafés, and maritime history. Cappuccino Strip is perfect for café hopping.

For a classic local treat, we stopped at Gage Roads Brew Co for fish and chips. This open, airy eatery is perfect for enjoying the sunny vibe. On weekends, Fremantle Market is great for browsing local produce, souvenirs, and street food.

Fremantle is Instagram-worthy with its Victorian architecture and historic buildings, evoking a mini-London vibe. With its perfect blend of history, culture, and leisure, it’s a must-visit to cap off your Southwest adventure.

Conclusion: Why Southwest Australia Should Be on Your Radar

Six days in Southwest Australia showed me that adventure doesn’t always need extreme thrills. Sometimes, it’s in the gentle sway of dolphins, the quiet of ancient forests, or the beauty of a stalactite in a dim cave.

From wandering Busselton Jetty, tasting fresh local food, to climbing the Yeagarup Dunes, Southwest Australia leaves a mark. Even in just six days, the experiences I had and the urge to come back will linger for a lifetime.

Gaya Travel Magazine extends our heartfelt gratitude to Tourism Western Australia and Malaysia Airlines for making the writer’s trip to the Perth smooth and memorable.

About The Author

Tunku Ilyana

A travel writer and content creator passionate about sharing stories from the road. I cover destinations, culture, and local experiences, turning journeys across Malaysia and beyond into narratives that inspire others to travel and see places from a different perspective.

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